T U R K I S H   D E L I G H T S

NOTE: "HOME" takes you to our initial web page; "UP" will return you to the BCN/Turkey/Egypt site for more exploring.

WELCOME TO TURKEY!

Monday, February 5 - In transit from Barcelona to Istanbul; connect to flight to Izmir; arrive at Izmir Hilton early evening. 

Tuesday, February 6 - Today you will visit the ancient city of Pergamon, located to the north of Izmir on an impressive hilltop at an altitude of more than 1,000 feet. Pergamon was a thriving city when Greece controlled what is now modern day Turkey. Highlights of the city include: The Temple of Trajan, the Great Theatre (steepest seating in the world), the Library, and the site of the Alter of Zeus. Also at the location is a Byzantine Tower built by later occupants. 

Wednesday, February 7 - You will be driven to Ephesus, one of the most important ancient sites in Turkey. Your tour will begin at the Administrative Section of this Greco-Roman town. There you will view the Agora and the Odeon. Continuing on the Main Street, you will pass the Monument of Memmius, Trajan's Fountain and the Temple of Hadrian. Next, you'll pass the baths and latrines (complete with running water, sewer & live actors performing in the center while one sat on a marble seat). You will then arrive at the Library of Celsus (with it's underground connection to the bordello across the street). Finally, you will walk on the marble road to the Great Theatre of the City. After leaving Ephesus, you will be taken to the Church of St. John, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist. Next, you will visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last years.

Thursday, February 8 - Morning transfer for your flight to Istanbul; afternoon/evening to explore the city on your own. 

Friday, February 9 - Touring begins today at the 15th century Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years. With the foundation of the modern Turkish Republic in place, the palace was converted into a museum highlighting the bygone culture. The rich collection includes a collection of porcelain, the armoury, the treasury with the famous, "Spoonmaker's Diamond" and the section of "Holy Relics." After leaving Topkapi Palace, you will continue to the Hippodrome where chariot races and wild animal shows took place in Roman times. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque that was built for Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque is famous for its elegant six minarettes and blue tiles. Touring next leads to St. Sophia, the "Church of Divine Wisdom." It was built during the peak of the Byzantine period under with the order of Emperor Justinian I. Today the church is a museum and is known for it's impressive dome and unique interior decoration. Finally, in late afternoon you'll experience the Grand Bazaar - the shopping street of Istanbul. 

Saturday, February 10 - This morning you will enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia. You will embark your ferry at Eminonu and cruise along the Asian and European shores of the city, passing marble palaces and modern suspension bridges, wooden villas and old fortresses. Disembark in Yenikoy, one of the most upscale districts in Istanbul. The balance of the day is at your leisure to enjoy. Tonight enjoy dinner and live (and lively) entertainment at The Orient House. 

Sunday, February 11 - Transfer to Istanbul Airport for international flight to Cairo, Egypt.