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
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.
