4 Days/3 Nights: The Aegean Way

General information

Destination	Category
Istanbul, Turkey	Attractions/Entertainment

Program details

The first day features a visit of Troy, and you will spend the night at Çanakkale city, which is located along the Dardanelles. Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea, seeing some lovely summer houses on the sea side, with vast sun flower fields on the land side.

DAY 1: ISTANBUL > TROY > ÇANAKKALE

The first day features a visit of Troy, and you will spend the night at Çanakkale city, which is located along the Dardanelles. Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea, seeing some lovely summer houses on the sea side, with vast sun flower fields on the land side.


As you cross the Dardanelles by ferry, and drive the last 25 minutes to the site of Troy; you will become a part of Homer’s legends; seeing the symbolic Trojan horse, the city walls, The Athena Temple and the Odeon. After the visit, you will relax in Çanakkale, a pleasant small town with exceptional fish restaurants.



DAY 2: TROY > PERGAMUM > IZMIR

On the second day, you will follow the route taken by those who have escaped the fall of Troy, to the city of Pergamum. You will visit the Acropolis and the Asklepion, which indeed has been an inspiration, as well as a prototype for the modern healthcare center of our day.


After the Pergamum visit, you will be driven to Izmir (this trip takes about an hour). You will have a tour of interesting sights that this unique city offers. Our recommendation is the panoramic view of the city from the Kadifekale (The Velvet Castle); and a large glass of “Efes” Beer, which is best enjoyed at a sea side café on the “Kordon”, at sunset. Izmir too, is famous for its exceptional fish restaurants.



DAY 3: IZMIR > EPHESUS > PAMUKKALE

Feel free to spoil yourself with a little extra sleep this morning (as long as you don’t overdo it!); as this morning’s drive will a relatively short one. You will visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Your tour will include the Odeon, the Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, the Celcius Library and the Great Theatre.


You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant, before paying a pilgrimage visit to the House of Virgin Mary. This Christian and Muslim shrine is located in the vicinity of Ephesus; and it is believed by many that Virgin Mary, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there.


After the tour of Ephesus, you will be driven to Pamukkale town for dinner and overnight (the thermal bath always at your disposal).


DAY 4: PAMUKKALE > IZMIR • ISTANBUL

“White” will be the dominating color of the fourth day of your journey; as you will visit the famous “cotton castle” and witness the amazing level of mastery the skilled sculptors of Aphrodisias have demonstrated while creating marble statues.


Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site that is created by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.


The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is nearly 9 thousand feet long and more than 500 feet wide. This amazing sight can be seen even from miles away on a clear day.


You will visit the Cotton Castle itself (Feel free to dip your feet in the small lakes along the way!), the ancient Hierapolis, the Necropolis, the Roman Baths and the Theatre.

After an optional lunch, you will drive to another land of dreams; this time to Aphrodisias.

The ancient city of Aphrodisias was an autonomous city during the time of Roman Empire. The city was especially well – known with the temple dedicated to its protecting Goddess Aphrodite and its sculptors.


Its level of welfare, during the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, had brought the city to a unique position in architecture and the art of sculpting. Aphrodisias is an ancient city that has traces of civilizations from ancient to middle age.


Your tour of the ancient city will include the Theater, the Basilica, the Roman Baths; and the biggest stadium of the ancient time. Aphrodisias museum with its magnificent marble statues will be visited as well.

Your car will then take you back to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. The tour will end with a private transfer to your hotel.




Meeting/pick-up point: At the hotel.

Duration: 4 days and 3 nights.

Start/opening time: At 6am.

End/closing time: 9pm, depending on the flight.

Languages: English.

Includes: Transportation by air conditioned vehicles, airport transfers, half board accommodations in a 4 star hotel and Domestic flight tickets.
Others: Rates are per person with double occupancy. Upgrades are available upon request for an additional fee.


Location
Starting point:
Hotel pickup

Guiding options
Guiding type: Guide