The Footsteps of Alexander The Great

After breakfast, we will embark on a full day city tour of Istanbul. Our first stop will be the iconic Hagia Sophia, which is not only an architectural marvel but also one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world that has recently been converted into a mosque. Next, we will visit Topkapi Palace, a historic complex that served as the residence for the sultans from 1478 to 1856. The palace is formed by several bandstands, gardens, and areas, and is located in a historic district at the entrance of the Horn of Ouro. Continuing our tour, we will visit the Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets, terraces, and domes that create an impressive architectural spectacle. In the afternoon, we will visit the Roman Hippodrome, a historical space that dates back to the time of Roman Emperor Severus Septimus, where races and circuses were held to entertain the people of Constantinople for more than a millennium. Our final stop of the day will be at the Grand Bazaar, a covered market where you will have some free time to explore. After the completion of the tour, we will transfer back to the hotel for accommodation. Meal: Breakfast

After a hefty breakfast, we depart to Çanakkale via Gallipoli. After crossing the Dardanelles, we will reach Çanakkale. We will continue to ancient Troy, where Alexander the Great crossed the Hellespont into Asia Minor via Abydos the Hero and the legend of Leander. To try to conquer the Persian Empire, Alexander wanted to follow Philip II's plans to liberate all Greek cities in the area, especially in Asia Minor, which was previously taken by the Persian Empire. He stayed for a few days in Troy to pay his respects to the Greek war hero Achilles. After visiting the legendary city known in Homer's work, "The Iliad" and "The Trojan War", we will visit the ancient Greek port city of Alexandria Troas , located on the coast of Troas and current address of the province of Çanakkale; its final name of Alexandria Troas was a tribute to Alexander the Great. Then transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

We start the day with a fresh breakfast. Then we proceed to follow in the historical footsteps of Alexander The Great In his first war on the Asian continent, ‘’the Battle of Granicus’’. Alexander the Great fought against the Persian satrap governors commanded by Memnon of Rhodes (he was also Greek). In this fight Alexander was close to death, as he was assaulted by a Persian soldier from behind. His life was finally saved by Cleiton, one of Philip's most trusted men, who killed the enemy. Such a story happened in this region of present-day Türkiye where you can experience the historical atmosphere. We will then travel to Pergamum, visiting Asclepion and the ruins where the steepest theater in the world is located, the temple of Trajan and the temple of Athena. We will also visit the remains of the Altar of Zeus. We will continue to Sardis and continue our journey to Izmir. We'll take a scenic drive through this beautiful city and set a course for Kuşadasi. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and accommodation. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After enjoying breakfast, we will depart for Ephesus, the birthplace of Apelles, the famous painter of Alexander the Great. Ephesus is home to the best preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which had a population of 250,000 during the 1st and 2nd centuries. During our visit, we will admire remarkable historical sites such as Hadrian's Temple, the Roman Baths, the Celsus Library, and the Odeon, which was able to accommodate an astounding 24,500 spectators. We will then continue our journey to Priene and Miletus, both of which are part of ancient Ionia. This region was home to many of the most important logical and artistic minds of the ancient world. Our Priene-Miletus tour departs from Kusadaşı and will take us to the first grid-planned city in the ancient world, Priene. Here, we will explore fascinating sites such as the theater, the temple of Athena, the Bouleterium, the Agora, and the Altar of Zeus and Cybele. Our tour will then continue towards Miletus, where we will pass by the house of Thales, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher known for his innovative use of geometry. We will then visit the Delphinium, the Nymphanion, the theater, and the Faustina baths. Finally, we will depart for Bodrum, where we will transfer to the hotel and enjoy a delicious dinner. Accommodation will be provided at the hotel. Please note that breakfast and dinner will be provided during this tour. Meal: Breakfast

After enjoying our morning meal, we will commence our journey to the city of Fethiye, with a planned stop at the historical sites of Telmessos Pinara Patar. This remarkable location serves as the demarcation line between the Lycian and Carian civilizations, and dates back to the 5th century BC. Our visit will include the exploration of well-preserved ruins such as the cave tombs, sarcophagi, castle, and the Lycian theater, which are specific constructions of the ancient Telmessians, and proudly embellish the grandeur of Fethiye. Furthermore, we will also witness the splendor of the ancient Telmessos theater, which is situated in the heart of Fethiye. Finally, we will be transferred to our hotel for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will embark on our journey towards Antalya, with a planned stop at the ancient Lycian city of Xanthos, located in the Kınık district of the Antalya province, which was also named after the river near the city. Initially, Xanthos represented the entire social structure of Lycia, and this site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988. Afterwards, we will visit Perge, a crucial ancient city situated between the Catarrhactes and Cestrus rivers in Pamphylia. Presently, it is a vast estate of ancient ruins, located 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) to the east of Antalya on the coastal plain, with an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age. Finally, we will head to Side, a city situated on the southern coast of Türkiye along the Mediterranean Sea. Our tour will include a visit to the modern tourist town as well as the ruins of the ancient city of Side. At the end of the day, we will be transferred to our hotel for overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, we will depart for Ankara, the capital city of the Turkish Republic. Our journey will include a stopover at Sagalassos , the wealthiest city in Pisidia during the time of Alexander the Great's conquest in 333 BC, while en route to Persia. At that time, Sagalassos had a population of several thousand inhabitants. Following Alexander's demise, the area was incorporated into the territories of the Macedonian noble, Antigonus Monophthalmus. Continuing our journey, we will arrive at Gordium, the ancient capital of the Phrygian kingdom, also conquered by Alexander the Great's army. The city is renowned for the famous story of the Gordian knot. At the end of the day, we will be transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

After enjoying breakfast, we will proceed towards Cappadocia, a historic region in Anatolia known for its distinctive geological formation, unlike any other in the world. Along the way, we will pass by the Salt Lake and visit the underground city of Serhatlı (or Özkonak), which is several levels deep and was used as a refuge by the early Christians during the 6th and 7th centuries to protect themselves from enemies. Upon our arrival at the hotel, we will have dinner and stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a full-day tour of the area. Our first stop will be at the Open Air Museum of Göreme, where we will witness some churches that have been carved into the rock with magnificent interior frescoes. We will then proceed to explore the ancient city of Uchisar, followed by a visit to the Pigeon Valley and the Pasabag Valley (Valley of the Monks), famous for its mushroom-shaped rock formations called “fairy chimneys.” We will also visit the pottery village of Avanos, and in the afternoon, we will head to the city of Ortahisar (Middle Castle), situated at the center of Cappadocia, about 6-7km away from the cities of Urgup, Uchisar, and Goreme. Finally, we will visit a carpet factory to observe the weaving process of the famous Turkish carpets. We will also visit a local jewelry store known for its pieces made from the onyx stone. Upon returning to the hotel, we will have dinner and stay overnight. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Breakfast and departure for the tour of Antakya, also known as Hatay. We will visit the Church of St. Peter, which is considered to be one of the oldest Christian churches in the world. It is believed that the apostle Peter founded this church and used it as his headquarters during his stay in Antioch. We will also visit the Hatay Archaeological Museum, which houses an impressive collection of artifacts from the ancient cities of Antioch and Seleucia Pieria. In the afternoon, we will visit the Harbiye Waterfalls, located about 7 km from the city center. Return to the hotel, dinner and overnight. Meals: Breakfast, dinner

After enjoying breakfast, you will be transferred to Hatay Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your chosen hotel. Please note that breakfast is included in this arrangement. Meals: Breakfast, dinner.

Following breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport at the designated time in order to board your return flight. Meals: Breakfast