7 Nights – 8 Days Aegean Delight Tour (West Coasts of Turkey)

7 Nights – 8 Days Aegean Delight Tour (West Coasts of Turkey)

The perfect introduction to Turkey, we begin in magical Istanbul before heading across to the Gallipoli WW1 BATTLES Battlefields and then down the Aegean coast. Trojan Horse You'll see some incredible ruins of Troy and Pergamon Acropolis Theatre, Unesco Herritage Ancient City of Ephesus, House of Mother Mary (Shrine of the Virgin Mary) and the amazing natural wonder of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle)  before we return to Istanbul via Bursa.

Day 1 -: Istanbul

Arrive to Istanbul International Airport, after custom and clearance, meet and greet with your transfer assistance at the airport, (ETA: ….) transfer to your hotel for Check in and Overnight.

Day 2 -: Istanbul                                                                                                 (B)

After Breakfast at your hotel meet with your local official guide start a comprehensive Old City tour includes sightseeing outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman edifices and monuments which takes place in the ancient city centre. Our journey begins with the heartland of the archaic Constantinople, The Hippodrome dating back to early 3rd century AD, which functioned as the recreational and ceremonial hub of the city as well as hosting the chariot races. We will be taking a closer look at the picturesque antiquities such as the Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpentine Column and The Walled Obelisk, which once adorned the arena, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II symbolizing the alliance and amity between the German and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Next, we step into the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its adagial tiles mainly in blue and turquoise. Besides seeing the striking decorative elements, it is worth hearing the rumours about its six minarets and the construction phase of the mosque. Our next spot is the unequivocally one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul, The Hagia Sofia. Having been destructed twice by two insurrections in the capital of the Empire, The Hagia Sofia found another chance to resurrect in 532 AD. Justinian I commissioned two virtuosos, Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, in an attempt to rebuild the revered church. The outcome of their work along with the admirable mosaics and resplendent dome was so awe-inspiring that people believed the new Hagia Sofia was by “divine intervention”. This stately edifice was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, the victorious Ottoman Sultan. Although it has been used as a mosque for centuries -except a break from 1934 to 2020-, the opulent mosaics and Christian relics can still be seen except the praying hours. After Lunch break at Sultanahmet area, in the afternoon Our next point in the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace which was both the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultan until the second half of the 19th century. Consisting of four large courtyards and numerous premises, the palace both reflects the sense of art of the Ottomans in different eras and accommodates various mini museums in which objects used by Ottomans Sultans, Islamic relics and prominent pieces like The Dagger of Topkapı (Topkapı Hançeri) and Spoonmaker’s diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) will be feast for the eyes.

After this in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace there is The Church of Hagia Eirene (“Divine Peace”) is a Byzantine church located within in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. After Hagia Eirene built by Constantine burned down, it was rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century and extensively rebuilt by the Iconoclast emperor Constantine V in the 8th century, when its apse was decorated by a simple mosaic cross. After functioning as an arsenal or armory for centuries in the Ottoman era, it became the first museum of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Hagia Eirene, which was also known as the “Old Church”, served as the cathedral of Constantinople until the inauguration of Hagia Sophia in 360.

In the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, a church known to have been built even before  Hagia Sophia, is located. The church was partly damaged by the earthquake in the midts of the 8th century and repaired. After the conquest of the City by Mehmet II, unlike most of the chruches in the City, it was never converted into a mosque. Instead, was used as an arsenal of the Topkapı place. Later in the 19 th century when the lapsed warfare materials were discovered, the church was commenced to be used as a museum of antqiue warfare.

After visiting the Hagia Irene, proceed to visit which Known to have been built to replace a church which was destroyed during Nika Revolt in 532 AD., The Basilica Cistern with an estimated capacity of 100000 tons of water was aimed to supply water for the Byzantine palaces and the premises in the environs. Sunk in to oblivion in Ottoman times, the structure is now a tourist attraction with its brick walls, 336 columns, upside down Medusa heads used as pedestals and a mystical ambiance. Finaly return back to your hotel for Overnight.

Day 3 -: Istanbul – Gallipoli Battlefields – Canakkale                           (B/D)

After Breakfast depart from Istanbul for Canakkale, Enroute visit to WW1 BATTLES Once one of the most important fronts of the First World War, Battlefields of Gallipoli are now a place of serenity with numerous monuments and graveyards of Anzac, British, French and Turkish forces. While walking around the original trenches of the battlefield, you will witness the severity of the war and avail gain a broader aspect of the WW I and its consequences. In the tour, we visit Anzac Commemoration Area, Anzac Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine and 57.th regiment memorial Chunuk Bair, Johnston Jolly and the trenches of the battlefield. After this continue the drive to Canakkale enroute we will cross the Asia Side of Turkey from Galipoli by Ferry. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Canakkale.

Day 4 -: Canakkale – Kusadasi                                                                    (B/D)

After Breakfast at your hotel, today your Tour will start with visit the Ruins of Troy its famed Trojan Horse. Having been built as a fortress by the sea approximately 5000 years ago, Troy developed into a commercial centre in time and was one of the most affluent cities of the bronze age. However, what rendered the city immortal was “Iliad” of Homer in which heroes like Achilles, Hector, Paris and Gods and Goddesses of Pagan theology – Zeus, Aphrodite, Hera, Athena - are introduced. Having been unearthed by Schliemann in the late 19th century, Troy is now an archaeological site, which offers a rare chance to indulge in the ruins from the bronze age, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Thereafter continue the Journey for Pergamon. Upon Arrival Lunch break will be given at Bergama Town. In the afternoon visit

The Hellenistic Pergamon Acropolis Theatre, known as the steepest theater in ancient history, is situated on the southern slope of the Acropolis has been inhabited since the 6th century BC. At the beginning of the Attalid dynasty, and renovated extensively by King Eumenes II (ruled 197-159 BC). Later additions included a marble stage house, a royal box and a 246.5 metre-long, 17.4 metre-wide Doric colonnaded terrace, the longest stoa in the Hellenistic world, leading to the Ionic Temple of Dionysos Kathegemon. Today, all that remains of the monumental terrace is a footpath, along which lie some of the fragments of the stoa (colonnade).

This theater was known as the most magnificent theater of Asia Minor in ancient times. The view from the top rows of the theater, which has been very well preserved until today and is made of andesite stone, is breathtaking. Next drive to Kusadasi for overnight.

 Day 5 -: Kusadasi                                                                                               (B/D)

After Breakfast depart from hotel, today first with in your appreciation will visit World Famous Turkish Leather Outlet Center (including Light Fashion Show) for shopping.  Next proceed to visit Next proceed to visit one of the world’s most outstanding archeological sites Ancient City of Ephesus which is listed by UNESCO Heritage, one of the world’s most outstanding archeological sites. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of Asia Minor, Walk in its well preserved marble streets to Library of Celcius, the Odeon, Grand Theathre, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Bath etc. Here you may sights to see the Artemis Temple  which is one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. View of St. John Basalica and Castle where the john the Baptist resting today.  Ancient City of Ephesus was a major trading center in its time. A must-see for history enthusiasts

After Lunch break, continue the Journey with visit the House of Mother Mary (Shrine of the Virgin Mary) ‘’Legend has it that the Virgin Mary lived her last days on earth in a small stone cottage on Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı) known as the Shrine of the Virgin Mary to the south of Ephesus’’ Lost to history for centuries, the foundations of the house were rediscovered through the miraculous visions of a German nun named Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774-1824), who gave detailed directions and descriptions of the house. In the afternoon continue to visit the former Greek village of Sirince which is listed by UNESCO Heritage, famous for its fruit wines and Traditional Greek Settlement, here you will have some free time for rest and leisure.  Finaly return back to hotel for Dinner & Overnight.

Day 6 -: Kusadasi – Pamukkale                                                                   (B/D)

After Breakfast, depart from hotel for Pamukkale, we will drive 4hrs for a tour of Pamukkale Hot Springs and Ancient City of Hierapolis which are listed by UNESCO. Upon Arrival Lunch break will be given at Pamukkale with a lovely view of Travertines.  In the afternoon proceed your tour to visit the Ancient City of Hierapolis in the afternoon. If time permits you may take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times. Finaly Check in to your hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Ps: We have Free Time to enjoy with our Thermal Bath in our Hotel. Kindly bring your Swimming  Clothes

Day 7 -: Pamukkale – Istanbul           (via Bursa)                                                          (B)

After Breakfast, depart from hotel for Istanbul via Ottoman Capital City Bursa., On the way to Istanbul visit the World Famous Turkish Delight and Candy Producing Center for Taste & Shopping.Upon arrival Lunch break will be given at Downtown. In the afternoon visit the Historical Iznik Town. The Council of Nicaea, where the first meetings were held in 325 AD, where the foundations of Christianity were laid and the idea of the "True God" of the Prophet Jesus was accepted, 17 centuries later, the meetings held in the Hagia Sophia Church, where this meeting was held, are legendary even today. After this proceed to Istanbul, upon Arrival Check in to your hotel for overnight.

Day 8 -: Istanbul                                                                                                (B)

After Breakfast, depending on your Return Flight Schedule, Proceed to Pier and join Bosphorous Cruise trip. Here, you will be able to soak in the sights and sounds of Turkey’s Asia and Europe sector as you cruise through this water channel that is the very beat of life in Istanbul.  Witness the magnificent architecture of the buildings along the river and the interesting activities of our local people. We will get very chance of taking photo of Rumeli Castle and Anatolia Castle build by the conquerer of Istanbul in 1453.  After Disembark from the Boat proceed to visit Historical Spice Bazaar, Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) was constructed Through the orders of Safiye Sultan, who was the wife of Sultan Murad III and the mother of Sultan Mehmed III, the construction was apart of the complex of New mosque Yeni Valide (New Queen Mother) in 1663.  Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Bazaar) was consructed as part of Yeni Valide (New Queen Mother) Mosque Cpmplex to act as an economic institution making the pious foundation survive in order to generate funds for the upkeep of the mosque. Spice Bazaar has a total of 85 shops selling spices, Turkish delight and other sweets, jewellery, souvenirs, and dried fruits and nuts. The bazaar was (and still is) the center for spice trade in Istanbul. Finaly Transfer to the airport for your flight back home (ETD: …)

Bringing back wonderful memories and superb souveniers from your Turkish Vacation. 

Included: Accommodation in good 3 star or 4-star hotels, meals as specified, transport using aircon vehicles, local English speaking guides.

INCLUDED :

·         Transportation by AC Coach over 2015 year throughout the tour.

·         Hotel Accomodation proposed as in above mentioned itinerary Four Stars Category Hotels

·         Professional English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese or Mandarin Chineese Speaking Guidince Services provided throughout the tour (from arrival to Departure )

·         Museum Enterence fees as mentioned in itinerary

·         Porterage in out at Hotels & Airports

·         Water during the meals ( Breakfast and Dinner)

·         2 x 0,500 ml Miniral Water On Board Coach Through the Itinerary for Per Person Per Day

·         Parking Fees

·         All Taxes of services within the itinerary

EXCLUDE :

·         SWAP PCR TEST 48 Hours Before your Flight to Back Home.

(USD 30 /PP Additionaly)

·         All Tippings Guide and Driver

·         Traditional Turkish Folkloric Night Show with Belly Dance, including Dinner and 2 Alcoholic or Non-Alcholic Bevarages.

·         Hot Air Baloon Flight Experience (Optional)

·         Meals as per itinerary (Lunches)

·         Domestic or International Air Fares

·         Personel Expensens

·         Which is not mentioned clearly above itinerary

Departures: Daily

Prices quoted are valid till 30th October 2023. Cost above is indicative, based on Low Season in USD Dollars and subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates.