Anatolia Tour B-02

Total 2900 k.m.

DAY 01: Arriving day

Arriving to İstanbul Atatürk Airport, check-in to the hotel and free day.

DAY 02: İstanbul to Ayvalık onTroia and Assos 466 k.m.

After breakfast departure for Ayvalık. From Eceabat by taking ferry crossing the Dardanelles (From Europe to Asia app. 22 minutes.)After optional lunch visits of the famous ancient city of Troia which mentioned by Homeros in Iliad, and the ancient city of Assos where famous philosopher Aristotales opened a philosophy school. Check-in to the hotel in Ayvalık. (Opposite of Lesvos)

DAY 03: Ayvalık to İzmir on Pergamon 158 k.m.

After breakfast departure for İzmir. On the way visits of the Acropolis and Asklepion of the ancient city of Pergamon where famous doctor Gallen worked.After lunch visit of the Red Church which is one the seven churches in Little Asia. Drive to İzmir (ancient Smyrna) and check in to the hotel.

DAY 04: Thyatira, Philadelphia and Sardes 328 k.m.

After breakfast visits of 3 of seven churches in Little Asia in Thyatira, Philadelphia and Sardes and the ancient city of Sardes where the first coinage minted and mythlogical king Gyges lived the capital of Lydians. Drive back to İzmir.

DAY 05: İzmir to Kuşadası 90 k.m.

After breakfast departure for Kuşadası. Visits of Smyrna where one of the seven churches located, the Basilica of St. John, one of the twelve apostles and writer of Bible, the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers and check-in to the hotel.

DAY 06: Ephesus and Virgin Marry’s House 33 k.m.

Visits of Ephesus; one of two most preserved and largest ancient cities of the world and the House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last years and the Virgin Mary Church where Ecumonical Council held and one of seven churches in Little Asia. (A holy mass can be organized at the House of Virgin Mary declared a pilgrimage place by Pope.) a lecture and demonstration on turkish handcrafts arts.Drive back to the hotel.

DAY 07: Kuşadası to Pamukkale 193 k.m.

After breakfast departure for Pamukkale. Visits of Leodikia one of the Seven Churches, Colessea where st. Paul wrote his letters to Christianity, The travertines of world-unique Pamukkale, its ancient city Hierapolis and the Martyrium of St. Philippe. Check-in to the hotel.

DAY 08: Pamukkale to Cappadocia on Konya 637 k.m.

After breakfast early departure for Cappadocia. Visit of the Mevlana Museum where famous philosopher Mevlana burried and the place of Whirling Dervishes, Sultanhanı Khan the 13th century Seljuk Khan and check in to the hotel.

DAY 09: Around the world-unique Cappadocia

After breakfast visits of Göreme Open-air Museum and its its carved-out churches with frescoes dated to 11th century, Zelve Open-air Museum with its carved-out settlements. (Both museums are in the list of UNESCO World Heritage)Optional lunch in Pigeon Valley,Uçhisar Castle which offers us a bird-eyed panoramic view of the region, Ürgüp and Paşabağ Fairy Chimneys, lecture and free taste in Ürgüp wine production center, lecture and demonstration about pottery and tiles. After dinner optional Cappadocian night with unlimited local drinks,belly dancers, folk dances.

DAY 10: Cappadocia to İstanbul 698 k.m.

After breakfast early departure for İstanbul.. Visits of the Derinkuyu Underground City which dated to second millenium B.C. and Ihlara Valley with its churches.By seeing Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake) arriving to İstanbul and check-in to the hotel.

DAY 11: Around İstanbul

After breakfast visits of Haghia Sophia; the center of regilous life in Byzantine period and the 4th biggest church of the world,the Topkapı Palace; the palace of Ottoman Sultans and the most fascinating monument of Ottoman Art, Hippodrome with its monuments, Blue Mosque the only six-minareted mosque of the world, the Underground Cistern; the water supply system of Byzantine Palaces and the Covered Bazaar, the 15th century built sopping center with over 4500 shops, the Chora Church with the mosaic depictions of Virgin Mary’s and Christ’s life.

DAY 12: Departure day

INCLUDED:

• Accommodations on H.B. basis.
• Full air-conditioned and insuranced bus.
• Professional tour guide by the Ministry of Tourism.

EXCLUDED:

• Entrance fees.
• Lunches and tips.
• An optional boat trip along the Bosphorus between two continents can be added