Itinerary
May 12
AIRFARE FROM ATLANTA
May 13
ARRIVAL ISTANBUL Transfer from airport, free day. 2-nights in the hotel
May 14
ISTANBUL Full-day Istanbul Tour After breakfast at the hotel proceed for a full day tour which takes you through splendid attractions of Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine church of all times, mosque during Ottomans and museum today. Byzantine Hippodrome, the former center for sportive and political activities of Constantinople. Obelisk of Theodosius from Egypt, the Serpentine Column and the German Fountain. The Blue Mosque, a magnificent 17th century mosque famous with its six minarets and 25.000 pieces of Blue Ýznik tiles decorating the interior. Following a lunch break in the old town, you will visit Topkapý Palace, the former Imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today the 15th century Palace displaying the imperial treasury, 3rd richest Chinese and Japanese porcelain collection of the world and other collections scattered in 3 courtyards and vast gardens overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Süleymaniye Mosque, the mosque of Sultan Suleiman the 'Magnificent', built in the 16th century by Sinan, the famous architect of all times. Overnight at the hotel.
May 15
ISTANBUL / GALLIPOLI / TROY / ÇANAKKALE (4.5 hr drive) After breakfast, morning departure to Gallipoli. Lunch at local restaurant. Visit the First World War Memorial Monument, the Allied Cemeteries and the War Museum. Then we'll travel across the straits of the Dardanelles by ferry. Dinner and overnight at Çanakkale hotel.
May 16
ÇANAKKALE - IZMIR Troy Tour Early departure to visit the legendary city of Troy. Continue to Pergamum, once one of the small kingdoms in the Middle East. Visit the Acropolis where you will see the great amphitheater, the library which once held 200.000 volumes (that later Marcus Antonius gave to Cleopatra), the sanctuary of Athena, and the monumental altar of Zeus. After lunch at local restaurant, visit Asclepium, the world's oldest medical center, built in the name of the god of healing, Asclepius. Dinner and overnight in Izmir hotel.
May 17
IZMIR - PAMUKKALE Castle & Ruins Tour Early drive to Pamukkale, the 'Cotton Castle' to see the white travertines and underground hot water springs. After lunch at local restaurant, visit the ruins of Hierapolis and the museum. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale hotel.
May 18
PAMUKKALE / BURSA Ottoman Tour After breakfast drive to Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. After lunch in a special 'Kebab' Restaurant, visit the Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum, Grand Mosque and the Old Bazaar. Dinner and overnight at Bursa hotel.
May 19
BURSA / ISTANBUL Return to the city Early drive to Istanbul. Visit Ýznik (Biblical 'Nicea') on the way. After lunch drive to Istanbul by crossing the Gulf of Ýzmit by ferry. Overnight at Istanbul hotel.
May 20
ISTANBUL Departure Transfer from your hotel to the airport for your onward flight.
ALTERNATE OPTION: London Extension
May 20
Fly to London and have a panoramic tour to the city. Overnight in a London hotel with breakfast provided daily and a three day metro pass included.
May 21
Day on your own in London. Option to visit the British Museum and National History museum for free
May 22
Day on your own in London. Option to visit the Victoria Albert Museum, the Science Museum, the War Museum for free
May 23
Return to the US from London
