ISTANBUL embraces two continents, one arm reaching out to Asia the other to Europe. The Bosphorus crosses through the heart of the city joining the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. As the former capital of three successive empires, Roman Byzantine and Ottoman, today Istanbul honors and preserves the legacy of its past while becoming one of the most developed modern cities of the world. Indeed it is Istanbul's variety that attracts the visitors. The museums, churches, palaces, great mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. Modern Istanbul also offers some of the world's most luxurious shopping, hotels, night life and arts festivals. Whatever your interest maybe, Istanbul has enough to offer every taste. Some of the places you will visit on your tour include the TOPKAPI PALACE which is on the Golden Horn and was built in the 15th century. The sultans and their court lived and governed from these buildings. Today its galleries exhibit imperial collections of crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, jewelry and a priceless collection of miniatures. AYASOFYA is another highlight of the tour and used to be called “The Basilica of St. Sophia” and was built by Constantine. It has an immense dome of 55 m. in height and 31 m. in diameter. The building is extremely majestic and decorated with the finest collection of Byzantine mosaics.THE SUNKEN PALACE is a uniquely amazing Byzantine cistern. It is an immense underground chamber supported by 336 massive Corinthian columns. DOLMABAHÇE PALACE has a facade that stretches 600 meters along the shore of the Bosphorus. The astonishing crystal chandeliers, the Bird Pavilion, and the gold ornaments never fail to astonish the visitor. The COVERED BAZAAR is a major attraction with its labyrinth of streets that house more than 4000 shops and the bazaar is the original shopping mall with something to suit every taste.

Boat Trips on THE BOSPHORUS

One of the most worthwhile things you can experience in Istanbul is a boat trip on the Bosphorus. You will be able to delight in the splendid natural landscapes, impressive castles, palaces, mosques and magnificent sunsets as you sail. The boat trip in Istanbul will also enable you to sail under the two enormous bridges which span Europe and Asia, and meander along the mosque lined Golden Horn or perhaps cruise along the coves and bays of the Princess Islands. It is also quite an experience to enjoy dinner aboard in the evening trips. Prices vary on the type of boat and season. Pls. contact us for more info.

BURSA is known throughout Turkey as “Green Bursa”. The city is close to Istanbul and lies on the lower slopes of Uludag Mt. (2443m). It was under Roman and Byzantine rules before becoming the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Many important buildings remain as a result of the city's spectacular past. Bursa is also famous for its parks, gardens, mosques, natural spring waters and spas as well as the famous ski resort of Uludag. Some of the places you will visit are : THE GREEN MAUSOLEUM which is set in a garden and distinguished by its paneling of blue tiles, the mausoleum holds the cenotaph of Sultan Mehmet I and ULU MOSQUE  which is constructed in Seljuk style, a finely carved walnut speaker's platform and impressive calligraphic panels decorate the mosque. The absolution fountain lies unusually within the mosque, under the ceiling of 20 domes. You will also visit the OTTOMAN HOUSE MUSEUM which is a restored 17th Century dwelling that provides an interesting glimpse into the lives of wealthy Ottomans.

ÇANAKKALE lies on the narrow part of the straits that connect the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. It is famous for the memorable battle of Gallipoli and provides an honored resting place for the soldiers who bravely fought and died in this battle. Çanakkale has a marina that is frequented by yachts and tourists from all over the world and the promenade is full of hotels and restaurants and cafes that allow the visitor to enjoy the view of passing boats. The town is proudly placed on the green hills descending to sandy beaches. Close by is the site of TROY which Homer immortalized in his epics, the Iliad and the Odyssey. Archaeological excavations have revealed 9 separate periods of settlement and the ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a Roman theater. A symbolic wooden horse commemorates the legendary war.

ASSOS (BEHRAMKALE), is an Acropolis 238 meters above sea level. The Temple of Athena was constructed on this site in the 6th Century BC. This Doric Temple situated on top of the hill is the guardian of the Biga Peninsula and the Gulf of Edremit. On the terraces descending to the sea are agoras, a gymnasium and a theater. This town is unique in the way it is geographically positioned and its spectacular view of the Gulf.

AYVALIK is a charming port town, situated amid beautiful pine woods. Places worth visiting are : The DEVIL'S TABLE which offers a great panoramic view of the archipelago along the Gulf of Ayvalik and the little island of Alibey (Cunda) and CUNDA ISLAND which is active with tourists and seafood restaurants that line the waterfront.

BERGAMA - PERGAMON was once a great center for cultures survives as one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites. The library consisted of 200.000 volumes and was the second largest in the world. In the Acropolis on a hill above the modern town are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theater, the temples of Trajon and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces on the Agora. The famous Temple of Zeus once located on the Acropolis of ancient Pergamon was dismantled and taken to Berlin and is now on display in Berlin Museum.

IZMIR is the third largest city in Turkey and has the second largest port after Istanbul. It is situated around a deep gulf and is surrounded by mountains. It is a very modern, lively and active city. The climate is ideal and the palm trees that line the waterfront give the city a unique atmosphere.

KUSADASI (Bird Island) is a lovely port built along the shores of a glittering bay and is about 90 km’s from izmir. The terraced town overlooks the most beautiful inlet of the Aegean and seems to have been created for the delight of the holiday maker. The “Kaleiçi” part of town is alive all night with its many bars and restaurants and the town also offers a wide variety of shopping and water sports facilities. Only 20 km’s from Kusadasi is the excellently preserved site of EPHESUS which was an important ancient port city. The ancient harbor has been filled in with silt and stands inland now. Ephesus is also the home of one of the seven wonders of the world, The Temple of Artemis. The apostle St. Paul lived in Ephesus and St. John wrote his gospel here. The theater, Agora, Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian and the Homes of the rich on the slopes are the main features of the site. A few km’s from Ephesus is the HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY. According to traditional belief, Mary left Jerusalem together with St. John around 40 AD and came here where she died. The church dedicated to her name here is the first in the world accepted by the Vatican as a pilgrimage for Catholics. Also very close to Ephesus is the traditional 19th Century village SIRINCE. Sirince is known for its original houses, some of which have been converted into guest houses. This small hillside village is famous for wine production and the village resembles an open air museum. The NATIONAL PARK (KALAMAKI) is situated about 15 km’s from Kusadasi and is a conservation area with pine forests descending into many clear, turquoise beaches. The small cafes and restaurants and the uniquely spectacular beaches will take you breath away at this amazing park.

ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES

Horse Safari -- You can either be a beginner or an experienced rider to join an evening or a day trip.  Qualified instructors will guide you across villages, and deserted areas, swim on the beach with your horse and have a barbecue on the beach.

Jeep Safari -- You will be traveling in a group with a qualified guide and traveling through the countryside and swimming in beautiful beaches and coves.  The program will also allow you to see many villages and sites of the area.

Camel Riding -- A pre planned route is covered on a camel, guided by a qualified instructor.

PRIENE (Güllübahçe) was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. The gridlock system of streets introduced in the 4th Century BC by Hippodromes of Miletus is a superb and early example of town planning.

MILET (MILETUS) was a great Ionian port and the birthplace of several philosophers and sages. The theater and the well preserved Faustina Baths and the Archaeological Museum all justify a visit.

DIDIM (DIDYMA) can only boast of a single monument but it is still a marvelous site. The Temple Of Apollo, though many times looted and burned, still impresses with its elegant beauty. Close to this site is the famous golden beaches and the modern town.

BAFA LAKE - HERAKLIA is about 60 km’s from Kusadasi and the road to Bodrum is built along the lake, where the ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are also situated.

BODRUM was known in the ancient world as Halicarnassus and was the birthplace of Heredotus and the home of one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Bodrum castle or the castle of St. Peter by its ancient name, is a medieval castle built in the crusader architectural style and has been converted into a Museum of Underwater Archaeology, housing remains that date back as far as the Bronze Age. Bodrum is also a modern resort that is now favored for the nightlife that goes on until the morning and thousands of bars and restaurants placed on the sea front provide entertainment for every taste. The town is also situated on the Bodrum peninsula and therefore allows for some of the best beaches and diving grounds for the sea lover. On your boat trip you will visit KARAADA which is a small island half an hour from Bodrum and you can enjoy bathing in the warm mineral waters and mud which are renowned for improving the complexion.

SHOPPING in BODRUM

Shopping is a delight in Bodrum, locally made blue beads, original leisure clothing, hand-made leather sandals, painted T-shirts and dresses, hand crocheted wears, costume jewelry, hand painted cushions and porcelains with Bodrum designs are among the specialty shopping items of the town.

MARINE LIFE and SCUBA DIVING in BODRUM

Not far from town, you can swim in absolutely clear, tideless, warm seas.  Underwater divers especially will want to explore the numerous reefs, caves and majestic rock formations.  The waters offer multicolored sponges of all shapes and sizes and an immense variety of other aquatic life .

Due to the importance of Marine life in Bodrum, the town has become famous for its boat builders. These craftsmen and the boatyards have an ancient reputation for their traditional yachts.  All these factors explain the existence of an excellent Marina in town.

MARMARIS is one of the most attractive maritime spots of the country. It used to be called Physkos, and was an important part of the trade route between Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt and Suleyman the Magnificent had an impressive citadel built on the hills, the remains of which can still be seen today. The bay of Marmaris is like a natural harbor that is closed off from the open seas by a narrow outlet that joins the Aegean sea, allowing for a very calm bay that is ideal for water sports and sailing. Marmaris is surrounded by pine forests that gently descend into the sea creating a beautiful picture of deep blues and luscious greens. It is also one of the few places on earth where you can see or smell the overpowering frankincense tree. You will spend the night at Içmeler region is very close to Marmaris and is composed of hazy, pine covered mountains that descend to sandy beaches.

DALYAN (CAUNOS) - A road shaded with aromatic frankincense trees lead to the tiny village of Dalyan. The nearby lake (Köycesiz) narrows into a channel, flowing into the Dalyan river which flows through the town and reaches the sea at one of Turkey's most spectacular conservation beaches - the breeding ground for the Caretta Caretta sea turtle and blue crabs. The reed edged river meanders toward the sea, surmounted by 4th Century BC Lycian Rock Tombs. Nearby are the ruins of the ancient city of Caunos. The maze of channels leading from the village to the sea will be explored on the boat ride. The restaurants line the waterways and specialize in fresh fish.

KAS is a lovely small town surrounded on three sides by mountains. Kas was once known as Antiphellos and only a Lycian rock cut tomb and sarcophagi are left now but the charm of the town remains and its a pleasure to wonder through the streets. The bars and restaurants offer plenty of nightlife. Here, the local fishermen are happy to run a water taxi service to take you to the surrounding bays and caves along the coast.

KALKAN is a tiny hill top village that overlooks a small bay. Its quaint traditional white-washed houses and shuttered windows and balconies garlanded with flowers make it the ultimate peaceful holiday spot. narrow winding streets lined with shops lead down to the charming marina.

ANTALYA is one of the largest towns in Turkey and is an incredibly lively one due to its abundance of sites and amazing natural beauty. It is surrounded by high mountains and wild nature. and faces the Mediterranean sea and has a marina and many excellent hotels and clubs. The surrounding area is also littered with attractive towns, bays, and ruins not to be missed by the visitor. Around Antalya are many ruins worth visiting :

TERMESSOS is ruins of a city set inside the Güllük Mount National Park to the Northwest of Antalya. It is placed 1050 meters high on a plateau. A wild and splendid landscape surrounds the monumental traces of this city.

PERGE is the site where St. Paul preached some of his first sermons. It is an important city of ancient Pamphylian and situated 18 km’s from Antalya. The theater has finely carved marble relief's and a long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and lined with shops, an Agora, the public baths and a gymnasium.

ASPENDOS is the best preserved theater of antiquity with a seating of 15.000 people, still used today, the theaters galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architects success. The remains of the basilica, Agora, and one of the largest aqueducts in Anatolia are also other main points of interest to be seen. If you have ever wondered how gold dust becomes a fine piece of art or how precious stones are engraved be sure to visit the Aspendos Jewelry Center.

PHASELIS is also close to Antalya and the ruins of this major commercial city consist of three harbors, the ruins of aqueducts, Agoras, baths, a theater, Hadrian’s Gate and an acropolis which all reveal the city's historical importance. The sheltered sandy beaches make a superb playground and the water are calm and safe for the swimmer.

OLYMPUS is the ancient city of Olympus situated on the southern side of Mt. Tahtali. Oleander and laurel bushes shade the Olympus valley which you can approach by land and sea. A temple gate and a theater remain from antiquity.

YANARTAS is north of Olympus at 300 Mt., where according to mythology the Lycian hero Bellerophon, mounted on his winged horse Pegasus and slew the fire breathing monster. gas which seeps from the earth burns brightly at night at this site, which the Byzantine also considered a religious area. Than there is the principal harbor of ancient Lycia, PATARA which is reached by a winding mountain road before descending to the site. According to legend Apollo was born here and more concrete evidence reveals that St. Nicholas was born here.. Though the ruins are numerous and very interesting Patara is also a place for the beach lover as each undiscovered corner makes you feel like it is our own private getaway. XANTHOS was the ancient capital of Xanthos, and is 18 km’s north of Patara. A mixture of ruins from Lycian, Roman and Byzantine times create the special atmosphere of this site. LETOON consists of three Temples dedicated to Leto, Apollo and Artemis, the familiar Gods of mythology await the exploration of the tourist.

PAMUKKALE - At Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) nature has produced a sight of spectacular beauty. For thousands of years an underground spring has been pouring out streams of hot mineral - saturated water. This water has hollowed enormous circular basins and the mineral content has coated them in a smooth layer of dazzling, white calcareous rock. Built near the natural hot springs, the grand city Hierapolis attracted a steady stream of pilgrims who came to bathe in these therapeutic waters. Pamukkale is located 20 km’s from Denizli. Throughout history Pamukkale has been a famous spa, with both baths and open pools set into the snow white cliffs.

APHRODISIAS is the city dedicated to the Goddess of love and fertility and became a prominent city in the 1st Century BC. Some of the richest treasures of ancient times were discovered in the excavations of this site. Aphrodisisas was the greatest sculpting school in antiquity and the public buildings are handsomely adorned with astonishing skill, producing remarkable temples, monuments, baths, a theater and a magnificent stadium.

CAPPADOCIA

This is an unique and wondrous land which will astound you at first sight, and continue to amaze you as you discover more and will remain in your memory with its fusion of colors and mystical formations.

Cappadocia is situated in central Anatolia. The brilliant light that is created by the marvelous fairy chimneys and other geographical formations will instantly astound you.  This extraordinary land is a striking example of how geography and human habitation have worked together, and how geography has influenced people's imagination.

The first Christians lived there.  St. Peter refers to Christians dwelling in Cappadocia as early as the first Century AD; the caves were used also as retreats of Muslim mystics.  There are plenty of churches and monasteries in the caves.  There is also an outside museum, which consists of 15 churches, 7 refectories, and numerous burial crypts, storerooms and cellars.  Most of these churches and monasteries are decorated with works of major artistic and historic importance.

There are 36 known underground cities in the area, which were places of refuge where people have hidden themselves and their families from invaders. These underground cities have elaborate systems of ventilation, storage rooms, churches and connecting passages within the layers, perhaps as many as 18 levels , some of which are more than 85 m down into the ground are still being discovered.  Inhabitants entered the caves by means of ladders and they raised various livestock (poultry & goats) underground.  As a visitor you will notice that the perfect insulation system of these cities make them cool in the summer and evenly warm in the harsh winters.