Day: 1 Istanbul
Meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel for the night.
Meet with your tour guide in the evening.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 Gallipoli, Çanakkale (B)
Depart for Gallipoli. We visit the site where thousands gave their lives during WWI in the battle of the same name, where the Turks fought off the numerically superior but badly commanded Allied Forces who were forced to withdraw nine months later. We will visit ANZAC Cove, the war cemeteries, Lone Pine and other important sites.
Overnight in Çanakkale.
Approx travel time: Istanbul to Gallipoli, 5hrs in a private bus; Gallipoli to Çanakkale, 20mins (ferry) + 20mins in a private bus.
Day 3 Troy, Ayvalik (B)
Visit to Troy. Troy was made famous first by the Iliad, Homer’s epic poem. For centuries this story in the Iliad was regarded as just a myth until the ruins of the city were found in in the mid-nineteenth century. While today not too much remains it is possible, with a bit of imagination, to get a feel for what a great city this must once have been.
You’ll be charmed by Ayvalik’s blend of old Ottoman architecture, cobbled streets and attractive harbour.
This afternoon we charter a small boat from the harbour for a cruise of this beautiful area. We visit secluded bays, explore a nearby island and of course there is plenty of time for just relaxing and swimming in the turquoise waters. Drinks are available on board.
Enjoy the hospitality and beautiful views from our family-run pension. Located in a restored Ottoman house, it is always a highlight for our travellers. Please note that this accommodation has shared bathroom facilities and some rooms may be multi-share.
Overnight in Ayvalik.
Approx travel time: Çanakkale to Troy, 40mins; Troy to Ayvalik, 2hrs20mins in private bus.
Day 4 Selçuk (B)
Free morning to enjoy the atmosphere of Ayvalik.
In the afternoon, we travel to Selçuk, our base for exploring the ruins of the ancient Roman town of Ephesus.
Day 5: Ephesus, Selçuk
Visit of Ephesus, an important city of antiquity. It is considered as one of the highlights of Turkey. The city was adorned with splendid monuments, theatres, temples, agora, gymnasiums, libraries etc… The protector of the city was Artemis, the goddess whose temple was considered one of the seven wonders of the world.
In the afternoon we discover the small picturesque village of Şirince.
Overnight two nights in Selçuk.
Approx travel time: Ayvalik to Selçuk, 2h
Day 6 Pamukkale (B)
This morning we’ll journey to the famous white cliffs of Pamukkale.
Pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder : the calcareous waters rise from the ground and tumble down the mountain forming a myriad of pools. Stalactites are formed as the water overflows from the pools, creating a breathtaking sight unequalled in the world. After this enjoying place we drive to Hierapolis ruins.
This antic city was founded in 190 B.C. by the King of Pergamon; and in the 2nd century it became an important Roman bath center. Hierapolis has such extensive ruins that we’ll really enjoy this visit: theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica, necropolis etc.
Approximate travel times: Selcuk to Pamakkale, 4 hours.
Overnight in Pamakkale.
Day 7 Istanbul (B)
This morning we take a short flight to Istanbul.
After settling in, we will depart for a walking tour of Istanbul, with your Tour Leader. During this tour we will point out attractions such as the Aya Sofya and the Topkapi Palace, which you will want to return to and explore during your free time, as well as visiting and hearing the stories behind many of Istanbul’s sights and discovering some of your leader’s hidden city secrets. Our walk will include a wander through the atmospheric Spice Bazaar.
We explore the fabulous Blue Mosque, admiring the beautiful symmetry and internal tile work of the building. As it is a working mosque, take the chance to learn more about the ceremony behind Islam, the religion of around 98% of today’s Turks. In front of the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome was once the scene of chariot races and now houses monuments from various moments in Istanbul’s history.
Approximate travel times : Pamukkale to Denzili airport,
1 hour, flight to Istanbul, approximately 1 hour, transfer to Istanbul hotel approximately 45 minutes.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 8 Depart Istanbul (B)
You are free to depart at any time today. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally mid-morning, but luggage storage facilities are available.
