ANKARA - CASTLE OF ANKARA-ANATOLIAN CIVILIZATIONS MUSEUM-JULIANUS COLUMN-AUGUSTUS TEMPLE-ROMAN BATH-INDEPENDENCE WAR MUSEUM-REPUBLİC MUSEUM-ATATURK’S MOUSELEUM (ANITKABIR)-MİDAS TUMULUS &GORDION ANCIENT CITY & GORDION MUSEUM-ESKISEHIR           250 KM

Today you’ll start to visit the castle of Ankara. Ankara Castle is a historic fortification in the city of Ankara in Turkey. It was founded in the 8th century BC by the Phrygians and rebuilt in 278 BC by the Galatians. The castle underwent several renovations during the Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman eras

After the visit of the castle of Ankara ,you’l see The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations .This Museum is one of the most significant museums in the world with its unique extensive collections and works exhibited in chronological order from the Paleolithic Age until today. The collection takes you out of this world to the back.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations has on display priceless artifacts dating from the Paleolithic and Neolithic Ages and from Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is one of the few museums in the world with its unique collections and Anatolian archaeological artifacts, was awarded the title of Museum of the Year in Europe in 1997.

Before you visit the Augustus temple ,you’ll see the Julian Column.It was erected in 362 in honor of the Roman Emperor Julian’s visit to Ankara.

The Temple of Augustus and Rome; is an augusteum located in Altındağ district of Ankara. It is thought to have been built around 25-20 AD. Besides being one of the most important Roman period ruins in the city, it is also known for Monumentum Ancyranum. This is an inscription about the works of Augustus, who was considered the first Roman emperor, throughout his life. It is the most complete copy of Res Gestae Divi Augusti that has survived to the present day, as the original in Rome had disappeared.

Then you’ll visit the Roman Baths .It was built by the Roman Emperor Caracalla (211-217), the son of Septimius Severus in the 3rd century to the honor of the God of Health, Asklepion.

It has been established that this platform, which is callled the Roman Bath today, was a tumulus and carried the remains of Roman times (partially Byzantine and Seljuk layers) on the top, and of Phrygian times at the bottom.

You’ll see the Independence War Museum and Rebuplic Museum.These museums show the history of the foundation of the Republic with documents and objects.

You ‘ll see the Mausoleum of Atatürk.’’ANITKABIR’’

Anıtkabir came about as an idea of and from the desires of the Turkish people to erect a mausoleum for Gazi Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk), the founder of the Turkish Republic, a revolutionary, a brave soldier, a great leader and an international figure. In order to choose the most suitable design for this special project, an international contest was held with Prof. Emin Onat winning the contest. Anıtkabir, situated on a hill called Rasattepe behind the Maltepe area of Ankara, covers 700.000 square metres of land and includes a Peace Park, which contains plants from all parts of Turkey and the world. It took nine years to complete the mausoleum. On November 10 th, 1953, fifteen years after Atatürk's death, his casket was taken from the Ethnographical Museum with great ceremony and was laid to final rest in its assigned place in Anıtkabir.

Then you drive to Eskişehir and you’ll see on the way first ‘’the Midas Tumulus’’.

There are 125 tumuli around the ancient city of Gordion.45 of them were excavated and 80 of them still remain a mystery.the second largest Tumulus in Anatolia;the Midas Tumulus with a diameter of 300 meters and height of 53 meters.

Then you’ll visit the ancient city of Gordion.Temporary UNESCO World heritage site located in the ancient city of Gordion,turkey is much to shed light on the history of Anatolia.It has been revealed by excavations that the first settlement in the Gordion region was in the Early Iron Age between 1100-900 BC .About 750 ancient materials , including mosaics and pebbles found during archaeological excavations are now exhibited in the Gordion museum.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Eskişehir

ESKISEHIR -VAXWORKS MUSEUM (YILMAZ BÜYÜKERŞEN), ODUNPAZARI OLD TOWN- ATLIHAN HANDICRAFT MARKET (BAZAAR) ETI ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM - THE CASTLE OF IZNIK- THE LAKE OF IZNIK-THE ANCIENT THEATER -HAGIA SOFIA CHURCH (MOSQUE)- The CHURCH OF TRYPHONOS - BURSA                     225 KM

You’ll visit first the Vaxworks museum.Eskişehir Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Prof.Dr.Yılmaz Büyükerşen,Eskişehir , save it and found the world in many countries ‘’Madame Tussaud ‘s ‘’first examples in Turkey’s museum,which is ‘’Yılmaz Büyükerşen Waxworks Museum’’,the yılmaz Büyükerşen donated by the municipality,the historic persons and the statue of 200 local and foreign famous people.In the museum,Atatürk’s sculptures reflecting various periods,Atatürk’s family as well as local and foreign statesman,artists,media members and athletes giving a lively feeling are exhibited in front of different decorations .Since the cross-section of Eskişehir ,at the same time and place

Is given Turkey’s Wax Museum.

Then you’ll drive to the old houses in ‘’Odunpazarı’’.Odunpazarı district was established on the hills south of the city.The district that preserves the examples of traditional Anatolian Turkish Architecture,its winding roads and dead-end streets.It has survived to the present day by preserving its traditions with wooden decorated-adjacent regular -bay houses.

Odunpazarı has been taken under protection as ‘’Historical and Urban Site’’

You’ll see the ‘’Atlı Inn (Atlıhan) handicraft bazaar ‘’.Atlı Inn ,within the scope of odunpazarı Houses Survival Project in 2006 in accordance with its original architecture.

It was rebuilt on an area of 768 square meters and this Inn is a building that also includes traditional architectural elements.There are units in Atlı Inn,which consists of two floors ,the ground and the first floor ,where meerschaum is produced and sold .Other traditional handicraft products can also be seen in the bazaar.

You’ll have Lunch in İznik before you visit the castle of İznik and Nikaıa ancient city

The castle dates back to 258 B.C. There are 4 gates in the castle: İstanbul, Yenişehir, Lefke and Göl, respectively. In addition to these, there are 12 secondary entrances. To strengthen the 4970 m long and the 10-13 m tall walls, the 114 towers were built along them. The old towers are round while the newer ones are square. There are also another 131 towers along the defensive line in front of the castle walls. The walls of Iznik have been often repaired with much of the rubble from the old city being used for this task. In the Byzantine era, in the strengthening of the walls against the Arab invaders a variety of materials were used. The reliefs on the Istanbul and Lefke Gates depict a battle of the 3rd century B.C.

You’ll visit the Church of Hagia Sofia.(now Mosque).The Hagia Sofia Church in İznik

İs one of the main reason why İznik is important for Christians .It is in the middle of the city ,at the intersection of two main streets.It is a Byzantine work and has been renovated ,presumably after the earthquake in the XI century.It was named Orhan Gazi Mosque in 1331.It was damaged by earthquakes and fires .It was greatly altered and renovated by Mimar Sinan in the XVI century.

The ancient Theater is located close to Lake İznik.It occupies a large Palce between Yenısehır Gate and İznik Lake.Its construction was made in the 2nd century AD roman Empire .It was built by Bithinia Governor Plinius on the orders of Trajanus,the Roman emperor of the period.Its total capacity is is 15000

The Church of Tryphonos is among the most interesting historical places in Turkey and is one of historic churches to see in İznik. This historical church started to be built in 1255 during the period of Byzantine Emperor Theodoros Laskaris.It can said that its architecture is similar to the Kariye Church in Istanbul.This structure ,which fascinates

Those who see it with its magnificent mosaics and columns made of Granite ,stands out among the churges in İznik.

You’ll visit the ceramic workshop and see the Lake of İznik.

End of the day you will arrive to Bursa.

BURSA-THE VILLAGE OF CUMALIKIZIK-GREEN MOSQUE &MAUSOLEUM AND IPEKHAN,GRAND MOSQUE ,KOZAHAN, GRAND BAZAAR-GÖLYAZI- ÇANAKKALE             285 KM

Today you’ll start the tour with the visit of Cumalıkızık village.Cumalıkızık village ,which is one of the first settlements of the Ottomans in Bursa reflects the Ottoman period housing texture with a total of 270 houses ,180 of which are still in use and some of them are preserved and restored.

Then you’ll visit the sightseeings of Bursa .First you’ll see Green Mosque .

The earliest example of Bursa’s style is the Yeşil (Green) Mosque, which was built in 1419 by the architect Vezir Hacı İvaz Paşa for Çelebi Sultan Mehmed. The tiles which lend their name to the mosque are the work of Mecnun Mehmed. The marble carving on the façade, window frames, door, stone inscriptions and ceiling above the door is exquisite. The early mosques of Bursa and İznik are characterized by plain lines emphasizing spatial form, and a controlled use of decoration. Gradually the Ottoman decorative arts acquired their own style, and new masters emerged. The first Ottoman nakkaş -a decorator who painted and stenciled designs on plaster- was Ali bin İlyas Ali, who did all the painted decoration for the Yeşil Mosque.

Next stop is İpek (Silk) Han (Arabacılar): Next to the İvaz Paşa Mosque, it was built by Çelebi Mehmet as a source of income for the Yeşil Complex. It is the biggest han in Bursa. What started out as the congregating place of the silk tradesmen eventually became the gathering place of the carriage drivers.

Then you’ll drive to the Ulu Mosque.Bursa Ulu Mosque belongs to the early Islamic style of mosque architecture, with a multi-domed roof supported by numerous piers and columns and a covered court. The mosque was built by the architect Ali Neccar for Yıldırım Bayezid in 1399. It has two large minarets and twenty domes of more or less equal size resting on twelve square pillars, the central dome being glazed. Inside are 192 inscriptions written by famous calligraphers on the walls and panels.

Then you’ll see Koza Han: Situated between the Ulu Mosque and the Orhan Mosque, this han was built in 1490 by Bayezid II as a source of income for charities in Istanbul. It is the most beautiful han in Bursa and the most frequented. In the middle of the court, there is a small mosque made of stone set on 8 pillars with a fountain for ritual cleansing underneath.

Grand bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı), located behind the Grand Mosque, is one of the oldest bazaars of Bursa, with a history going back to the era of Orhan Gazi in the 14th century. It was established during the transformation of Bursa from a military zone to a commercial center. The inns were covered by roofs and shops and trade centers were established inside. In time, several other inns and bazaars close to the area were added. The shopping center was nearly destroyed by several fires and the latest restoration was made in 1960. There are several exchange offices at the main center and you can find various brands of the Bursa textile market in the underground bazaar. Another heaven for textile shopping is Uzun Çarşı, the shopping area starting from the exit of Kapalı Çarşı. Bedesten, the jewelry bazaar in Kapalı Çarşı, bazaars of furniture, footwear and handcrafts are also worth exploring. This grand bazaar is located at Heykel, which is literally the heart of the city.

After you left Bursa you’ll arrive to Gölyazı. The town’s history goes over to B.C 6th century. According to written instruments; Antique name of Gölyazı Town is “Apollonia ad Rhyndacum” that we say Orhaneli Brook (Kocaçay) today and this comes from Ryndacus River. Apollonia was the God of the Light at the old eras. It is known that nine towns, named “Apollonia”, were located in Anatolia at Antique Eras.

Some of the beauties of this village, which is known Apolynot at antique era, are: the trees, which remain in the water when the lake rises; the ducks swim on this water, the marshy places, the fisher women, hunt fishes on the boats, and the cobblestoned pavement streets.

You’ll have Lunch at the local restaurant in Bursa or Gölyazı depending on the tourtime

You drive to the hotel in Çanakkale

ÇANAKKALE ,TROY ANCIENT CITY AND MUSEUM- ASSOS ANCIENT CITY- ZEUS ALTAR-ANTANDROS ANCIENT CITY-AYVALIK                        210 KM

You’ll visit first to Troy ancient city.

‘’IN THE ILIAD, HOMER DESCRIBES TROY AS ‘WELL-FOUNDED’, ‘STRONG-BUILT’ & ‘WELL-WALLED’.

Troy is one of the world’s most famous ancient cities, renowned for being the site of the Trojan War, as described by Homer in The Iliad. Today’s Troy—a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area of ruins and archaeological excavations—contains the remains of multiple settlements, some dating back 5,000 years.

The archaeological sites at Troy include remains from at least nine different periods of settlement and were found in many layers of excavation. Get a sense of the area’s rich history by walking around the remains of city walls, temples, theaters, bathhouses, and homes. You can also climb inside a replica of the infamous Trojan horse (which stands near the entrance) to enjoy elevated views of the ruins.

The Troy Museum opened in 2018 and is located at the entrance to the Troy archaeological site. The striking red building houses over 2,000 ancient artifacts that have been excavated from the site, including a sarcophagus, statues, jewelry, tools, and pottery. Descriptive panels, dioramas, and interactive displays help bring the story of Troy to life. Visitors can also enjoy views of the ruins from the building’s rooftop terrace.

Then you’ll drive to the ancient city of Assos .

Assos Archaeological Site is located in the southwestern part of the Biga peninsula, within the borders of Behramkale village, 17 km south of the district of Ayvacik in the province of Canakkale. The archaeological site is under protection, since it was registered as a 1st degree archaeological site in 1982.

It is possible to come across the Doric column heads, column bases and other architectural ruins around the ancient city. Places of interest in Assos include the 5000 seat theatre, the agora, the stoa, the gymnasium, the bathhouse, the city walls and gates, and the ruins of the Temple of Athena on the acropolis.

You’ll have Lunch with a magnificent view in Assos.

Then you’ll continue to the altar of Zeus .In the Iliad ,Homer mentions that the Gods lived on Mount Ida and that they watched and ruled the Trojan War from here.It is also included in this epic that Zeus ,the God of Gods ,lived here and watched and ruled the war.Researchers waorking in the region also think that high place ,built on a hill overlooking the sea and Edremit gulf,belongs to the chief god Zeus.

Your next stop is the ancient city of Antandros in Altınoluk.

Only 15 years ago, almost none of the travelers knew of the existence of the ruins of the ancient city Antandros, located on the Gulf of Edremit, in the southern part of the Troad. The only visible traces of the once mighty city were the scattered fragments of buildings, hidden in an olive grove, and not encouraging an in-depth exploration. However, a lot has changed since then, and the team of researchers led by Professor Gürcan Polat has made remarkable discoveries in Antandrus. The biggest attraction of this place is a wonderfully preserved Roman villa, adorned with mosaic floor and wall frescoes.

In addition to the villa, in Antandros you can see the remains of huge baths, Roman cisterns, and an extensive necropolis.

End of the day ,you arrive to the hotel in Ayvalık

AYVALIK-TAKSIYARHIS CHURCH AND CUNDA ISLAND AKROPOLIS,ASKLEPİON,RED BASILICA ,IZMIR             180 KM

You will visit Taksiyarhis Church and Cunda Island.The church was built by the Alibey(Cunda) Island Greek Orthodox (Moschonese) community on its old foundations as the Metropolitan Church.At the time of its construction ,the majority of Cunda Island was Greek and the Greek population was around 8.000-10.000.the church is attributed to ‘’Taksiyarhis’’,the Guardian Archangels Gabriel and Mikhail.It still constitutes the most important monument of Cunda Island.

You’ll have Lunch in Bergama at the local restaurant.

You’ll drive to visit the Akropolis by Cable car.The Acropol is at an elevation of 300 meters and is especially rich in structures from the Hellenistic period.The palaces of the kings of Bargama,the theater ,holy areas and temples ,the agora ,the gymnasium,heroon (tomb of a deified hero) and other remains from the Roman period are all to be found on this hill.The excavation at Bergama began in 1877 and the most important find is the Zeus Altar which was taken to Berlin to be displayed there.It is only possible to see the base of the altar at Bergama.The most impressive structure on the ancient site is undouptedly the Traianus Temple which has been reerected after very successful restoration work.Other structures worthy of note are :the Temple to Dionysus ,which was constructed completely from marble in the Ionic style ,the 15.000 seat theater which is the steepest of its kind,the second largest library of its time containing 200.000 works and the Bergama Library ,built by King Attalos 1,which is located behind the Temple to Athena.

After the visit of Acropol ,you’ll continue to Asklepion.This is situated to West of the ancient site.It was constructed in the 4th century BC and this area was dedicated to the god of health,Aesculapius and is the remains of one of the first health centers in the World.In its day Asklepion ,was famous for its motto,’’Death cannot enter the place its forbidden’’.On the ‘’Blessed Way’’ you can find the symbol used today by pharmacists-the snake entwined round a stick.Among some of the methods of treatment used here were music and psychotherapy .During the Romanperiod the famous pharmacist and physician,Galenos ,worked here at the Asklepion before working as the court physian. Locally the Asklepion is known as ‘’Ayvaz Ali’’.

Finally you’ll visit the ‘’Red Basilica’’ in Bergama.

The "Red Basilica", also called variously the Red Hall and Red Courtyard, is a monumental ruined temple in the ancient city of Pergamon, now Bergama, in western Turkey. The temple was built during the Roman Empire, probably in the time of Hadrian and possibly on his orders. It is one of the largest Roman structures still surviving in the ancient Greek world. The temple is thought to have been used for the worship of Egyptian gods – specifically Isis and/or Serapis, and possibly also Osiris, Harpocrates and other lesser gods, who may have been worshipped in a pair of drum-shaped rotundas, both of which are virtually intact, alongside the main temple.

Although the building itself is of an immense size, it was only one part of a much larger sacred complex, surrounded by high walls, that dwarfed even the colossal Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek. The entire complex was built directly over the River Selinus in a remarkable feat of engineering that involved the construction of an immense bridge 196 metres (643 ft) wide to channel the river through two channels under the temple. The Pergamon Bridge still stands today, supporting modern buildings and even vehicle traffic. A series of tunnels and chambers lies under the main temple, connecting it with the side rotundas and giving private access to different areas of the complex. Various drains, water channels and basins are located in, around and under the main temple and may have been used for symbolic reenactments of the flooding of the Nile.

The temple was converted by the Byzantines into a Christian church dedicated to St John but was subsequently destroyed. Today the ruins of the main temple and one of the side rotundas can be visited, while the other side rotunda is still in use as a small mosque.

Then you’ll drive to the hotel in İzmir

IZMIR – ANCIENT SMYRNA -KADİFEKALE (VELVET CASTLE)-TEOS  ANCIENT CITY -GRAND BAZAAR-KONAK CLOCK TOWER, HISTORICAL ELEVATOR AND DARIO MORENO STREET  250 KM

After Breakfast you start the tour with the visit of Smyrna in Bayraklı.Although it is estimated that the history of Smyrna city in bayraklı goes back to 3000 BC,the most recent excavations have only been reached until 3000 BC.According to the information obtained from the excavations ,it was determined that the first setled houses were placed on rocks 3 to 5 meters above the sea at the top of the mound.This first settlement belongs to the Early Bronze Age period.Then you drive to Kadifekale (Velvet Castle) .Kadifekale ,is a fortress located in the city of İzmir in turkey.The Castle ,which is the acropolis of ancient Smyrna ,is located on Pagos Hill with an altitude of 186 meters overlooking the İzmir Bay.End of the visit of Kadifekale you will drive to the ancient city of Teos in Sıgacık

The little and cute town of Sığacık is proud of being the first Citta Slow in Turkey

Sigacik Castle, located in the northeast of Sigacik Port, was built by Bright Mustafa Pasha upon the order of Suleiman the Magnificent, who was preparing for the Rhodes campaign (1521-1522). Built as a naval base, this fortress was also used as a customs control center in the past. Stones brought from the ancient city of Teos were also used on the castle walls, which have 3 gates called Kusadasi, Ayasuluk and Sivrihisar.

Teos Ancient City, which gives life to Seferihisar and its surroundings and is the most important stop for traveling in time in the region, is 3 km from Sigacik. The ancient city, whose history goes back to the 2000s BC, is one of the 12 Ionian cities. Being the largest port city of its time, Teos is also known as the city of artists. The fact that the first actor’s union in history was established in Teos in the 3rd century BC strengthens the place of this city in the field of art.

End of the visit of Teos ancient city ,you’ll ahve Lunch at the local restaurant in Sıgacık.

Then you drive back to İzmir to the Kemeraltı Market (Grand Bazaar).It is an old bazaar that was established back in the 17th century, located along the curve of historic Anafartalar Street. Today, Kemeralti is easily one of the most favorite venues for shopping not only for locals but also for tourists. The plethora of shops offer local handcrafts, jewelry, pottery, clothes as well as many other valuable goods.

Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar is one of the most popular Izmir attractions. Located in a grand covered pavilion, Kizlaragasi is absolutely fantastic and a must-visit. The market combines the traditional open air Turkish bazaar along with a wide number of shopping selections.

End of the Kemeraltı tour you are going to see the historic Clock Tower,It was designed by M.Raymond Pere and built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th year of the reign of Sultan Abdulhamıd II.The Tower’s green and pink marble columns were brought from Marseilles.

İzmir Clock Tower is a historic clock tower located at the Konak Square in Konak district of İzmir. The tower, at a height of 25 meters, features four fountains, which are placed around the base in a circular pattern, and the columns are inspired by North African themes

Then you will visit Konak (Yalı) Mosque is located in Konak Square. The religious structure was built in the 18th century by Ayse Hanim – the pasha’s daughter. Architecturally, Konak (Yalı) Mosque is a very beautiful octagonal structure composed in a classical ottoman style of stone and bricks. Konak also features some amazing ornaments inside as well as outside, a single dome and a minaret. It is located near Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower), a very popular local attraction.

Now you’ll drive to visit Dario Moreno House.It is the famous home of the well known singer, compositor, and "man of art". The house is located on one of the most beautiful little streets of Izmir (also bears singer's name). It's a classic example of the architecture from the early 20th century and a great tourist destination.

End of the Darıo Moreno Street there is Asansör (Turkish for "elevator") is a building in İzmir's Karataş quarter, within the boundaries of the metropolitan district of Konak. It was built in 1907 as a work of public service by a wealthy Jewish banker and trader of that period, Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, in order to ease passage from the narrow coastline of Karataş to the hillside, the elevator within the building serving to carry people and goods through the steep cliff between the two parts of the quarter. You can drink here coffe,tea or some drinks with a view of bay of İzmir.In time, the small street that led to the building also came to be known under the same name, Asansör Street (Asansör Sokağı). In the 1940s, one of the residents of the street was the singer Dario Moreno, who was to attain fame later. It was recently restored and since then, became one of the landmarks of İzmir. The street was renamed Dario Moreno Street in memory of the singer.

End of the day ,you arrive to the hotel in İzmir

TRANSFER TO THE AIR PORT OF İZMİR 30 KM