Day 1 :
Day 2 :
Day 3 :
Day 4 :
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ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met and
transfered to your hotel. Overnight. (D)
ISTANBUL
Following
breakfast, we drive to the Old City where we will visit the Hippodrome,
The Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, The Blue Mosque, famous for its
delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia. This church - turned mosque
-turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of
its interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit the spectacular
Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge
complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden
Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many
centuries (1453-1852) and we will see the extravagant treasure, the
priceless Chinese porcelain. Following our return to the hotel for a quick
rest and a change, we will proceed to welcome the evening with dinner. (B,
L, D)
IZMIR (PERGAMON / THYATERIA)
We will take an early flight to Izmir and from
the airport drive north to the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the
impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C. , we will see the
Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was
surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The Asclepieum of
Pergamon was a famous health center where methods of treatment included
blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. On our way back to
Izmir, we will stop by Thyteria to see the remains of the church. This was
one of the principal towns where Christianity spread quickly. We journey
back to Izmir for the night. (B, L, D)
IZMİR (SARDİS / PHLADELPHIA) PAMUKKALE
We leave in the morning for Sardis which holds a prominent place in
mythology. Sardis felt the influence of the Seven Churches of Revelation
and highlights include the 3rd century A.D. Synagogue, Gymnasium, House of
Bronzes, Temple of Artemis, and, of course, the Church. Next on our
itinerary is Philadelphia which was an important Christian centre during
Byzantine times. We will see the Basilica and several interesting mosques.
Overnight at Pamukkale. (B, L, D)
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