Welcome to Istanbul! At 6 pm, meet your Tour Director and traveling companions for a welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Includes meal(s): Dinner
East meets West Discover Istanbul with a captivating, guided sightseeing tour. Visit the Roman Hippodrome and hear about the events held there. Marvel at the six minarets of the Blue Mosque, and the intricate decoration and blue hues of its interior. Stand below the breathtaking dome of the Hagia Sophia, visit Topkapi Palace to see how the Sultan’s lived, and discover a shopper’s paradise with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in the world, spread over 60 streets and location of over 4000 shops! Enjoy [LF] a traditional Turkish coffee experience at a historical coffee roaster. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years ago and ultimately called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Bravery on the Beach This morning, drive to the Gallipoli peninsula and visit the WWI battlefields, the Anzac Cemetery, the Lone Pine Memorial, and Chunuk Bair Memorial sites before crossing the Dardanelles by ferry. Later, enjoy a fascinating guided visit to the archaeological site, dating back over 4000 years. See the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that commemorates the Trojan War; it was supposedly the winning tactic. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Visit the moving and inspirational sites where Allied troops, mainly Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
The Sacred Way This morning, drive to Pergamum for a guided visit of the renowned Asklepion, one of the ancient world's most important healing centers, and a sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, the Greek god of medicine. Explore this remarkable site, where pilgrims once sought cures through a combination of spiritual and medical practices. Afterwards, continue your journey through the beautiful Aegean countryside and arrive in the coastal resort town of Kuşadası.
(B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of serenity and history. Here, the sick sought healing as they approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a pathway to healing based on the patient’s dreams and through theatrical presentations—healing practiced as a sacred art to heal both body and soul
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Ancient Civilization Preserved Start your day at the incredible archaeological site of Ephesus and be captivated by stories as you follow your Local Guide on a fascinating walking tour through the ancient ruins. Later, arrive at the ancient city of Hierapolis for a visit, founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC, and said to have been visited by Cleopatra. See the main attractions and take time to marvel at the stunning backdrop of Pamukkale with its travertine terraces and thermal water pools. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
In the Shadow of Mount Olympus This morning, drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Your sightseeing tour features a visit to the Great Mosque (Ulu Cai), an architectural masterpiece famous for its twenty domes supported by twelve pillars. Plus, visit the historical, covered bazaar and silk market followed by a Kestane Sekeri tasting. Enjoy free time this evening to explore more. (B)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Wander through the long winding bazaar in Bursa, Turkey’s centuries-old city center, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of the buzzing marketplace. Treat your taste buds to one of the city’s famous sweets, the Kestane Sekeri, and find the perfect gift for yourself or a friend, a piece of authentic Bursa-made silk
Includes meal(s): Breakfast
Ancient Walls & Ecumenical Council Drive to Iznik, a significant town located on the banks of Lake Iznik and famous for its vibrantly colored tiles and pottery. Your guided sightseeing tour includes a visit to the Great Mosque (St. Sophia’s Church) and the Archaeological Museum. After some free time, continue to Istanbul and join your travel companions this evening for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B,D)
TOUR HIGHLIGHT
Iznik is a completely "open-air museum" with its rare ancient history and uniqueness. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Iznik tiles – a treasured art form dating back to the Ottoman Empire
Includes meal(s): Breakfast, Dinner
Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
