Asia Minor History Voyager Tour

Welcome to our Asia Minor History Voyager tour programme. God & Man, Nature & Art have all together created a place on earth worth seeing. The capital of every empire. The staff of Deren Koray (in short DK) will meet you at the airport, arrive at the hotel, welcome to Istanbul, get acquainted with this big city, check-in and just relax. Welcome cocktail & brief information on Turkish culture and some of the dos & don'ts for the tour will be your first activities. We'll invite you to a welcome dinner tonight at one of the famous Turkish Restaurants. The rest of the night is your exploration of the hotel in the heart of the city.

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Get a good breakfast as the most important landmarks await our exploration. We would like to state that even a week is not enough to see all the details of the places of interest in the Sultanahmet District, but we're going to offer the most important places.

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Facing St. Sophia

Facing St. Sophia stands the supremely elegant, six-minaret, imperial Sultanahmet Mosque will be the first. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, the building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling, of blue and white Iznik tiles. During the summer months an evening light and sound show both entertain and inform. The Mosque of Sultan Ahmed is the first of the two mosques with six minarets in Turkey. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of Istanbul 's impressive monuments. The mosque is also one of the Ottoman mosques in Turkey dominating the skyline of Istanbul. You can easily spot the minarets in these panoramic photos of Istanbul. The majestic Blue Mosque is difficult to miss in the middle of Istanbul. It can hold up to 10,000 worshipers as one of the largest mosques in Turkey. Its acoustics are designed so precisely that you can almost hear the voice, even if the mosque is full, of anyone praying.

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Our next stop is the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque, an area now called Sultanahmet. Of the monuments which once decorated it only three remain: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Remains from the curved-end section of the Hippodrome's wall can be seen on the southwest side of these three monuments. Today the square forms the centre of Istanbul's historical, cultural and touristic activities. You should take particular note of the surrounding wooden houses, particularly the 18th-century ones on Sogukcesme Street.

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Our visit will continue with the Chora Chuch of the Divine, also called The Church of the Holy Saviour, which is considered one of the most beautiful surviving examples of a Byzantine church. In the 16th century, the church was converted into a mosque by the Ottoman rulers and it became a secularised museum in 1948. The interior of the building is covered with some of the finest mosaics and frescoes. The Chora Church is not as large as some other Byzantine churches in Istanbul (it covers 742.5 m²), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in the beauty of its interior. The building is divided into three main areas: the entrance hall (narthex), the main body of the church (naos), and the side chapel (parecclesion). The building has six domes: two in the exonarthex, one in the parecclesion and three in the naos. You will adore this masterpiece.

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After lunch, a short walk will bring us to Topkapi Palace with galleries displaying imperial collections of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain from the Ottoman era. Visiting Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the Sultan, the charms of visitors, the exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the Sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and the precious collection of mediaeval manuscript miniatures.

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Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian, is now the mosque of Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Exploring the majestic serenity of the building and the fine Byzantine mosaics. The Basilica of St. Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum, is unquestionably one of the finest buildings of all time. Built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters above the ground and its diameter spans 31 meters. Just linger with our official guides here to absorb the building's majestic serenity and to admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. (Open every day except Monday). A remarkable achievement in architectural history, Hagia Sophia. A living evidence of the human rage against physics laws. A monument with a transcendental significance. With its majesty and beauty, Hagia Sophia is still one of the UNESCO 's World Cultural Heritage Sites.

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Basilica Cistern was the water supply for the palaces of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, used to store 80 thousand cubic metres of water. It is also called as the Yerebatan Cistern or Sunken Palace. Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace) is a reservoir of subterranean water, one of the best locations and the most remarkable tourist attractions in Istanbul. With its excellent atmosphere and unique historic design, the cistern fascinates its guests.

In 532 Emperor Justinian built this subterranean cistern. The cistern in Istanbul is the largest surviving Byzantine, with 336 columns. Each column here has a different design and decoration, taken from the ruined temples for the construction of the cistern. The fact that they comment on the quiet water on the floor enhances the enchanting beauty of the interior. You will find many beautiful columns, column heads, and even statues, including Medusas, as you walk on the wooden platforms.

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Finally, we 're going to leave you free for the gorgeous Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost, huh? Go ahead, then. Egyptian Bazaar is another shop-lovers paradise. At night, we'll take you to a special restaurant for dinner, as you won't be able to resist world-famous cuisine again. Late at night, we will join the informative light & sound show in front of the Blue Mosque (if available)

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We 're going to leave today for Green Bursa. We'll pass through the Bosphorus Bridge this morning after breakfast, linking two continents. You 're going to be in Eurasia. Later we will pass through newly constructed Osmangazi Bridge and then we will arrive at Green Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, where many important Ottoman buildings remain. Bursa was and still is, famous for its silk trade, the manufacture of towels and thermal springs. Check-in at the hotel desk and after lunch (famous regional doner kebab dish made up of bread, tomato sauce, strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yoghurt) we'll have a city tour. Yesil Turbe, Emir Sultan Hazretleri, proceed to the covered bazaar area, with its narrow streets of caravanserais, Bedesten and silk products, then visit Ulu Cami. At Yildiz Park, we'll serve traditional charcoal samovar tea later. Here's a little tip. Don't miss the most famous hot spring in the traditional Turkish bath in Bursa. You will love this.

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We 're going to leave for Ankara today. En route Yassihoyuk (Gordion) was the capital of Phrygia and the place where Alexander the Great cut the Gordion Knot to gain the key to Asia. The tumulus of King Midas, who turned everything he touched to gold. Next, we'll pass the remains of the ancient town of Gordion. It's still under excavation right now. It's time to visit a small museum for our quick tour.

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Welcome to the capital, Ankara, that history and the surrounding area date back to the Bronze Age and the Hatti civilization. After check-in at the hotel, today's first visit is the impressive modern form of Ataturk's Mausoleum, where ancient and modern architectural concepts testify to the power and grace of Turkish architecture. The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, with its priceless collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman artefacts, will take you to a journey through the eras. Afterwards, we shall proceed to Roman Baths, where the Roman structure remains. The Temple of Augustus and Rome are waiting for your exploration. The Ethnographic Museum, which houses the magnificent Seljuk doors of carved wood, is our next stop. The Sculpture and Painting Museum shows the history of the Turkish fine arts. Then we'll go back to the hotel in the centre of town.

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Today we’ll take you to the future, the moonscape region by our private vehicle instead of a spaceship. Our journey is straight to Cappadocia where the works of man blend unobtrusively into the natural moonscape surroundings. In the afternoon visit, Agzikarahan and the skirt of the natural citadel of Uchisar, an informative quick local tour for this region and a small lecture about forming the natural fairy chimneys will be given here, then arrive at hotel and check-in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

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We're going to start exploring Goreme with Derinkuyu Underground City today. Ready to get lost in 8 layers of this hidden city? In this lighted city, you'll see miles of tunnels and grape-treading areas. See the deceitful pathways and hidden corners to avoid the enemy of this city that the early Christians used to defend themselves from persecution. Next stop is the Göreme Valley, where you'll walk through the pathways and tunnels between the fairy chimneys and visit the beautifully frescoed churches of the 11th to 12th century and many more. Zelve Open Air Museum offers visitors just a culture and nature parade, and then we'll go on to Avanos where the most popular craft is made, and have the chance to try your hand at making a pot in one of the many studios, as well as weaving and knotting. Lunch at one of the restaurants in Bill Clinton's Valley and after the President's place, we will proceed to Uchisar Castle and visit the local Turasan winery.

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Dinner in the middle of cones and fairy chimneys at Karakus Restaurant in a very traditional way with its unlimited entertainment and a magnificent regional cultural show including the Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Turkish folk dance with a traditional Urgup banquet. Join one of the folk-animations here!

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Depart for Konya in the morning, en route to Ihlara Valley, where the Byzantine rock chapels covered with frescoes pierce the canyon walls. Some of the best known are the Agacalti (Daniel) Church, the Yilanli (Apocalypse) Church and the Sumbullu (Hyacinth) Church. Proceed to Konya, one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited cities was known as Iconium in Roman times and the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the most famous building in Konya, Karatay Medrese (College) displays bold and striking Seljuk ceramics, the 13th-century monastery of Dervish, progressing to Antalya. Dinner will be served in one of the restaurants on the way. Welcome to the Turkish Riviera and the tourist capital of Turkey.

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It's impossible to see all the historic sites within two days in Antalya, but we're going to choose the majority. We're going to start exploring Antalya from the city centre. We park our vehicle and walk through the Kaleici district to see the Hadrian Gate (built-in 117-138 AD) which was considered to be the entrance to Antalya, the Hidirlik Tower, the typical Seljuk architecture of the Truncated Minaret, a symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and the typical narrow Mediterranean-style streets with its historic houses will charm you. The antique harbour is also another main place to visit for our stroll. Now we'd like to invite you to the Grand Falls Cruise from here to see the marvellous scenery of the sea falls. It's time to have lunch.

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Now we'll pass the Antalya Museum, which

Now we'll pass the Antalya Museum, which was awarded as the best museum of the year by the European Council in 1988. Here you will see the exhibition, starting with the natural history section, proceeding chronologically through the Stone and Bronze Age and following the classical and Hellenistic periods until the Ottoman Age. Those who would like to enjoy crystal clear Mediterranean water, why not go to Konyaalti Beach for the warmth of the Mediterranean? You can also take advantage of your souvenir shopping in Antalya at your leisure in Turkey's Miami Beach for today.

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Full day excursion, here, important historical sites await your discovery, in the middle of a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations in Antalya. Side of the ancient Pamphilian city dated back to the 7th century B.C. With its stunning amphitheatre, Aspendos dates back to the 5th century B.C. With its best-preserved 30,000 spectator capacity theatre still being used for concerts and festivals, another Pamphilian City Perge dates back to the 12th century B.C. And the magnificent ruins of these cities are the most important places to visit. Detailed and interesting information will be provided here by our professional guides in these cities. You'll admire what you're going to see and what you're going to hear today.

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Pamukkale is a magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, just before Pamukkale stops for Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, the theatre & stadium remains to be explored. Lunch here in a very traditional way.

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After Aphrodisias, we will arrive in Pamukkale (Hierapolis), a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. Thermal spring waters, loaded with calcareous salts running off the edge of the plateau, have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. Since Roman times, the hot springs have been used for their therapeutic powers. We shall explore the ancient city Hierapolis with its theatre and with other ruins. St Apostle Philip was killed and the St. Philip Church was built inhere. Just join us for the others. It was a long and you now need a good rest. Dinner at the Pamukkale hotel. Here's a little tip: take advantage of this magic water for your body.

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After a hearty Turkish breakfast, we will proceed to Ephesus, once the commercial centre of the ancient world and one of the highlights of Turkey. The town was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her vast temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was rebuilt several times. Did you know that? This is St. Paul Preached here! Heracles Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic Baths, Celcus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian Way, (Harbor Street), St. John's Basilica, Virgin Mary 's House, which was visited by Paul, Pope the 6th and Pope John Paul, are other important points of our visit. After Ephesus, we'll proceed to Aegean's pearl, Izmir City.

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Today we're going to explore the pearl of the Aegean region. Starting with a visit to Velvet Castle & Agora, watch the spectacular view of Izmir Bay from here. Time to visit Bayrakli where the original town was built in the 3rd millennium B.C. And one of the Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation as Smyrna. Proceed to the ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir clock tower that is the symbol of Izmir, walk to the Ethnography Museum in Varyant, visit the museum and the Kemeralti Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani, where the traditional "Tiredness Coffee" is served, and Hisaronu. Get ready for the night of your life! At night, we invite you to a very traditional dinner at the Authentic Middle Asia Restaurant in Kemalpasa & Turkish night, to explore the true culture of the Turks.

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Today we are leaving for Pergamon, once a great centre of culture, to survive as one of Turkey 's finest archaeological sites. The remains of the famous library, the steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, the gymnasium on three terraces and the Agora are on the Acropolis, a hill above the modern town. The Asclepion, located southwest of the lower town, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepius. Did you know that the modern medical symbol came from here? The rest of the information will be provided by the professional guides. In town, Archeological and Ethnographic Museum is on our list to visit, arrive at Assos at night.

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Start the day in the picturesque fishing town of Assos to visit the ruins of Troy dated back to the 3rd century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan people for the honour of Helen, just pay attention to the story of Wooden Horse in here. You're going to love this. After Troy, we will reach the honoured Dardanelles (Canakkale) that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Since Canakkale is of strategic importance, the castles here are barely visible on both the Asian and European sides. Cross the Gallipolli by car ferry, here you can take a picture of the First World War Memorial of Dardanelles, along the Thrace & Marmara Sea and passing through Saroz Bay, on the Tekirdag road famous for its Raki (traditional anise spirit alcohol drink) and meatball. We'll arrive in Istanbul in the afternoon and at a hotel near the newly opened airport of Istanbul.

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After breakfast, head off to your hometown to say sweet home. We will transfer you to Istanbul International Airport for your international flight. Well, time to have your gift to make this trip memorable. It's going to be a pleasure to host you in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Thank you for choosing the right agency and have a safe trip home!

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