Istanbul and fascinating West Turkey

DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Flights to Istanbul and then transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Noteworthy is the wealth of historic buildings and ancient art treasures: Visit the Hippodrome, the ancienthorse racing place. Here we see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column, which once stood in Delphi. Then we visit the Blue Mosque from the 17th C., with six minarets. Opposite it stands the St Sophia Museum, the fascinating art building dating from 537 AD. In the Topkapi Palace, we dive into the magical world of sultans and also learn how good the Ottoman state organization was. In the afternoon stroll through the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3: GALLIPOLI, CANAKKALE
We leave Istanbul crossing the Dardanelles with the ship and come to Asia. Visit of Troy, which is overgrown by numerous myths and legends. Here we explore the Iliad of Homer, the Trojan horse and Schliemann's excavations. Dinner and overnight in Ayvalik. 495 km

DAY 4: TROY, PERGAMON, KUSADASI
Today we are witnessing the first peak of classical culture, Pergamum. This place which served for a long time as a center of sculpture and science, delights us with buildings like the Temple of Athena, Altar of Zeus, Temple of Trajan, the royal palaces, and his theater. Continue to Izmir. Upon arrival panoramic city tour. Then visit of Ephesus, the largest archaeological excavation in the world. Here we visit the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Celsius Library, and the theater. Continue to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi area. 280 km

DAY 5: PAMUKKALE
Drive to Nyssa, an ancient city that lies in the fertile Ionian landscape. Here the geographer Strabo lectured his students. Continue to Pamukkale. The place was well known due to the hot springs. Travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water is an extraordinary natural phenomenon that should not be missed. Here are the famous ruins of Hierapolis. This former spa towns founder was King Eumenes II. The vast necropolis, the great theater, and many other units still exist. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. 220km

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE, ANTALYA
On our way to Antalya we have a visit of a traditional carpet school. The art of carpet weaving in Anatolia has a long tradition. Family Özipek will show and explain all the stages of development, from raw material to the finished product. Continuing to Antalya. Dinner and overnight in Antalya. 300 km

DAY 7: ANTALYA
Today we visit Antalya as the most interesting city in southern Turkey. The Hadrian's Gate, the port, the local bazaar and shopping are on todays program. Here we see a lively game between buyer and seller, surrounded by spices, fruits, vegetables and fish. Then we see the Greek-Roman city of Perge, with its big theater, the stadium, and the ancient main street. In this city among others, some statues of a wealthy woman named Plancia Magna were found. She was the benefactress of many buildings. Then we drive to the beautiful Karpuzkaldiran waterfall, which is a well- known natural wonder of the region. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

DAY 8: DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport and flight back home.

The price includes
* International flights
* Taxes and service charges for the flights
* Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
* All transportation by airconditioned vehicle
* Professional english speaking guide
* Welcomecocktail
* All entrance fees
* 7 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner