Western Turkey Relics

Duration: 06 Days / 05 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Pergamum, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Didyma, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus
Run: Everyday
Note: All Turkey tour packages are modular and you can use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday.

DAY 01 Arrival to Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul. Meet and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day will be at your leisure to explore city on your own or relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02 Historical Istanbul Tour
After breakfast, set off for sightseeing in Istanbul. Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus; After then we will proceed to Blue Mosque, facing St.Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century; day will continue with St.Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian; Before lunch we will visit the Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing more than 4,000 shops. After lunch proceed to Topkapi Palace, built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years. We will finish the day with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar, walls, and columns. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03 Flight to Izmir /Pergamum Tour
Check-out and flight to Izmir. On arrival meeting with tour guide and drive to Pergamum. Bergama has at least three major scattered sites of architectural and archeological interest. Visit to Asklepion, ancient medical center built in the name of Aesculapis, "God of Medicine", where different healing methods like therapy with music and sound of water were first used. The Bergama Museum contains a small-scale model of the Altar of Zeus in Berlin. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. After lunch continue to Pergamum Acropolis. Visit Athena and Trojan Temples, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Dionysos, Gymnasium of Youth, Odeon, Library, Agora, Great Theatre and Roman Bath. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 04 Aphrodisias and Pamukkale Tour
After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias was dedicated who was worshipped as the city's patron as it testified by the remains of a temple dedicated to her in the first century B.C. It was a refined city of culture, popular with artists, writers and philosophers such as Alexander of Aphrodisias, an authoritative commentator on Aristotle or Chariton, who wrote erotic novels. After lunch we will proceed inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the "Cotton Castle". This name is truly fitting, the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a Castle made of Cotton. We also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of the largest and most diverse necropolis in the world. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 05 Ephesus Ancient City Tour / Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast at hotel, we will start a full day tour of Ephesus Region. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus, the best-preserved and most extensive classical Roman city in Asia. Here you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. After lunch we will continue the day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Moutain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. We will finish the day with a visit to The Basilica of St. John, which was a great church in Ephesus constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 06 Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
Breakfast at hotel, check-out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport, depending to your departure details.

What's Included: