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God & man, nature & art all
together created a place in earth that worth seeing. The capital of all
empires. The guide will meet you at the airport, arrive at
hotel, Welcome to Istanbul, get acquaintance to this big big city,
check-in and just relax. Welcome cocktail & brief information about
Turkish culture and some dos & don’ts for entire tour will be your
first activities. Dinner will be served at the hotel. Rest of the night is
your perfunctory exploration around the hotel located in the heart of
city.
[D] | |
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DAY 2 - ISTANBUL
TO CANAKKALE
(DARDANELLES) | |
| Get your breakfast strong since the most important landmarks
await our exploration. Today's first visit the Blue Mosque which is famous
for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll proceed
for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of
Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next is Hagia Sophia, one
of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now Fatih
Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring the majestic serenity and the fine
Byzantine mosaics of the building in here. Time to proceed Canakkale and
overnight in here. [B] [L] [D] |
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Canakkale | |
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DAY 3 - CANAKKALE TO
IZMIR
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Today's first visit is the ruins of Troy
dated back to 3rd century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek
& Trojan people for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the
story of Wooden Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll reach
Pergamum (2:12-17) one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, first an
ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was the center
of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers, scientists and
artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains of celebrated library,
an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator capacity theater, marble
columned temples of Trajan and the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of
Athena, library of Pergamum once catered 200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard
to guess the first parchment paper was invented here) the sanctuary of
Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne caused
the Christian church criticized by St. John and great medical treatment
center Asclepion where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After all
we'll reach Izmir. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
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This morning our tour will start from Bayrakli, Smyrna,
(2:8-11) which was originally established in the 3rd millenium BC. then we’ll
proceed for Ephesus, one of the greatest archaeological sites as well as Seven
Churches in the Book of Revelation. Ephesus where St. Paul Preached is an
ancient city that you’ll never get bored to discover with its marble paved
streets. The Third Ecumenical Council was held in Ephesus. The east Gymnasium,
the state Agora, the remain of the Temple of Isis (Goddess of Egypt), the
Heracletes Gate, Curates Street named for the college of priests located here,
Scholastic Baths, well preserved two storey Celcus Library, Marble Road, great
theater that is still hosting the concerts and festivals, Arcadian way, (Harbor
Street) once lined up with shops towards the harbor and the Basilica of St. John
are the main places for our informative tour in Ephesus. Time to visit Ephesus
museum with its treasure. Later we’ll wind up Virgin Mary’s House that was
visited by Popes and is considered as a pilgrimage site for Catholics as well.
You’ll get the chance to drink holy water from the sacred spring there. Just
before passing Kusadasi, we'll pop-in art school supported by the Ministry of
Culture displaying the traditional Turkish carpet weaving art, here you'll be
informed by the demonstrations during the lecture.. We'll turn back to Izmir
after lecture o/n in Izmir. |
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DAY 5 - SARDIS (3:1-6) TO PAMUKKALE
en route PHILADELPHIA (3:7-13)
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In the morning we’ll depart for Sardis,
capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, lying on the Sart Cayi (Pactole River).
Here you’ll face the inventions of mankind. The first coins were minted in
Sardis, did you know that?We’ll enter from the marble way passing by the old
Byzantine shops. Another must to see is old Synagogue(3rdA.D.)with its dazzling
decoration and style. Next to that there is a gymnasium restored for the
visitors. Further down The Temple of Artemis meets you with a few columns
however it’s still impressive, next you’ll see the Altar that was restored by
Alexander the Great and Romans.Odun köfte (wood-flame grilled meat balls) is a
special dish in Salihli. Join us to have this delicious lunch. After lunch we’ll
proceed for Philadelphia (3:7-13)
(not only in Pennsylvania State but also in Turkey) We’ll walk thru the
streets of Philadelphia in Alasehir, then we’ll arrive at Pamukkale, a magical
and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, that was declared as a world
heritage site by UNESCO. Here is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified
castles. Thermal spring waters with calcareous salts running off the plateau's
edge have created thisfantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins.
The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
You’ll certainly need this in order recharge your body as ancient people
did[B][L][D] |
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DAY 6 - LAODICEA (3:14-22) TO
ANTALYA
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In the morning we’ll start with Hierapolis with
its best preserved baths. From East to the West there was a street having shops
that lined up as every ancient city. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century AD),
The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater 14.000 spectator
at a time and the carved figures on the interior door must be seen in
Hiearapolis as well as its museum. Next we’ll see the church was devoted to St.
Philip and the Domitian Arch. Necropolis where over 1200 cemeteries were
excavated is another important site of Hierapolis. The second stop is Laodicea
(Eskihisar) the lukewarm country. It was a commercial city situated in the trade
routes. The two theaters, the stadium and the other ruins await for your visit
here. The city was established 3rd century BC and the King of Syria Antiochus
the Second Theos gave the name of his wife to the city. Roman water arches are
still visible. Laodicea unfortunately displays very limited history however it’s
important to see as it’s in the Book of Revelation. Arrival in Antalya. [B] [L] [D]
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DAY 7- ANTALYA AND IT'S ENVIRONS
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Our first visit we'll start with
the ancient city Side dated back 7th century B.C. We'll enter here passing
by the city walls. Columned street, the basilica, the museum and the 15000
spectator capacity stunning theater and the temple of Dionysus await us.
When we'll reach the harbor we'll see temples of Athena & Apollo. After Side we'll stop over
Aspendos that is the best preserved amphi-theater in Turkey. Now it is
still being used for the festivals and concerts with its 30000 spectator
capacity. The basilica on the Acropolis and the best preserved Roman
aqueduct are still glamour. Time to move towards to Perge which is another
important ancient city dated back 12-13th century B.C. This Pamphilian
city is considered as the greatest and the most glorius. The 15000
spectator capacity theater is still under construction then we'll visit
well preserved and the impressive stadium. The Roman baths, the church,
agora, the street having shops and the acropol are places for our
visit. [B] [L]
[D]
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DAY 8 - END OF OUR
SERVICE
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After breakfast, depart for your hometown to say home
sweet home. Transfer to Antalya Airport via special bus service. Time to have
your present in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to host you
in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Thanks for choosing the
right agency and have a safe journey home. [B]
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Guide
