DAY 1 SATURDAY
Overnight flight to Istanbul
DAY 2 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL
“Merhaba” (hello) is the cheerful welcome of your Alexander and Troy’s guide who meets you upon your arrival in Istanbul and escorts you to your hotel. Greet the afternoon with a languorous cruise along the Bosphorus gliding past oppulent palaces, exquisite mosques, imposing fortresses and traditional, wooden Ottoman mansions. Your evening is free to spend in Istanbul as you desire.
Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 3 MONDAY
ISTANBUL - BURSA | B,L,D
Drive to Bursa, exploring Iznik on the way; site of first Ecumenical Council, See the ancient walls, visit St.Sophia Church and the Archaeological Museum. Then drive to the city of Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the afternoon visit the Green Ottoman Complex, the Great Mosque, the covered Bazaar and the silk market.
Dinner and overnight in Bursa.
DAY 4 TUESDAY
BURSA - SARDIS - PAMUKKALE | B,L,D
After breakfast head for Pamukkale “cotton castle” visiting Sardis on the way, one of the wealthiest cities in the ancient world with its vast temple of Artemis, ancient synagogue and a handsome Roman gymnasium. Continue to Pamukkale where immense tiers of white limestone cascade down the hillside. Visit the Roman baths, theater and Necropolis of nearby Hierapolis.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 5 WEDNESDAY
PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - IZMIR | B,L,D
If you’ve ever heard the words ” a reading from St.Paul to the Ephesians,” now’s your chance to sit in the same theater where St. Paul preached and Roman dramas were performed. Stroll through the marble streets of Ephesus, one of the most complete cities of antiquity pass the Library of Celsus, the Roman baths and Gate of Hadrian and Roman Terrace houses. You’ll also visit nearby St. John’s Basilica and the House where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. View some of the treasures excavated in Ephesus and now kept at Selcuk’s Archeological Museum.
Proceed to İzmir for overnight.
DAY 6 THURSDAY
IZMIR - PERGAMUM - TROY - CANAKKALE
A morning drive along the beautiful Aegean coastline to ancient Pergamum, the city which was home to the famous physician Galen (120-190 AD). You will visit the remains of Asclepion, as well as the library which once held 200,000 scrolls. Continue onto the site of one of the most famous wars of ancient times - Troy. A reconstructed wooden horse at the entrance pays homage to Homer’s Iliad, but the teams of archeologists from all around the world reflect the excavation that is still going on today.
Overnight in Canakkale.
DAY 7 FRIDAY
CANAKKALE - GALLIPOLI - ISTANBUL | B,L
Your journey into the past continues. As you croos the Dardanelles by ferry into Europe you will sea the memorial to one of the most tragic battles of modern times, The Battle of Gallipoli. You will continue to Istanbul by driving along the European coastline. Upon arrival, the rest of your day is at leisure to relax or explore Istanbul on your own. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 8 SATURDAY
ISTANBUL | B,D
A full day to explore some of Istanbul’s most famous treasures that bridge the past and present, East and West, beginning with the ancient Hippodrome. Next visit the Blue Mosque, the only mosque in the world with six minarets. Then explore St. Sophia a cathedral built in 536 AD, converted to a mosque in 1453 and now a museum where early Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy live side-by-side. Continue to stroll through the wordly treasures of the Topkapı Palace. After lunch overlooking the Bosphorus, wander through the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar. Built in 1461, it is one of the oldest and largest covered market places in the world. Barter for colorful kilims, leather goods and jewelry. Enjoy a fabulous farewell dinner.
DAY 9 SUNDAY
ISTANBUL | B
Transfer to airport for your flight home. Or extend your stay in Turkey with a mini-tour of Cappadocia or join another Alexander and Troy tour.
