DAY 1: Arrival to Istanbul Arrival in Istanbul.Airport transfer to your hotel. Brief orientation followed by a free day to enjoy at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul. DAY 2: Full Day Istanbul Tour:St.Sophia Museum-Hippodrome-Blue Mosque-Grand Bazaar Visit the St. Sophia Museum,is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. The temple itself was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed , "Solomon, I have outdone thee “ Justinian himself had overseen the completion of the greatest cathedral ever built up to that time, and it was to remain the largest cathedral for 1,000 years up until the completion of the cathedral in Seville in Spain. Across from St. Sophia is the Blıue Mosque , recognizable from its six minarets, built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I and decorated inside with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue color;because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.Hippodrome,Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine .We continue to Topkapi Palace,The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of cyrstal,silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures,the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Conclude your day of touring with a short drive to the exotic Grand Bazaar, which is one of the most colorful institutions of Istanbul Overnight Istanbul. DAY 3: Full Day Istanbul Tour:Bosphorus Tour-Rumeli Fortrees-Camlica Hill-Spice Bazaar Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other concievable herb and spice.Bosphorus Tour on Boat, A traditional excursion by boat along the waterway seperating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages.During the excursion you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. Ciragan Palace,300 meters of is marble facade faces the shore..Rumeli Fortres, Built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul, was completed in only four months to control and protect Bosphorus. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world.Beylerbeyi Palace,The summer residence of ottoman sultans whit its orginal furnuture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian. Bosphorus Bridge unique change to step from one continent (Asia) to another ( Europe) Camlica Hill the highest point in istanbul. at the top of it you can rest and admire the magnificent panorama of Istanbul and the bosphours from the beautiful gardens, landscaped in traditional style DAY 4: Full Day Tour: Pergamon&Ascklepion Tour Early pick you up from hotel and transfer to airport,Flight to Izmir at 07:00 am, Arrival to Izmir and Meeting with your guide & join to Pergamon Tours. Visit the Acropolis,Temple of Athena,the famous library and royal palaces, the Temple of Trajan,the 3rd century Theater of Pergamon (one of the steepest theaters in the world),the Temple of Dionysos, remains of the Altar of Zeus (Seat of Satan) , After Lunch visit the ruins of Asclepion,is a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asklepios, the god of healing.It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital. Drive to Kusadasi for Overnight DAY 5: Ephesus Ancient City-Temple of Diana&Virgin Mary’s House&flight to Istanbul
After breakfast drive to Ephesus.Our first stop is The House of Virginm Mary,According to predominant Christian tradition,Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the Resurrection of Christ and lived out her days there.This is based mainly on the traditional belief that John came to Ephesus combined with the biblical statement that Jesus consigned her to John's care.The next stop is The Temple of Diana,built in honor of the Greek Goddess of hunting,wild nature and fertility,Deemed as one of the 7wonders of the ancient world.It was used to be the largest marble temple in the ancient Greek world since it was four times as the big as the Parthenon in Athens.After the lunch visit the Ephesus Ancient City, a walking tour will take you throught one of the most magnificent excavations in the world .See the Odeon,the temple of Hadrian and impressive library of Ephesus.The Grand Theater,where St.Paul preached,is the largest theater is antiquity with capacity of 24,000 seats Drive to Airport flight and arrival to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul.. DAY 6: Istanbul Freeday at Leisure Today,You are free DAY 7: Flight to Sweet Home Transfer to Istanbul airport and flight back to sweet home. FLIGHT DETAILS:From Istanbul to Izmir Flight :07:00 am-Arrival 08:00 am From Izmir to Istanbul Flight :20:30 pm :Arrival 21:30 pm Istanbul
The package includes: - Transportation in air-conditioned vehicles throughout as stated in the tours general features - Escort by a professional guide-lecturer throughout - Entrance fees to the museums stated in itinerary - All meals mentioned in the program - Arrival and departure transfers from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. -Accommadation 6 Nights
EXCLUDED IN PRICE - Visits and services not mentioned in program. - Insurance - Personal expenses and all beverages - Tips |