Anatolian Hall of Fame in Steps of Alexander the Great:
This is a tour for those who are curious about the philosophical, scientific and historic past of our world. Where we “were” and where are we “now”? Humanity wonders whether we have progressed from the cave age on or … not!... Follow Alexander's steps through Anatolia as he conquers the cities one by one and learn what the elder masters thought of the Earth, existence, human nature and life as a whole together with him.
• Those early intellectuals shaped the world.
• Why can't we step in the same river twice?
• Are we all wicked?
• What are the deeds of a “good human”?
• Learn who said “atom” first ever.
• What went on in the Agoras then?
• What was Alexander's favor to Diogenes?
ANATOLIAN HALL OF FAME in Steps of Alexander the Great
DAY 1 ARRRIVAL- ISTANBUL- Welcome to the breath taking city that spans two continents. You will be met by your representative and transferred to your Hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure. (D)
DAY 2 ISTANBUL- Morning visit to famous Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Visit Hippodrome; see the Egyptian obelisk, Serpent column and Basilica Cistern. Close the day with a colorful visit to Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B) Optional: In the evening you will have a chance to get rejuvenated at a nearby Turkish bath.
DAY 3 ISTANBUL- Visit the glorious Topkapi Palace and make a visit to the Spice Market. Take the Bosphorus Cruise to enjoy the beauties on both sides of the strait, visit Sadberk Hanim Museum after disembarkation which is well known for its archaeological and ethnographic collections. Return your hotel for overnight. (B)
DAY 4 CANAKKALE- Morning drive to Gallipoli; see the battle grounds of WW I including Lone Pine and the ANZAC Cove. Drive to 5000 years old Troy (UNESCO World Heritage -1998), the dream city of a lifetime of every history lover. Free time to enjoy your visit and take pictures by the wooden Trojan Horse replica. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,D)
DAY 5 ASSOS- PERGAMON- IZMIR- Visit the picturesque Assos and continue to Pergamon to see the site of magnificent Zeus Altar, the theater, library and the palaces. Visit the sanctuary and health center dedicated to Asclepion. Drive to Izmir, ancient Symrna whose second foundation dates from Alexander the Great, visit the Agora and proceed to your hotel for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 6 KLAZOMENAI –COLOPHON- KUSADASI- Morning visit to Klazomenai, originally an island which was connected to the mainland by Alexander the Great. See the restored olive oil extraction installation from 6th century BC and continue to Colophon who gave two very important thinkers to the world. Continue Kusadasi for overnight. (B,D)
Day 7 EPHESUS- MILETUS- BODRUM- Visit Ephesus; capital of Asia Minor, a city of mother goddesses, colossal monuments, commerce and wealth. See the site of Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the enormous theater; visit the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk and House of Virgin Mary. Continue to Miletus; the intellectual center of Anatolia in 6th century BC. Visit Heraklia ad Latmos en route and have a tea break by the Bafa Lake amongst the olive groves. Continue Bodrum for overnight and a possible fun escapade to one of the famed night clubs. (B,D)
Day 8 HALICARNASSUS- PAMUKKALE- Visit all time famed Halicarnassus; see the site of Mausoleum which was one of the Seven Wonders and hear the story of Alexander the Great being adopted by Queen Ada of Caria as her son. Explore the Castle of St.Peter that houses Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology. Drive Pamukkale for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 9 HIERAPOLIS- KONYA- Visit the astonishing calcium cascades, have time to enjoy the surreal landscape and visit remains of Hierapolis (World Heritage – 1988); the city influenced human thinking a great deal with the concept of “Universal Unity”, personal responsibility and how to achieve peace of mind and happiness through good deeds. Drive to Konya for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 10 KONYA- CAPPADOCIA- Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana and the original lodge of the Sufi; a timeless place of pilgrimage, shrine of pure love and compassion for one another and life as a whole. Visit the Seljuk Ince Minaret Medrese; school of astronomy, mathematics and theological sciences in 13th century. Visit the 13th century masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai on the way to Cappadoci for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 11 CAPPADOCIA- Enjoy surreal landscape while exploring the significance of the region in early Christian theology and missions of St. Paul. See the rock-cut churches in Goreme Open Air Museum in (UNESCO World Heritage -1985) with best examples of Byzantine frescoes; natural fortress in Uchisar town. Panorama stops at the scenic valleys. Close the day with a relaxing wine tasting visit to a local wine factory before you go to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 12 CAPPADOCIA- Today an optional hot air balloon ride is available early in the morning. Visit Kaymakli Underground City; Avanos town by the Red River (Kizilirmak-Halys), a famous pottery center; rock-cut dwellings in Zelve. Today you will have the opportunity to discover the rich history behind the wide range of beautiful local handicrafts like carpets, tiles, onyx and pottery by mingling with the natives and trying yourselves. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)
DAY 13 HATTUSA- AMASYA- Early departure for Hattusa; capital of the Hittite Kingdom (UNESCO World Heritage-1986). Hittises have contributed greatly to social and juristic achievements of humanity very early in history. Visit the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary and the imperial capital to see the Grand Temple, Lion’s Gate, King’s Gate and the mystifying Earth Gate. Continue to Amasya for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 14 SAFRANBOLU- Explore Amasya- former Amaseia; famous with its rock cut tombs, Ferhat aqueduct, restored Ottoman houses, Yesil Irmak- Iris, apple orchards and intriguing mummies in the museum. A city valued by the Ottoman imperial dynasty and an important location for freedom movement of Turkish people with Ataturk. Continue to Safranbolu for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 15 ISTANBUL- Enjoy picturesque Safranbolu in the morning (UNESCO World Heritage List-1994) renown for its beautiful historic Ottoman houses. Visit the Hidirlik Hill, a perfect spot to take photos, Cinci Hani, an old caravan inn and Asmazlar Konagi, an exquisitely restored Ottoman mansion. Free time to stroll along the small streets, mosques, colorful and vivid market area. Drive Istanbul for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 16 ISTANBUL- Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight abroad. (B)
This special interest tour request