Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum & Ephesus ( 2 nights / 3 days )

Day 1: Troy
After departing from Istanbul in the morning, we drive to the Dardanelles Strait to the battlefields of Gallipoli, where in 1915 Allied troops faced the Turkish army. Huge numbers of casualties were suffered here, and we can pay our respects to those who gave their lives as we visit several of the Allied Cemeteries. After crossing the strait we break for lunch before continuing on to ancient Troy. Discovered by Heinric Schliemann in the 1870s, the site has since been excavated and now reveals remnants of nine civilizations dating back 5,000 years. We arrive at our hotel in the early evening and later enjoy dinner.

Included meals: Dinner

Ataturk's Message - ANZACH Memorial - Gallipoli

Trojan Horse - Troy Antique Site - Canakkale

Hotel Nazlihan - Assos

Acropolis - Pergamum

Celsius Library - Ephesus - Selcuk

Terrace Houses - Ephesus - Selcuk

Day 2: Pergamum
This morning we drive to Kusadasi, stopping for a visit at Pergamum. Much of Pergamum has been lovingly restored and is now considered one of the primary ancient sites in Turkey. Here we visit the magnificent Acropolis, which contains the ruins of Pergamum’s acclaimed library—so large it rivals the world's greatest library in Alexandria. The Acropolis also boasts a great theater seating 10,000, and the marble-columned Temple of Trojan. Below the theater lie the ruins of the Temple of Dionysus along with the Altar of Zeus.

Next we visit the Asclepieum, a sanctuary and healing center built in the name of Asclepius, the god of healing. After our visit to the Pergamum sites we break for lunch before continuing to Izmir. Upon arrival we take a panoramic tour of Izmir (Smyrna) and visit the ancient Agora. At the foot of the highest hill in Izmir is the restored Agora, the market of ancient Smyrna. In the early evening we arrive to the town of Kusadasi. Kusadasi is set in a superb gulf and is known for its sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina.

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3: Ephesus
This morning we depart for a full day of sightseeing. First we visit the Ephesus archaeological site which is perhaps the world’s best preserved ancient city and its ruins attract visitors from across the globe. The most significant relic of the site is the immense amphitheater. We walk along the Sacred Way, see the Temple of Hadrian, a Corinthian-style building with the head of Medusa on the porch, and the Library of Celsius. After this visit we drive to the local village of Sultanköy. Here we break for a grilled lunch and have the opportunity to learn about some local crafts, such as rug-weaving. We may also be able to see demonstrations performed by local craftsmen. Next, we continue to the town of Selcuk and visit the Ephesus Archeology Museum. Almost all of the exhibits are findings from Ephesus, the most spectacular being two life-size statutes of Artemis Ephesia, both dating from the middle Roman imperial era. At the end of our tour we transfer to the Izmir airport for the return flight to Istanbul.

Included meals: Breakfast

Price of the package includes:

1. Accommodation in hotels :
   1 night Assos: Nazlihan
   1 night Kusadasi: Kismet

2. Domestic flights within our program itinerary (Izmir-Istanbul)

3. Meals: 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners

4. Services of a professional tour guide (private)

5. Modern, A/C, comfortable minibus for land transportation with driver (private)

6. Admission fees to sights and museums

7. Parking, portage, ferry, toll road

8. Gratuity (except guide & driver)

Price of the package excludes:

1. Airfare of international flights and related taxes

2. Bottled beverages or alcohol

3. Optional gratuities to the guide and driver

4. Travel insurance

5. Visas, laundry, and personal items