Flight to Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Two nights in Istanbul in a centrally located hotel.

In theOld City of Istanbul (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the wealth of historical buildings and ancient art treasures is noteworthy. The world-famous Hagia Sophia, once the largest church in Christianity, rises with its impressive architecture. Standing opposite her is her counterpart, the Blue Mosque, built 1000 years later by the Ottomans. In the Hippodrome, once the arena of sport competitions, we see the Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column that once stood in Delphi and the German Fountain, donated by Kaiser Wilhelm II. We then visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest and most important mosque in Ottoman Istanbul. We end the day with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar.

Early in the morning we dive into the fairytale world of the Orient at Topkapi Palace, where up to 5,000 people lived in its golden age. Afterwards we leave Istanbul, cross the Marmara Sea and arrive in Bursa. Bursa was the capital of the Ottomans before Istanbul. In the old town of Bursa, which is also on the UNESCO World Heritage List, we will see the early Ottoman buildings such as the Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Overnight stay in Bursa. 160 km

After breakfast we drive along the southern coast of the Marmara Sea. Visiting Troy (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the location of Homeric poems. The two writings of Homer, originating from the Trojan War, laid the foundation for Western literature. Overnight stay in Ayvalik. 450 km

In the morning we will go by cable car to the Acropolis of Pergamon (UNESCO World Heritage Site). With its library, which had over 200,000 “parchment” scrolls, the city was one of the most important centers of the Hellenistic period. Here we can see the remains of the Temple of Athena, the Altar of Zeus, the Temple of Trajan, the Royal Palaces and the Theater. In the big metropolis of Izmir we will make a panoramic tour and then we will go to Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage), another highlight of the Hellenistic-Roman period. Here we visit the Celsius Library, one of the best reconstructions in the world, and the theater with a capacity of 24,000 spectators. Afterwards we drive up to the Nightingale Mountain, where according to some teologists Mother Mary is supposed to have lived. Overnight stay in Kusadasi area. 280 km

Today we will drive to Aphrodisias (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the capital of the Carian region. Here, under the influence of a famous school of sculptors, the most beautiful sculptures of antiquity were created. Afterwards we will drive to Pamukkale (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here the white sinter terraces extend over a very large area, a rare natural wonder and a treat for the eyes. Overnight stay in Pamukkale. 220 km

Already in ancient times people knew about the healing properties of the thermal springs in Pamukkale and this prompted the creation of the city of Hierapolis. From the former health resort the extensive necropolis, the big theater and many building elements reached today in a good condition. We drive on a scenic route over the Taurus Mountains to Antalya. Two nights in Antalya. 250 km

Am Vormittag besuchen wir Aspendos, das das beste Beispiel eines römischen Theaters bietet. Das Theater ist in einem Top Zustand und hat eine Kapazität von 15.000 Zuschauern. Am Nachmittag besuchen wir Antalya, das diverse Einkaufsmöglichkeiten anbietet. Hier machen wir einen Bummel durch die engen Gassen der Altstadt bis zum dem historischen Hafen. 100 km

Transfer to the airport and flight home.