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Day 1 – From Istanbul to Izmir + Ephesus
At the end of our 10-day Turkey through the Ages journey, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your included flight to Izmir. On arrival, our experienced local guide will take you on an in-depth tour of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of antiquity. Enter along an ancient marble-paved roadway to see remarkable archaeological ruins including the steam-heated Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, and the great amphitheater where Paul preached to the Ephesians. Not far from Ephesus, you’ll also visit the stone house where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life and the Basilica of St. John, built by the Emperor Justinian in the 6th century.
Continue to the lively port city of Izmir and check in deluxe Swissôtel Grand Efes. Meals B
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Day 2 – Ancient Pergamum
After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of Pergamum. Among its impressive ruins from the days of Alexander the Great are the Sacred Way, the once-magnificent Acropolis with its Altar of Zeus, and the remains of a world-renowned ancient library that once held 200,000 books written on parchment. After sightseeing, you’ll journey to Gobeller to have lunch with a local family in their home. Learn about Turkey’s culinary traditions and experience a slice of village life.
Before returning to Izmir, you’ll also spend time exploring The Asclepeion of Kos. Dating back to the 4th century B.C. and excavated in 1902, this remarkable site was an ancient center of healing and learning. It was regarded as a great medical center of its age, drawing the sick and infirm from across Asia Minor who traveled here for healing and treatment.
You’ll have time to relax and refresh before this evening’s dinner at Adabeyi. Set in a waterfront building designed by Alexander Gustave Eiffel, this inviting restaurant is known for its traditional Meze (small-plate dishes, like appetizers) and fresh seafood. Meals B+L+D
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Day 3 – Back to Istanbul
After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul, where our services end with your onward connection. Meals B