Turkey School Group Holiday

Full day guided tour of the wonderful sites of Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents. The whole day tour would be from 09.00 AM (even earlier if requested) until 17.30 PM (Museums close at 17.00 PM during winter) In the mornig the proposed itinerary would be to visit the Blue Mosque, with its six graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles and then a 3 minute walk to the Hippodrome an ancient Roman arena for chariot racing. From there it is then a short 5 minute walk to the Basilica Cistern, a subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times. Lunch at a local restaurant.  In the afternoon your first port of call is the Topkapi Palace, with its remarkable treasury. This is a very large site and you will visit the main attractions. 20 minutes walk from the Topkapi Palace brings you to the Haghia Sophia, which was once a Byzantine Church but is now a museum with wonderful mosaics. Overnight: Hotel İlkay Istanbul (BLD)

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles by ferry to Canakkale and a short 30 minute drive brings you toTroy where you will be able to explore the ruins and develop an understanding of the layers of civilizations uncovered here. You then drive to Bergama, a 3 hour drive where you will have lunch before a visit Pergamon, founded by Alexandra the Great, Sites for this afternoon will be the ruins of the Acropolis and the Asclepion, dedicated to the god of healing. Transfer to Izmir, 100kms, 1.5 hours of driving and check in to your hotel. Overnight: Hotel Izmir (BLD)