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

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 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. Then we discover the dazzling Grand Bazaar which houses many artisans and is a shopper's paradise with over 4,000 shops. Later we see Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque and Golden Horn. (B,L)

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

DAY 4 ISTANBUL - TROY - CANAKKALE - In the morning we visit the Spice Bazaar where the five senses are stimulated and merchants offer a variety of natural remedies. Next we go 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 as immortalized in Homer's Iliad. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,L,D)

DAY 5 CANAKKALE - PERGAMUM - IZMIR - We start out by going to Pergamum, an important city of antiquity where parchment was invented and one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Visit the remnants: the Acropolis famous for its library, one of the world's steepest theaters, Athena, Dionysos, Trajan Temples,figure of Nike and the Red Basilica. Later we visit the ancient medical center Asklepion where Galen taught. Overnight in Izmir. (B,L)

DAY 6 IZMIR - EPHESUS - PAMUKKALE - In the morning 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 sites: Celsus Library, Great Theater, Roman Baths, Agoras, fountains and temples including one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Artemis Temple. Later we visit the House of Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica and Archaeology Museum. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 PAMUKKALE - APHRODISIAS - KUSADASI - We go to "Cotton Castle" where we see tiers of white limestone cascading down the hillside. Near the waterfalls are the ruins of Hierapolis, a Roman city. Next we go to the city dedicated to Aphrodite (Venus), Aphrodisias. We explore its superbantiquities and end the day at Kusadasi. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 Departure or Extension - After breakfast we transfer to Izmir airport for the trip back home or if arrangements are made we go on another tour, a yacht cruise or a holiday resort. (B)