Highlights
- Walk through the Johnston’s Jolly trenches and learn about the pivotal moments at Kabatepe Museum.
- Witness the legendary Trojan Horse and uncover the mysteries of the city walls dating back over 3,000 years.
- Take a refreshing dip in the legendary Cleopatra Pool, said to have rejuvenating properties. (additional activity)
- Visit the House of Virgin Mary, a revered sanctuary for pilgrims, and explore the beautiful Isabey Mosque, showcasing Seljuk architecture.
- End the journey with a ferry ride from Kusadası to the idyllic Samos Island in Greece.
Inclusions
- Local bus transportation between the sights as in the program
- Lunches on the full day tours
- Group tours to Gallipoli, Troy, Ephesus and Pamukkale
- Pick up from the central hotels in Istanbul
- 4-night accommodation in Canakkale and Kusadasi with breakfasts
- Bus station transfers in Canakkale and Ephesus as mentioned
- English-speaking tour guide on the tours
- Land transportation on the tours
- Entrance tickets to the sights on the program
- Local taxes, road tolls and gasoline fees with parking fees
- Ferry tickets to Samos Island in Greece from Kusadasi
Exclusions
- Personal Expenses
- Drinks at the lunches
- Lunch on Troy Tour
- Dinners
- Entrance to Thermal Pool in Pamukkale
- Optional tours and activities
Remarks
- Exact pickup time will be given at the time of booking.
- You are kindly requested to present yourself at the pickup point 15 minutes prior the pre-advised pickup time.
- Comfortable shoes and a hat is recommended as shade is limited in summer time.
- The order of the tour itinerary may vary in order to avoid congestion.
- The ferry times between Kusadasi and Samos Island depends on the season and departure day. Please ask us if you have a special time.
Istanbul to Samos Island via Gallipoli Troy Pamukkale & Ephesus
Day 1 – Istanbul to Gallipoli Tour
Morning Pickup:
6:30-7:00 AM: Pickup from hotels in Taksim, Besiktas, Sisli, and Karakoy.
7:00-7:30 AM: Pickup from hotels in Sultanahmet, Beyazid, Sirkeci, Laleli, and Aksaray.
Breakfast Stop:
Around 08:30 am, we will stop at a local restaurant to have breakfast. (Breakfast is your expense.)
Arrival in Eceabat: At noon, we arrive in the tour area. Before the tour, we will enjoy the lunch at a local restaurant.
Highlights of the Gallipoli Tour:
- Firstly, explore the Anzac Cove, a significant landing site during World War I.
- Next, visit Brighton Beach, where the soldiers trained.
- Then, pay respects at the Beach Cemetery, home to John Simpson’s grave.
- Moreover, learned about wartime strategies at Kabatepe Museum.
- Later, walk through Ariburnu Cemetery and Johnston’s Jolly, where you’ll see preserved ANZAC and Turkish trenches.
- Finally, reflect on memorial sites like the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.
Tour End:
The tour concludes at 5:30 PM. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for an overnight stay in Canakkale.
Day 2 – Half-Day Troy Tour – Bus Transportation to Kusadasi
Morning Pickup:
Begin with breakfast and check out from your hotel.
At 8:30 AM, we will pick you up from your hotel to visit the Ancient City of Troy.
Ancient City of Troy Highlights:
- Discover the legendary Trojan Horse, a replica used in the movie “Troy.”
- Hear captivating tales about Helen of Troy and the famous Trojan Wars.
- See 3,200-year-old ruins, including the City Walls of Troy VI and VII and the Temple of Athena.
- Visit key archaeological landmarks such as the Scaean Gate, Sanctuary, Roman Bath, and Odeon (ancient music theater).
- Learn about Heinrich Schliemann’s discoveries at The Trench of Schliemann.
Tour End:
Our tour ends before noon. Then, we will transfer you to the Canakkale Bus Station to take a bus to Selcuk or Kusadasi.
Bus Transfer:
Around 13:00, you will take a bus, and the journey takes about 5-6 hours. Upon your arrival at Kusadasi or Izmir, we will pick you up from the bus station and transfer you to your hotel. Stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3 – Pamukkale & Ancient Hierapolis Tour
Breakfast & Pickup (8:00 AM):
Start your day with a hearty breakfast and meet your guide for the trip to Pamukkale.
Pamukkale Tour Highlights:
- Calcium Terraces: Be amazed by the breathtaking white formations and cascading pools created by hot spring waters carrying calcium bicarbonate.
- Ancient City of Hierapolis: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with highlights such as:
– The Necropolis: One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia, with over 1,200 tombs.
– The Roman Bath: Once a major social and therapeutic site.
– The Domitian Gate and Byzantine Gate: Impressive entrances to the ancient city. - The Main Street: Lined with ancient columns and structures.
- Historical Significance: Learn about Hierapolis as a spa center in ancient times.
Optional Activity:
Swim in the Ancient Thermal Pool, where Cleopatra is said to have bathed. The pool is filled with warm, mineral-rich waters and ancient marble columns. (Extra charge – don’t forget your swimsuit!)
Return to Kusadasi:
After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel for an overnight stay. Stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 4 – Ancient Ephesus & Virgin Mary Tour
Breakfast & Pickup (8:30 AM):
After breakfast, your guide will take you to explore the wonders of Ephesus.
Ephesus Tour Highlights:
- Temple of Artemis: First, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only ruins remain, it’s an important historical and cultural site.
- Ancient City of Ephesus:
- The Library of Celsus: A grand two-story library facade.
- The Great Theater: Once held 25,000 spectators.
- The Marble Streets: Lined with shops, homes, and fountains.
- House of Virgin Mary: Next, a spiritual site believed to be where Mary spent her final days. Both Christians and Muslims consider it a place of pilgrimage.
- Isabey Mosque: Finally, end the day at this beautiful Seljuk architectural gem.
Return to Hotel:
After the tour, head back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Day 5 – Kusadasi to Samos Island in Greece by Ferry
Breakfast & Check-out:
Enjoy your last morning in Turkiye with breakfast at your hotel.
Ferry to Samos Island:
Depart Kusadasi ferry station at 8:30 AM (timing subject to seasonal changes). Arrive in Samos Island, Greece, by 10:30 AM.
Tour Ends:
Thank you for choosing our services! We hope you had a memorable experience.
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