Archaeological Treasures of the Western Turkey Tours

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]

Tour Code: DKC019