IZMIR, PAMUKKALE AND ANTALYA

1 - Day 1

Depart today on your flight to Izmir via Istanbul.

2 - Day 2

Arrive Istanbul – Fly to Izmir Destination: Izmir Morning: You will arrive in Istanbul sometime this morning, and then board a second flight to Izmir later in the afternoon (depending on your specific flight arrangements.) An Avesta travel representative will meet you at the airport and you will transfer to your hotel via bus. Depending on where you stay, your hotel may feature an on-site restaurant and bar. Typical rooms may be equipped with wireless Internet and a private bath with hair dryer. You might have a kettle and some coffee or tea complimentary. Lunch: On your own. Perhaps you will seek out Manti, Turkish style dumplings, or ask your Trip Experience Leader for suggestions on where to dine. Afternoon: The remainder of the day is free for your own discoveries. Check with your Trip Experience Leader for activity ideas this afternoon. Dinner: On your own, whenever you would like. Your Trip Experience Leader will be happy to provide recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the evening as you please. Perhaps you will take an evening stroll along the waterfront, or you may choose to retire to your room to settle in and rest.

3 - Day 3

Explore Izmir, ferry to Karsiyaka and Kemeralti Destination: Izmir Meals Included (B, D) Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 7am-9 am, with Turkish and global options available. Morning: around 9am, gather in the hotel with your Trip Experience Leader, who will set the stage for your discoveries in Turkey with a Welcome Briefing. This briefing gives you the chance to introduce yourself and get to know the other members of your small group. You will review your itinerary in more detail (including any changes that may need to occur). Your Trip Experience Leader will discuss logistics, safety and emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Then around 9:45 am, depart the hotel and walk about 15 minutes to a nearby pier where you will take to the water. Board a ferry set for the bustling area of Karsiyaka. Enjoy the fresh, sea breeze during your 20-minute journey, taking in views of coastal cities that hug the shoreline and mighty mountains in the distance as you cruise. Upon arrival in Karsiyaka just before 10:30 am, set off on a walking tour. During your explorations, notice the districts uniform buildings, which are all similar in height and design, and because of its location on the water, soak up beautiful coastal views and enjoy the fresh sea breeze. As the second largest district in Izmir after Konak, you will get a feel for the metropolitan bustle of this urban centre. After concluding your discoveries around 11 am, take a tram back to the pier to board a ferry to the Konak district of Izmir. Upon arrival shortly before 11:30 am, visit the 19th century Izmir Clock Tower, designed by Levantine French architect Raymond Charles Pere and a gift from the German Emperor Wilhelm the 2nd. Completed in 1901, the clock was to made to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Abdulhamit the 2nd accession to the throne in the late 19th century. Later, set off for Kemeralti, a lively market district. During our 1-hour explorations here, browse the colourful wares and culturally- significant art of the bazaar. Perhaps the deep and bright blues of a shops Nazar- talismans used to repel the evil eye- will catch your attention. Or you may search for a colourful scarf to take with you as a memento. Then around 12:45 pm, board a shuttle for a 15-minute drive back to the hotel. Lunch: On your own. You may seek out a restaurant that serves traditional dishes such as Kofte, Turkish meatballs. Enjoy these savoury pillows of meat on their own or served alongside yoghurt and rice. Afternoon: Enjoy a few hours of free time. Perhaps you will visit the Arkas Art Centre. While the bold white exterior of this building is impressive in itself and evocative of a tropical destination. It is also houses an impressive collection of modern and historical artwork. Or, you may step inside the colourful 17th century St. Polycarp Church to view the golden altar and the vibrant designs that cover the walls and ceiling. Then around 6pm, gather back at the hotel to board a bus and drive for about 30 minutes to a local restaurant. Dinner: Around 6:30 pm, enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. Sample the traditional cuisine and toast to the discoveries to come. Evening: Around 8pm, depart the restaurant and return to the hotel, arriving around 08:30pm. The remainder of the evening is free for you to enjoy as you please. You may choose to retire to your room to get some rest before our discoveries tomorrow, or you may set off on an evening stroll to see the city lit up by the warm glow of the city’s lights.

4 -  Day 4

Izmir, explore Pergamum, Home Hosted Lunch Destination Izmir Meals included (B, L) Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 7am-8:30am. Morning: Around 8:30 am board a bus for a 2-hour drive to Bergama’s ancient city of Pergamum. Take advantage of a little more than 1.5 hours to explore this ancient site, including its impressive hilltop acropolis- perched at 1,099 feet. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, this formerly rich and powerful city was once one of the major cultural centres of the Greek world. Some of the remarkably-preserved ruins that remain are the Pergamum alter, dedicated to the Greek gods of Zeus and Athena; the Hellenistic theatre, which could seat up to 10.000 people; and the 4th century Temple of Athena, the oldest temple that existed here. Cap off your discoveries around 12:15 pm and drive for about 30 minutes to the Kozak Valley where a local family will invite you into their home. Lunch: Around 12:45 pm, enjoy a traditional Home Hosted Lunch with your hosts. During your meal you may ask the family what their everyday routine looks like, traditions and customs they uphold, and insight into the local culture. This is a great opportunity to gain an intimate perspective of the lives of local people and possibly share some of your culture with them as well. Afternoon: Around 2pm say goodbye to your new friends and drive for about 2 hours back to Izmir. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Perhaps you’d like to visit the Archaeological Museum of Izmir, containing a number of artefacts unearthed around the Gulf of Izmir. Among these artefacts are busts, statues, statuettes, and tools dating back to the Bronze Age as well as Greek and Roman periods. Feel free to also consult with your Trip Experience Leader for activity ideas this afternoon. Dinner: You have the freedom to dine where you please. You may ask you Trip Experience Leader where you can find regional cuisine, like pide. Similar to pizza, pide consists of a boat of dough loaded with a variety of toppings in the crevice of the dish. You can find pide made with everything from cheese and spinach to beef and tomatoes. Evening: The evening is free for you to make your own discoveries. Perhaps you’ll return to your hotel room to pack before leaving Izmir tomorrow. Or you may choose to grab a cocktail at the hotel bar with your fellow travellers to discuss your discoveries thus far.

5 - Day 5

Ephesus, transfer to Pamukkale Destination: Pamukkale Meals included: (B, L, D) Accommodations: Doga Thermal Health & Spa or similar. Breakfast: Served buffet-style at hotel from 7am-8:30am. Morning: At about 8:30 am, you’ll bid farewell to Izmir and transfer about 1 hour by bus to the 10th century Greco-Roman ruins of Ephesus. Considered Europe’s well-preserved classical metropolis, the city was excavated over the course of more than a century and a half., and believe it or not, most of it is yet to be uncovered. In its heyday, Ephesus was home more than 250.000 inhabitants and flourished under both Greek and Roman rule. Ephesus is perhaps best known for its Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. As you explore here, you will get a glimpse of the diversity of influences that shaped this once bustling trade city. Around noon, you’ll conclude your discoveries and drive 15 minutes to a local restaurant. Lunch: At a local restaurant around 12:15pm featuring regional cuisine. Afternoon: Depart by bus at approximately 1:30 pm for your final destination for the evening Pamukkale. The humble town centres simple buildings and quite streets will be your jumping off point for your explorations of the towns mineral-rich thermal waters and well-preserved Roman ruins of Hierapolis tomorrow. Upon arrival around 4:30pm you’ll check in to your hotel. Depending on where you stay, your hotel may feature a spa, sauna, Turkish Bath, hot springs bath, indoor and outdoor pools, a restaurant and bar. Each room may be equipped with a balcony, wireless Internet access, satellite TV, and a private bathroom. The remainder of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries or perhaps to rest and get settled in to your new surroundings. Perhaps you’ll venture to the Hierapolis Archaeology Museum to get acquainted with the regions fascinating history that we will learn more about during our explorations tomorrow. Feel the ancient history of the town all around you when you enter into the museum, formerly used as Roman Bath centuries ago, to view an impressive collection of sarcophagi, jewellery and remnants of Roman architecture. Dinner: Around 7pm at the hotel, featuring traditional dishes. Evening: On your own. You may choose to retire to your room to get some sleep or find a nearby restaurant where you can indulge your sweet tooth in traditional desserts. Perhaps you’ll seek out a popular sweet like Kunafeh, which is layers of cheese and very fine, delicate strands of pastry soaked in honey or syrup.

6 - Day 6

Explore Pamukkale, walking -tour of Buldan town, visit local clothing factory cooperative Destination: Pamukkale Accommodations: Doga Thermal Health & Spa or similar Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 7am-8am. Morning: At about 8:30am depart the hotel to discover the ancient spa town of Pamukkale. Arriving around 8:45am, you’ll first witness and learn about the curative powers of the areas treasured natural hot springs, which cascade over seemingly glistening, snow –white limestone terraces shaped by the calcium-rich properties of the water. These pristine, bright travertine pools are what gave Pamukkale its nickname –the “Cotton Castle”. There are approximately 17 major hot springs in the general vicinity, with temperatures ranging from 16 degrees to 36 degrees (95 F to 212 F). Then continue on the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis, where ramparts of this early 2nd century BC city are remarkably preserved. Throughout the morning you’ll discover the Antique Pool, used in ancient times as healing bath; the Temple of Apollo, honouring the towns principal God, the Hellenistic Theatre, featuring an array of decorative works like the myth of Apollo and Artemis; and the necropolis, filled with sarcophagi that stretch for over a mile. Around 11am, drive for about 1 hour to the nearby hilltop town Buldan. Home to about 15.000 people, the environment here is particularly picturesque as the surrounding hillsides are sprinkled with pomegranates, figs, vines, and blackberries. Buldan is also home to the site of Tripolis of Phrygia, an ancient city dates back to the Roman and Byzantine periods. At about noon, you’ll begin a 30-minute walking tour of the town, discussing its ancient roots and modern ways. During this time, you may also wish to ask your Trip Experience Leader for lunch recommendations. Lunch: On your own around 12:30pm after your walking tour. You may choose to visit a restaurant where you can sample mezes, which are all small plates or appetizers. This is a great option if you want to sample different dishes. Mezes can include everything from flatbread and hummus to slices of beef and yoghurt, and kofte eggplant. Afternoon: At about 2pm, the group will gather and walk to the Buldan Clothing Factory Cooperative. Buldan has historically been an important centre for Turkey textile industry. It is particularly famed for a handwoven cheesecloth-type fabric referred to as Buldan bez (Buldan Cloth) and used primarily for bed covers and table cloths. Other textiles proudly produced here pestemal, a vivid violet silk meant to wrap around the body, and kaplama, a colourful head covering typical of the Aegean Region. During your time at the factory, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how items such as these are constructed, as well as ask any questions you have for the workers. Then around 3pm, continue on to a local coffee shop, where you can enjoy a refreshment and mingle with residents, before making the 1-hour drive back to the hotel in Pamukkale, arriving around 4:30pm. The remainder of the afternoon is free for your own discoveries. Check with your Trip Experience Leader for activity ideas. Dinner: Around 7pm at the hotel, featuring regional dishes. Evening: Free for your own discoveries. You may choose to take an evening stroll, gather with your fellow travellers in the hotel bar to discuss your discoveries thus far, or perhaps you’ll retire to your room to pack before we leave tomorrow.

7 - DAY 7

Visit Aphrodisias, transfer to Antalya Destination: Antalya Meals included: (B, L) Breakfast: Served buffet-style at the hotel from 7am-830am. Morning: At approximately 08:30am, you’ll depart for a 1.5- hour drive Aphrodisias, an ancient Greek Hellenistic city located in western Anatolia. Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, the site actually consists of two components: the archaeological site, which we will visit, and the marble quarries northeast of the city. This fourth century UNESCO site is comprised of a theatre, an agora (public area), two bath complexes, and several temples- including the temple of Aphrodite which dates back to the third century BC. Around noon, you’ll drive for about 15 minutes to a local restaurant. Lunch: Around 12:15pm at a local restaurant, featuring traditional cuisine. Afternoon: Continue driving around 1:30pm for your final destination of Antalya, arriving at the hotel around 4:45pm.