AEGEAN PEARL TOUR

ITINERARY

Sunday Day 1. ISTANBUL-GALLIPOLI-ASSOS
You will be collected from your hotel this morning, and driven along the northern shores of the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli (5-6 hours), historically famous for being the site of many battles – particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Visit Anzac Cove where the Allied Forces landed on 25 April 1915. A Turkish monument marks Anzac Cove with Ataturk’s poignant words uttered in 1934 for the Anzac troops:
“Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives…you are now lying in the soil of a friendly country. Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehmets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours… You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears; your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land, they have become our sons as well.”
Other places of interest to visit are the War Cemeteries (Beach Cemetery, Quinn’s Post, the Nek) and Anzac Memorials (Lone Pine, Conk Bair, and Hellespont). Cross the strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, to Canakkale and on to Assos and overnight. (L/D)

Monday Day 2. ASSOS-PERGAMON-KUSADASI
Visit the ruins of Assos, considered the prettiest small harbour in the northern Aegean, with its impressive Hellenistic and Byzantine fortifications and the Temple of Athena on the summit, affording spectacular views of the Aegean Sea and the Greek island of Lesbos.

Depart for Bergama to visit the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon, once one of the richest and most powerful small kingdoms in the Middle East. Among the impressive structures of this city, dating from 399 B.C., you will see the Altar of Zeus, Temple of Dionysus and the 200,000 volume library which was surpassed only by that found in Alexandria at the time. The most spectacular site is the theatre, a remarkable feat of engineering built into an exceptionally steep hillside. The Asclepieum of Pergamon was a famous health centre where methods of treatment included blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Continue south to Kusadasi and overnight. (B/L)

Tuesday Day 3. KUSADASI-EPHESUS-KUSADASI
Most of the day today will be dedicated to visiting Ephesus, which was undoubtedly one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world. Impressive structures you will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, the Theatre and the Odeon. Nearby is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. In 1961, Pope John XXII proclaimed the House of the Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. Also included in today’s tour is a visit of the Basilica of St. John, who came here with the Virgin Mary
and wrote his Gospel or the Selçuk Ephesus Museum, a beautiful museum with its attractively displayed statuary, mosaics and artefacts, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B/L)

Wednesday Day 4. KUSADASI-BODRUM or MARMARIS
Visit Priene, the first planned city in the ancient world, in a beautiful setting overlooking the valley. Visit the Theatre, the Temple of Athena, Agora, the Bouleterion, and the Zeus Altar. Then proceed to Miletus, the famous Ionian city which was visited by St. Paul during one of his missionary trips. Finally drive to Didyma to see the well preserved Apollo Temple with its awesome gigantic pillars and head of Medusa.; the Temple was in early days inhabited only by priests and suppliants who came to consult the famous oracle there. Lunch near the temple and then transfer to Bodrum or Marmaris. Tour ends on arrival. (B)

AEGEAN PEARL TOUR COSTS INCLUDE:
• Transportation in minivan or midibus, dependent on numbers
• English speaking guide
• Accommodation for 3 nights
• Meals as indicated – 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 1 Dinner
• Entrance fees at monuments & places of visit
• All sightseeing and tours as indicated

Departs Sundays – min 4 persons. Does not operate 23 – 26 April

AU $1362