ESSENTIAL DESTINATIONS                        6 DAYS/ 5 NIGHTS

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

Day 2 ISTANBUL - Today we visit the 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 in 535. Then we tour the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi Palace, walk through its rooms full of art and view its priceless treasures. Finally we visit the dazzling Grand Bazaar which houses many artisans and is a shopper's paradise with over 4,000 shops selling handmade rugs, jewelry, souvenirs. (B,L)

Day 3 ISTANBUL - Enjoy a free day or as an addition, choose an Optional Day Tour from page 39: Princes Island, Bosphorous Cruise/Beylerbeyi Palace and Istanbul by Night. (B)

Day 4 ISTANBUL - EPHESUS - IZMIR - We transfer to the airport to fly to Izmir. We drive to Seljuk and visit Ephesus, the most important and best preserved antique city. Here we walk on marble paved roads and see the remnants: Celsus Library, Great Theater, Roman Baths, Agoras, fountains and temples including site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Temple of Artemis. Later we visit the House of Virgin Mary and Basilica St. John. Overnight in Izmir. (L)

Day 5 IZMIR - PERGAMUM - IZMIR - Today we go to Pergamum, an important city of antiquity. Parchment was invented here. Explore the remnants of the Acropolis famous for its library, one of the world's steepest theaters, Athena, Dionysos, Trajan Temples, figure of Nike, the ancient medical center Asklepion where Galen taught and Red Basilica. (B,L)

Day 6 Departure or Extension - After breakfast we transfer to the airport for the trip back home or if arrangements are made we go on another tour or a yacht cruise or a holiday resort. (B)