Day 1: ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA
Early morning flight from Istanbul to Ankara, the Capital of modern Turkey.
Visit the world-famous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations filled with priceless
collections of the prehistoric era and Hittite treasure. Then drive to the impressive
mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. After lunch in Ankara
drive the moon-like landscape of Cappadocia. Dinner & overnight.
Day 2: CAPPADOCIA
Full day Tour of Cappadocia visiting the natural citadel of Uchisar, the Goreme
Valley, an open air Museum with its beautiful cave-churches hewn out of rocks
& its colorful frescoes. Then visit the monastic valley of Zelve, &
the caves of the ancient village of Avanos. After lunch en route drive to Kaymakli,
a veritable underground city carved from the soft volcanic rock by early Christians.
Dinner & overnight.
Day 3: KONYA – PAMUKKALE
Early morning drive to Konya following the ancient Silk Road. After lunch in
this holy city visit the shrine of Mevlana, ST. Paul & St. Barnabas visited
here. After lunch continue to Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) an apt. description
of the natural phenomenon of fantastic white limestone terraces. At sunset visit
the ruins of the necropolis and the great baths of Hierapolis. Dinner &
overnight.
Day 4: APHRODISIAS – KUSADASI
Morning departure. Visit the beautifully excavated Aphrodisias, the city of
Aphrodite, with its near-perfect stadium, theater, Odeon & Temple. After
lunch continue to Kusadasi for dinner & overnight.
Day 5: EPHESUS
Depart for Ephesus, one of the world’s finest archeological sites. Visit the
Arcadian way, the splendid façade of the Library of Celsus & see the Amphitheater,
which is still used for concerts. After lunch visit the House of the Virgin
Maryspectacularly situated above the ruins and the Basilica of St. John. Dinner
& overnight.
Day 6: EPHESUS – TROY
Drive north through the rich olive orchards along the Aegean coast to Bergama,
the ancient Pergamum, the impressive site of an ancient kingdom. Visit the Acropolis,
the Temple of Athena & the famous Library, before viewing the ruins of Asklepeion.
After lunch continue to Homer’s Troy. Visit the ruins of nine cities built on
top each other, & an enormous reconstruction of the famous Wooden Horse.
Dinner & overnight in Canakkale.
Day 7: CANAKKALE – GALLIPOLI – ISTANBUL
Morning drive to Gallipoli crossing the strategic Dardanelle straits. Visit
Anzac Cove and the Lone Pine Cemetery, scene of fierce fighting in World War
I. Lunch en route, return to Instanbul.
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES: Every Sunday – Year around.
PRICES per person in US $:
First Class Hotels used throughout.
The Tour Includes:
