Monday, June 2 Fly from Athens to Izmir Aegean Airlines A3996 16:30/17:30
Arrive Izmir Airport at 5:30 pm. Meet and transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (D)
Tuesday, June 3 Pergamum – Sardis – Pamukkale
Drive to Pergamum where we will visit the Acropolis with the steepest theater of the ancient world and the Temple of Trajan. We will also visit the Red Basilica which was an Egyptian Temple, later converted to a church.Continue to Sardis and tour the city including the massive scale of the Temple of Artemis and by the white marble Royal Road, the gymnasium and the synagogue. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)
Wednesday, June 4 Hierapolis – Laodicea – Overnight Kusadasi
Morning visit to Hierapolis and Pamukkale and the white calcified cliffs and later the impressive amphitheater. We will visit the Martyrium of St. Philip. We’ll see the Gate of Domitian, column-lined streets and arches that have stood through time and earthquake. Then, visit Laodicea and see the latest excavations, two theaters, the newly restored Church, and more. Laodicea was a major city in Roman times. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
Thursday, June 5 Ephesus – Kusadasi
Drive to Selcuk town for full day tour of Ephesus. Visit Terrace Houses, the Library, the huge Agora, and the Temple of Artemis was declared one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Short free time in fron of the Celsius Library for photos.
Afternoon visit the Basilica of St. John, traditional site of his grave, and the Museum of Ephesus for an up-close look at artifacts from the ancient city. You will alsosee the Temple of Diana (Artemis), one of theseven wonders of the ancient World. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi. (B,D)
Friday, June 6 Transfer to Izmir Airport for flight back to Istanbul to connect with your flight back home.
OR, TAKE ISTANBUL EXTENSION
Friday, June 6 Fly Istanbul Transfer to Izmir Airport for morning flight to Istanbul. Meet and transfer to the Old City for afternoon visit to the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Saturday, June 7 Istanbul Visit Istanbul Archaeological Museum, Hagia Irene Church, the Basilica Cistern, Bosphorus Boat Tour. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Sunday, June 8 Transfer to Istanbul Airport – Fly back to Houston or Dallas.