Legends of Turkey & Greece

DAY 01 ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey! Arrival in Istanbul and meeting at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02 ISTANBUL FULL DAY
Visits: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar. Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next we visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Overnight in Istanbul. - Evening -
OPTIONAL TOUR: BOSPHORUS DINNER & CRUISE
Cruise the Bosphorus and experience Istanbul by night on this evening tour that includes incredible panorama while sightseeing from your boat, a delicious Turkish meal, and an evening show filled with cultural highlights. Turkish music, belly dancing, folk dancing along with a DJ performance will entertain you throughout this magical nighttime experience.

DAY 03 ISTANBUL FULL DAY
We start our tour with a panoramic drive along the old city walls dating back to the 5th century and renowned as one of the greatest examples of a fortification system ever build to defend a city. Next; a short drive to Chora Museum, a small church that was decorated with the most beautiful biblical mosaic panels and frescoes in the 14th century. After visiting the Chora we will be heading towards a 17th century mall called ‘the Egyptian Spice Bazaar’ which still functions as a spice and dried foods market with mystical smells and aromas, spreading around from hundreds of shops selling spices, fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, fish… Free time will be allocated for shopping in this bazaar. Lunch in a local restaurant. We end the day up with a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, through the waterway separating the two continents, Asia and Europe, with its picturesque views of marble palaces, 15th century castles and ancient wooden mansions of the Ottoman architecture. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 04 ISTANBUL - GALLIPOLI - ÇANAKKALE
After an early breakfast, we will begin our scenic drive down to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles during WW1. Then we will visit Anzac Cove, Ceremonial Ground for Dawn Service, Lone Pine and some shelters and tunnels before we cross the second strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, and land in Asia and proceed to our hotel in Canakkale for the night. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 05 ÇANAKKALE - TROY - PERGAMON - KUŞADASI
We drive to Troy, referred to in Homer’s “Iliad” and “Odyssey”, Troy has in fact nine cities superimposed one upon another. Troy Vl pertains to the famous Trojan War of Homer where the legendary heroes included Agamemnon, Achilles, Ulysses and Nestor on the Greek side; and, Priam, Hector and Paris on the Trojan side. Continuing on our journey we will stop by the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 3rd BC, we will see the Altar of Zeus, Temples of Dionysus and Trajan and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. Leaving Pergamon behind us we settle at our hotel. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 06 KUŞADASI - EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARRY - PAMUKKALE
Following an early breakfast we will proceed and arrive at the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. Impressive structures, we will see, include the Library of Celcius, Temple of Hadrian, Theater and Odeon. We will also stop by at the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the antiquity. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. On August 18, 1961, Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. Pope Benedict XVI paid a visit and led a Mass at the church in December 2006. You will have a chance to take some of Holy Water from the Sacred Spring. We will journey to Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

DAY 07 PAMUKKALE - HIERAPOLIS - APHRODISIAS - KUŞADASI
After breakfast c/out from the hotel & tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery “Necropolis”, the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre. On the way we include the tour of Aphrodisias. This city was famous throughout the ancient world for her temple of Aphrodite and enjoyed great prosperity during the Roman period. Some of the highlights will include the Stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, the Odeon and the Theater. Continue to Kuşadası. We will enjoy a fashion show on leather goods during the day. Overnight in Kuşadası.

DAY 08 KUSADASI - PATMOS - ON CRUISE
After the breakfast we will be transferring you to your cruise. Check in. In the afternoon, the ship will arrive in Patmos with the famous monastery of St. John and the Grotto of the Apocalypse.

DAY 09 RHODES - ON CRUISE
Arrival in Rhodes early in the morning. During our included “Medieval” tour, we will visit the Acropolis of Lindos and the citadel of the Knights (Rhodes’ old town).

DAY 10 HERAKLION - SANTORINI - ON CRUISE
Arrival in Heraklion early in the morning. Possibility of an optional excursion to the Minoan Palace of Knossos. In the afternoon we will arrive at the unique island of Santorini. During your included tour, you will visit the village of Profitis Ilias and the most popular village of Santorini, Oia, with its stunning views to the caldera and the volcano.

DAY 11 PIRAEUS - ATHENS
Arrival at Piraeus port early in the morning. Breakfast on board. Disembarkation and transfer to your hotel in Athens. Day at leisure to explore more of Athens on your own, or follow an optional excursion to Cape Sounion.

DAY 12 CITY TOUR - ATHENS
The day is dedicated to exploring the city of Athens. We begin with a panoramic tour to the most important monuments and landmarks of the city including the Panathinaikon stadium, the Zappeion, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, Syntagma square, the Parliament, the tomb of the unknown soldier, Schliemann's house, the Academy, the University, the National Library, and the old Parliament. Next we head for our guided visit to the Acropolis, including the Propylae, the temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, the Erechtheion. Later, we continue with a guided visit to the Acropolis museum voted one of the best museums in the world. Afternoon at leisure to explore Plaka, the picturesque old part of the city, and why not, some shopping at Ermou street.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
Transfer-In in Istanbul
3 nights accommodation in Istanbul
1 night accommodation in Canakkale
2 nights accommodation in Kusadasi
1 night accommodation in Pamukkale
3 nights accommodation in the cruise
2 nights accommodation in Athens
Meal according to the itinerary: 11 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 7 Dinners
Transfers airport - hotel - airport.
Luxury transportation during the trip.
Services of experienced local guides.
Tickets and visits according to the itinerary.
24 hour telephone assistance service.

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
No unspecified service.
Tips for guide and driver.
Personal expenses.
Optional excursions.

• Option #1