Best Of West-7 Days
LGC-CLT-IST7D-03
7 Days - ISTANBUL / CANAKKALE / PERGAMUM / IZMIR / PAMUKKALE / EPHESUS
Day-1 ISTANBUL
Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, a short city tour and transfer to your hotel, overnight in Istanbul (D)
Day-2 ISTANBUL
Following the breakfast we drive to the 'Old City', we will first visit Hippodrome of Constantinople, where horse and chariot races used to take place and it was the center of Byzantine civic life. Then the Blue Mosque, so called because of the impressive blue tiles lining its walls. The Basilica of Haghia Sophia (Divine Wisdom), now called the Ayasofya Museum, is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. And then we will visit Underground Basilica Cistern. Afternoon visit famous Topkapi Palace, which was home to the sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Overnight in Istanbul (B,L,D)
Day-3 CANAKKALE
After breakfast, we will cross the Dardenelles straits to Cannakale. Visit to Homer’s legendary Troy, where archaeological excavation has established many levels of inhabitation and a enormous reconstruction of the famous Trojan Horse. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,L,D)
Day-4 PERGAMUM - IZMIR
Today, we will visit Pergamum , you will see the ruins of an ancient commercial center, located in the fertile valley where the trade route passed. A most memorable experience will be Pergamum, with its acropolis and Great Theatre, the steepest of the ancient world. Nearby, visit the Red Basilica; once a pagan temple, it later converted into a Christian church. Finally, walk thru the Pergamum Asclepion, the famous medical center of antiquity. Overnight in Izmir (B,L,D)
Day-5 PAMUKKALE
Early departure for Pamukkale from Izmir. At Hierapolis (Pamukkale), enjoy the "Cotton Castles" of brilliant white calcium rock formations and hot-water travertines, where hot mineral waters emerge from the earth and cascade over cliffs. As the water cools, the calcium precipitates and clings to the cliffs, forming snowy white travertines (waterfalls of white stone), which give credence to the name Pamukkale, which means "cotton castle", from the two words "pamuk" (cotton) and "kale" (castle). The travertines form shallow pools supported by colorful stalactites. This enchanting place is one of the natural wonders of Asia Minor, brilliant white calcium rock formations and hot-water travertines, where hot mineral waters emerge from the earth and cascade over cliffs. Overnight in Pamukkale (B,L,D)
Day-6 EPHESUS
Ephesus, major port city on the Aegean, was the commercial, political, and religious center of all of Asia Minor. After a lunatic completely burned the Temple of Diana (Artemis) on the night that Alexander the Great was born in 356 B.C., the Ephesians worked for 120 years to complete a magnificent reconstructed temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. The city became part of the Roman Empire in the second century B.C. As a Roman capital of Asia Minor, Ephesus boasted a population approaching 250,000 people. Walk the marble-paved street with grooves made by chariot wheels. See the Fountain of Trajan, the Library of Celsus, and the Great Theatre. Visit the Chapel of the Virgin Mary (Double Church), where the Third Ancient Council convened. Enjoy St.John's Basilica (built on the site of the St.John's tomb), and ponder the remains of the Temple of Diana. Finally, enjoy a visit to the Ephesus Museum. Overnight in Kusadasi (B,L,D)
Day-7 ISTANBUL
Free time till transfer to your flight via Izmir airport (B)
