8 Days Express Asia Tour

TROY, PERGAMON, ASCLEPION, EPHESSUS, HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY, BASILICA OF ST JOHN, APHRODISIAS, PAMUKKALE, KONYA, CAPPADOCIA, ANKARA, THE MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATION AND THE MOUSELEUM OF ATATURK

DAY 1
We will start with driving down to south of Istanbul for passing from Europe to Asia, following couple of hours drive we will take the ferryboat on Dardanelle’s strait. Then, we are heading to the ruins of Troy where Greek and Trojan heroes fought the Trojan War for honor of beautiful Helen. Also visit legendary walls, buildings and legendary wooden horse. Overnight and dinner in Canakkale.

DAY 2
Today we are going to drive through Pergamon. The first stop on your northbound journey is the Altar of Zeus famous for work done by the great physician Galen, which is described by Jesus as the “Thrown of the Satan” in the book of revelation. Sights include the Asclepion the Hospital City for mentally sick people. A famous Roman medical center Then, heading down to Izmir the third biggest city in Turkey and one of the industry center of the country with very fertile lands where we are going to stay for one night.

DAY 3
This day is one of the highlights of the tour. We head across the fertile the Meandrous valley to the ruins of glories Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor, to see the extensive ruins which include 2.000 years old Marble Streets, the huge Theatre, the Library of Celsius, the Gymnasium and the Temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon, visit hereby Basilica of St John the evangelist where he completed his gospel and he buried after he died. As well as Virgin Mary’s stone Cottage. Drive to your Hotel for the night and relax before dinner.

DAY 4
We are departing today for the Aphrodisis ancient city, which is, dedicated in the name of Aphrodite the Goddess of Love and the “world wonder” Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) where the thermal water flows from natural pools in white terraces. Visit the cascading clefts of the region, which is unique in the world. Then the ancient city of Hieropolis was named after Hiera, wife of the founder of Pergamon. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the temple of Apollo and the Nymphaeum is located by the Acropolis where St Philip was buried on Matrylion and the Necropolis one of the biggest in the world with thousands of Sarcophagus dated back to Hellenistic and the Roman era. And also today there will be a cultural learning series about world famous Turkish art ” the carpet weaving ” visit to a factory where we are going to have a lunch also, been subsided by government as a cooperative house where you will see the local women are knotting the vegetable dyed wool, cotton and very best samples of silk yarns on the looms to create the master pieces of the world carpet collection.

DAY 5
Early departure from the Hotel in road to Cappadocia via Konya the capital of the mighty Seljuk Empire from 1078 – 1307 where we are going to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana founder of the order of “Whirling Dervishes” (an ecstatic Muslim sect) and the Caravanserai (Camel’s Palace) which is located on the Silk Road where we are going to travel today. Dinner in the Hotel in Cappadocia.

DAY 6
After breakfast we are heading to the citadel of Uchisar to see the enchanting lunar landscape of the region “moon -like” topography of Cappadocia. Start with the natural where the wind and the weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock, leaving pillars, cones and “Fairy Chimneys” are phenomenal, especially seen for the first time. Then we are going to have a look at the Hunter’s Valley that is absolutely most beautiful panorama of the entire region. Continue to the absolutely unique landscape of Goreme with is rock chapels hollowed out by early Christians used as secret dwelling as they were being sought first by their Roman and later by their Byzantine persecutors decorating with vivid frescoes which have withstood the corrosive effects of the time dating from the 6th to the 10th century is an unforgettable experience. After lunch, we drive to “underground city” where 1400 years ago the people carved the earth down and created huge complexes in 50 meters deep to live about two years for 30.000 people to defend themselves. We’ll also visit pottery-making village Avanos to see how they make pots and the tiles out of white and the red clays on the flying wheel. Dinner is going to be served in the Hotel in Capadocia.

DAY 7
Today, we are heading to Ankara which is about 170 miles up to North in road you are going to see the picturesque Salt Lake which is the second biggest in Turkey. When we come there we are starting with the “Museum of Anatolian Civilization” which is one of the best pre – historic museums of the world. You will see the splendors collection of Asia Minor through out the thousands of years just like the monumental tomb of “King Midas with Golden Touch”. Then we will be driving to the “Mausoleum of Atatürk” the great founder of Turkish Republic. It is a huge Mausoleum complex with the mixture of the architectural style been inspired from the many civilizations. The highlights are the “Lionized Road” and the Mausoleum itself. Dinner is going to be served in your Hotel.

DAY 8
For the final day we are driving to Istanbul on the auto band and after about five hours drive we are going to leave you back to your Hotels and farewell.

ALL INCLUDED
• 7 nights accommodations in four star hotel in a room with private bath or shower.
• 7 dinners out of 07 in the Hotels.
• Lunches.
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and the portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary to include entrance fees.
• Land transportation by private air conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group size.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks in dinners.
• Air Flights.

9 Days Panorama with Highlights of Istanbul

ISTANBUL-ANKARA-CAPPADOCIA-KONYA-PAMUKKALE – EPHESSUS-IZMIR-BURSA-ISTANBUL

DAY 1
HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL: HIPODROME, BLUE MOSQUE, SAINT SOPHIA CHURCH, MUSEUM OF TURKISH HISTORY AND ART, GRAND BAZAAR
We will start with the “old city” where we will visit the Hippodrome, once upon a time 100.000 specters watching at the chariot races and the gladiator fights was performed on monumentalized courtyard of the building. And the Blue Mosque famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles one of the “master pieces” of Ottoman Empire. Right after we will visit Saint Sophia, which was converted mosque then museum takes breath away with in sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome. Next, we will visit the Museum of Turkish History and Art where you will see the very best collection of Turkish world famous handy craft collection. This was an old palace where the Grand Vizier (Sultan’s Ruler) had lived, who has a tragic story. Then, we are going to walk to visit the Underground Cistern of Roman period where hundreds of the column taken from the ancient cities around and was used to reconstructed to build this architectural masterpiece to provide the water to the city of Constantinople. Finally, Grand Bazaar, which is a most attractive shopping center and the biggest “soak” in the world with nearly 4000 shops. Lunch is included.

DAY 2
ISTANBUL HERITAGE: DOLMABAHCE PALACE, TOPKAPI PALACE AND HAREM, SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE, SPICE BAZAAR
Today we are starting with the European style Dolmabahçe Palace is full of gold, crystals and the silk carpets. It was built in the 19th century where the Great Founder of Turkish Republic Atatürk died in 1938. And after, visit spectacular Topkapi Palace and Harem. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul; these huge complex command view of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of Government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese Porcelain and the Imperial Terrace with the best panoramic site of the city. After lunch, heading to the Süleymaniye Mosque of 16th century is a real masterpiece built by Sinan the Great the most important architecture of our history, which is dedicated in the name of Süleyman the Magnificent. Finally, we are driving to the old city to have a visit to the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every store -front.

DAY 3
ANKARA, THE MUSEUM OF ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATION
After having breakfast we will depart from the Hotel in road to Ankara. After five hours drive we come to Ankara the capital of Turkey and start with the “Museum of Anatolian Civilization” which is one of the best pre – historic museums of the world. You will see the splendors collection of Asia Minor through out the thousands of years just like the monumental tomb of “King Midas with Golden Touch”. Then we will be driving to the “Mausoleum of Atatürk” the great founder of Turkish Republic. It is a huge Mausoleum complex with the mixture of the architectural style been inspired from the many civilizations. The highlights are the “Lionized Road” and the Mausoleum itself. Then we are driving to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. Lunch is included.

DAY 4
CAPPADOCIA-UCHISAR AND HUNTER’S VALLEY
We are going to pick you up and take our departure in the morning from your Hotel in road to Cappadocia via picturesque Salt Lake which is the second biggest in Turkey where important amount of the salt production has been obtained. Lunch is going to be served in route. When we get there, directly we are heading to the citadel of Uchisar to see the enchanting lunar landscape of the region: “moon -like” topography of Cappadocia. Start with the natural, where the wind and the weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock leaving pillars, cones and “Fairy Chimneys” are phenomenal, especially seen for the first time. Then we are going to have a look at the Hunter’s Valley that is absolutely most beautiful panorama of the entire region. When we finished our program for today we are going to turn to our Hotel for dinner and rest.

DAY 5
CAPPADOCIA-GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM, UNDERGROUND CITY AND AVANOS
After breakfast departure from the Hotel for touring “underground city” where 1400 years ago the people carved the earth down and created huge complexes in 50 meters deep. 30.000 people live about two years to defend themselves. Continue to the absolutely unique landscape of Goreme with is rock chapels hollowed out by early Christians used as secret dwelling as they were being sought first by their Roman and later by their Byzantine persecutors, decorating with vivid frescoes which have withstood the corrosive effects of the time dating from the 6th to the 10th century is an unforgettable experience. After lunch, we’ll also visit pottery-making village Avanos. Late afternoon we will drive to Konya the capital of the mighty Seljuk Empire from 1078 – 1307.Dinner and overnight in Konya.

DAY 6
KONYA-MEVLANA MUSEUM, PAMUKKALE
Today we are going to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, founder of the order of “Whirling Dervishes” (an ecstatic Muslim sect) in Konya, then continue to our way to “world wonder” Pamukkale (Cotton Castle),where the thermal water flows from natural, pools to white terraces. We will visit the cascading clefts of this unique region and the ancient city of Hieropolis named after Hiera, wife of the founder of Pergamon. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the temple of Apollo and the Nymphaeum and the Necropolis. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 7
EPHESSUS, ST JOHN BASILICA AND HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY
Today we head across the fertile the Meandrous valley to the ruins of glories Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor, to see the extensive ruins which include 2.000 years old Marble Streets, the huge Theatre, the Library of Celsius, the Gymnasium and the Temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon after lunch, visit hereby Basilica of St John the evangelist where he completed his gospel and he buried after he died. As well as Virgin Mary’s stone Cottage, we will also visit the Museum of Ephesus in which the most precious antiquities of the site have been exhibited. Then proceed to Izmir for dinner and overnight which is the third biggest city of Turkey.

DAY 8
BURSA-GREEN TOMB, GREEN MOSQUE, GRAND MOSQUE AND SILK BAZAAR
We are taking our departure from the Hotel in road to Bursa, which is one of the biggest cities of Turkey and full of “Ottoman Empire” masterpieces. When we get there after lunch we’ll visit the Green Tomb and Green Mosque then “Ulu Cami” (Grand Mosque) and the Silk Bazaar. Dinner and overnight in Bursa

DAY 9
ISTANBUL-BOSPHORUS CRUISE
After breakfast we cross the Marmara Sea Gulf by Ferry Boat and drive to Istanbul. After lunch we will be boarding to a private (depending on a group size) ferryboat for a relaxing cruise along the shores of legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. As you sit back and enjoy Turkish coffee or well-brewed tea from traditional small cups, numerous summer palaces and palatial homes will pass by one other side. And finally we will be heading to our Hotel before our Farewell Dinner and overnight and this is the end of our services.

ALL INCLUDED
• 08 nights accommodations in four star hotel in a room with private bath or shower.
• 08 dinners out of 08 in the Hotels.
• Lunches
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and the portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary to include entrance fees.
• Land transportation by private air-conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.
• Beverages and alcoholic drinks in lunches and dinners.
• Air Flights.

11 Days All Around Turkey Tour

ISTANBUL-ANKARA-CAPPADOCIA-KONYA-PAMUKKALE-ANTALYA- BODRUM- EPHESSUS-IZMIR-PERGAMON-TROY-ISTANBUL

DAY 1
HIGHLIGHTS OF ISTANBUL: HIPODROME, BLUE MOSQUE, SAINT SOPHIA CHURCH, MUSEUM OF TURKISH HISTORY AND ART, GRAND BAZAAR
We will start with the “old city” where we will visit the Hippodrome, once upon a time 100.000 specters watching at the chariot races and the gladiator fights was performed on monumentalized courtyard of the building. And the Blue Mosque famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles one of the “master pieces” of Ottoman Empire. Right after we will visit Saint Sophia. This church was converted to a mosque and later on turned to a museum. It takes breath away with in sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit the spectacular Topkapý Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul; these huge complex command views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of Government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese Porcelain and the Imperial Terrace with the best panoramic site of the city. Right after lunch we are heading to the Grand Bazaar, which is the biggest “soak” in the world with nearly 4000 shops of souvenirs. Then we are driving to airport for the flight to Ankara the Capital transfer you to your hotel where dinner is going to be served.

DAY 2
Right after breakfast; drive to the “Museum of Anatolian Civilization” which is one of the best pre – historic museums of the world. You will see the splendors collection of Asia Minor through out the thousands of years just like the monumental tomb of “King Midas with Golden Touch”. Then we will be driving to the “Mausoleum of Atatürk” the great founder of Turkish Republic. It is a huge Mausoleum complex with the mixture of the architectural style been inspired from the many civilizations. The highlights are the “Lionized Road” and the Mausoleum itself. After lunch we are heading to Cappadocia which is about 170 miles down to south in road you are going to see the picturesque Salt Lake which is the second biggest in Turkey. At late afternoon check in to the Hotel in Cappadocia for dinner and overnight.

DAY 3
After breakfast we are heading to the citadel of Uchisar to see the enchanting lunar landscape of the region “moon-like” topography of Cappadocia. Start with the natural where the wind and the weather have eroded the soft volcanic rock, leaving pillars, cones and “Fairy Chimneys” are phenomemenal, especially seen for the first time. Then we are going to have a look at the Hunter’s Valley that is absolutely most beautiful panorama of the entire region. Continue to the absolutely unique landscape of Goreme with is rock chapels hollowed out by early Christians used as secret dwelling as they were being sought first by their Roman and later by their Byzantine persecutors decorating with vivid frescoes which have withstood the corrosive effects of the time dating from the 6th to the 10th century is an unforgettable experience. After lunch, we drive to “underground city” where 1400 years ago the people carved the earth down and created huge complexes in 50 meters deep to live about two years for 30.000 people to defend themselves. We’ll also visit pottery making village Avanos to see How they make pots and the tiles out of white and the red clays on the flying wheel. Dinner is going to be served in the Hotel.

DAY 4
Early departure from the Hotel in road to Pamukkale via Konya the capital of the mighty Seljuk Empire from 1078 – 1307 where we are going to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana founder of the order of “Whirling Dervishes” (an ecstatic Muslim sect) and then continue Pamukkale where you can enjoy the hot spring pools of the Hotel where we are going to spend one night. Dinner in the Hotel.

DAY 5
After departure directly we are heading to “world wonder” Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) where the thermal water flows from natural pools in white terraces. Visit the cascading clefts of the region, which is unique in the world. Then the ancient city of Hieropolis was named after Hiera, wife of the founder of Pergamon. Highlights include the Roman Baths, the temple of Apollo and the Nymphaeum is located by the Acropolis where St Philip was buried on Matrylion and the Necropolis one of the biggest in the world with thousands of Sarcophagus dated back to Hellenistic and the Roman era. About afternoon in road back to Antalya there will be a cultural learning series about world famous Turkish art “the carpet weaving” visit to a factory where we are going to have a lunch also, been subsided by government as a cooperative house where you will see the local women are knotting the vegetable dyed wool, cotton and very best samples of silk yarns on the looms to create the master pieces of the world carpet collection. Then drive Antalya and leave you to your hotel where dinner is going to be served.

DAY 6
Departure from your hotel straight after breakfast and begin a scenic journey towards sparkling turquoise coasts, visits to two cities situated close to the Hotel. With its architectural and archeological wealth, “Perge” is one of the most interesting ancient cities. This is one of the most splendors ancient civilizations and the ruins in which St Paul began preaching after arriving from Cyprus. Highlights are the Gymnasium, the Bath, the Agora, the Theatre, the Stadium and the Hellenistic Gate. Another one of the Pamphylia cities is “Aspendos” the Theatre is the best preserved in the world with is incredible acoustic. The lunch is going to be served in the area. Right after we are heading back to Antalya for visiting famous “Archeological Museum” is the exhibition with the very best samples of the Hellenistic and the Roman antiquities, selected statues and the collection of mosaics. About afternoon leave you back to your Hotel to enjoy the facilities; dinner is going to be served in the Hotel.

DAY 7
Right after breakfast driving down to west by following the perfect turquoise color of Mediterranean Sea lunch is going to be served in road to Bodrum ancient name is “Halicarnassos” where one of the seven wonders of the world “Halicarnassos Mausoleum” was standing once upon a time, visit the Museum of underground water (which is located in the castle been maintained by the Rodos Knights was the observatory of the pirates for centuries) one of the best in the world with its perfect collection. English Tower and the Dungeon are the other highlights of the site. Overnight and dinner in the Hotel.

DAY 8
Today we are heading up to North from Halicarnassos to get to Ephesus. Where there are hundreds of ancient Greek and Roman ruins in between. We will visit the most important three of them “Ddyma” the center of oracle with the temple of Apollo. “Miletus” the beginning of Philosophy with Thales BC 486 and “Priene” where New York City grill plan (Hippodomus Plan) first time in the history applied through a city. Lunch is going to be served in the area. Late afternoon we are coming to Kusadasi, which is one of the most popular resort areas in Turkey. Overnight and dinner in Hotel.

DAY 9
This day is one of the highlights of the tour. We head across the fertile the Meanders valley to the ruins of glorious Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor, to see the extensive ruins which include 2.000 years old Marble Streets, the huge Theatre, the Library of Celsius, the Gymnasium and the Temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon after lunch, visit hereby Basilica of St John the evangelist where he completed his gospel and he buried after he died. As well as Virgin Mary’s Stone Cottage also we will visit the Museum of Ephesus in which the most precious antiquities of the site have been exhibited. Back to your Hotel for the second night and relax before dinner.

DAY 10
Departure from the Hotel to the Acropolis of ancient Pergamon. In road we are going to drive through Izmir the third biggest city in Turkey and one of the industry centers of the country with very fertile lands. The first stop on your northbound journey is the Altar of Zeus famous for work done by the great physician Galen, which is described by Jesus as the “Thrown of the Satan” in the book of revelation. Sights include the famous Roman medical center, the Asclepion, for mentally sick people. Lunch is going to be served in the modern city of Pergamon. Continuing north we visit the ruins of Troy where Greek and Trojan heroes fought the Trojan War for honor of beautiful Helen. Also visit legendary walls, buildings and legendary wooden horse. Overnight and dinner in Canakkale.

DAY 11
After breakfast we cross the Dardanelle waterway from Asia to Europe and drive along to Istanbul. Lunch is going to be served in road. When we get to city check in to your Hotel and take rest or get your free time before Farewell dinner.

ALL INCLUDED
• 10 nights accommodations in five and four star hotel in a room with private bath or shower.
• 11 lunches out of 11.
• 11 dinners out of 11 in the Hotels.
• Hotel service charges, hotel tips and the portarage.
• Professional tour director at your service throughout the tour.
• Sightseeing as described in the itinerary to include entrance fees.
• Land transportation by private air-conditioned minibus or motor coach depending on group.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
• Flight tickets.
• Beverages, alcoholic and hot drink in the lunches and dinners.
• Personal expenses.
• Customary tips to your guide and to your driver.