23 -Days - 22 Nights - Magic Coast
LineTours
Day 01 -Arrival Istanbul 14 Miles
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and
assisted to check in to your selected hotel. Free day at
leisure .Tonight, enjoy dinner at a local seafood
restaurant. (D)
Day 02 -Fullday Istanbul Tour 7
Miles
Full day city tour visits Hagia Sophia Church,
built in the 6th century AD, at one time the largest
Christian Church in the world; Topkapi Palace, the Imperial
Residence of Ottoman Sultans, with its priceless collections
of artifacts, jewelry and rare porcelain; the unique Blue
Mosque, with its six minarets and famous for its blue Iznik
tiles; Hippodrome Square where ancient chariot races were
held; and then enjoy a visit to the world famous Grand
Covered Bazaar, with over 4,000 tiny shops. (B,L) Optional
Turkish Night.
Day 03 - Bosphorus Tour 11 Miles
Visit the Spice Bazaar in the morning, then take a
leisurely boat tour along the European and Asian shores of
the Bosphorus. Lunch at a local seafood restaurant. Then
visit Rumeli fortress and Chora Church. Returning to the
hotel, Evening is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 04 -Istanbul – Troy – Assos
236.3 Miles
After breakfast ,driving to Canakkale lies on both
sides of the Dardanelles which connects the sea of Marmara
to the Aegean Sea. Its shores touch both Europe (with the
Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula) and
there are ferries here between the two sides. Cross the
Dardanelles Strait by ferryboat. Visit ancient Troy, which
Homer immortalized in his Illiad. Archeological digs in Troy
(Truva) have proved that there had been nine separate
periods of settlement, where you will see its legendary
walls and a replica of the wooden horse. Then drive to Assos
,visit the temple of Athena . It is founded on the site of
Assos where there is the famous Temple of Athena built in
the 6th-century BC. The panoramic view of the Gulf from the
top of the acropolis is breathtaking and the remains of
Assos, surrounding the acropolis are worth visiting. Dinner
and overnight in Assos.
Day 05-Pergamon- Izmir 150 Miles
Drive to Pergamon. Visit the Acropolis, Temple of
Athena, the famous library and royal palaces, the Temple of
Trajan, the 3rd century Theater of Pergamon (one of the
steepest theaters in the world), the Temple of Dionysos,
remains of the Altar of Zeus (Seat of Satan), and a view of
the Red Basilica (St. John's Church). Lunch included in
town. Visit the Archaelogical Museums and the ruins of
Asclepion, a medical center of the ancient world. Drive to
Izmir Overnight in Izmir.
Day 06-Izmir- Ephesus- Kusadasi 63.5
Miles
Leave for Ephesus, the veritable cradle of early
Christianity. Visit the Shrine of The Virgin Mary en route,
where it is said that she spent her later days. At Ephesus
see the spectacular ruins from the period of St. Paul, some
of which have only recently been excavated. See the Odeon,
Bouleterion, fountains, temples, brothel, library, the
Agoras, Great Theater, Roman baths, gymnasiums and the
stadium. After lunch visit the Archaelogical Museum, Isa Bey
Mosque, St.John's Basilica and his tomb and the Temple of
Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world.
Day 07-Visiting Samos (Greek Island)
18.3 Miles
Buffet breakfast in the Morning ,then transfer to
harbour at 07:50,after the passport control,only 1 and half
hourse sailling to Greece,Arrival to Samos at 10;30.Free
time in Samos,At evening at 17;00 Pm ferry to
Kusadasi.Transfer back to Hotel.Overnight in Kusadasi. You
may book an Optional Tour in Samos,visit the temple of
Hera,Water Tunnel,Ptygorio.
Day 08-Afrodisias & Pamukkale
(Cotton Castle) 240 Miles
Drive to Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite
(Venus), the goddess of love. The archaeologists named the
city Aphrodisias because they found so many statues of her
here. The New York University is leading and supporting the
excavations financially.We will see the Stadium which seated
35,000 people and is the most well-preserved in the world,
the Hadrian Baths, the Theater, the Agora and the
Archaeological Museum where many Aphrodite statues are on
display. Continue to Pamukkale--the Cotton Castle. See the
white travertine’s; there are underground hot water springs
in Pamukkale. This water contains many minerals including
calcium. The calcium deposits formed the white Pamukkale
hill over thousands of years. The city of Hierapolis in
Pamukkale was a spa center during the Roman period. There
are still tourists coming to Pamukkale for its hot spring
waters. Dinner at the hotel. Swimming is available at the
indoor or outdoor hot spring pool of the hotel. It is said
that this water is good for the eyes, for the stomach, and
has an aphrodisiac effect.Then drive to Kusadasi. Dinner and
overnight at the hotel in Kusadasi. (B.L.D.)
Day 09-Priene- Miletos- Didyma
108 Miles
Depart for Bodrum. Visit Priene, which is a well
preserved ancient Greek city. Then see Miletos which has a
beautiful Greco-roman theater where St. Paul gave a speech
to spread Christianity in the 1st century. Proceed to Didyma
to see the Temple of Apollo, famous for its oracle. Lunch at
a local fish restaurant in Didyma, then continue to Bodrum
for dinner and overnight at the deluxe Marmara Hotel
overlooking Bodrum Castle and the Marina. Bodrum is famous
for its night-life. Many shops, bars, cafes, and restaurants
are open until the small hours of the morning. After dinner,
we will have a short walk in the city. Overnight in Bodrum.
Day 10-Fullday Bodrum Tour 5 Miles
We start the day with a tasty breakfast at our
hotel. Our first visit is to the antique theater in Bodrum
overlooking Bodrum Marina. Then we visit the Mausoleum, the
tomb of King Mausoleus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World, and the famous Bodrum Castle, built by
the Crusaders in the 15th century. In Bodrum Castle, we will
first visit the Underwater Archaeology Museum which is one
of the largest in the world, then we will experience a wine
tasting at one of the tower rooms where Crusaders used to
drink six centuries ago. We will have a late lunch in a
typical small Turkish village, and observe their relaxed
lifestyle. We return to our deluxe hotel for dinner and
overnight. During dinner, there will be a small lottery, and
the winner (one of the tour participants) will receive a
real Turkish gold coin. The gold coin in Turkey is a perfect
gift for weddings and for other important events, and it is
the symbol of love and respect.
Day 11-Visit Kos (Greek Island) 15.5
Miles
In the morning ferry to Kos Island ,About 09;00 am.
Arrival to Kos at 10:00 am.As soon as you shall set your
eyes on Kos, the island of Hippocrates, after you have seen
its overall allurement, you will realize the reason why Kos
is considered to be one of the most popular resorts of the
Dodecanese Islands cluster and the Agean Sea. the first
thing that you will see when you arrive at the port, and the
Castle of the Knights, with the double surrounding walls and
the stank, at the entrance of the town, are truly
stunning.Free time in Kos,At evening return to Bodrum at
17;00 pm, You may book an optional tour in Kos
Day 12-Bodrum-Marmaris 95.4 Miles
In the morning drive to Marmaris,Free time at
leisure in Marmaris. Overnight in Marmaris.
Day 13-Visit Rhodes (Greek Island)
117.4 Miles
In the morning ferry to Rhodes Island ,About 09;00
am. Arrival to Rhodes at 10:30 am.As soon as Rhodes is often
called "The Pearl of the Mediterranean" and is known for its
natural beauty, historical, and archaeological
treasures.Rhodes was an important center in the 5th to 3rd
centuries BC as part of both the Roman and Byzantine
empires. The Knights of St. John conquered and occupied
Rhodes in 1306 and the medieval walled city is still a
famous landmark in Rhodes town. Rhodes was recently declared
a world cultural heritage monument by UNESCO. The fabulous
climate, night life, beaches, and wealth of tourist
offerings make it a great holiday destination year round.At
evening return to marmaris at 17;00 pm ,then drive to Dalyan
.Overnight in Dalyan, Optional tour in Rhodes.
Day 14 -Fullday Dalyan Tour –
Fethiye 42 Miles
This morning we get a boat we sail on the Dalyan
River ,seeing to Rock Cut Tombs King Tombs),Lunch on dalyan
river,After that sail to Iztuzu Beach,Free time swimming at
the beach. At evening turn back to Dalyan, Meet with our bus
at the dock, then drive to fethiye for overnight.
Day 15 -Fethiye – Xantos - Patara-
Kas 57.4 Miles
We have a long driving to Kas,On the way visit the
Xantos, This is the oldest and the largest city of the
mountain province of Lycia, Until the Persian invasion it
was an independent state. When the people of Xanthos,who had
bravely tried to defend their city, realized that they could
not repulse the invasion, they first killed their women
committed mass suicide by throwing themselves into the
flames. About 80 surviving families and people who
immigrated there rebuilt the city, After Xantos, visit
Patara , The painted ceramics found in the acropolis prove
that the city existed in the 5th century B.C. Patara opened
its doors to Alexander the Great, thereby earning the status
of an important harbour city, in addition to having been the
birth place of St. Nicholas. After we will arrive to Kas,
Today's Kas is a coastal city of the Lycians. "Phellos" is
the Greek word for "stony place" and this name is very well
suited to Kas. Its well preserved rock tombs and theater are
well worth seeing. Kas today is a small and charming coastal
resort.Overnight in Kas.
Day 16 -Sailling Lycian Coast –
Sunken City- Simena Castle Kas 14 Mile
It is lazy day today,we sail to Sunken City , This
is reached by sea from Ucagiz. The beauty of Simena lies in
its blending of history, sea and sun. Here, one is
fascinated by the remains of ancient civilizations lying
under the blue and translucent waters of the Mediterranean.
Kale's history dates back to the Lycian era. Roman and later
eras are piled on top of each other. The theatre carved out
of the rocks is one of the smallest of Lycia. The walls were
built in Roman times but it is thought that additions were
made in later eras.Free time for swimming ,Lunch one of the
un touch bay , after the that visit Kale city and Simena
Castle .Overnight in Kas.
Day 17 -Kas - Myra - Antalya 100
Miles
After the breakfas we drive to Myra , Situated
between Finike and Kas, It was one of the most important
cities among the other six Lycian cities. The rock tombs,
the theatre and St. Nicholas Church have survived to make it
a place worth visiting.St. Nicholas, born in 245 A.D. in
Patara near Fethiye (known variously as St.Nicholas, Father
Christmas, Santa Claus, Heilige Nikolaus and Pere Noel) died
in 326 A.D., having spent his life in Anatolia which is
birth place of Father Christams,visit his church,than
visiting to Myra ancient City,after the lunch we drive to
Antalya,on the way visit the Phaselis ancient city.Overnight
in Antalya.(B,L)
Day 18 -Freeday At Leisure in
Antalya
Freeday At Leisure in Antalya. Overnight in
Antalya.
Day 19 -Aspendos Theatre- Perge 51
Miles
Fullday seight seeing in Antalya,Visit the Antalya
archeological museum, then drive to Aspendos.After lunch
visit Aspendos, is renowned throughout the world for its
magnificent ancient amphitheatre. The theater which was
built in the 2nd century A.D. was periodically repaired by
the Seljuks who used it as a caravansaray. The theater holds
7000 spectators, with an additional 500 in the orchestra.
Today it is used for concerts, festivals and grease
wrestling events. Perge, one of Pamphylia's foremost
cities.Skylax, who lived in the fourth century B.C. and was
the earliest of the ancient writers to mention Perge, states
that the city was in Pamphylia. In the New Testament book,
Acts of the Apostles, the sentence "...when Paul and his
company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perge in Pamphylia"
suggests that Perge could be reached from the sea in ancient
times. Just as the Kestros provides convenient communication
today,At evening drive back to Antalya.Overnight in Antalya.
Day 20 -Antalya –Konya –Cappadocia
303 Miles
Early departure to Konya. Visit the Mevlana Museum,
and the 13th century Whirling Dervish Monastery. After
lunch, continue to Cappadocia where nature has scoured
surrealistic moonscape shapes into the rocks. It is here
that persecuted Christians dug underground cities and
churches during the 9th century. Dinner and overnight in
Cappadocia.
Day 21 -Cappadocia Tour 30 Miles
Full day sightseeing in the environs of Cappadocia,
including Goreme Open Air Museum, the pottery making town of
Avanos, the natural citadel of Uchisar and the underground
city of Kaymakli. Tonight you may chose to enjoy an optional
show at an outdoor cave restaurant with folk and belly
dancing, or a show including a Whirling Dervish*
performance.
Day 22 -Cappadocia-Ankara 185 Miles
Morning sightseeing in Cappadocia, before departing
for Ankara. After lunch, visit the Agzikarahan Caravanserai
from the Selcuk period. Visit the Ataturk Mausoleum and
Museum in Ankara. Evening at leisure. Optional Baloon Tours
in Cappadocia.
Day 23 -Transfer to Ankara airport
16 Miles
Transfer to Ankara Airport for your flight homeward
via Istanbul on board Turkish Airlines.
Price Including:
22 Nights accomodation in 4 star or S Class Hotels.
Land transportation by private air-conditioned modern
vehicles.
Professional, English-speaking tour director at your service
throughout the tour.
Meals indicated by code letters.
Ferry tickets
Daily Boat Trips
Transfer Services
Sightseeing as described in the itinerary, including
entrance fees
Price Not Including:
Personal expenses.
Some meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
Optional tours.
Drinks.
Domestic & International flights.
Customary tips to drivers and guides, which are made at the
travelers discretion.
For information and contact e-mail.info@turkeyephesustour.com
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