DAY
1-ISTANBUL
God & man, nature & art all together created a place in earth
that worth seeing. The capital of all empires. Magnificent Travel staff
will meet you at the airport, arrive at hotel, Welcome to Istanbul,
get acquaintance to this big big city, check-in and just relax. Welcome
cocktail & brief information about Turkish culture and some dos & don’ts
for entire tour will be your first activities. Dinner will be served
at the hotel. Rest of the night is your perfunctory exploration around
the hotel located in the heart of city.
DAY 2 - ISTANBUL TO CANAKKALE (DARDANELLES)
Get your breakfast strong since the most important landmarks await
our exploration. Today's first visit the Blue Mosque which is famous
for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll
proceed for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and
the center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next
is Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by
Emperor Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring
the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building
in here. Time to proceed Canakkale and overnight in here. [B] [L]
[D]
DAY 3 - CANAKKALE TO IZMIR
Today's first visit is the ruins of Troy dated back to 3rd century
B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan people
for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of Wooden
Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll reach
Pergamum (2:12-17) one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, first
an ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was
the center of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers,
scientists and artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains
of celebrated library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator
capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and the Temple
of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum once catered
200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to guess the first parchment
paper was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one
of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne caused the Christian
church criticized by St. John and great medical treatment center
Asclepion where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After all
we'll reach Izmir. Dinner will be served at the hotel
DAY 4- IZMIR TO EPHESUS
This morning our tour will start from Bayrakli, Smyrna, (2:8-11) which
was originally established in the 3rd millenium BC. then we’ll
proceed for Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological sites as
well as Seven Churches in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus where St.
Paul Preached is an ancient city that you’ll never get bored
to discover with its marble paved streets. The Third Ecumenical Council
was held in Ephesus. The east Gymnasium, the state Agora, the remain
of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt), the Heracletes Gate, Curates
Street named for the college of priests located here, Scholastic
Baths, well preserved two storey Celcus Library, Marble Road, great
theater that is still hosting the concerts and festivals, Arcadian
way, (Harbor Street) once lined up with shops towards the harbor
and the Basilica of St. John are the main places for our informative
tour in Ephesus. Time to visit Ephesus museum with its treasure.
Later we’ll wind up Virgin Mary’s House that was visited
by Popes and is considered as a pilgrimage site for Catholics as
well. You’ll get the chance to drink holy water from the sacred
spring there. Just before passing Kusadasi, we'll pop-in art school
supported by the Ministry of Culture displaying the traditional Turkish
carpet weaving art, here you'll be informed by the demonstrations
during the lecture.. We'll turn back to Izmir after lecture o/n in
Izmir.
DAY 5 - SARDIS (3:1-6) TO PAMUKKALE en route PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)
In the morning we’ll depart for Sardis, capital of the Lydian
realm of Croesus, lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River). Here you’ll
face the inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in Sardis,
did you know that?We’ll enter from the marble way passing by
the old Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue(3rdA.D.)with
its dazzling decoration and style. Next to that there is a gymnasium
restored for the visitors. Further down The Temple of Artemis meets
you with a few columns however it’s still impressive, next you’ll
see the Altar that was restored by Alexander the Great and Romans.Odun
köfte (wood-flame grilled meat balls) is a special dish in Salihli.
Join us to have this delicious lunch. After lunch we’ll proceed
for Philadelphia (3:7-13) (not only in Pennsylvania State but also
in Turkey) We’ll walk thru the streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir,
then we’ll arrive at Pamukkale, a magical and spectacular natural
site, unique in the world, that was declared as a world heritage site
by UNESCO. Here is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles.
Thermal spring waters with calcareous salts running off the plateau's
edge have created thisfantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts
and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their
therapeutic powers. You’ll certainly need this in order recharge
your body as ancient people did[B][L][D]
DAY 6 - LAODICEA (3:14-22) TO ANTALYA
In the morning we’ll start with Hierapolis with its best preserved
baths. From East to the West there was a street having shops that
lined up as every ancient city. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century
AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater
14.000 spectator at a time and the carved figures on the interior
door must be seen in Hiearapolis as well as its museum. Next we’ll
see the church was devoted to St. Philip and the Domitian Arch. Necropolis
where over 1200 cemeteries were excavated is another important site
of Hierapolis. The second stop is Laodicea (Eskihisar) the lukewarm
country. It was a commercial city situated in the trade routes. The
two theaters, the stadium and the other ruins await for your visit
here. The city was established 3rd century BC and the King of Syria
Antiochus the Second Theos gave the name of his wife to the city.
Roman water arches are still visible. Laodicea unfortunately displays
very limited history however it’s important to see as it’s
in the Book of Revelation. Arrival in Antalya. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 7- ANTALYA AND IT'S ENVIRONS
Our first visit we'll start with the ancient city Side dated back
7th century B.C. We'll enter here passing by the city walls. Columned
street, the basilica, the museum and the 15000 spectator capacity
stunning theater and the temple of Dionysus await us. When we'll
reach the harbor we'll see temples of Athena & Apollo. After
Side we'll stop over Aspendos that is the best preserved amphi-theater
in Turkey. Now it is still being used for the festivals and concerts
with its 30000 spectator capacity. The basilica on the Acropolis
and the best preserved Roman aqueduct are still glamour. Time to
move towards to Perge which is another important ancient city dated
back 12-13th century B.C. This Pamphilian city is considered as the
greatest and the most glorius. The 15000 spectator capacity theater
is still under construction then we'll visit well preserved and the
impressive stadium. The Roman baths, the church, agora, the street
having shops and the acropol are places for our visit. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 8 - END OF OUR SERVICE
After breakfast, depart for your hometown to say home sweet home.
Transfer to Antalya Airport via special bus
service. Time to have
your present in order to make this trip memorial.
Check availability and rate !!!
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