GR-3 Cesme to Istanbul
   Cesme, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara
      EURO 565.00 per person in twin room
      EURO 745.00 single room
      EURO 535.00 per person in triple room
      Departure on April 19   Duration: 06 nights/07 days

19 April 2010 Monday Kusadasi
Early morning departure for Ephesus.
Today we visit Ancient Ephesus and environs. One of the most interesting and extensive ancient cities in the world, established by the Greeks, and successively occupied by Persians and Romans.
The art and architecture of emperors adorn the city in a state of remarkable preservation. The Theatre, The Library of Celsus, The Temple of Hadrian, Corinthian Temple, The Baths of Scholastica, The town brothel and many more will feature throughout the day.
Our day will start with The House of Virgin Mary which is situated at Mt Bulbul. It is believed that Virgin Mary came to Selcuk with Apostle John from Jerusalem after Jesus was crucified and she spent her last days there until she died at the age of 64.
In the afternoon we stop at the Temple of Artemis, protectress of Ephesus which is dating back to 1300 BC and considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The day will end with a visit to Ephesus Archaeological Museum where you will have the chance to see a statue of Artemis from Ephesus dating back to the 2nd century A.D.
Return to the hotel in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

20 April 2010 Tuesday Kusadasi to Pamukkale
Following breakfast at the hotel, we depart for Aphrodisias, a city dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. The ancient city was a Hellenistic city which flourished under Roman and Byzantine rule. Excavations in the 24-meter-high theatre hill have revealed layers of settlement going back to the Bronze Age (c. 2800-2200 BC).
We continue to Pamukkale in the afternoon and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis upon arrival. This thermal resort founded by a Pergamene King in 190 BC and greatly enlarged by the Romans.
We check in the hotel and enjoy the thermal facilities of our hotel.
Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale.

21 April 2010 Wednesday Pamukkale to Cappadocia
Today, we drive to Cappadocia via Konya.
We arrive at around noon at Konya. The great days of Konya were during the period of the Seljuk Turks who made it their capital. Their buildings overall are adorned with painted tiles. The most famous inhabitant of Konya was Celaleddin Rumi, usually known as Mevlana the founder of the mystical sect of the Whirling dervishes.
At Sunltanhani we stop to visit the Caravanseri, a fort on the Silk Route where the caravans stopped for supplies and trading.
We arrive in Cappadocia in the early hours of the evening.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

22 April 2010 Thursday Cappadocia
A full day touring the unreal moon-landscapes of the Goreme with its Rock Chapels carved by the early Christians and decorated with frescoes dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries. Next are the Monastic Complex of Zelve, the Troglodyte Village of Avcilar, and the Kaymakli Underground City carved out of stone in 2000BC.
This part of the world played an important part in the history of the early Christian Church’s this extraordinary city accommodated several civilisations including the world’s first seminary created by priests.
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

23 April 2010 Friday Cappadocia to Ankara
This morning, we head through the salt steps and swamps of central Anatolia towards Ankara, the capital of Turkey.
Upon arrival, we stop at the Mausoleum of Ataturk, a memorial tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk leader of the Turkish War of Independence in 1923.
Then onto the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with its unique collection of Hittites, Phrygian metalwork, stag cult figures and relief’s.
Dinner and overnight in Ankara.

24 April 2010 Saturday Ankara to Istanbul
We drive to Istanbul in the morning and arrive in the early afteroon.
Overnight in Istanbul.

25 April 2010 Sunday Departure
Your transfer from your hotel to the airport can be arranged separately.

This package includes:

• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle; departure transfer in Istanbul is not included
• 07 nights accommodation at four star hotels
• All Breakfasts
• All Dinners except in Istanbul
• English speaking guidance
• Museum admission fees
• Local taxes
  
  Please note 10 participants min. required to operate this excursion