CLASSICAL CITIES OF WESTERN TURKEY
Day 1 - Canakkale (Troy)
Following an early breakfast we will leave Istanbul and drive through some sunflower filled countryside
and arrive at Gallipoli which was a major front during WW1.Following lunch here we will board a ferry and cross into Asia (just like Alexander the Great did from this very spot 23 centuries ago). In Asia we proceed and arrive in Troy which is not an easy sight for the untrained eye as there are 9 cities, superimposed one upon another. This is where the Trojan War took place. This is where heroes like Achilles, Hector, Agamemnon, Priam and Nestor fought. Following Troy we will continue further south and arrive in Assos, an ancient city from where St Paul sailed on one of his journeys. We check into our hotel for dinner and overnight. (BLD)
Day 2 - Kusadasi
On our drive down to Kusadasi via Izmir this morning we will first stop by the magnificent remains of the hauntingly beautiful Pergamum, perched high on a hill over the Bergama plain. The Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200.000 volume library will be the highlights here. The Asclepieum of Pergamum was a famous health-center. We proceed to Kusadasi and settle in our hotel. (BLD)
Day 3 - Kusadasi
Early this morning we will visit the "pearl of the Aegean", Ephesus. The Basilica of St. John, Isa Bey Mosque, Temple of Artemis (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian are the highlights here. Close by is the House of Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years and died. Pope John XXIII proclaimed the site to be sacred. A visit is considered a pilgrimage by the Vatican. You can drink Holy Water from the Sacred Spring. (BLD)
Day 4 - Kusadasi
This morning we first visit Priene whose highlights will be the Agora, the Ecclesiasterium and the Temple of Athena Polias. Miletus, next on our itinerary, is the antique city where Philosopher Thales was born. He is accredited with the phrase "Know Thyself" and what better place to learn than here? Highlights will be the Delphinion and the Baths of Faustina. Didyma, our next stop, has served as a religious sanctuary to the god Apollo. Highlight is the Temple of Apollo, one of the most amazing ruins anywhere in the world. Back to our hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (BLD)
Day 5 - Transfer
We will drive up to Izmir airport for our flight to Istanbul and transfer you to the international terminal for your flight home. (B)
* BLD: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Back to Selected Tours
Wishing to explore more of Turkey, you may want to consider connecting this itinerary with the following Tachda Tours options:
1. The Blue Voyage Yacht Trip. An experience of total relaxation coupled with historical content like Knidos and Caunos.
2. The Turquoise Coast, the Turkish Riviera. Includes visits to Side, Perge, Aspendos, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale.
3. Into the Hittite Heartland and Cappadocia
4. You can extend your stay at an area of your choice. Give Tachda Tours a call if you plan to do so.
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