Day 2: Istanbul

Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale

In the morning, depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, then cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale for your overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: Troy - Pergamum - Izmir

Today we visit Troy with its famous horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Before arriving into Asclepion, enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. Then continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to Izmir for staying overnight.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Ephesus & St. Mary's House - Izmir

Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world and explore 2,000 year old marble streets, a theatre, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Optional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 6: Izmir - Pamukkale

Drive through lush valleys to Pamukkale, the Cotton Fortress, with white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Visit ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim in your hotel’s thermal pool.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7: Pamukkale - Bodrum

After breakfast drive to Bodrum to visit the Castle of St. Peter and the renowned Underwater Museum that was awarded the best Underwater Museum of the World in the 2000s. Overnight stay in Bodrum.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: Bodrum

Our services end after breakfast.

Meals: Breakfast

Note: This is a good itinerary for connecting to the Greek Islands via Rhodes or for joining a Turkish coastal cruise. Sunday departure tours in May, Sep and Oct, will visit St. Sophie Cathedral in Istanbul, not during the full day tour of Istanbul which is Monday as it is closed, but on Tuesday before departing for Canakkale, Gallipoli area.

Escorted Tour Includes:

• Deluxe and Superior First Class hotels with private facilities
• Meals are indicated on itineraries
• Licensed guides throughout the Turkey
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Luggage handling
• Local taxes and service charges
• Arrival /departure transfers: only on arrival and departure days
• NEW Lunch with locals

Not Included:

• Pre or post stay transfers
• Personal expenses
• Optional tours
• Customary tips to guide and drivers

Hotels (or similar):

• Istanbul: W Hotel
• Canakkale: Kolin Hotel (SFC)
• Izmir: Swissotel Grand Efes
• Pamukkale: Doga Thermal Health & Spa
• Bodrum: Doria Hotel

Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and hosted tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (nt)