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History & Turqouise Pleasure Tour (11 Days)
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Pergamum, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale,
Marmaris, Gulet Boat Cruise, Fethiye
Departure Dates: Everyday
Note: All Turkey tour packages are modular and you can
use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries
to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect
holiday.
DAY 01 – Arrival to Istanbul
On your arrival, we will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your
hotel. After a short briefing about your tour you will have the afternoon
free to rest or explore Istanbul on your own. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 02 – Historical Istanbul Sightseeing Tour
After breakfast, you will be met at your hotel and drive to Hippodrome,
the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations,
and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the
Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm
II and the Colossus. Then proceed to Blue Mosque, facing St.Sophia, famous
with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets.
Continue with St.Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed
as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian. We will also visit to Istanbul’s
bustling Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing
more than 4,000 shops. After lunch proceed to Topkapi Palace, built in 1468
by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing
the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains,
weapons, calligraphy section, etc. (excluded entrance fee to Harem sections).
We will finish the day with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is
famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric
designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the mihrab,
minbar, walls, and columns. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 03 – Flight to Izmir / Pergamon Ancient City Tour
After breakfast, check-out and transfer to Istanbul Airport for an hour
flight to Izmir. On your arrival you will be met and proceed to Ancient
Pergamum, which is located on the plains and foothills along the Caicus
River in Western Turkey. It was considered a major city in Asia Minor since
the 3rd century BC, and became a Greek and Roman hub for worshipping Aesclepius,
the god of healing, and Serapis, the Egyptian god of the underworld. Here
we will visit the ruins of ancient Pergamum include the acropolis, the worship
complexes known as the Aesclepium and Serapeum, and the incredible 10,000-seat
amphitheatre built into the side of a steep hill. The marble Temple of Emperor
Trajan from the second century AD has also been excavated and restored.
The Trajan complex includes a huge library, the second largest after Alexandria,
Egypt in the ancient world. Driving on the road further south from Pergamum
brings us to Kusadasi where our hotel is located. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 04 – Ephesus Ancient City Tour
After breakfast at hotel, depart for a full day tour of Ephesus and Virgin
Mary's House. First, visit the ruins of the the Ancient City of Ephesus.
Ephesus dates to at least 1300 B.C. and was once the commercial center and
capital city of Roman Asia Minor, with a population that once numbered more
than 300,000. Here you will explore some of the best preserved theatres,
fountains and buildings in the world. In addition to other highlights, walk
the Marble Way from the theater to central Ephesus and view the two-story
facade of the Library of Celsus. Then, not to be forgotten is the House
of the Virgin Mary on top of Moutain. A pilgrimage site for many people
of all denominations. After lunch we will visit the Temple of Artemis in
Ephesus, which was one of the seven wonders in the antiquity. The largest
structure of the Hellenistic world and the first building made up of marble
fully. The last stop of the day will be at the Cave of Seven Sleepers. According
to the common belief , seven young Christians decided to leave the city
of Ephesus, instead of offering sacrifices to the local cult. They took
shelter in this cave near the city. It took more than 200 years before they
woke up from their first sleep in the cave and during this time Christianity
became more accepted and they were welcomed with a great enthusiasm. Overnight
in Kusadasi.
DAY 05 – Pamukkale, Hierapolis Tour / Travel on to Marmaris
After having breakfast at the hotel, check-ou and start journey inland to
Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder,
called the "Cotton Castle". This name is truly fitting, the brilliant
white calcified terraces do truly resemble a Castle made of Cotton. We also
spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of the largest and most diverse necropoli
in the world. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour you will be
transferred to Marmaris central bus station for the day bus to Marmaris
which will take a drive of three hours. On your arrival to Marmaris central
bus station you will be met and transferred to Gulet. When all members of
your group have arrived the skipper will welcome you with a cocktail and
answer any questions you may have about the trip. For your first night on
board we’ll stay in the harbour so that you may get acquainted at leisure
with lively Marmaris. Overnight onboard cruise.
DAY 06 – Gulet Cruise / Ekincik Bay, Dalyan
After breakfast we depart for Ekincik Bay, some distance to the south east
of Marmaris. If you choose the land tour, you will be met by a river boat
which will take the group to the site of ancient Caunos in the delta of
Dalyan river, and then upriver further to the sulphur mud baths supposedly
very cleansing for your skin. The extensive sandy beaches of Dalyan delta
are one of the last breeding places of the Mediterranean sea turtle. Overnight
onboard cruise.
DAY 07 – Gulet Cruise / Dalaman Beach, Bedri Rahmi Bay
Even before you wake up in the morning the yacht will leave Ekincik so as
to profit from the morning wind which usually blows off Dalaman beach. With
all sails set, you’ll be served an uncomplicated sandwich breakfast. For
lunch and a dive into crystal clear water we'll drop anchor in Manastir
Bay. Later in the afternoon we will sail on to Bedri Rahmi Bay, “creator”
of the blue voyages. We’ll anchor in this lovely place for the night. Overnight
onboard cruise.
DAY 08 – Gulet Cruise / Tersane Island, Gocek
On this day we’ll set sail for Tersane Island. Many centuries ago the people
of this region built their wooden ships here. You can still see ruins of
the ancient shipyard. Later in the day we’ll sail on to Gocek, our anchorage
for the night. Gocek is a small village but recently it has developed into
a yachting base with two marinas and many yachting facilities. Overnight
onboard cruise. DAY 09 : Gulet Cruise / Kargi Bay, Fethiye
After breakfast, we’ll leave Gocek for Kargi Bay, a quiet picturesque location
where we’ll spend ample time swimming, snorkelling and wind surfing. In
the afternoon we’ll go on to the town of Fethiye. You’ll surely spend some
time in town, sight-seeing, shopping or visiting disco club Letoonia. Overnight
onboard cruise.
DAY 10 – Flight to Istanbul
After last breakfast onboard, you will be transferred to Dalaman Airport
for the flight to Istanbul. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport we will
meet you for your transfer to your hotel with remainder of day at leisure.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11 – Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
Breakfast at hotel, check-out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport,
depending on your departure details.