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Itinerary: |
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Archaeological Treasures of Western Turkey. Explore the Main
Archaeological Ruins and Civilizations in Western Turkey Get the
professional service from Turkish Travel
DAY 1 ANTALYA
Arriving
Antalya Int’l Airport,
transfer to the hotel, check-in and just relax. Welcome cocktail
will be held in the reception and the brief information will be
given about entire tour. At dusk after dinner, we’ll depart Antalya
city center for clients' night exploration in Kaleiçi district. [D]
DAY 2 ANTALYA –
ASPENDOS – SIDE – PERGE
Today we’ll start
with Antalya
Museum boasting the priceless collection of all times. We’ll
depart for Alanya Fortress, Damlatas Cave, Manavgat Falls, the
ancient city Side, the columned street, the basilica, the museum the 15000
spectator capacity stunning theater and the temple of Dionysus and
the temples of Athena & Apollo,
Aspendos,
the basilica on the Acropolis and the Roman aqueduct. Next stop will
be Ancient Perge, the stadium the Roman baths, the church, agora, the
street having shops and the acropol. You may add Düden Falls
and Düden cave to your trip as well. It’ll be a tiring day as there
are so many places to see in this environ. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 3 TERMESSOS
– PAMUKKALE
In the morning
we’ll explore the Pisidian city, Termessos with it’s beautiful
environment in an half day. Here we’ll examine well preserved
monuments. King’s Road, upper city walls built for defensive purpose,
the gymnasium with baths complex, the stunning theater, open Agora,
the mausoleum, the odeion, the 4 temples, the necropolis where we’ll
examine the sarcophagises and the Tomb of Alcatus that is cave-like
style with its carvings on the frontier section are the major points
and ruins in Termessos. After lunch via Korkuteli Plateau we’ll
reach dazzling Pamukkale. After dinner we’ll explore the travertines at dusk.
Taking the advantage of the hot spring is strongly advisable here.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY
4 APHRODISIAS –
KUSADASI
In the morning we'll visit Hierapolis antic city
and the Museum of Hierapolis. Now it's time to
depart for Kusadasi,
en route we’ll explore Aphrodisias that is one of the important
religious sites dated back to 2800 BC. Aphrodite the goddess of love
was also called Venus by Romans. After 8th century, the city became
more popular due to the temple of Aphrodisias a favorite place for
the pilgrims for almost 1000 years. The whole city collapses 520
acres. The city walls surround about over 3,5 km that were built at
late Roman period. The ruins of Sebasteion; the theater established
in late Hellenistic period; the sculptures (mostly displayed in the
museum), the ruins of the baths, gymnasium, the Byzantium
Stavropolis, baths with carved gates devoted both Aphrodite and
Hadrian; the big pool which was excavated by the archaeologists in
the recent years, marble construction the Odeon, The Temple of
Aphrodite, the Bishop’s church, the two columned Tetraphylon and
well preserved stadium for 30000 spectator. Aphrodisias is an
important ancient city in terms of art as well as science and
philosophy. Later we’ll depart for Kusadasi an
impressive summer resort where the liners always pop in, en route
we’ll have our dinner in one of the famous restaurants. At night
we’ll check-in at the hotel and take your time for the rest of the
colorful nights of
Kusadasi. Just take the advantage of this lovely resort. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 5 PRIENE –
MILETUS – DIDYMA
Today we’ll depart
for Miletus
first which was founded during the 2nd millenium B.C. The Theatre
from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods, the Caravanserai, the
Faustina Baths, the Byzantine Church shows characteristics of two
different periods. Initially built under Emperor Diocletian, the
church was rebuilt in the beginning of the 6th century AD in larger
proportions. It was established from excavations that the church was
built over Hellenistic houses. Then we’ll pass the historical town
of Priene with its beautiful houses, public buildings and temples
that are the most important parts of this ancient city. The city
walls surrounding Priene were 2 meters wide and 6 meters high. The front and rear
faces of the walls were built of squared stone blocks while the
space in between was filled up with rubble and mud. This
construction technique, called "emplekton" is characteristic of the
Hellenistic period. The Athena Temple, the Bouleuterion, the Theatre
with its Hellenistic style is stunning. Like all ancient Greek
theatres, the building consists of three main parts: the Skene, the
Orchestra, and the Cavea in here. After Priene, we’ll depart for
Didyma. The
Apollo Temple of Didyma, the Sacred Road having rows of shops,
votive fountains, monumental tombs, baths, the area for the cult of
Artemis and the Delphinium will be examined in here. We’ll have the
chance to watch the spectacular view of the masonry in the sunset
that is worth seeing in here. Overnight at Kusadasi. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 6 EPHESUS –
IZMIR
Today we’ll explore
the ancient city Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world and one
of the highlights of Turkey. The city was dedicated to the goddess
Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven
Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times. St. Paul
Preached here!. Heracletes Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic Baths,
Celcus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian way, (Harbor
Street), The Basilica of St. John are the places of interest for
your visit. Cave of Seven Sleepers, St. Jean, Isa Bey Mosque,
Virgin Mary’s House
which was visited by Paul, Pope the 6th and Pope Jean Paul are other
major points for our visit. Lastly we invite you to explore Ephesus
Museum with its priceless collection. After Ephesus, we’ll depart
for the typical Turkish Village Sirince taste wine & gozleme cooked
by wooden flame. Just after we’ll give a small break. Since it’s a
great historical district, we strongly advise to spend a day in here.
In the afternoon we’ll depart for Izmir, arrive at hotel and check-in.
Tonight we’ll invite you to the special restaurant in the best part
of Izmir named Kordon. At night we’ll have a city tour in here. [B]
[L] [D]
DAY
7 IZMIR CITY TOUR
Today we’ll explore
the pearl of Aegean
Region by our special bus. Starting to visit Velvet Castle &
Agora, watch the spectacular view from here for
Izmir Bay. Time to visit
Bayrakli where the original city was established in the 3rd
millennium B.C. and one of the Seven Churches mentioned as Smyrna in
the book of Revelation. Proceed for ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir
clock tower which is the symbol of Izmir, walking towards to
Archaeological Museum in Varyant, visiting the museum and Kemeralti
Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani where the traditional “Tiredness
Coffee” will be served, and Hisarönü. Tonight we’ll take you to
another special restaurant famous for its Italian Cuisine. [B] [L]
[D]
DAY
8 SARDIS
In the morning
we’ll depart for Sardis, capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus,
lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). Here you’ll face the
inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in Sardis, did
you know that? We’ll enter from the marble way passing by the old
Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue (3rd A.D.)
with its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a
gymnasium restored for the visitors. Further down The Temple of
Artemis meets you with a few columns however it’s still impressive,
next you’ll see the Altar that was restored by Alexander the Great
and Romans. For lunch, we’ll have Odun köfte (wooden grill meat
balls) which is a special dish in Salihli; we strongly advise it.
Join us to have this delicious lunch!. After lunch we'll visit
Philadelphia that is one of the Churches
mentioned in the book of Revelation, as an addition we'll also visit
the Museum of Philadelphia. At night we’ll take you to another
restaurant for your dinner. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
9 PERGAMON – AYVALIK
Today we’ll depart
for one of the greatest ancient sites in
Pergamum, an
ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was the
center of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers,
scientists and artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains
of celebrated library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000
spectator capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and
the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum
once catered 200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to guess the first
parchment paper was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus
Altar one of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne caused the
Christian church criticised by St. John, visiting Red Basilica,
great medical treatment center, Asclepion where the symbol of modern
medicine came from. After ancient city we’ll pop-in the
Archaeological Museum in order to explore the remains and statues
from the ancient city. Now it’s the time to move to picturesque
fishing town Ayvalik. Here you’ll examine the mixture of the Greek &
Turkish culture. Rest of the night is yours in this peaceful and
beautiful resort. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 10 ISTANBUL
Today we’ll depart
for Istanbul via Balikesir, Bursa and
Yalova. From
Eskihisar to Topçular by car ferry. Check in at hotel and just relax.
Rest of the night is at your perfunctory exploration around the
hotel located in Sultanahmet District. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 11 ISTANBUL
Today we advise you
to explore just Topkapi
Palace since it’s an enormously big historical building having
the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous
crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting
Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children
of the sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial costumes
worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the
treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval
manuscripts. Throne room, library of Ahmet the third, room of the
Robe of the Prophet and other sections are simply dazzling. You’ll
find many galleries in this building. Late at night we’ll invite you
sound and light show in front of Blue Mosque.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY
12 ISTANBUL
Like Topkapi Palace,
St. Sophia
is another great masterpiece to explore for all day long. Hagia
Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor
Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Get ready to be charmed
in the Church of the Divine Wisdom. We’ll explore the majestic
serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. Our
professional guide will answer your questions here. After St. Sophia
we’ll proceed for Sunken Palace also known as Basilica Cistern from
Justinian era with its 336 marble columns. The cistern can cater
80.000 cubic metres of water at a time. Explore the mystic
atmosphere given by the instrument “ney” here. Late at night we’ll
invite you to the city tour by our bus. You’ll love this and you’ll
admire the beauty of Istanbul by night. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 13 ISTANBUL
A full day
excursion is dedicated to Sultanahmet District
today again. The first place is the Blue Mosque famous for blue and
white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. Later we’ll proceed
for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the
center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next, we’ll
pass Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum that reflects the lifestyle of
Turks of every society from the 8th century to the present. In order
to get acquaintance with Turkish culture, it’s a must to see. Now
it's the time to visit Mosaic Museum. Finally, we’ll depart for
gorgeous Grand
Bazaar having over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on
then. Orient café, Marble fountain, fur market, interior bedesten,
Sandal bedesten, small caravanserais and mosques are just impeccable.
Egyptian Bazaar is another paradise for the shop-lovers. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 14
ISTANBUL
Today we’ll invite
you to discover Istanbul along the beautiful
Bosphorus and to be the witness of the magic medley of Ottoman
Empire and modern architecture. Just before this, we’ll visit one of
the best palaces in Turkey even in the world: Dolmabahçe Palace!.
Hop on a cruise that’ll take us along the Bosphorus passing under 2
bridges linking Asia & Europe continents. Kiz Kulesi, Çiragan Palace,
Beylerbeyi Palace, Kirmizi Yali, Küçüksu Kasri, Rumeli Hisari,
Anadolu Hisari, Kanlica (famous with honey on creamy yoghurt),
Beykoz, Tarabya, are important places you’ll observe
from the sea. The cruise terminates at Anadolu Kavagi in Asia
Continent. We’ll climb Genoese Castle where you can observe the
Black Sea joins Bosphorus so-called Clashing Rocks associated with
Jason & Argonaut had to navigate on their search of Golden Fleece.
Anadolu Kavagi is famous for its fish restaurants. We’ll set you
free for an hour for your perfunctory exploration. The breathtaking
view of Bosphorus, charcoal fish & raki are the main triplet that
all tourists & Turkish people adore having. We’ll invite you to a dinner with
Turkish folk songs. The rest of the night is all ours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 15 END OF
OUR SERVICE
Well, it was really
wonderful to share those moments with you. We'll transfer you to
Atatürk International Airport. Time to have your present in order to
make this trip memorable. We'd like to thank for choosing the right
agency. See you in Turkey at one of our tours again. Have a nice
journey home ! [B]
By D&K, what you
see is what you get !, Enjoy your stay ! |
