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Turkish Stars
offered by supplier M08457 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 13
day(s)
Group Size: 1
- 44
people
Destination(s):
Turkey
Specialty Categories:
Cultural Journey
Season: January - December
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 789 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 789 US Dollar (USD)
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This trip will let you enjoy the history, culture and beautiful sites of Turkey.
Day 1: Hometown - Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at your hotel. Includes: (D);
Day 2: Istanbul
Depart from the hotel in the morning to visit St. Sophia that was built by Constantine the Great. It is also known as the church of the Divine Wisdom designed to impress the strength and wealth of the Roman Emperors. Next stop is Hippodrome that is the arena with the scenes of chariot races and also cultural focus of the Byzantine (Roman) Empire. The square, with its surrounding, is like an open- air museum. After that, visit Blue Mosque and Underground Cistern, which was built in the 4. Century. This is one of the underground cistern that riddle the foundation of the city. Lunch and visit Topkapi Palace Museum, which is the symbol of the Ottoman Empire. Overlooking Bosphorus and the Marmara Sea, stands this amazing building that was the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans. The palace is collecting buildings arrange around a series of courtyards and incredible collections of jewels, china, prices of Ottoman and Islamic artwork. Overnight in Istanbul. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 3: Istanbul - Iznik - Bursa (175 miles)
After breakfast drive to Nicaea. Nicaea is the site of the first Ecumenical Council (St. Sophia). After that, visit the unique of Nicaea Tiles then drive to Bursa, which was the capital of the Ottoman Empire now a spa and ski resort. The Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum of the Ottoman Sultans are the important buildings to see. After lunch at famous kebab restaurant, visit the Market. Dinner and overnight in Bursa. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 4: Bursa - Canakkale (180 Miles)
Depart from hotel and drive along the Sea of Marmara. On the way to Canakkale you will have the opportunity of visiting Canakkale War memorial. Overnight in Canakkale. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 5: Canakkale - Izmir (216 Miles)
Early departure for Izmir. On the way, you will visit the Ancient Homeric City of Troy where Greek and Trojan heroes fought (Trojan War) for the honor of beautiful Helen. Also visit its legendary walls, buildings and famous wooden horse. After lunch the first stop is the acropolis of ancient Pergamon, famous for work done by the great physician, Galen. Sights include the Altar of Zeus, and Asclepion, a famous Roman medical center. Overnight in Izmir. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 6: Izmir - Efes - Kusadasi (59 Miles)
Drive to Ephesus upon arrival to embark on another significant historical town once having 250,000 inhabitants. Full day visiting the great Byzantine and Roman ruins still magnificently in place and picturesque. Ephesus has been an important city of Asia Minor in many aspects. Firstly, it was a place of pilgrimage for the worshippers of Goddess of Fertility. Artemis or Diana was the supreme cult in the region and Ephesians erected a spectacular temple for her, considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. After that visit St. Paul preached at the great theater of Ephesus in 54 AD It was further more the place where Virgin Mary spent some years. House of Virgin Mary place of semi-pilgrimage, the reconstructed temple of Hadrian and Library of Celsus Arcadian Way, Basilica of St. John are highlights. Overnight in Kusadasi. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 7: Kusadasi - Pamukkale (130 Miles)
Early departure for Pamukkale from Kusadasi, site of a magnificent natural phenomenon, unique in the world with its fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. Once a well-known spa for the Romans. From therapeutic power to Aphrodisias and Laodicea mentioned in the Book of Revelation, cities to whose citizens St. Paul wrote the Epistles emphasizing the union of Christians in the mystical body of Christ, visit the regnant ruins of the two theaters. Overnight in Pamukkale. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 8: Pamukkale - Antalya (154 Miles);
In the morning, tour Pamukkale with its brilliant white calcium rock formations, and also the vast ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. After that visit to the Cotton Castle, that is appearance of the spectacular white line cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Drive to Antalya. Overnight at your hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 9: Perge - Aspendos - Side
First stop is Perge, where St. Paul preached his first sermon, to find here the antique ruins of a huge theater with impressive marble relive work, fountains, stadium, watch towers, a colonnaded steam bath, agora and basilica. After that, visit Aspendos Theater, the best preserved theater of antiquity, with seating for 15,000. Still used today, the theater's galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect's success. Nearby stand the remains of basilica, agora and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia. Third stop at Side one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey, had an ancient name meant pomegranate. Today a pretty resort town, its ancient ruins, two sandy beaches, many shops tourist accommodations attract of visitors. The magnificent theater built on colonnaded arts, is the largest in the whole area.. Then return to the hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 10: Antalya - Konya - Cappadocia (322 Miles)
Early departure for Konya to explore its beautiful Seljuk Turkish Architecture, including the Mevlana Museum, a 13th Century Dervish monastery. Celaleddin Rumi, mystic poet and founder of the Dervish order, is buried here amid great pomp. After lunch drive to Cappadocia visiting Sultanhani Caravan-inn on the way. Overnight in Cappadocia. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 11: Cappadocia
Depart hotel early in the morning. Full day touring the " moon- like" topography of Cappadocia. The absolutely unique landscape of Goreme with its rock chapels carved by early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th to the 12th Century is an unforgettable experience, and then visit the pottery making village of Avanos and Byzantine Monastic Complex of Zelve. Later visit the castle of Uchisar. Overnight in Cappadocia. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 12: Cappadocia - Ankara (170 Miles)
After breakfast, visit the underground city of Kaymakli where thousands of early Christians lived concealed from their persecutors in an eight story subterranean complex. Drive to Ankara and continue to visit The Museum of Anatolian Civilization with an outstanding Hittite gallery and to the Ataturk Mausoleum. The Mausoleum's main chamber soars skyward from it is Hittite column supports. On through Ankara's "Embassy Row" for a stop at Cankaya, site of the President’s House. Overnight at your hotel. Includes: (B), (L), (D);
Day 13: Ankara - Istanbul - Hometown
After breakfast fly to Istanbul and connect to your international flight. Includes: (B);
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Cultural Journey
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