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terms conditions terms conditions terms conditions terms c why book with us first hand local company prices the fastest team to tailor itineraries 100 flexibility the best information the best prices on internet design your own itinerary our specialty at atb holidays is our design your own itinerary feature it s the easiest way to create your own vacation package just fill in our design form online with your travel details and one of our travel specialists will respond to you by e-mail with a prepared program and price for you if needed you can fine tune the program by adding or changing details with assistance and advice from your own personal travel professional when the itinerary is finalized you simply book online and your reservations are made and secured packages programs atb holidays offer a variety of packages programs ranging from guided group and private tours to personalised itineraries which are flexible and allow the traveler freedom to choose the direction of their journey and explore on their own you may choose one of our tours or programs from the brochure or you are most welcome to contact one of our travel specialists and they can prepare a customised itinerary exclusively for you accommodation choice of hotel accommodation ranges from 2 ­ 5 star and deluxe whatever your budget you have the option to choose centrally located hotels in the town centres beach/sea side locations or secluded areas for those who want to get away from the tourist bustle our experienced travel agents carefully select hotels based on the best quality location and value for money our travel specialists our agents here at atb holidays are specialised and specifically trained in greece turkey and egypt travel and have years of experience in creating programs when you contact atb holidays one of our travel specialists will respond to you he/she will be your personal travel specialist they will be able to advise you on the best and most efficient way to travel prepare your program and make the necessary arrangements we have offices in istanbul turkey athens greece and cairo egypt when you are traveling as our guest we are never more than a local phone call away 24 hours 7 days a week.

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table of contents turkey country information daily excursions turkey packages religious programs blue voyages 2-3 4-5 6 21 22 23 24 25 greece country information daily excursions mainland tours island hopping programs honeymoon programs 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 40 41 45 egypt country information daily excursions package programs nile cruises 46 47 48 49 50 53 54 55 welcome to the world of atb holidays from the cool taste of greece s famous ouzo to the tempting smells wafting from an outdoor cafe in istanbul all of your senses will be rewarded by the vibrant cultures that flourish in greece turkey and egypt it seems that no matter which country you visit old world splendor blends with modern life to create pure vacation magic of course with so many interesting places to choose from and so many great experiences available it can be difficult to decide which destination is inviting for you fortunately atb holidays is ready to help with tastefully designed vacation packages including everything from accommodations tranfers transporation rental cars sightseeing tours and special group discounts we offer it all at the best values in the industry and we have over ten years of experience making vacation dreams come true when you make your bookings with atb holidays you can look forward to being offered the widest range of vacation opportunities a vacation without compromise that truly reflects your personal interests are you the independent type or do you love escorted tours do you prefer tucked-away villages or bustling cities luxury hotels or something more privileged why travel with us because our real purpose is simply to create a longed-for get away that s as individual and unique as you are cruises cruise information greece turkey louis cruises greece turkey variety cruises greece land cruise programs 56 57 58 60 61 64 65 68 combinations greece turkey greece italy greece dubai greece egypt greece prague turkey egypt turkey dubai egypt jordan egypt israel 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 atb holidays where the world s at hand.

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country information turkey banks monday-friday 8:30am 12am 1:30pm 5pm saturday-sunday closed shops monday-satuday 9:30am 1pm 2pm 7pm sunday closed grand bazaar monday-saturday 8am 7pm sunday closed capital ankara population 76 805 524 currency tl turkish lira major languages turkish calling code 90 primary religions muslim sunni local time gmt 3 hours april-september gmt 2 hours october-march climate although turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate the diverse nature of the landscape in particular the mountains that run parallel to the coasts cause significant differences in the climatic conditions between regions while the coastal areas enjoy milder climates the inland anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall general tourist health safety there are no severe health risks in travel to turkey nor are vaccinations required food poisoning and diarrhea are probably the most prevalent illnesses associated with travel to turkey although water from the tap is chlorinated and generally safe to drink even the locals drink bottled water in the event that you become ill drink plenty of bottled water and remember that diarrhea usually dissipates on its own pepto bismol bismuth subsalicylate can often prevent symptoms but if the problem becomes truly inconvenient pharmacists are generally sympathetic and bilingual and will be able to provide an effective remedy ercefuryl is an option if you get sick away from home any local consulate can provide a list of area doctors who speak english if you do get sick you may want to ask the concierge at your hotel to recommend a local doctor local doctors advertise their services through discreet signs near their offices and most speak english if you can t find a doctor who can help you right away try the emergency room of one of the private hospitals or to call for a private ambulance in istanbul inter important service numbers 155 police 110 fire 112 medical emergency 161 turkish postal service information ptt 118 unknown numbers information working hours government offices monday-friday 8:30am -12:30am 1:30pm 5pm saturday-sunday closed during summer months the government offices and many other establishments in the aegean and mediterranean regions are closed in the afternoons these fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces 2 www.iexploreturkey.com

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national hospital ambulance tel 0212/663-3000 istanbul health services european side tel 0212/247-0781 asian side tel 0216/302-1515 in ankara call bayindir hospital ambulance tel 0312/287-9000 or call Özel ambulans servisi tel 0312/425-1565 tipping at various establishments like hotels restaurants turkish baths barbers and hairdressers tipping at a rate of 5-15 of the total is common taxi and dolmus drivers on the other hand do not expect tips or even rounded fares tourist guides and drivers on tour expect to be tipped we recommend per person 5 usd per day for guides and 3 usd per day for drivers and crew if you are traveling alone or as a couple with a private guide and driver we suggest doubling this amount transportation travel information coaches and mini buses used by atb holidays are air-conditioned and non smoking these vehicles vary in size from 15 25 and 40 seats coaches do not have toilet facilities on board flights from istanbul to other major cities in turkey such as izmir and kayseri cappadocia are a convenient way to travel the country direct flights between cities other than istanbul are few and where direct flights are not available you will need to fly via stanbul visiting a mosque five times a day the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer in the mosque before entering a mosque muslims wash themselves and take off their shoes foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque at prayer time women should cover ther heads and arms and not wear miniskirts men should not wear shorts drugstores or pharmacies are sterile-looking well-lit stores with the word eczane on the facade is a pharmacy and will cater to most of your emergency drug needs pharmacists are also capable of diagnosing and addressing minor injuries and illnesses you can even ask for a product by its brand name for example bayer aspirin has a corner on the turkish headache market pharmacies are open monday through saturday from 9am to 7pm but not to worry there is at least one open in every district at night and on sundays the location of which is posted in the window of every other drugstore in the neighborhood in turkish have your hotel send someone over to pick up whatever you need most first-time travelers to turkey are somewhat apprehensive about safety issues the western media hasn t exactly painted a rosy picture of turkey or of muslims for that matter the first thing to realize is that turkey is the model for democratic secularism in the middle east and although predominantly muslim is merely fanatic about maintaining a separation of church and state so business goes on as usual with turks drinking alcohol or not going to mosque or not and living life pretty much the same as you and me transfers airport transfers are made by airconditioned vehicles you will be met at the airport by your transferman as you exit the baggage and duty free area he/she will be holding a sign with your or the travel group s name for any cash balance which is due to be paid upon arrival the transferman will be ready to collect this and have a receipt at hand bedding configurations bedding configurations for a standard double room are twin beds double or matrimonial beds can be requested however they are subject to availability and is at the descretion of the hotel non-smoking rooms can also be requested but are not guaranteed tours our programs are a combination of guided group and independent touring guided tours are normally conducted by a professional certified guide who takes care of all services from beginning to end of the tour this may or may not include istanbul the tours normally include flights hotels transportation transfers to the airport/hotel most meals and sightseeing guided tours are typically conducted by motorcoach they can be fast-paced with no more than 2 nights spent in each location for independent programs we arrange your transfers accommodation transportation and tours any tours included are conducted locally with certified guide at each destination and will be in a group private tours can be arranged at an extra cost www.iexploreturkey.com 3

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daily turkey turkey excursions turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey istanbul imperial tour half day from 9am to 1pm available everyday during the year pick up from your hotel and begin the day touring the old city of istanbul sultanahmet we visit the hippodrome the sporting and social centre of constantinople the capital of the byzantine empire it is also home to an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from delphi which still survives today continue to the blue mosque which owes it s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it s interior the magnificent hagia sofia which was a former orthodox basilica later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome it was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 a.d our last stop is the exciting grand bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world after the visits you will be returned to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included saint sophia is closed on mondays visit chora church instead grand bazaar is closed on sundays sine including a delicious array of appetizers known as meze the turks are justly proud of their food they are equally proud of their traditional music and after dinner folk musicians from different regions of anatolia will perform for us of course no night out in istanbul would be complete without turkish belly dancers you will be returned to your hotel around midnight pick up drop off at your hotel is included old city tour full day from 9am to 5:30pm available everyday during the year enjoy a full day tour of the sultanahmet district the heart of old istanbul firstly we visit the magnificent hagia sofia a former orthodox basilica later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome it was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 a.d the hippodrome the stadium of ancient byzantium where an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from delphi still survive we then continue to the blue mosque which owes it s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it s interior and the famous grand bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world after lunch we visit the amazing topkapi palace which from the 15th to the 19th century was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856 after the tour transfer to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included hagia sophia is closed on mondays topkapi palace is closed on tuesdays grand bazaar is closed on sundays of spices nuts dried fruits seeds and lokum turkish delight located in eminönü it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the grand bazaar we then embark on our ferry for a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia after lunch we drive across the first bosphorus bridge and head for the summit of camlica hill which reveals fantastic panoramic views of istanbul from here a short drive brings us to the palace of beylerbeyi on the shore of the bosphorus short visit after the tour we transfer you back to the hotel pick up and drop off at your hotel is included pick up drop off at your hotel is included beylerbeyi palace is closed on mondays thursdays spice bazaar is closed in sundays ephesus tour by flight istanbul-izmir ephesus istanbul by flight available everyday during the year depart early morning from your hotel for istanbul airport to take your flight to izmir upon arrival your guide will meet you and transfer you by a/c non smoking vehicle to ephesus here you will visit the ruins of the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world we then proceed to the ancient city of ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres fountains and buildings in the world ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the ionian league during the classical greek era in the roman period it was for many years the second largest city of the roman empire ranking behind rome a definite must while in turkey not to be forgotten is the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations according to belief mary may have spent her last days here indeed she may have come in the area together with saint john who spent several years here spreading the christian faith lunch is included at the end of the tour you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to istanbul and transferred to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included bosphorus cruise half day morning half day from 9am to1pm available everyday during the year pick up from your hotel in the morning after a brief visit to the 17th century spice bazaar one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices nuts dried fruits seeds and lokum turkish delight located in eminonu it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the grand bazaar we then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia after the cruise you will be transfered to you hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included spice bazaar is closed on sundays princess islands tour full day from 9am to 5:30pm if you feel the need to escape from the bustle of istanbul for a day nothing could be easier you simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charming princes islands our destination is buyukada the largest of the island chain but we will pass by four other islands on the way all are famous for their mild climates lush vegetation and ornate ottoman houses and on all of them cars are banned the preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton which we will use on our circular tour of buyukada passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea you will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional fish restaurants on the waterfront gazing across the water at the asian shore of istanbul so close though it feels worlds away pick up and drop off at your hotel is included pick up drop off at your hotel is included ottoman splendours tour half day from 1:30pm to 5:30pm available everyday during the year pick up from your hotel and arrive at topkapi palace for an intriguing half day tour from the 15th to the 19th century topkapi palace was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856 the palace is full of examples of ottoman style architecture and also owns large collections of porcelain robes weapons shields armour ottoman miniatures islamic calligraphic manuscripts and mural decorations as well as a display of accumulated ottoman treasures and jewelry topkapi palace is a major tourist attraction today at the tours end you will be transferred back to the hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included topkapi palace is closed on tuesdays cappadocia tour by flight istanbul-kayseri cappadocia istanbul by flight available everyday during the year early pick up from your hotel and transfer to istanbul airport to catch a morning flight to kayseri meet with your guide and driver at the airport on this full day tour you will visit devrent valley and zelve open air museum which was once home to one of the largest communities in the region an amazing cave town honeycombed with dwellings religious and secular chambers we continue with monk s valley pasabagi where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys break for lunch in avanos and then explore the goreme open air museum a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by orthodox monks depart for a panoramic view of goreme from esentepe and then on to uchisar a natural rock castle after the tour transfer to kayseri airport to catch the evening flight back to istanbul arrive in istanbul meet at the airport and transfer back to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included 1001 nights folk dances-belly dances-live music shows from 8:30pm to 12am pick up from your hotel for an entertaining evening at an exclusive nightclub where you will enjoy authentic turkish cui bosphorus and 2 continents full day from 9am to 5:30pm available everyday during the year in the morning we take a brief visit to the fascinating 17th century spice bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full 4 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey canakkale kusadasi cappadocia morning troy tour half day from 8:30am to 1pm available everyday during the year we depart for troy the ancient city in our air-conditioned `no smoking tour bus from anzac house the guide will explain the mythology surrounding troy the trojan horse and helen of troy as well as explaining the history and discoveries of the archeological diggings discovered by heinrich schliemann in the 1870 s to the present day and on going nine cities have been discovered built one on top of the other dating back to 3500 b.c pick up drop off at your hotel is included selcuk pamukkale ephesus and virgin mary s house full day from 9am to 5pm available everyday during the year depart from your hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world there were previous temples on this site where evidence of a sanctuary dates back as early as the bronz age we then proceed to the ancient city of ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres fountains and buildings in the world ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the ionian league during the classical greek era in the roman period it was for many years the second largest city of the roman empire ranking behind rome a definite must while in turkey not to be forgotten is the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations according to belief mary may have spent her last days here indeed she may have come in the area together with saint john who spent several years her spreading the christian faith lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included highlights of cappadocia full day from 9:30am to 5pm available everyday during the year depart from your hotel for a tour of one of the most amazing parts of cappadocia on this full day tour you will visit devrent valley and zelve open air museum which was once home to one of the largest communities in the region an amazing cave town honeycombed with dwellings religious and secular chambers we continue with monk s valley pasabagi where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys break for lunch in avanos and then explore the goreme open air museum a complex of medieval painted cave churches carved out by orthodox monks depart for a panoramic view of goreme from esentepe and then on to uchisar a natural rock castle pick up and drop off at your hotel is included in the tour pick up drop off at your hotel is included afternoon gallipoli tour half day from 1:30pm to 5pm available everyday during the year pick up from your hotel at canakkale and drive to the gallipoli peninsula we visit kabatepe museum brighton beach anzac cove anzac commerative site ariburnu beach cemetery lone pine australian memorial johnston s jolly turkish and allied trenches and tunnels quinns post baby 700 the nek chunuk bair new zealand memorial after visits cross the dardanelles returning to canakkale and drop back at your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included ihlara valley environments full day from 9:30am to 5pm available everyday during the year depart from your hotel for a tour to visit the famous derinkuyu underground city which is the biggest and deepest underground city in cappadocia there are eight floors that extend at a depth of approximately 85 metres afterwards hike through the green ihlara valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way it is believed that the valley housed more than four thousand dwellings and a hundred cave churches decorated with frescoes around eighty thousand people once lived in the ihlara valley stop in belisirma for lunch and then on to selime for a panoramic view of the area a stop at the agzikarahan caravansarai is also included which is the most beautiful and largest seljuk caravanserai situated on the konya-aksaray highway it was a very important place for the seljuk rulers of anatolia to trade they deveopled the old trade routes and built caravansaries along the way to act as shelters and provide protection to traders pick up and drop off at your hotel is included in the tour pick up drop off at your hotel is included priene miletos didyma depart for the ancient anatolian-greek city of priene in the forest overlooking the fertile meandros valley priene was an ancient greek holy city and the home of an important temple of athena continue to miletus one of the most important commercial and governmental cities from 700 bc to 700 ad among all the ancient ionians cities last but not least we arrive in didyma here you will find the largest ionic temple in the world that of apollo also in didyma lies the huge cracked head of medusa which long ago fell from the frieze lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included pergamon tour troy gallipoli tour full day from 9am to 6pm available everyday during the year we depart for troy the ancient city in our air-conditioned `no smoking tour bus from anzac house the guide will explain the mythology surrounding troy the trojan horse and helen of troy as well as explaining the history and discoveries of the archeological diggings discovered by heinrich schliemann in the 1870 s to the present day and on going nine cities have been discovered built one on top of the other dating back to 3500 b.c in the afternoon we continue to visit the gallipoli battlefields our visits include the kabatepe museum brighton beach anzac cove anzac commerative site ariburnu beach cemetery lone pine australian memorial johnston s jolly turkish and allied trenches and tunnels quinns post baby 700 the nek chunuk bair new zealand memorial after visits cross the dardanelles returning to canakkale and drop back at your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included full day from 8:30am to 6pm available everyday during the year depart from your hotel in the morning and travel to the ancient site of pergamon that became the capital of the kingdom of pergamon during the hellenistic period the most spectacular structure is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included hot air balloon over cappadocia without doubt the most exciting way to view the dramatic scenery of this unique area is from a hot air balloon you will be transferred from your hotel just before sunrise to the the take-off site to watch the preparations for the departure the flight itself lasts for at least 1 hour during which time you will fly at varying heights allowing you a panoramic view of the landscape spread out beneath you as well as a close-up view of the area from above after landing you can celebrate this unique experience with a drink before returning to your hotel for a late breakfast pick up drop off at your hotel is included pamukkale and hierapolis full day from 8:30am to 6pm available everyday during the year depart from your hotel in the morning to pamukkale on arrival you will see the cotton cliffs one of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts we will also visit the ancient ruins of the city of hierapolis the sacred city with its bascilica theatre and roman baths it was famed for its sacred hot springs it s vapours were associated with pluto the god of the underworld lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel pick up drop off at your hotel is included www.iexploreturkey.com 5

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 4 days day 1 istanbul arrival no meals istanbul stop over arrive at istanbul airport meet with your host and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul day 2 full day old city tour enjoy a full day tour of the sultanahmet district the heart of old istanbul firstly we visit the magnificent hagia sofia the church of the holy wisdom universally acknowledged as one of the great buildings of the world it was built in the 4th century by constantine the great constantine was the first christian emperor and the founder of the city of from delphi still survive we then continue on to the blue mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior and the world famous grand bazaar where you will explore some of its 92 streets the grand bazaar is the largest and oldest covered bazaar in turkey with more than 4,000 shops a variety of turkish handicrafts oriental carpets rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all sold in its small shops after lunch we visit the amazing topkapi palace which was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century it commands an impressive view of the golden horn the bosphorus and the sea of marmara once 4,000 ­ 5 000 people lived here visit the general exhibitions and the treasury section displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the ottoman sultans stay overnight in istanbul the city we will also take a short drive to the 19th century summer palace of the sultans in the bosphorus village of beylerbeyi the palace was completed in 1865 ad an has twenty four rooms and six large halls after the tour we will transfer you back to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch beylerbeyi palace is closed on mondays thursdays day 4 departure according to your departure time you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight end of our services breakfast included services · 3 nights accommodation in 4 star hotel including breakfast · arrival departure airport transfers · all admission fees to the visited sites · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · professional english speaking guide · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle breakfast lunch topkapi palace is closed on tuesdays saint sophia is closed on mondays visit chora church instead grand bazaar is closed on sundays day 3 full day bosphorus cruise after breakfast at the hotel we take a brief visit to the spice bazaar which is the second largest covered market in the city the small shops inside the bazaar sell various products such as spices dried fruit souvenirs and lokum turkish delight we then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia it´s really the only way to see the true beauty of the bosphorus which includes dolmabahce palace rumeli fortress beylerbeyi palace the bosphorus bridge magnificent mansions and much more we disembark at the mouth of the black sea and after lunch enjoy a visit to camlica hill the highest point in istanbul commanding a panoramic view of prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room constantinople which he called the new rome the hagia sophia was one of several great churches he built in important cities throughout his empire next the hippodrome and the stadium of ancient byzantium where an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents 299 299 347 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year 6 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 4 days pearls of the aegean day 2 ephesus this morning we depart from our hotel and set out for the ancient city of ephesus and it s surrounding environments firstly we visit the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain an important pilgrimage site for people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations of the house of the virgin date from the 1st century ad the time of mary proceed to the ancient city of ephesus and walk down curetes street exploring the best preserved theatres fountains temples and library in the world visit the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world a definite must while in turkey after lunch we will make a stop at the basilica of st john it was a great church of ephesus buit by emperor justinian over the believed burial site of st john who is identified as an apostle evengelist and prophet stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner istanbul day 1 istanbul ­ izmir flight pergamon kusadasi pick up from your hotel in istanbul and transfer to the airport for an early morning flight to izmir after an hour flight you will arrive in izmir and meet with your guide at the airport drive to pergamon where you will be delighted to visit the asclepion a popular health centre during the periods of the greek romans as you make your way to the acropolis the red basilica originally a temple of serapis can be viewed pergamon was built on a conical hill 1,000 feet from the pergamon izmir ephesus kusadasi day 4 izmir ­ istanbul flight departure after breakfast we check out from the hotel and drive to izmir airport for your return flight to istanbul arrive at istanbul airport ready for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast included services · 3 nights accommodation in 4 star hotel including breakfast · departure airport transfer · all admission fees to the visited sites · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to izmir return · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle day 3 pamukkale hierapolis surrounding valley we will visit the temple of athena zeus altar and the library which once held 200,000 books made of parchment the most spectacular structure is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside pergamon is listed among the top 100 historical sites of the mediterranean lunch is included and after the tour we will drive you to your hotel in kusadasi dinner and stay overnight lunch dinner after breakfast we depart for pamukkale upon your arrival you will see the cotton cliffs one of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts we then proceed to the ancient tourist resort of asia minor hierapolis situated above the snow-white terrace basins of pamukkale we will see its bascilica theatre and roman baths and necropolis after the tour we return to our hotel in kusadasi for dinner and stay overnight breakfast lunch dinner prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room 527 527 550 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 7

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 4 days western turkey day 3 gallipoli ­ istanbul after breakfast we head to istanbul by crossing the dardanelles by ferry with a stop at gallipoli famous for being the site of many battles particularly in world war i involving the allied forces including australians and new zealanders at the gallipoli site we visit kabatepe war museum brighton beach and anzac cove where the dawn service is held each anzac day we will also visit the lone pine australian memorial johnston s jolly and chunk bair new zealand memorial and kilitbahir fortress arrive in istanbul and transfer to your hotel overnight in stanbul breakfast lunch istanbul gallipoli canakkale pergamon izmir ephesus day 1 istanbul ­ izmir flight ephesus pick up from your hotel in istanbul and transfer to ataturk airport to take your one hour flight to izmir arrive in izmir meet at the airport and depart to explore the ancient city of ephesus and it s surrounding environments firstly we visit the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain an important pilgrimage site for people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations of the house of the virgin date from the 1st century ad the time of mary proceed to the ancient city of ephesus and walk down curetes street exploring the best preserved theatres fountains temples and library in the world visit the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world a definite must while in turkey after lunch we will make a stop at the basilica of st john it was a great church of ephesus buit by emperor justinian over the believed burial site of st john who is identified as an apostle evengelist and prophet stay overnight in kusadasi lunch dinner included services · 3 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · departure airport transfer · all admission fees to the visited sites · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to izmir · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle prices per person starting from departures thursdays triple room double room single room low season day 4 departure after breakfast transfer to istanbul airport for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast 359 359 408 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs every thursday throughout the year day 2 pergamon troy canakkale today the tour will depart for pergamon built on a conical hill 1,000 feet from the surrounding valley you will view the asclepion a popular health centre during the period of the greeks and the romans as you make your way to the acropolis the red basilica originally a temple of serapis can be viewed the most spectacular structure of the acropolis is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside pergamon is listed among the top 100 historical sites of the mediterranean after our visits to the sites and lunch we depart for canakkale visit the famous ancient city of troy troy is a legendary city and center of the trojan war as described in the epic cycle and especially in the iliad one of the two epic poems attributed to homer drive to canakkale and check into the hotel dinner will be served at the hotel stay overnight in canakkale breakfast lunch dinner 8 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 7 days turkey explorer no meals istanbul day 1 istanbul arrival arrive at istanbul airport meet our host and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul day 2 full day old city tour enjoy a full day tour of the sultanahmet district the heart of old istanbul firstly we visit the magnificent hagia sofia the church of the holy wisdom universally acknowledged as one of the great buildings of the world it was built in the 4th century by constantine the great constantine was the first christian emperor and the founder of the city of constantinople which he called the new rome the hagia sophia was one of several great churches he built in important cities throughout his empire next the hippodrome and the stadium of ancient byzantium where an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from delphi still survive we then continue on to the blue mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior and the world famous grand bazaar where you will explore some of its 92 streets the grand bazaar is the largest and oldest covered bazaar in turkey with more than 4,000 shops a variety of turkish handicrafts oriental carpets rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all sold in its small shops after lunch we visit the amazing topkapi palace which was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century it commands an impressive view of the golden horn the bosphorus and the sea of marmara once 4,000 ­ 5 000 people lived here visit the general exhibitions and the treasury section displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the ottoman sultans stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch settlements of the region and monk s valley pasabagi to see the world famous fairy chimneys after a break for lunch in avanos we then continue to the goreme open air museum where you will visit the early christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the bible goreme open air museum has been listed as a unesco world heritage site since 1984 depart for a panoramic view of goreme from esentepe and then to uchisar a natural rock castle return to your hotel and stay overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch izmir ephesus kusadasi pamukkale cappadocia kayseri optional excursion ­ hot air ballooning without doubt the most exciting way to view the dramatic scenery of this unique area is from a hot air balloon you will be transferred from your hotel just before sunrise to the the take-off site to observe the preparations for the departure the flight itself lasts for at least 1 hour during which time you will fly at varying heights allowing you a panoramic view of the landscape spread out beneath you as well as a close-up views of the area from above after landing you can celebrate this unique experience with a drink before returning to your hotel for a late breakfast christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations of the house of the virgin to date from the 1st century ad the time of mary after the tour transfer to your hotel stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner day 6 pamukkale hierapolis after breakfast at the hotel we depart for pamukkale to see the cotton cliffs an extraordinary natural wonder the calceus waters rise from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 metres forming a myriad of pools cream colored stalactites are formed as the water overflows from the pools creating a breathtaking sight unequalled in the world we also visit the ancient ruins of the city of hierapolis with its basilica theatre roman bath and necropolis after the tour you will return to kusadasi and visit the locomotive museum before arriving at your hotel stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner day 7 izmir ­ istanbul flight departure today you will be transferred to izmir airport for your flight to istanbul arrive at istanbul airport ready for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast day 3 half day bosphorus cruise istanbul ­ kayseri flight after breakfast at the hotel we take a brief visit to the spice bazaar which is the second largest covered market in the city the small shops inside the bazaar sell various products such as spices dried fruit souvenirs lokum turkish delight we then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia it´s really the only way to see the true beauty of the bosphorus which includes dolmabahce palace rumeli fortress beylerbeyi palace the bosphorus bridge magnificent mansions and much more after the cruise transfer to airport to take flight to kayseri arrive in kayseri and transfer to your hotel in cappadoccia stay overnight in capadoccia breakfast included services · 6 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · arrival departure airport transfers · all admission fees to the visited sites · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets istanbul to kayseri kayseri to izmir izmir to istanbul · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle day 5 kayseri ­ izmir flight ephesus today you will be transferred to the airport to take an early morning flight to izmir shortly after your arrival you will depart for ephesus the virgin mary s house firstly visit the ruins of the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world proceed to the ancient city of ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres fountains and buildings in the world a definite must while in turkey not to be forgotten is the house of the virgin mary on the top of the mountain a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations according to predominant day 4 cappadocia today you will have the opportunity to experience one of the most amazing parts of cappadocia on this full day tour you will visit devrent valley which is also known as the imaginary valley because of many different animal-shaped rock formations which look like a sculpture zoo made by nature continue with the zelve open air museum the earliest inhabited monastic prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room 954 954 1066 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year 10 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 8 days treasures of turkey tour apolis situated above the snow-white terrace basins of pamukkale we will see it s bascilica theatre and roman baths drive onto the famous ancient city of aphrodisias which is located in the ancient caria region southwest of asia minor remains of an ionic temple of aphrodite a stadium and portions of a bathhouse have long been evident beginning from 1961 further excavations revealed such structures as a theatre an odeon a basilica a market houses and baths a monumental gateway and a cult centre for worship of the roman emperor sulla and julius caesar favoured the city and the emperor augustus declared it the one city from all of asia that i have selected to be my own at the time of the roman empire the city was famed for its sculptors and sculptures rich quarries of excellent white and blue-gray marble lay about a mile east of the site arrive in kusadasi in the afternoon and check into our hotel dinner is served at the hotel stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner istanbul gallipoli canakkale pergamon cappadocia ephesus kusadasi pamukkale konya day 1 istanbul ­ cappadocia flight pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport to take your flight to kayseri or nevsehir according to availability upon arrival to kayseri you will be met by our representative and transfered to cappadocia stay overnight in cappadocia dinner day 2 capadoccia after having breakfast at the hotel we depart to discover the lunar landscape of cappadocia at pigeon valley where you will see plenty of pigeon houses carved into the rock we then proceed to the goreme open air museum and visit the early christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the bible goreme open air museum has been listed as a unesco world heritage site since 1984 enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and then visit the kaymakli underground city the location where early christians hid from their persecutors kaymakli is one of the largest and deepest of cappadocia s many such settlements our next stop is pasabagi valley where we will see the most beatiful formed fairy chimneys and listen to the song of fairies we then head to zelve open air museum the earliest inhabited monastic settlements of the region and avanos the terra cotta art center since 3000 bc overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch dinner basilica originally a temple of serapis can be viewed the most spectacular structure of the acropolis is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside pergamon is listed among the top 100 historical sites of the mediterranean after our visits to the sites and lunch we depart for canakkale visit the famous ancient city of troy troy is a legendary city and center of the trojan war as described in the epic cycle and especially in the iliad one of the two epic poems attributed to homer drive to canakkale and check into the hotel dinner will be served at the hotel stay overnight in canakkale breakfast lunch dinner day 7 canakkale ­ gallipoli istanbul after breakfast we head to istanbul by crossing the dardanelles by ferry with a stop at gallipoli famous for being the site of many battles particularly in world war i involving the allied forces including australians and new zealanders at the gallipoli site we visit kabatepe war museum brighton beach and anzac cove where the dawn service is held each anzac day we will also visit the lone pine australian memorial johnston s jolly and chunk bair new zealand memorial and kilitbahir fortress arrive in istanbul and transfer to your hotel overnight in istanbul day 5 ephesus this morning we depart from our hotel and set out for the ancient city of ephesus and it s surrounding environments firstly we visit the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain an important pilgrimage site for people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations of the house of the virgin date from the 1st century ad the time of mary proceed to the ancient city of ephesus and walk down curetes street exploring the best preserved theatres fountains temples and library in the world visit the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world a definite must while in turkey after lunch we will make a stop at the basilica of st john it was a great church of ephesus buit by emperor justinian over the believed burial site of st john who is identified as an apostle evengelist and prophet stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner breakfast lunch day 8 sunday departure after breakfast transfer to istanbul airport for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast day 3 konya ­ pamukkale early departure for pamukkale on the way visit a 13th century seljukian masterpiece sultanhan caravanserai arrive in konya after lunch we visit the mausoleum of mevlana the world-wide famous mystic poet and islamic spiritual leader who founded the sect of the whirling dervishes we then proceed to karatay theological school in which beautiful tiles are on display drive to pamukkale check in to your hotel enjoy the thermal facilities at the hotel and stay overnight in pamukkale breakfast lunch dinner included services · 7 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · departure airport transfer · all admission fees to the visited sites · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic fee taxes there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to capadoccia · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle day 4 hierapolis aphrodisias kusadasi today we will explore the travertine terraces of pamukkale the natural wonder which was formed by the calceous waters rising from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 meters we then proceed to the ancient tourist resort of asia minor hier prices per person starting from departures sundays low season day 6 pergamon troy canakkale today the tour will depart for pergamon built on a conical hill 1,000 feet from the surrounding valley you will view the asclepion a popular health centre during the period of the greeks and the romans as you make your way to the acropolis the red triple room double room single room 658 658 764 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs every sunday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 11

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 11 days best of turkey creations are exhibited in chronological order starting from the paleolithic age to the present time the mausoleum of ataturk the burial place of the turkish hero mustafa kemal atatürk leader of the turkish war of independence founder and first president of the republic of turkey we then make our departure for cappadocia with a stop for lunch along the way after a picturesque journey along the salt lake we visit the 13th century seljukian caravanserai agzikarahan take the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful examples of caravanserais in the region of cappadocia since it is an intersection east to west and south to north agzikarahan displays the most famous architecture from the seljuk turks arrival to the cappadocia region and stay overnight breakfast lunch dinner istanbul gallipoli canakkale pergamon ephesus kusadasi pamukkale cappadocia konya ankara day 1 arrival istanbul arrive at istanbul airport meet with your host and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul no meals day 2 full day old city tour enjoy a full day tour of the sultanahmet district the heart of old istanbul firstly we visit the magnificent hagia sofia the church of the holy wisdom universally acknowledged as one of the great buildings of the world it was built in the 4th century by constantine the great constantine was the first christian emperor and the founder of the city of constantinople which he called the new rome the hagia sophia was one of several great churches he built in important cities throughout his empire next the hippodrome and the stadium of ancient byzantium where an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from delphi still survive we then continue on to the blue mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior and the world famous grand bazaar where you will explore some of its 92 streets the grand bazaar is the largest and oldest covered bazaar in turkey with more than 4,000 shops a variety of turkish handicrafts oriental carpets rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all sold in its small shops after lunch we visit the amazing topkapi palace which was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century it commands an impressive view of the golden horn the bosphorus and the sea of marmara once 4,000 ­ 5 000 people lived here visit the general exhibitions and the treasury section displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the ottoman sultans stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch the early christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the bible goreme open air museum has been a member of the unesco world heritage list since 1984 enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and then visit the kaymakli underground city the location where early christians hid from their persecutors kaymakli is one of the largest and deepest of cappadocia s many such settlements our next stop is pasabagi valley where we will see the most beatiful formed fairy chimneys and listen to the song of fairies we then head to zelve open air museum the earliest inhabited monastic settlements of the region and avanos the terra cotta art center since 3000 bc overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch dinner day 6 konya ­ pamukkale early departure for pamukkale on the way visit a 13th century seljukian masterpiece sultanhan caravanserai arrive in konya after lunch we visit the mausoleum of mevlana the world famous mystic poet and islamic spiritual leader who founded the sect of the whirling dervishes we then proceed to karatay theological school in which beautiful tiles are on display drive to pamukkale check-in to your hotel enjoy the thermal facilities at the hotel and stay overnight in pamukkale breakfast lunch dinner day 5 cappadocia after having breakfast at the hotel we depart to discover the lunar landscape of cappadocia at pigeon valley where you will see plenty of pigeon houses carved into the rock we then proceed to the goreme open air museum and visit day 3 half day bosphorus cruise istanbul ­ ankara flight after breakfast at the hotel we take a brief visit to the spice bazaar which is the second largest covered market in the city the small shops inside the bazaar sell various products such as spices dried fruit souvenirs and lokum turkish delight we then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia it´s really the only way to see the true beauty of the bosphorus which includes dolmabahce palace rumeli fortress beylerbeyi palace the bosphorus bridge magnificent mansions and much more after the cruise transfer to the airport to take your flight to ankara arrive in ankara and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in ankara breakfast day 4 ankara ­ cappadocia today your tour begins in the morning from your hotel with a visit to the world famous anatolian civilizations museum also known as the hittite museum the anatolian civilization museum is classed among the top museums of the world today for its original collections the anatolia archaeological 12 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey day 7 hierapolois aphrodisias kusadasi today we will explore the travertine terraces of pamukkale the natural wonder which was formed by the calceous waters rising from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 meters we then proceed to the ancient tourist resort of asia minor hierapolis situated above the snow-white terrace basins of pamukkale we will see it s bascilica theatre and roman baths drive onto the famous ancient city of aphrodisias which is located in the ancient caria region southwest of asia minor remains of an ionic temple of aphrodite a stadium and portions of a bathhouse have long been evident beginning from 1961 further excavations revealed such structures as a theatre an odeon a basilica a market houses and baths a monumental gateway and a cult centre for worship of the roman emperor sulla and julius caesar favoured the city and the emperor augustus declared it the one city from all of asia that i have selected to be my own at the time of the roman empire the city was famed for its sculptors and sculptures rich quarries of excellent white and blue-gray marble lay about a mile east of the site arrive in kusadasi in the afternoon and check into our hotel dinner is served at the hotel stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner dations of the house of the virgin date from the 1st century ad the time of mary proceed to the ancient city of ephesus and walk down curetes street exploring the best preserved theatres fountains temples and library in the world visit the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world a definite must while in turkey after lunch we will make a stop at the basilica of st john it was a great church of ephesus buit by emperor justinian over the believed burial site of st john who is identified as an apostle evengelist and prophet stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner mous ancient city of troy troy is a legendary city and center of the trojan war as described in the epic cycle and especially in the iliad one of the two epic poems attributed to homer drive to canakkale and check into the hotel dinner will be served at the hotel stay overnight in canakkale breakfast lunch dinner day 10 canakkale ­ gallipoli istanbul after breakfast we head to istanbul by crossing the dardanelles by ferry with a stop at gallipoli famous for being the site of many battles particularly in world war i involving the allied forces including australians and new zealanders at the gallipoli site we visit kabatepe war museum brighton beach and anzac cove where the dawn service is held each anzac day we will also visit the lone pine australian memorial johnston s jolly and chunk bair new zealand memorial and kilitbahir fortress arrive in istanbul and transfer to your hotel overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch day 8 ephesus this morning we depart from our hotel and set out for the ancient city of ephesus and it s surrounding environments firstly we visit the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain an important pilgrimage site for people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foun day 9 pergamon troy canakkale today the tour will depart for pergamon built on a conical hill 1,000 feet from the surrounding valley you will view the asclepion a popular health centre during the period of the greeks and the romans as you make your way to the acropolis the red basilica originally a temple of serapis can be viewed the most spectacular structure of the acropolis is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside pergamon is listed among the top 100 historical sites of the mediterranean after our visits to the sites and lunch we depart for canakkale visit the fa day 11 sunday departure after breakfast transfer to istanbul airport for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast included services · 10 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · arrival departure airport transfers · all admission fees to the visited sites · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic taxes fees there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to ankara · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · opportunity to see the pottery and carpet production centers in asia minor · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle · professional english speaking tour guide prices per person starting from departures thursdays low season triple room double room single room 935 935 1118 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs every thursday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 13

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 12 days cradle of civilizations day 3 half day bosphorus cruise istanbul to izmir flight after breakfast at the hotel we take a brief visit to the spice bazaar which is the second largest covered market in the city the small shops inside the bazaar sell various products such as spices dried fruit souvenirs and lokum turkish delight we then embark on a breathtaking cruise along the bosphorus the beautiful strait that divides europe from asia it´s really the only way to see the true beauty of the bosphorus which includes dolmabahce palace rumeli fortress beylerbeyi palace the bosphorus bridge magnificent mansions and much more after the cruise transfer to airport to take the flight to izmir arrive izmir meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel in kusadasi stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast istanbul ankara pergamon izmir pamukkale ephesus antalya day 1 arrival istanbul arrive at istanbul airport meet with your host and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul no meals cappadocia konya day 2 full day old city tour enjoy a full day tour of the sultanahmet district the heart of old istanbul firstly we visit the magnificent hagia sofia the church of the holy wisdom universally acknowledged as one of the great buildings of the world it was built in the 4th century by constantine the great constantine was the first christian emperor and the founder of the city of constantinople which he called the new rome the hagia sophia was one of several great churches he built in important cities throughout his empire next the hippodrome and the stadium of ancient byzantium where an egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from delphi still survive we then continue on to the blue mosque which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior and the world famous grand bazaar where you will explore some of its 92 streets the grand bazaar is the largest and oldest covered bazaar in turkey with more than 4,000 shops a variety of turkish handicrafts oriental carpets rare jewels and inexpensive souvenirs are all sold in its small shops after lunch we visit the amazing topkapi palace which was the principle residence of the ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century it commands an impressive view of the golden horn the bosphorus and the sea of marmara once 4,000 ­ 5 000 people lived here visit the general exhibitions and the treasury section displaying the priceless pieces of jewelry that once belonged to the ottoman sultans stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch of the house of the virgin to date from the 1st century ad the time of mary lunch is included in the tour as well as transfer back to your hotel stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch day 5 pergamon izmir ­ ankara flight depart from your hotel in the morning and travel to the ancient site of pergamon here you will be delighted to visit the asclepion a popular health centre during the periods of the greek romans as you make your way to the acropolis the red basilica originally a temple of serapis can be viewed pergamon was built on a conical hill 1,000 feet from the surrounding valley we will visit the temple of athena zeus altar and the library which once held 200,000 books made of parchment the most spectacular structure is certainly the theatre a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside after our visits to the site and lunch you will be transfered to airport to take a flight to ankara arrive in ankara meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel overnight in ankara breakfast lunch day 4 ephesus the house of the virgin mary depart from your hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world proceed to the ancient city of ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres fountains and buildings in the world it is among the best preserved ancient sites of the eastern mediterranean and the best place enabling one to genuinely `soak in the atmosphere of roman times a definite must while in turkey then not to be forgotten is the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul moutain a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations day 6 ankara ­ cappadocia today your tour begins in the morning from your hotel with a visit to the world famous anatolian civilizations museum also known as the hittite museum the anatolian civilization museum is classed among the top museums of the world today for its original collections the anatolia archaeological creations are exhibited in chronological order starting from the paleolithic age to the present time the mausoleum of ataturk the burial place of the turkish hero mustafa kemal ataturk leader of the turkish war of independence founder and first president of the republic of turkey we then make our departure for cappadocia with a stop for lunch along the way after a picturesque journey along the salt lake we visit the 13th century seljukian caravanserai agzikarahan take the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful examples of caravanserais in the region of cappadocia since it is an intersection east to west and south to north agzikarahan displays the most famous architecture from the seljuk turks arrival to the cappadocia region and stay overnight breakfast lunch dinner day 7 cappadocia after having breakfast at the hotel we depart to discover the lunar landscape of cappadocia at pigeon valley where you will see plenty of pigeon houses carved into the rock we then proceed to the goreme open air museum and visit the early christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the bible goreme open air 14 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey museum has been listed as a unesco world heritage site since 1984 enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and then visit the kaymakli underground city the location where early christians hid from their persecutors kaymakli is one of the largest and deepest of cappadocia s many such settlements our next stop is pasabagi valley where we will see the most beatiful formed fairy chimneys and listen to the song of fairies we then head to zelve open air museum the earliest inhabited monastic settlements of the region and avanos the terra cotta art center since 3000 bc overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch dinner day 8 konya ­ pamukkale early departure for pamukkale on the way visit a 13th century seljukian masterpiece sultanhan caravanserai arrive in konya after lunch we visit the mausoleum of mevlana the world famous mystic poet and islamic spiritual leader who founded the sect of the whirling dervishes we then proceed to karatay theological school in which beautiful tiles are on display drive to pamukkale check in to your hotel enjoy the thermal facilities at the hotel and stay overnight in pamukkale breakfast lunch dinner day 10 perge side aspendos we begin this fascinating day of touring firstly with perge an important city of ancient pamphylian perge was originally settled by the hittites around 1500 bc and st paul preached some of his first sermons here the theater stage has finely carved marble reliefs and other carvings from around the city are displayed in the stadium amateur archaeologists will want to see the handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops a large agora the public baths and a gymnasium proceed to aspendos one of the best preserved theatres in the world with seating for 15,000 still in use today the theater galleries stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect s success nearby stands the remains of a basilica agora and one of the largest aqueducts in anatolia it is commonly believed that aspendos was founded by colonists from argos we then proceed to manavgat waterfalls for a refreshing break stay overnight in antalya breakfast lunch and dinner day 11 antalya ­ istanbul flight after breakfast you will be transferred to antalya airport for your flight to istanbul arrive in istanbul and transfer to your hotel overnight in istanbul breakfast day 12 departure transfer to the airport for your international departure flight end of our services day 9 pamukkale ­ antalya today we will explore the travertine terraces of pamukkale the natural wonder which was formed by the calceous waters rising from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 meters we then proceed to the ancient tourist resort of asia minor hierapolis situated above the snow-white terrace basins of pamukkale we will see it s bascilica theatre and roman baths drive on to the famous ancient city of aphrodisias which is located in the ancient caria region southwest of asia minor remains of an ionic temple of aphrodite a stadium and portions of a bathhouse have long been evident beginning from 1961 further excavations revealed such structures as a theatre an odeon a basilica a market houses and baths a monumental gateway and a cult centre for worship of the roman emperor sulla and julius caesar favoured the city and the emperor augustus declared it the one city from all of asia that i have selected to be my own at the time of the roman empire the city was famed for its sculptors and sculptures rich quarries of excellent white and blue-gray marble lay about a mile east of the site drive to antalya and check-in to our hotel dinner is served at the hotel stay overnight in antalya breakfast lunch dinner included services · 11 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · arrival departure airport transfers · all admission fees to the visited sites · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to izmir izmir to ankara antalya to istanbul · all meals as mentioned in the itinerary · opportunity to see the pottery and carpet production centers in asia minor · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package prices per person starting from departures tuesday thursday low season triple room double room single room 1474 1474 1712 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs every tuesday and thursday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 15

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 7 days pamphlia explorer western lycia for centuries herodotus mentions that it was a city of pirates in the middle of the city there is a 24 meter wide ancient street in the southern part of the street there is the hadrian water way door there are ruins of shops and stores on the sides of the street and near these there are ruins of public places like roman baths agora s and theatres the date of these structures are said to be dated back to 2nd century bc after enjoying lunch on board we will continue to the three islands for an afternoon swim snorkeling and tea break before we cruise back to kemer disembark at kemer and drive back to your hotel in the late afternoon breakfast&lunch&dinner a private cruise can be arranged upon request day 1 arrival antalya arrival at antalya airport meet with your transferman and transfer to your hotel time at leisure stay overnight in antalya dinner day 2 old city tour the archeological museum after a brief information about antalya we will walk within its surrounding byzantine city walls by wooden ottoman houses and through historical monuments from all different periods towards the marina after a short tea/coffee break we continue to the museum by coach we will have a small lecture about antalya and it s surroundings from an archaeologist and will visit the antalya archaeological museum where finds from nearby ancient cities and prehistoric caves are displayed including an ethnographical section we will have tea and coffee at the museum before we return to the hotel stay overnight in antalya breakfast dinner day 6 antalya enjoy a day of leisure in antalya stay overnight in antalya breakfast&dinner day 7 departure after breakfast at the hotel you will be transfered to antalya airport for your flight to istanbul not included in price arrive in istanbul ready for your international departure flight end of our services breakfast day 3 half day perge aspendos tour this morning we will depart from the hotel by coach and drive 30 minutes to the ancient city of perge one of the most important ancient cities of the world the hittites had settlements in this area around 1500 b.c and st paul stopped here on one of his journeys during the time when perge was an important city of ancient pamphylia situated at the junction of many roads crossing the pamphylion plain linked to the then navigable kestas river aksu by road and far enough from the sea to be safe from pirates perge was destined for early development among the cities of pamphylia its most notable remains include a theater a stadium two basilicas and an agora it was renowned for its schools of sculpture during the roman period we then continue to aspendos the ancient pamphylian city of aspendos is noted especially for its roman ruins a wide range of coinage from the 5th century bc onward attests to the city s wealth which was based on it s trade in salt oil and wool aspendos was occupied by alexander the great in 333 bc and later passed from pergamene to roman rule in 133 bc the hilltop ruins of the city include a basilica agora and some rock-cut tombs of phrygian design a huge theater possibly the finest in the world is carved out of the northeast flank of the hill it was designed by the roman architect zeno in honour of the emperor marcus aurelius after the days sightseeing we return to our hotel in antalya stay overnight in antalya breakfast&dinner note this tour includes two site visits with flat ground ancient site walk in perge and a theater visit in aspendos no hiking or walks on rough surfaces included services day 5 full day trekking termessos ancient site today we take a 30 minute drive to the north of antalya where we will visit termessos the well known pisidian stronghold situated on mt solymos termessos is located on a mountain top in dense woodland and one of the best preserved archaeological sites in turkey according to ancient sources in 334 bc when alexander the great passed through the region he did not attack the city because of its impregnable location and made his way instead to sagalassos among the remains are a gymnasium hellenistic theater agora and a necropolis with good examples of pisidian sarcophagi and rock-cut tombs breakfast&lunch&dinner note this tour includes steep hiking up to the ancient city it requires good walking shoes and ability to walk uphill on a rocky path · 6 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all transfers included in the program · all sightseeing as described in the itinerary · all admission fees to the visited sites · professional english speaking guide · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room n/a 1376 1476 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year day 4 full day regular boat tour phaselis-kemer after breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred to kemer embark on our boat and cruise to the ancient city of phaselis the town of phaselis was set up by the rhodesian s in 700 bc it had been the most important harbor city of the 16 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 13 days sunrise in the east day 5 van our first visit will be to the van castle for a glance at the urartian capital tuspa and the urartian royal tomb where inscriptions are still present we then take a lake side lunch followed by a cruise to the akthamar island for a visit to a unique armenian church adorned with a stone carved story of the people and their faith enjoy a short visit to a local carpet and handicraft center before heading to cavustepe a urartian citadel complex dating back to 8th century stay overnight in van breakfast lunch dinner istanbul trabzon kars erzurum cappadocia adiyaman van day 1 arrival trabzon upon your arrival in trabzon you will meet with your guide and be escorted to your hotel you will have the day free to explore trabzon or just to relax at your leisure learn more about the cultural adventure ahead of you at an orientation meeting just before dinner during dinner get acquainted with the other members of the group stay overnight in trabzon dinner diyarbakir mardin antakya sanliurfa day 2 trabzon ­ erzurum start the day with a visit to the st sophia museum a restored 13th century byzantine church with splendid frescoes continue with a visit to the magnificent sumela monastery located high on the cliffs in the altindere national park after lunch we drive to the zigana pass enjoying the wild scenery of kop mountain and arrive in erzurum where we will stay overnight breakfast lunch dinner year enjoy watching the lovely afternoon sun as it sets on the city walls of diyarbakir if time permits we will visit a syrian orthodox and armenian church which stand side by side within the walls stay overnight in diyarbakir breakfast lunch dinner day 7 diyarbakir ­ mardin drive along a land spotted with oil wells and irrigated by the waters of the tigris visit the remains of hasankeyf s monumental zeyn abidin tomb rock houses and an islamic university continue to midyat which retains a medieval aspect with narrow lanes and fortified stone mansions finally we drive to the city of mardin and visit the deyrulzafaran monastery which for 639 years was the centre of the syrian orthodoxes before dinner take a stroll through the streets of mardin viewing kasimiye medrese historical mardin homes and interact with the multi-religious locals who live peacefully together stay overnight in mardin breakfast lunch dinner day 3 erzurum ­ kars after visits of the city s seljouki monuments such as the yakutiye madrasa and the great mosque we make our way across the vast plains along the araxes river to kars enjoy a visit to the forgotten city of ani settled on the banks of the arpa river which forms the border with armenia and once was the capital city of the armenian kingdom we return to town for a stroll along the streets where the world renouned turkish author orhan pamuk s novel snow was set breakfast lunch dinner day 8 mardin ­ urfa day 6 van ­ diyarbakir today we drive up the mountain and make a stop in bitlis to visit a seljuk madrasa continuing to the upper mesopotamia between the euphrates tigres we visit the 13th century malabadi one of the largest bridges of the past arrive in diyarbakir where we will see the great mosque and also take a short visit to cahit sitki taranci s house a famous turkish poet the most beautiful example of old diyarbakir houses with different sections for the four seasons of the enjoy breakfast with a bird s eye view of the fertile mesopotamian plain after breakfast drive to urfa which is also known as edessa the birthplace of abraham visit the ruins of the oldest islamic university also an astronomy center with its observation tower still standing and the harran houses built of mud-bricks all unique features of this land after lunch drive to sanliurfa to visit the mevlid-i halil mosque the cave of prophet abraham and the sacred fish pool you will have a opportunity to wander in the old bazaar stay overnight in urfa breakfast lunch dinner day 4 kars ­ van today we drive through the countryside to visit the ishak pasha palace closed on mondays on the silk route near the iranian frontier on route to van mount ararat fabled to have housed the ark of noah can be viewed for most of the way the locals of van weave animal figures on sumak kilims as a depiction of the ark s passengers dinner and stay overnight in van breakfast lunch dinner 18 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey day 9 urfa ­ adiyaman after breakfast we drive along the banks of the largest manmade lake in turkey ataturk dam along the way we make a short visit to arsemia the burial mound for the female members of the regional royal family climb mount nemrut where kommagenian king antiochus tomb was built surrounded by gigantic statues of local gods enjoy a glass of wine along with the colossus god and king statues stay overnight in adiyaman breakfast lunch dinner day 10 adiyaman ­ antakya depart early for gaziantep stop for a visit at the gaziantep mosaic museum which is known for the excellent mosaic findings from the roman villas of zeugma on the euphrates the afternoon will be spent in antakya a true treasure of history religion and food the word christian was first used in this town where st peter gathered early christians in a cave church for mass the city is also honored as being where cleopatra and marc anthony were married the sec day 11 antakya ­ cappadocia today we drive along the mediterranean through the fertile cukurova plains barred by the taurus mountain range st paul was born in tarsus and alexander the great marched his armies through this land so did the crusaders after the daily visits our coach passes through the pastel colored high plateaus of middle turkey and will arrive to one of nature s most fascinating miracles known as cappadocia stay overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch dinner then continue to avanos the center for terracotta work since 3000 bc see a pottery demonstration using the ancient kick-wheel technique stay overnight in cappadocia breakfast lunch dinner day 13 cappadocia ­ istanbul flight today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to istanbul transfer to your hotel in istanbul or connect with your departure flight home end of our services breakfast day 12 cappadocia this morning we begin our day by discovering the enchanting fairy chimneys conical and unusual rock formations in devrent valley we continue to the goreme open air museum which was once a byzantine monastery and see some of the finest examples of religious frescoes in the rock-cut churches enjoy pasabagi valley walking through vineyards among strange multiple mushroom-capped volcanic rock formations we will also visit cavusin village and see abandoned troglodyte houses cut high up in the rock face and ond largest mosaic museum will be another highlight of the day after our visits we may have time to wander the local market stay overnight in antakya breakfast lunch dinner included services · 12 nights in 4 star hotel accommodations including breakfast · all transfers mentioned in the itinerary · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all admission fees to the visited sites · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · domestic flight tickets from cappadocia to istanbul · all meals as stated in the itinerary · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle · luggage handling including hotel tips · all domestic taxes fees there is no hidden cost prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room 2231 2231 2492 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 19

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turkey packages turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 7 days aegean classics remains of the ancients bling the term oracle which is derived from the latin orare to speak was used both for the relation between the soothsayer and the god and the place where the divination was performed didyma was connected to miletus by the sacred way the latter part of which was lined with sarcophagi and statues of lions and sphinxes after this cultural tour you will be transferred to your hotel in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner day 1 arrival izmir kusadasi arrive in izmir and transfer to your hotel in kusadasi checkin and stay overnight dinner day 6 chill out gourmet after a late departure from the hotel today you will have the opportunity to explore the other half of the bodrum peninsula on our way to gumusluk you will spot the windmills their blades broken draped in pieces of torn cloth and their interiors in ruin on the bodrum peninsula there are about eighty windmills all residing on the various windy peaks the oldest being nearly four hundred years old the mills sitting atop gumusluk bay resemble lions with their tails cut off and one gets the feeling that those beautiful cylindrical bodies will crumble at any moment here you will have free time to visit rabbit island and day 2 ephesus after breakfast at the hotel drive to the unforgettable remains of ephesus the great theatre of the site is certailny the most marvellous and largest in asia minor it is also where st paul was dragged into to face the crowds because of his famous letter to the ephesians but rescued by the security corps of the city after having lunch in a local restaurant we will drive to the virgin mary s house it is believed by many christians and muslims that mary the mother of jesus was taken to this stone house by st john and lived there until her assumption into heaven according to many catholics or the dormition according to the orthodox our final visit of the day will be to the basilica of st john which is located near the center of selcuk just below the fortress emperor justinian 527-565 ad believed that a tomb dating from the 300s was st.john s and therefore built a great church above it in the 500s st john is identified as an apostle evangelist author of the fourth gospel and prophet author of revelation after the tour you will drive back to hotel to stay overnight breakfast lunch dinner day 4 bafa lake picnic and surroundings after breakfast at the hotel we will head to bodrum through the valley of the menderes river known to the west as the meander set amidst pines olives and lavender is the magnificent bafa lake it is a lovely peaceful place to spend time and experince local cuisine based on olive oil to the east of the lake rises the five peaks of the besparmak mountains the ruins of the ancient city of heraklia are close to the lake while the ruins of alinda are to be found on the eastern slopes of the besparmak mountains in the afternoon you will arrive at bodrum and check-in to your hotel stay overnight in bodrum breakfast&lunch day 3 didyma ­ miletos ­ priene priene was one of the most active ports of the ionian federation the city is the oldest example of geometric city planning the plan of priene was based on that of the athens temples and other buildings were constructed on terraces at the front of the cliff whoever visits this small but unique ancient site cannot fail to be impressed by the landscape and the whole surrounding atmosphere our next visit will be miletos where it s alphabet was recognized by the greek world as the official greek alphabet basis of the current latin alphabet it was also a great port and the hometown of several philosophers and sages miletos is fifteen kilometers away from priene and was one of the most powerful and important greek metropolises in asia minor the city encouraged erudition and founded several schools attracting scientists architects philosophers and geographers western philosophy originated in miletus and it is the native city of famous men such as anaximenes hippodamus cadmus and isidorus the first coins were minted in this city exact weight measures were established and the phoenician alphabet perfected after miletus we continue to didyma didyma s temple of apollo with its very well known oracles was one of the most sacred places of antiquity although looted and burnt many times and never completed it keeps all the original impressions didyma was the second important oracle centre delphi near to athens comes first during rituals cybils which were fortune tellers were using chosen signs including lightning thunder the night and call of birds sacred fowls as well as accidental phenomenas such as the spilling of salt sneezing or stum feed these cute animals enjoy the sun swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters of gumusluk discover the ruins of the sunken myndos city myndos is a well-protected site and dates back to the 4th century b.c gumusluk is also one of the few places on the bodrum peninsula that has been awarded a blue flag for its clean water and beach gumusluk restaurants offer a wide range of sea food that will delight your taste buds grab a glass of raki turkish anise flavoured drink and watch the village streets of gumusluk fill with people enjoying the late afternoon afterwards we will return to your hotel in bodrum stay overnight in bodrum breakfast day 7 departure day 5 bodrum highlights depending on the location of your hotel we will either walk or be transferred to the castle of bodrum where you will be able to view its five towers to obtain stone to build the castle the knights of rhodes tore down the mausoleum of halicarnassus a magnificent tomb that was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world a highlight of the tour will be a visit to the sunken boat museum with artifacts found underwater dating back to the bronze age through to the middle ages it includes cargo from a syrian trade ship 13th bentury bc you will also visit the carian princess section to see her beautiful tiara of gold next we will drive to the mausoleum which is bodrum s oldest antiquity and one of the seven wonders of the ancient world built by artemisia ii in honour of her husband king mausolos the general term for a large tomb is derived from his name the entire structure stood at over 150 feet tall the mausoleum features frescos and other objects some of which are now on display in the london museum at the tour s end we take a stroll back to the port and from there you will be transferred to your hotel breakfast&lunch today you will be transfered to bodrum airport for your flight to istanbul not included in price arrive at istanbul airport ready for your international departure flight end of our services included services · 6 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels 3 nights in kusadasi 3 nights in bodrum including breakfast · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · all transfers included in the program · all sightseeing as described in the itinerary · all admission fees to the visited sites · professional english speaking guide · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room n/a 1947 2030 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year www.iexploreturkey.com 21

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religious programs turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 6 days jewish heritage tour day 3 highlights of istanbul today we will explore some of the most famous landmarks and see why istanbul is one of the most fascinating cities in the world so enriched in history we visit the world renowned blue mosque built in 1616 take note of the rare beauty of its iznik tiles and six minarets hagia sophia built in the 6th century by emperor justinian is the largest and most magnificent church in the christian world after lunch we go on to explore the worldly splendours of topkapi palace overlooking the bosphorus which was the house of the ottoman sultans for almost 400 years one of the oldest and largest remaining palaces in the world many of the ottoman diplomats and court physicians were jews and you ll have the chance to walk in their footsteps as you explore the lavish chambers and courtyards that comprise the palace including the legendary harem along with the precious contents of the palace ­ imperial thrones jewels and costumes the most famous inhabitant of the treasury is the pear-shaped 86 carat spoonmaker s diamond one of the largest in the world finally a visit to the wondrous grand bazaar that was built at the command of fatih mehmet shortly after the conquest it contains 4399 shops 2195 workshops 497 stalls and 18 fountains at the tour s end you will be transferred back to the hotel stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch izmir smyrna istanbul day 1 arrival istanbul upon your arrival at istanbul airport our transferman will be ready to meet and transfer you to your hotel time at leisure stay overnight in istanbul no meals sardes ephesus roman drama performances and classical concerts still take place today inside the ephesus museum you will find many of the most precious relics uncovered in the ongoing excavations of the area now protected from the elements after the tour we return to your hotel stay overnight in izmir breakfast lunch day 2 jewish districts of istanbul after meeting with your guide at the hotel you will visit the galata tower in the galata region where you will enjoy a magnificent view of istanbul and the bosphorus marmara sea and the golden horn can all be viewed from one point we then continue to the jewish museum open monday to thursdays between 10:00am 4:00pm in karakoy street just nearby the old tunnel where you can see the example of muslim and jewish religions living in successful coexistence in turkey this special museum is unique in that it is the only museum in a muslim country in the world continue on to the neve shalom synagogue or the askenazy synagogue after lunch we drive to balat where we will see the star of david appearing on the facade of some of the buildings in the area and then to the ahrida synagogue which was built in 1412 after tour you will be returned to your hotel stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch day 6 izmir ­ istanbul flight departure today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to istanbul arrive in istanbul and connect with your international departure flight end of our services day 4 istanbul ­ izmir flight smyrna sardes after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to take a short flight to izmir known in ancient times as smyrna with a 400-year-old jewish community upon your arrival we will visit the beth israel synagogue which dates back from 220 b.c then drive to sardis the ancient capital of lydia here you will find the remains of one of the world s oldest synagogue the sardes synagogue first built in the 3rd century bc after visits we return to izmir where you can enjoy a meal in the wonderful kordon district offering the most delicious tastes of the aegean stay overnight in izmir breakfast lunch breakfast included services · 5 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · arrival departure airport transfers · all admission fees to the visited sites · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to izmir return · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package · private airport transfers on arrival and on departure · transportation by comfortable air-conditioned non smoking vehicle · all domestic fees taxes there is no hidden cost day 5 ephesus after breakfast we will have a full day to explore the wonderful city of ephesus one of the best-preserved cities of antiquity it is also the site of the temple of artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world you can stroll down the main marble road passing by roman terrace houses the library of celsius and the baths to the theatre where greek and prices per person starting from departures everyday low season triple room double room single room 973 973 1067 prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs everyday throughout the year 22 www.iexploreturkey.com

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turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey turkey 7 days seven churches of revelation attalus ii 159-138 bc the famous church of philadelphia was an important place for the spreading of the christian faith after lunch we continue to sardis the wealthy capital of the ancient lydian empire and one of the most amazing ancient sites in turkey after our visits we make our way to pammukale for the night dinner at the hotel and overnight in pamukkale breakfast lunch dinner pergamon izmir kusadasi istanbul day 1 arrival istanbul upon your arrival at istanbul airport our transferman will be ready to meet and transfer you to your hotel time at leisure stay overnight in istanbul no meals ephesus pamukkale day 2 edens of byzantine we will spend an entire day devoted to the highlights of istanbul firstly hagia sophia where the mind rises sublime to commune with god feeling that he can not be far off then to the hippodrome the largest in the ancient world the blue mosque one of the greatest architectural marvels of the world after lunch we continue our tour to the underground cistern built by justinian it is 70 meters wide and 140 meters long and supported by 336 beautiful columns two of which are carved with the head of medusa on the plinth visit the wonderful grand bazaar built at the command of fatih mehmet shortly after the fall of constantinople it contains 4399 shops 2195 workshops 497 stalls and 18 fountains after the tour transfer back to the hotel time at leisure stay overnight in istanbul breakfast lunch day 6 hierapolis ­ pamukkale ­ laodiceia after breakfast we explore the remains of the ancient city of hierapolis whose name means sacred city here you will see the martyrium of st.philip a square building with an octagonal rotunda it measures 65 feet 20 m per side in the center was a crypt believed to contain the remains of philip we continue on to see the white travertine terraces pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder with its cotton cliffs the calceus waters rise from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees and tumble down the mountain from a height of 100 metres forming a myriad of pools cream colored stalactites are formed as the water overflows from the pools creating a breathtaking sight unequalled in the world dine in pamukkale for lunch and then drive to laodicea which is mentioned in revelations by st john and in ancient times was known as the city of compromise after visiting laodicea we head for kusadasi stay overnight in kusadasi breakfast lunch dinner ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres fountains and buildings in the world a definite must while in turkey after lunch we visit the basilica of st john a great church of ephesus built by emperor justinian over the believed burial site of st.john the apostle evengelist and prophet we the take the opportunity to visit the archeological museum of ephesus to see some fascinating remains of the site after the tour transfer to izmir airport to take your flight to istanbul end of our services breakfast included services · 6 nights accommodation in 4 star hotels including breakfast · arrival airport transfer · all admission fees to the visited sites · all sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary · all meals mentioned in the itinerary · domestic flight tickets from istanbul to izmir return · all domestic taxes fees there is no hidden cost · transportation by air-conditioned non smoking vehicle · professional english speaking tour guide throughout the package day 3 istanbul ­ izmir flight after breakfast we take a visit to topkapi palace an administrative center for nearly 400 years for the ottoman empire topkapi palace is certainly the most important historical site to be visited in istanbul in 1461 less than ten years after the fall of constantinople fatih mehmet ordered the construction of topkapi sarayi a palace that would be known as dar-us saadet the house of felicity topkapi sarayi remained the seat of the ottoman sultans until 1868 when abdulmecit i moved to the european-style dolmabahce palace further up the bosphorus after lunch you will be transferred to the airport to take your flight to izmir arrive in izmir and transfer to your hotel stay overnight in izmir breakfast lunch dinner day 7 ephesus istanbul ­ izmir flight we will spend an entire day visiting the spectacular city of ephesus first we will visit the house of the virgin mary on top of bulbul mountain a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations according to predominant christian tradition mary was brought to ephesus by the apostle john after the resurrection of christ and lived out her days there it is believed to be the last residence of the virgin mary archaeologists who have examined the building identified the foundations of the house of the virgin to date from the 1st century ad the time of mary proceed to the ancient city of prices per person starting from departures tuesday low season triple room double room single room 1220 1220 1352 day 4 pergamon smyrna depart early from the hotel for pergamon visit the asclepieion one of the major healing centres of antiquity the acropolis where the monumental buildings or herons were donated by the kings of pergamon during the hellenistic period the temple of serapis built for the egyptian god in the 2nd century ad called the red courtyard and dedicated to st john after lunch depart for izmir we will visit st polycarp church in izmir smyrna return to our hotel for dinner and stay overnight in izmir breakfast lunch dinner prices are a guide only season supplements may apply latest prices are available on our website departs every tuesday throughout the year day 5 thyatira ­ philadelphia ­ sardes after breakfast we drive to thyatira an early center for christianity and a place where the apostle paul visited on a number of occasions during his missionary travels a temple and large church remain visit philadelphia founded in 189 bc by king eumenes ii of pergamon 197-160 bc who named the city for the love of his brother who would be his successor www.iexploreturkey.com 23

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