STAGE 5 - Eastern Turkey
5 Day Kusadasi to Istanbul Tour Itinerary

Tour Departure Dates 31st May 2009 13th July 2009 17th August 2009 14th September 2009

Description
The path more troden allong the Aegena coast into the Marmara region of Turkey covering Ephesus in Kusadasi, the ancient city of Pergamon, The Trojan Horse of Troy, and the battlefields of Gallipoli before returning the Sultans kingdon of Istanbul.

Day 1 – Kusadasi
Welcome to Turkey!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport transfers are available from Izmir Airport, Kusadasi Harbour or Bus Station during the hours of 8am till 20:00pm. Transfers will be made to your Hotel

Day 2 - Ephesus & Kusadasi
At 0830 we depart for Ephesus (20 min drive) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 3 - Bergama –  Canakkale
Today we drive to Pergamum (45 minute drive) - see Asklepion, Zeus’s alter, the Red Bassilcia etc.  BERGAMA is the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman city of Pergamon, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local dynasty.  Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians, when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its towers. After Pargamum we continue towards the our hotel in Canakkale. Over Night in Canakkale.

Day 4 – Canakkale – Troy – Gallipoli - Istanbul
After breakfast we drive to Troy where you can explore the site of the legendary town, made famous by Homer in his Iliad and visit the Temple of Athena and have lunches in Eceabat. After Lunch visit the sites that have made Gallipoli a landmark and the memorial for all those that fell during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War 1.  Gallipoli also stands as the birth place for the foundation of Turkey as we know it today. The rise of Turkeys founder Ataturk as well as the friendships formed between several nations during the battle for the Dardanels. Over Night in Istanbul

Day 5 – Istanbul – End of Tour
Breakfast Included
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.

TOUR INCLUDING
3, 4 star and Butique Hotels in each area
1 Nights accommodation in Istanbul with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Night accommodation in Kusadasi with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Night accommodation in Canakkale with Breakfast and Dinner
Guided Tour to Kusadasi
Guided Tour to Ephesus
Guided Tour to Bergamon
Guided Tour to Troy
Guided Tour to Gallipoli
Guided Tour to Canakkale
Private Air-conditioned busses
Private Professional English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees mentioned in the Itinerary
Private Return airport transfers

Tour Excludes :
International Flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, Extras at hotel or meals
Tipping: Tips for guide and drivers
Insurance: All types

Tour Departure Dates
31st May 2009
13th July 2009
17th August 2009
14th September 2009

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