Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus – these are world famous ancient cities that are part of the cultural heritage of our European history. On this 8-day journey you will experience the highlights of antiquity along the Mediterranean coast. Let yourself be enchanted by well-known archaeological sites, the beautiful beaches on the turquoise blue sea of the Aegean and the wonderful, Mediterranean landscape. Numerous olive trees that grow on the hills in the hinterland, create an attractive natural backdrop. Do you want to discover new things and immerse yourself in the past? Then join us on our round trip along the west coast of Turkey. In a small group you will get an impression of West Anatolia and get to know the most diverse region of Turkey.
HIGHLIGHTS:
UNESCO World Heritage Site in Istanbul, Troja, Pergamon & Bursa
large buildings of antiquity, such as the Celsus Library in Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Relax on the fine sandy beach of western Turkey
Course:
1st day: Hosgeldiniz!
By charter flight you land at Istanbul airport. Your tour guide will be waiting for you and will take you to your hotel. During a first dinner together, you will get to know your fellow travelers and your tour guide and can get together for an eventful journey. 2 nights in Istanbul. ( D )
Day 2: Discover Istanbul on foot
Together with your tour guide, immerse yourself in the splendor of the Bosporus metropolis in the historic center of Istanbul (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Feel the atmosphere of earlier races in the Hippodrome, the city’s ancient racecourse. With its six minarets, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (“Blue Mosque”) is a unique building of Ottoman architecture. Experience the reverent calm of the large, bright prayer room. Then you will be greeted by the Hagia Sophia, once the largest church of Christianity, then mosque and now a museum of fine mosaic art. In the afternoon you will experience the fairytale world of the Orient in the legendary Topkapi Palace with its legendary treasury. Visit the magnificently decorated Rustem Pasa Mosque and stroll through the spice bazaar. In the evening, you can take an optional lights cruise and admire the beautifully lit sights of Old City, New Town and the Asian side of Istanbul as well as the night city view from the Camlica hill. (bookable on site, 2 hours) ( B)
Day 3: From Istanbul to Bursa and further to the sea
After breakfast, cross the Bosphorus via the impressive suspension bridge and take a last look at the legendary Istanbul. They take the ferry across the Marmara Sea and arrive at Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) you will visit the Grand Mosque and the Green Mosque, impressive works of early Ottoman architecture. The ubiquitous filigree art of calligraphy and colorful tiles accompanies you from mosque to mosque. Then stroll through the famous Silk Bazaar before continuing to Bandirma by the sea. There, the day ends comfortably with a view over the turquoise blue water to the end. 1 night in Bandirma. ( B/D )
Day 4: Troy and Ayvalik
The path takes you along the south coast of the Marmara Sea. On your journey you can enjoy beautiful views of the water and the hilly landscape. You reach Troy – a city surrounded by epics, movies and legends. Discover historic Troy (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the Hill of Hisarlik and find out what’s behind the myth. Assos, also known as “The Pearl of the Gulf of Edremit”, was a well-known trade center in antiquity and still captivates today with its Athena temple and wonderful views across the sea to Lesbos. On the way to Ayvalik you stop at an olive oil museum where you can taste the “green gold” and more about the traditional cultivation of fruit trees. 2 nights in Ayvalik. ( B/D )
5th day: Pergamon
In the morning we reach the castle hill of Pergamon (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a long extinct volcanic cone that was already inhabited in the Bronze Age. The wide walls and lush marble remains give you an idea of the splendor of bygone days. Marvel at the foundation of the Zeus Altar and walk in the ruin of the ancient library. You explore the preserved remains of the Acropolis, the Temple of Trajan and the theater with a gigantic view over the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to relax by the sea or to go for a stroll on your own in the beautiful city of Ayvalik. ( B )
Day 6: Over Izmir to Kusadasi
Along the coast you drive to Kusadasi today. On the way you will visit the modern and western city of Izmir, which is one of the most important port and trade centers in Turkey. Take your time and stroll along the beautiful waterfront, which has several restaurants and cafes. Afterwards, another highlight of the journey awaits you, the ancient city of Sardis, home of the Lycian King Kroisos. Kroisos is known today mainly for its wealth, so it is still today proverbially “rich as Croesus”. In Sardis you see u.a. the ruins of the Artemis Temple and a shopping street and the Bintepe, the old cemetery with numerous impressive burial mounds. In the evening you reach your destination Kusadasi. Enjoy the balmy evening air on a short city walk.2 nights in Kusadasi. ( B )
Day 7: Ephesus and wine tasting in Sirince
Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site) was one of the largest trading cities in Asia Minor and is today one of the most important archaeological sites of the Greco-Roman era. Magnificent buildings such as the Hadrian Temple are among the best preserved excavations in the Mediterranean. You will visit the Marble Roads, the Temple, the Celsus Library, the Theater and Agora and see the ruins of the Artemis Temple, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. In the afternoon, visit the small village of Sirince. After a walk through the village with its enchanting architecture, a culinary highlight awaits you: You will taste regional wines and learn interesting facts about wine-growing. A tasty end to your journey is the farewell dinner in Kusadasi! ( B/D )
Day 8: Güle güle!
An eventful week comes to an end and it is time to say goodbye to Western Turkey. After breakfast transfer to the airport and flight back home.
( B )
Hints
B = Breakfast, D = Dinner
Program changes are reserved
Services:
small group with max. 12 guests
guaranteed execution from 4 guests
Transfers and transports in air-conditioned vehicles
7 nights as described in a double room with shower / WC
Meals according to program
Program as described including entrances
permanent, local, tour guide