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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 ! |
