8 Days Private Tour of Pearls of Anatolia in Istanbul

tinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and an important center for politics since sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history. Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races and the inspirational words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements have still been reminiscent of those with a powerful imagination.

cate Ottoman tiles that decorate the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns of the tiles and the well lighted, spacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the Ottoman spirit.

The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation and was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!". Humankind would have to wait for millennia before building a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Hagia Sophia. Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. Hagia Sophia, whose status was converted to a mosque in July 2020, has been taking its visitors on a journey through the multi-layered texture of history as a mosque ever since.

Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror himself and then enhanced by Architect Sinan, hides marks of the rituals and structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs. Home to the imperial treasury, cabinet and the site of the barracks for Janissaries, the elite of the army, every single corner of the palace mentions the splendor of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, Sultan’s attires, and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different palace sections. Admission fee: 500 TRY/per person

ply a complex of buildings but a real city covered by hemispheric domes with its streets. The largest, oldest, and most attractive covered bazaar in the world, where people have been trading jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossiping for centuries! The tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel at 06:00 am. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea. You will also travel by the shores of the Dardanelles, as you will pass by Gallipoli and other lands of gallantry where the famous “Gentlemen’s War” was fought between the Ottoman and Anzac troops during WW1.

Troy has been a true land of battle and gallantry; where the heroes and mythological figures fought each other. The site of the Trojan War, which was described in Homer Iliad and which has been an inspiration for some of the greatest motion pictures in our day waits for your discovery. Admission fee: 100 TRY/per person

Your journey will then take you to Assos, the ancient Greek city of philosophers and scholars. You will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

of Troy, fleeing from the wrath of Agamemnon, and stop for lunch at Bergama, or Pergamum, the birthplace of parchments. It is believed that the word parchment is a derivative of Pergamum as, according to Pliny the parchment was invented under the patronage of Eumenes of Pergamum, as a substitute for papyrus.

Pergamum is also the original home for the Great Altar of Pergamon, on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. Still in its original site, is the base of the altar, believed to have been dedicated to Zeus, and believed to be the "Satan's Throne" referred by John of Patmos in his Book of Revelation. Admission fee: 100 TRY/per person

Your tour will include the Odeon, Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, the Celcius Library, and the Great Theatre. Admission fee: 200 TRY/per person

l be the color of order for the afternoon. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site that is created by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.

eddin Al Rumi, the great philosopher, mystic, and the founder of the Whirling Dervishes’ Order who lived in Konya. His poems, teaching love among mankind and good manners, have been widely translated into many of the world's languages. He was described as the "most popular poet in America" in 2007.

ay, will be an adequate time for you to take a journey inwards, perhaps reciting the words of Mevlana: “Lover's nationality is separate from all other religions, The lover's religion and nationality is the Beloved (God). The lover’s cause is separate from all other causes Love is the astrolabe of God's mysteries. “

Once the capital of the powerful Hittite empire, later a refuge for early Christians; it is a land of magic, a region of exceptional natural wonders (in particular characterized by fairy chimneys), and a unique historical and cultural heritage. Prepare yourself to travel back in time, and prepare your mind to wander between the images of ancient people and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape

and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic.

fer to the airport for the flight back to İstanbul.