Gateway to Antiquity Tour

Gateway to Antiquity Tour

Day -1 : Istanbul
Upon your arrival, you will be met in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Istanbul, the only city which straddles two continents Europe and Asia. Transfer to the hotel and welcome drink while you have briefing. The remaining of the day is at your leisure. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day - 2 : Istanbul City Tour
A full day of sightseeing tour. Discover the Byzantian and Ottoman Relics, visit Saint Sophia Museum, one of the world s greatest architectural marvels, built by Constantine the Great in the 4th Century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, then visit the Sultanahmet Mosque, build in the 16th century, unique with 6 minarets and its magnificent interior decoration of the blue Iznik tiles. The Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races with three monuments, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine column and the column of Constantine. Before lunch visit the Grand Covered Bazaar within over 4,000 tiny shops. Visit Royal Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman Sultan's from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Then visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, built in 1550 by the famous architect Sinan, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. You will be returned back to hotel in the early evening. B.L)

Day - 3 : Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
Early in the morning fly to Ankara. You will be met in the airport and start the tour. Visit the Hittite Museum and mousoleum of Ataturk. After lunch drive to Cappadocia and visit the Seljuk Agzikarahan and the natural city of Uchisar. Dinner and overnight to Nevsehir Cappadocia. (B.L.D.)

Day - 4 : Cappadocia Tour
Fully guided tour to North Cappadocia short rest before starting the tour to visit Devrent Valley, Zelve Open- Air Museum, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Depart for a panaromic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle Dinner & Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day - 5 : Cappadocia - Pamukkale
After breakfast, another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravansarai is included. At the end of the tour, take overnight coach to Pamukkale ( B.L)

Day - 6 : Pamukkale - Kusadasi
Early morning arrive Pamukkale. Fully guided tour to Pamukkale; visit the ancient city of Hierepolis, a city that gained importance in the Roman times because of its thermal springs. Over the centuries, the calsium, salts in the water have formed into one of the most unique natural sights of the World. After lunch visit the Greco Roman settlemnt which is remarkably well preserved. The ancient city dedicated to the Goddess of Love Aphrodite. Evening drive to Kusadasi check-in hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi. ( L.D)

Day -7:Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi
After breakfast, drive to Ephesus and full day tour to Ephesus; one of the grandest cities in the Roman world. Drive to Meryemana and visit the house of Virgin Mary. Continue to Ephesus the Capital of Asia Minor. Visit the ruins of Odeon, herculas gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and fantastic Greco Roman theatre. After lunch visit the basillica of St John. Dinner and overnight stay in Kusadasi ( B.L.D)

Day -8 : Kusadasi - Pergamon - Canakkale
Early in the morning journey start for visiting two of the most important sites in Turkey. First visit Pergamun, a city dating back to the time of Alexander the Great and once one of the main centers of learning in the ancient world. Visit Acropolis, the Steepest theatre of the ancient World. Asclepion was one of the best medical centers of its time and included Galen. Next visit ancient Troy, legendary walls and the replica of the wooden horse. overnight in Canakkale. ( B.L)

Day - 9 : Canakkale - Troy - Istanbul
After breakfast drive to Troy. Visit the famous archeological and mythological site of Troy, home of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. After the tour departure for Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul and Overnight stay in istanbul. ( B.L)

Day - 10 : ENDS
After breakfast transfer to airport for final departure.