DAY 1 / ISTANBUL
Specıal category (4-star)
Members of our staff greet you at Atatürk airport and arrange for your transfer and check-in at your hotel. Our small group of travellers will enjoy a welcome drink and then dinner. (D)
DAY 2 / ISTANBUL
Specıal category (4-star)
The great metropolis of Istanbul, Turkey’s most dynamic city, is the gateway between east and west. An introduction to this journey will appropriately begin beside the Alexander Sarcophagus in the Archaeological Museum, followed by some sightseeing on foot in the old city.
DAY 3 / ÇANAKKALE
Kolın Hotel (5-star)
Travellıng dıstance: 340 km ~ 212 mıles
Leaving Istanbul early in the morning we proceed in our comfortable vehicle to theDardanelle Straits. On the way we pass Sestos, where Philip left his army under the command of Parmenio. Then we drive to Elaeus at the southern tip of the Thracian Chersonese and visit the Tomb of Protesilaus. If the weather in the Dardanelles permits, we will cross the straits on a fishing boat and head to theAchaean Harbor near Rhoeteum. According to Diodorus, Alexander went there to declare Asia, “spear won land”. We view the shores of Rhoeteum andSigeum, which are bordered by the Scamender River. We visit the tombs of Achilles and Patroclus where Alexander and his inseparable companion Hephaestion laid wreaths and then ran a race around them, naked and anointed with oil. We walk to Illium (Troy) where Alexander landed in imitation of Achilles. Here he made a sacrifice in the old temple of Athena, and brought away the sacred shield, which was later to save his life. (Prepare yourself for a good hike in the Plain of Illium). (B, D)
DAY 4 / GÖNEN
Yıldız Thermal Hotel Spa (4-star) (Deluxe Room)
Travellıng dıstance: 105 km ~ 66 mıles
After breakfast we set off for Çanakkale’s Archaeology Museum, which houses two unique sarcophagi. One is the first relief sculptured sarcophagus and the other one is the world’s first painted Persian sarcophagus. The rest of the unique finds displayed here are from Troy and its surrounding cities. After our visit to the museum we continue on to the Plain of the Granicus (Biga/Kocabaş) to observe the topography of the terrain and the military positions taken by the Persian and Macedonian armies on the hillside and river bank. Enjoy the thermal spa at our hotel before dinner. (B, D)
DAY 5 / MANİSA
Anemon Hotel (4-star)
Travellıng dıstance: 232 km ~ 145 mıles
This morning we visit Sardis, the capital of the Lydians located at the head of the Royal Road to Susa. Alexander garrisoned at Sardis and restored to the Lydians the right to be judged by their own native laws. (B, D)
DAY 6 / KUŞADASI OR ŞİRİNCE VILLAGE
Kısmet hotel (4-star) or Nışanyan Evlerı (specıal category)
Travellıng dıstance: 142 km ~ 89 mıles
Today we will drive to Ephesus and first visit its splendid archaeology museumfollowed by the Temple of Artemis. After a relaxing lunch and the departure of many tour buses we enter Ephesus. It was here at Ephesus that the citizens welcomed Alexander, who established a democracy and restored the exiles. He also offered to dedicate the new temple to Artemis. (B, D)
DAY 7 / HERAKLIA AD LATMOS
Hotel Sılva Olıva (sımple, comfortable country hotel)
Travellıng dıstance: 68 km ~ 42 mıles
A leisurely morning is followed by an afternoon drive south to the Ionian coast where we will walk the stepped street of Priene. Here Alexander contributed to the construction of the temple of Athena Polias, which was dedicated to him. Driving through the Meander Valley we reach Miletus where Alexander faced serious opposition. Despite the strength of the defending forces, he besieged the city by land and sea and managed to capture it in just days. (B, D)
DAY 8 / BODRUM
The Marmara (5-star) or sımılar specıal category hotel
Travellıng dıstance: 105 km ~ 65 mıles
In the morning we set off on our leisurely drive to Bodrum. Along the way we stop to see the temple of Apollo at Didyma, one of the most spectacular monuments still remaining. It was here that Alexander’s ultimate victory over the Persians was prophesized. In the autumn of 334 Alexander marched into Caria. We follow his footsteps, passing from Ionia to Caria by way of the Maryas Valley. We enter the Arian city, Iasos, and explore one of the prettiest sites in Turkey. Alexander made a local boy, who swam with dolphins, priest of Poseidon. We end the day in Bodrum at our hotel. (B, D)
DAY 9 / ON BOARD - GÖCEK
Travellıng dıstance: 235 km ~ 147 mıles
In Bodrum, the birthplace of Herodotus, we visit the site of the celebratedMausoleum of Halicarnassos, and the remains of the fortifications against which Alexander led a desperate seige. We travel to Lycia, as Alexander did, following the line of the modern road to Pınara. On the way he was informed of the surrender of Telmessus and was well received by its citizens. Pınara also surrendered to Alexander the Great. In Göcek we board our luxurious gulet*. (B, D)
DAY 10 & 11 / ON BOARD
We now have a chance to relax and swim aboard a traditional Turkish gulet, as we sail along Lycia’s turquoise coast. This represents the perfect opportunity to reflect on Alexander’s navy and the ancient Mediterranean in general, while we go ashore to see the remains of once grand cities. (B, L, D)
DAY 12 / ON BOARD
We visit the capital city of Lycia, Xanthus, which gave itself up to him along with 30 other smaller Lycian cities. After a short drive to Letoön, we explore the shrine dedicated to Leto and her children Apollo and Artemis. It was believed that Alexander received the famous prophecy concerning the destruction of the Persian Empire here. (B, L, D)
DAY 13 / DISEMBARK AT ÜÇAĞIZ
Olympos Lodge (specıal category)
Travellıng dıstance: 90 km ~ 56 mıles
After breakfast we disembark and are met by ground transportation takes us to the triple-harbored Phaselis: a city later renowned for possessing Achilles' original spear, and for being the haunt of pirates. When Alexander arrived, the people here crowned him with golden wreaths. When he left, he gambled on a short cut around the coast. Supposedly the sea parted in supplication, making way for his army. (B,L,D)
DAY 14 / ANTALYA
Tuvana Hotel (specıal category luxury)
Travellıng dıstance: 140 km ~ 87 mıles
This morning our driver takes us up the mountains of Pisidia to exploreTermessos, one of the rare cities to say ‘no’ to Alexander and still survive. We check into our special hotel in the old city of Antalya. (B, L, D)
DAY 15 / AFYON
Anemon Hotel (5-star)
Travellıng dıstance: 293 km ~ 183 mıles
Alexander marched north, by way of Sagalassos where archaeological excavations have revealed a vast, impressive ancient city captured by Alexander in a bloody siege. We proceed to Celaenae (Dinar) via Lake Burdur, an important center of communication with roads that ran west to the Hermus and Meander valleys. Guests have the opportunity to enjoy the thermal pool before dinner in the hotel.(B, D)
DAY 16 / ANKARA
Cukurhan (specıal category boutıque hotel)
Travellıng dıstance: 257 km ~ 161 mıles
In the morning we drive north to the Phrygian Highlands to visit the city of King Midas, Gordion, on the River Sangarius, southwest of Ankara. Alexander longed to visit the acropolis to see the ancient wagon of Gordias, founder of the old Phrygian monarchy. And it was here that Alexander cut its knot with his sword. From Gordian Alexander advanced to Ancyra, the modern Ankara, where Paphlagonian envoys met him, offering submission. We follow Alexander to Ankara.(B, D)
DAY 17 / CAPPADOCIA
Hilton Hotel or Ramada Hotel or Mevlana Cave Hotel
Travellıng dıstance: 307 km ~ 192 mıles
Alexander was eager to get through the Taurus passes and into Cilicia so he marched south to Cappadocia without making any attempt to conquer it. Following Alexander we stop at the highlights of Cappadocia and have a leisurly day. The area is a geological wonderland, full of fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, and underground cities. (B, D)
DAY 18 / ADANA
Seyhan Hotel (5-star)
Travellıng dıstance: 310 km ~ 194 mıles
This morning we follow the route of Alexander through the rocky landscape of Cappadocia to Cilicia. We visit the rock-cut monastery, Eski Gümüşler. Stop at Tyana, modern Niğde, we drive through the Cilician Gates (on the old road) and descend into Cilicia arriving at Tarsus ready to explore this ancient city. (B, D)
DAY 19 / FLY TO ISTANBUL
Specıal category (4-star)
Travellıng dıstance: 200 km ~ 126 mıles
This morning we drive on to Kinet Hüyük, ancient Issus. In the late afternoon we board our flight back to Istanbul. We bid our farewells to one another at dinner. (B, D)
DAY 20 / RETURN FLIGHT
Participants are transferred to the international airport to connect with their return flights. (B)
Please Note: The itinerary involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential. It should be pointed out that the tour may not be suitable for passengers who require assistance or who have difficulties with mobility. Please make sure you enjoy hiking, good local food and cultural interaction.
*About our “gulet”: A “gulet” is a traditional wooden Turkish yacht modified to accommodate passengers. The gulets in Turkey have high safety standards and comply with local government regulations, which are monitored thoroughly by the coast guard. Our gulet is a magnificent 38-metre vessel with air-conditioned cabins beautifully finished with mahogany paneling. Each cabin has a private bathroom with a shower. There is plenty of room for relaxing and reading in the lounge or on the decks outside. A large kitchen and bar area is located towards the back of the gulet, and meals are served in a large open area at the stern. Canvas and sailcloth awnings cover the dining area and a portion of the foredeck and provide shade for comfortable lounging. Dress on board is informal.
NOT: Minumum 4 participants .Please ask for less participants.
Maximum of 10 participants
TOUR PRICE
USD 9.800 per person based on double occupancy (twin / double bedded room)
USD 740 single room supplement at hotels
USD 880 single cabin supplement at gulet
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS PRICE?
Specialist leadership & local tour manager
All hotel accommodation. Some hotels are special category with local architectural ambience
Meals as noted ( B=Breakfast, L= Lunch, D=Dinner )
Bottled mineral water during transportation
Domestic flight fare from Adana to Istanbul
All ground transportation by a/c, modern mini / midi bus with fridge, reclining seats, wide windows.
All entrance fees in the itinerary
Meticulously prepared tour folder with maps and information to help you get the most from your tour
Parking fares, local taxes and tolled high-ways & bridges
Service charges to all hotels, baggage handling
4 nights on a luxurious gulet (breakfast, lunch, dinner & limited local wine and beer)
WHAT'S NOT?
International outbound & return air travel fares
Lunch / shopping at local markets for picnic lunches
Insurance of any kind
Excess baggage fee, airport taxes, cost of obtaining your passport or tourist visa
Personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, communication charges...
Discretionary gratuities to your tour manager and driver
