5 Days in Istanbul and TROY
< The grand Hagia Sophia is one of the most culturally significant monuments in the city.
Flight to Istanbul. Transfer from the airport to the city centre and, en route, stop off at the Hagia Sophia which stands as one of the most culturally significant monuments in the city.
First consecrated during the reign of Constantius II (originally known as Magna Ecclesia, ‘great Church’), it was converted into a mosque after the fall of Constantinople to the Ottomans. The Hagia Sophia recently returned to use as a mosque, with tourist access permitted in the upper gallery. After check-in at your hotel, enjoy your evening meal at a nearby taverna.
Day 2
< the Obelisk of Theodosius I was erected by the emperor on the spina of the Hippodrome in AD 390, though it was originally made for pharaoh Thutmose III, who ruled Egypt from 1479 to 1425 BC. The hieroglyphics are surprisingly well-preserved, and celebrate an Egyptian victory after a battle on the Euphrates.
In the morning, visit the Kariye Camii (Chora Mosque) Museum for its fine collection of mosaics and wall paintings. Afterwards, visit the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. The Museum is home to artefacts from Troy, Greece, Sumeria, and the Roman Empire, and it is especially worth a visit to see the stunning Pentelic marble Alexander Sarcophagus which depicts the Battle of Issus. In the afternoon, take a walk to the Hippodrome of Constantinople to see the the Obelisk of Theodosius I and the Serpent’s Column from Delphi.
Then, explore the Basilica Cistern, with its famous inverted Medusa sculptures (one upside-down and the other sideways) set at the base of two columns inside the structure. In the evening, there is time to see the Blue Mosque before having dinner at a local taverna.
Day 3Depart hotel to coach for Çanakkale. On the way, stop off at Gelibolu National Park for Gallipoli. Check-in at your hotel, with evening meal on-site. Optional evening excursion for selfies with the replica of the Trojan Horse used in 2004 film, Troy.
Day 4
< The explanations on site at Troy make it abundantly clear that there were numerous building phases – nine cities in total – distinguished by their different styles of bricklaying and architecture.
Spend the morning at the Citadel of Troy. The site enables visitors to see the various layers of archaeology, with the city’s earliest settlement level dating back to early Bronze Age, 2920-1700 BC (Troy I-V) and continuous inhabitation with numerous reconstructions until the Rome period (Troy IX).
Afterwards, visit the award-winning Troy Museum, exhibiting the historical artefacts from the site and from other ancient cities nearby.* Return to Istanbul and check-in to your hotel. After dinner, there may be time for an (optional) evening excursion to the Galata Tower and museum, part of the 14th century Genoese fortifications of the city, or to Taksim Square for the Monument of the Republic and the vast variety of shops and historic buildings of pedestrianised Istiklal Street. Alternatively, enjoy some evening shopping at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar.
Day 5
Depart hotel to Ortaköy, a charming neighbourhood by the Bosphorus river, for a walk along it’s promenade. Transfer to the airport for your return flight to UK.
*For a 6-day trip to include Ephesus, transfer by coach to Kusadasi on Day 4 and check-in at your hotel. Evening meal on-site.
Day 5: Spend a full day at the magnificent site of Ephesus, an important place of pilgrimage and key location in the development of Christianity. The site’s highlights include the colossal Library of Celsus, terrace houses, Gate of Augustus, and Temple to Hadrian. The Roman latrines and ‘brothel footstep’ are also popular! After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis, Basilica of St John, and the archaeological museum.** Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for your evening meal.
Day 6
Depart hotel to coach to Izmir airport for your return flight to UK.
**For a 7-day trip to include Ephesus AND Hierapolis:
Day 6: In the morning, explore the Carian city of Aphrodisias. A plethora of remains can be seen at the site, including the Temple of Aphrodite and magnificent stadium. View an athletic Emperor Claudius as Herakles subduing Britannia in its archaeological museum.
Then, after lunch, spend the afternoon at Hierapolis, a Seleucid city with thermal pools, set amongst stunning salt pans which makes the archaeology appear as if set in drifting snow. Check-in to your hotel at Pamukkale, with dinner on-site.
Day 7
Depart hotel to coach to Izmir airport for your return flight to UK.
Feel free to contact us to tailor your own tour. 01342 324727