At the conclusion of the Study Tour of Greece, we will depart Athens the late afternoon of Sunday, April 23 to fly to Izmir on the west coast of Turkey with transfer to our hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi (dinner included).
Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, is the first stop. Ephesus, located in modern day Turkey, was once considered the most important Greek city and the most important trading center in the Mediterranean region. It was also a hotbed of early Christian evangelism and remains an important archaeological site. St. Paul wrote his gospels here and the house where the Virgin Mary spent her last days has been reconstructed and is a Christian pilgrimage destination.
Although now in ruins, the Temple of Artemis was estimated to be four times larger than the Parthenon and became known as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
On our way to Troy, we will visit the ancient city of Pergamum featuring an Acropolis and Asclepion, one of the earliest known medical centers.
The ruins of Ancient Troy — this famous ancient city was through fictional until 1863 when archaeologists completed excavations.
And then on to ancient Byzantium, then Constantinople, now known as Istanbul.
Itinerary
April 24 — Visit Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis. Dinner at the hotel.
April 25 — Drive to Canakkale and visit the Pergamum Acropolis and Asclepion on the way to Troy. Dinner at the hotel.
April 26 — Drive to Istanbul. Half day touring Istanbul to include the Grand Bazaar and a cruise on the Bosphorus.
April 27 — Full day touring in Istanbul to include Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and the Underground Cistern.
April 28 — Transfer to international airport for journey back to the United States. Veda!
Costs per person: based on double occupancy – $900; single supplement $225.
Includes: 5 nights en suite hotel accommodation, all hotel service charges and taxes, local transfers, an English speaking licensed guide, local transportation by private air-conditioned coach, entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary, breakfast each day and dinners as indicated on the itinerary, and portages at all hotels. Gratuities for our guide, bus driver, and anyone else who helps us along the way.
Not included: visa, air travel*, beverages at dinner, personal expenses and any optional tours or events.
*You can book your one way flight from Athens on the Aegean website or our travel agent, Konstantinos, is happy to help you book your flight from Athens to Izmir. Details are:
April 23, 2023: Aegean Air A3 996, departing ATH at 7:05 p.m., arriving Izmir, Turkey at 8:20 p.m.