Tour Overview
3 nights Istanbul, 1 night Bursa, 1 night Ayvalik, 2 nights Izmir, 2 nights Kusadasi, 1 night Pamukkale, 2 nights Cappadocia, 1 night Antakya** On Mondays, when St. Sophia is closed, we visit the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics. ** On Tuesdays, when Topkapi Palace is closed, this tour is not offered.
Tour Program
Day 1 : Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul. Meet and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon orientation tour in Istanbul, if time permits (according to the arrival time). Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 : Istanbul
St. Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, St. Irene and St. Chora Museum. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)
Day 3 : Istanbul - Bursa
Drive to Iznik (Nicea), the site of the First and Seventh Ecumenical Councils. Drive to Bursa, visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Overnight in Bursa. (B,L,D)
Continued...
Tour Highlights
- St. Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, St. Irene and St. Chora Museum
- Iznik (Nicea), Bursa Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum
- Canakkale Gallipoli, Troy, Alexandra Troas
- Pergamon, Asclepion, Acropolis, ancient Serapium, Red Court, Akhisar Thyatira
- Sardes, Philadelphia, Izmir St. Policarp Church
- Ephesus, Virgin Mary`s House, Basilica of St. John, Miletos
- Greek Island of Patmos, Cave of Revelation and St. John`s Monastery
- Aphrodisias, Laodicea and Hierapolis
- Pisidian Antioch, Konya the Mevlana Mosque and Mausoleum
- Goreme, Zelve Valley, Underground City
- Tarsus and Antakya
- Museum of Antioch, the Cave Church
Tour Inclusions
- 13 nights hotel accommodation at the above mentioned hotels
- Sightseeing as per the itinerary
- All escorted transfers
- Daily breakfast, 10 lunches, 8 dinners
- Transportation by A/C bus, or A/C van depending on the size of the group
- English speaking professional tour guide throughout the tour
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- All entry fees to the sites & museums
- Portage at hotels
- Tips to the hotel and restaurant staff
- Service charges & local taxes
Itinerary Outline
- Day 1: Istanbul
- Day 2: Istanbul
- Day 3: Istanbul - Bursa
- Day 4: Bursa - Troy - Ayvalik
- Day 5: Pergamon - Thyatira - Izmir
- Day 6: Sardis - Philadelphia - Izmir
- Day 7: Ephesus - Kusadasi
- Day 8: Kusadasi - Patmos (Greek Island) - Kusadasi
- Day 9: Aphrodisias - Laodicea - Pamukkale
- Day 10: Pisidian Antioch - Iconium - Cappadocia
- Day 11: Cappadocia
- Day 12: Cappadocia - Tarsus - Antioch
- Day 13: Antioch - Fly Istanbul
- Day 14: Istanbul
Excludes
- Flights
- Drinks and meals which are not listed at the itinerary
- All personal expenses
- Turkish Visa fee
- Tips to the tour guide and driver
