Day 1 ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL - We welcome you at the airport, transfer you to your hotel and give an orientation.

Day 2 ISTANBUL - Today we visit Blue Mosque built in 1616 with Iznik tiles and stained glass. Adjacent is the site of the Hippodrome with the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II. Next we admire Saint Sophia, built during the reign of emperor Justinian in 535. Afterwards we tour the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi Palace, walk through its rooms full of exquisite art and view its priceless treasures, and we visit the dazzling Grand Bazaar which houses many artisans and is a shopper's paradise with over 4,000 shops. Tonight we will have our dinner at an outdoor seafood restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L,D)

Day 3 ISTANBUL - First we go to the Spice Bazaar. Besides stimulating the five senses, merchants offer a variety of natural remedies. Later we take a leisurely boat tour on the Bosphorus that divides Europe and Asia. In the afternoon we visit Beylerbeyi Palace and St. Chora with its 14th century mosaics and frescoes depicting biblical scenes from Adam to Christ. (B,L)

Day 4 ISTANBUL - CANAKKALE - TROY - ASSOS - Today we drive to Canakkale, visit the ANZAC Cove and Cemetery of Gallipoli, the infamous battlegrounds of World War I. After crossing the Dardanelles by ferry we visit Troy, site of the Trojan Wars. Overnight in Assos. (B,D)

Day 5 ASSOS - PERGAMUM - IZMIR - This morning we go to Pergamum ruins and see the Asklepion, ancient healing center where Galen taught, learn ancient healing techniques. In the afternoon we visit the Acropolis, one of the world's steepest theaters, Athena, Dionysos, Trajan Temples, figure of Nike, Altar of Zeus and the Bergama Museum. The Museum Director joins us to give us a special tour. Return to Izmir for dinner and chat with doctors from the Aegean University Hospital. (B,L,D)

Day 6 EPHESUS - BODRUM - We start the day by going to the House of Virgin Mary and then Ephesus, the most famous ancient Roman city. Explore the remnants of Odeon, Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Marble Street, Great Theater, Harbor Road and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Temple of Artemis. Later we visit the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus. The Museum Manager joins us during our tour and shows us new findings which are not yet open to the public. We end the day at Bodrum. (B,L,D)

Day 7 BODRUM - We visit the Antique Theater. Then visit the site of Mausoleum, the tomb of King Mausolus, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Next we explore the famous Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century. Inside the castle we discover an impressive Underwater Archaeology Museum. Later we enjoy wine tasting at one of the towers where Crusaders drank six centuries ago. After a late lunch in a typical small Turkish village, we observe and adapt to the laid back lifestyle. (B,L,D)

Day 8 BODRUM - KOS - BODRUM - In the morning we take the ferry to the Island of Kos (Greece) and visit the Asklepion, Hippocrates' Plane Tree (one of the oldest trees in the world), Medireview City, Castello and museum. Ferry back to Bodrum. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 Departure or Extension - After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the trip back home or if arrangements are made we go on to another tour or a yacht cruise or a holiday resort. (B)