Day 9 :
Day 10 :
Day 11 :
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PAMUKKALE/LAODICIA/PHILADELPHIA/SARDIS/SMYRNA/IZMIR
 Depart Pamukkale and drive towards the modern town
of Denizli. Nearby are
located the ruins of Hierapolis, an important seat of early Christianity
and Laodicea, the capital of the region of Phrygia, named in
honour of Laodice,the wife of Antiochus II. It is now a heap of ruins
called by the Turks, Eskihisar " the old castle ". Travel on to Alasehir,
ancient city of Philadelphia, called the "city of brotherly love",
and one of the seven churches of Asia Minor and one of the last cities to
fall to the Turks. Visit Sardis, once the capital of
the Lydians and the home of King Croesus. Continue to Izmir which
was once recognised as one of the finest cities in Asia, and where one of the
seven churches of revelation is located. View the ruins of the Roman Agora and its
market place before checking into your hotel in Izmir for the evening.
IZMIR
Your destination this morning is the sleepy town of Selcuk, surrounded by
the ruins of one of the history's most illustrious cities, Ephesus. The
grandeur of Ephesus marble colonnades and avenues, arches, huge theatres,
libraries and rich private homes reflect the power and wealth Ephesus
enjoyed. This port city was the center of worship for Artemis and capital
of Roman Provinces in Asia. Only fragments remain of the famous temple
which is one of the wonders of the world. Visit the Isa Bey Mosque and the museum.
Then visit the well preserved church of Mary. Legend says that Mary came
here with John. View the basilica of St John and return to Izmir for
dinner.
IZMIR/THYATIRA/PERGAMON/CANAKKALE
 Depart
Canakkale, touring to see the scant ruins at Thyatira, once a wealthy
trading city and one of the seven churches, and one of the greatest cities
of antiquity. Few other sites in Turkey convey so well the timeless
beauty and grandeur of the Hellenistic Age. Climb to the majestic Acropolis
to see the library, where paged books were invented, and the dramatic
theater, cut steeply into the rock. Descend to see the courtyard, dedicated
to the Egyptian God, Osiris, and the Asclepion, the great sanctaury of
healing, with its 266 feet long sacred tunnel. After your tour continue to
Canakkale for the night. |
