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DAY 1: ISTANBUL
Arrive Istanbul, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Full day sightseeing of Istanbul: visit St. Sophia, the magnificent Byzantine Church, now a Museum. Continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the biggest mosques in Istanbul, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. Proceed to the Hippodrome, the former centre of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. Visit the Grand Bazaar which will tempt even non-shoppers with its collection of handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. After lunch, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was once ruled. Today, it is a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelains and the famous treasury of the Royal Family. (St. sophia is closed on Monday and will be replaced with a visit to Chora Museum)
Overnight: Istanbul (BL)
DAY 3: ISTANBUL
A short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar with mystical smells of different aromas of spices, and shops selling fruit, vegetables, flowers and fish. Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia as it winds its way from the Aegean (Sea of Marmara) to the Black Sea. See modern hotels, old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages. Return to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)
DAY 4: ISTANBUL - IZMIR
Transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight to Izmir. Arrive Izmir, transfer to hotel. Afternoon orientation tour of the city. We see the Agora, Mt. Pagus for a panoramic view of the bay of Izmir, and the Old Bazaar.
Overnight: Izmir (B)
DAY 5: IZMIR - EPHESUS - IZMIR
Drive to Ephesus, the great Greco Roman City of Asia Minor and an important centre of Christianity. Visit the Basilica of St. John and the Grand Theatre where St. Paul had an encounter with the jealous idol-makers. Visit the local museum and the famous statue of “Diana of the Ephesians”. We will also visit the Last Home of the Virgin Mary.
Overnight: Izmir (B)
DAY 6: IZMIR - PERGAMUM - IZMIR - ISTANBUL
We drive to Pergamum. The main ruins are the Acropolis and Asclepion. The Acropolis was the capital of the Pergamum Kingdom and later the capital of the Asian province of the Roman Empire. The oldest ruins date back to the 5th century BC. Famous ruins of Acropolis are the Altar of Zeus, Athena Temple, Trajan Temple, the theatre and the Library. Drive to Asclepion, which was the famous healing centre of the ancient world. Transfer to Izmir Airport at the end of the tour for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)
DAY 7: ISTANBUL
Departure transfer to Istanbul Airport. (B)
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