Elite Aegean Dream
ephesus-ruins Visits : Istanbul - Assos - Izmir - Ephesus - Patmos - Rhodes - Heraklion - santorini - Piraeus - Athens
Departure Day : Wednesday
Start City : Istanbul
End City : Athens

Category Departure Date(s) Land Only
Per Person in Double		 Single Supplement Additional Bed
Cabins F,D,DA Apr.07.10 1.939 856 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Apr.21.10 1.939 856 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Apr.28.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA May.05.10
May.12.10
May.19.10		 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Jun.02.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Jun.16.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Jun.30.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Jul.21.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Aug.11.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Aug.25.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Sep.08.10
Sep.15.10
Sep.22.10
Sep.29.10		 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Oct.06.10 1.999 886 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Oct.20.10 1.939 856 N/A
Cabins F,D,DA Oct.20.10 1.939 856 N/A

DAY 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in the legendary city of Istanbul, you are met by your representative with a friendly "Merhaba" (hello) and escorted to your hotel. This evening, you will be briefed by your guide at the hotel then you will enjoy a group dinner.
DAY 2 - Istanbul
A full day tour to explore Istanbul, a fascinating city that bridges Europe and Asia which, under the name Byzantium and Constantinople was the capital of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and in 1453, became the third and last Capital of the Ottomans. Visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets. Built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I, it is the beautiful 21,043 Iznik tiles dominant shade of blue that give the mosque its name. Next discover the Hippodrome where political, cultural, and sports activities took place during Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times. Explore Topkapi Palace, the oppulent residence of the Ottoman sultans overlooking the Bosphorus between the end of the 15th and the first half of the 19th centuries. You will discover why it is renowned for its treasures and jeweled captivity of its infamous Harem. End the day at Grand Bazaar.
DAY 3 - Istanbul
Visit magnificent Haghia Sophia, originally the largest church in the Christian world, it was converted into a mosque in 1453 by Mehmet II and under Ataturk, it became a museum and is a living testament to the beauty of Christianity and Islam that adorn the interior. visit the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar). Afterwards, discovery of Istanbul's natural beauty and rich historic heritage with a cruise on the Bosporus. Glide past the minarets and palaces, stone fortresses and wooden Ottoman mansions of the only city in the world that bridges Europe and Asia. Lunch at a fish restaurant on the shores of Bosphorus. In the afternoon, visit St Savior in Chora whose mosaics and frescoes are among the most beautiful in the Byzantine World.
DAY 4 - Istanbul - Assos
Departure for Gallipolli Peninsula where the Dardanelles Battle took place in WWI. Visit the landing point of ANZAC forces. Cross the Strait of the Dardanelles by ferry to Canakkale located on the Asian side. Continue to explore the legendary city of Troy whose history covers a period of about 3,400 years with nine layers of settlements (Troy I to IX). King Priam's glorious city, which was immortalized in Homer's epic poem, the Iliad brought to life the stories of Helen, Menelas, Paris, Agamemnon, Achilles and Hector. A reconstruction of the infamous Trojan Wooden Horse stands at the entrance of the site. After lunch, continue to Assos. Hotel is located in the ancient harbor.
DAY 5 - Assos - Izmir
In the morning, visit the ancient site of Assos where the Temple of Athena overlooks the sea from the highest spot of the acropolis. Continue to Pergamum. the capital of the Attalid dynasty. Visit this ancient city where parchment was invented. Highlights include the Acropolis with the ruins of the agoras, temples, palaces, the library which contained 200,000 volumes, the podium on which stood the Zeus Altar which was sent to Berlin, and the impressive theatre built into the steep hillside which provides a wonderful panorama of the surroundings. In the lower part of the ancient city, visit the Asclepion, a sanctuary and a healing center dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius. Continue to Izmir. Dinner at your hotel.
DAY 6 - Izmir - Ephesus - Izmir
visit the imposing city of Ephesus, one of the most fascinatingly complete cities of antiquity in the entire world. Travel back in time as you stroll down the Marble Street, past the Roman villas, the Agora, the Odeon, the Nympheaum of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, the Theatre and the remains of the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary which has been designated by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage and which is located in a remote setting in the heights of Ephesus. Lunch at Sirince, a Greco-Ottoman village which 19th century wooden houses marvelously preserved. Return to Izmir.
DAY 7 - Izmir - Patmos
Transfer to Kusadasi to embark on the 4 day cruise. Shopping possibilities on the way. Continue to the island of Patmos, site of the Monastery of St. John. Sail in the evening.
DAY 8 - Rhodes
Full day on the Island of Rhodes.
DAY 9 - Heraklion - Santorini
Morning arrival to Heraklion, Crete. Afternoon sailing to Santorini. The village is perched on the rim of an ancient volcano. Sail in the evening.
DAY 10 - Piraeus
Morning arrival to Piraeus. Transfer to the hotel in Athens.
DAY 11 - Athens
Half-day morning city tour includes highlights of Athens and extended visit.
DAY 12 Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
General Features

Usually preferred by the second time visitor to Turkey, this tour takes you deep into the Eastern part of Turkey. Definitely for the traveler who enjoys taking the road less traveled and the charms of rustic accommodations.

This 12 nights tour enables travelers to discover Western Anatolia and Istanbul in comfortable tourist class hotels at a very competitive price.

Possibility of extending the tour in Istanbul or Cappadocia.
Special Features
  • Accomodation in shared twin rooms in stated or similar hotels
  • All meals mentioned in the program. Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D).
  • Transportation in private air-conditioned vehicles throughout as stated in the Tours general features
  • Escort by a professional guide-lecturer throughout
  • Entrance fees to the museums stated in itinerary
  • Entrance fees to the museums stated in itinerary

Not Included

  • Visits and services not mentioned in program.
  • Domestic flights.
  • Insurance
  • Personal expenses and all beverages
  • Gratuities to the guide and driver