Turkey – Following Alexander The Great

  • 18 Days , 6 Cities
  • From $6,500
Turkey – Following Alexander The Great
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Admire one of the world’s best-preserved theatres at Aspendos and explore the acropolis where people shook at the very sight of Alexander the Great. Stroll the colonnaded streets of Perge, Alexander’s key regional base, with its marble baths, stadium, and shops.

Countries Visited Turkey
Places Visited İstanbul, , Kuşadası, Bodrum, Antalya
Suggested Duration 18 days
Travel Styles Cultural Tours
  • DAY 1
    Ayasofya Hagia Sophia Basilica at night in Istanbul
    Ayasofya Hagia Sophia Basilica at night in Istanbul

    Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey!

    Upon your arrival at the Istanbul airport, you’ll collect your baggage, clear customs, and meet your transfer agent, who will be waiting just outside the customs area for you holding a sign with your name on it. Private transfer to your hotel.

    What's included?

    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 2
    Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.
    Ortakoy Mosque on the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

    Istanbul - Full day city tour

    A full day in the great metropolis of Istanbul, the gateway between Asia and Europe. An introduction to the tour in the archaeological museum beside the Alexander Sarcophagus, followed by some of the city's most remarkable sites, including the Topkapi Palace, St. Sophie, and the fabulous collections of the Archaeological Museum. After a break for lunch, view the Hippodrome remnants, the Blue Mosque.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Lunch Lunch
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
  • DAY 3
    The Trojan Horse was a wooden horse that the Greeks used during the Trojan War.
    The Trojan Horse was a wooden horse that the Greeks used during the Trojan War.

    Canakkale - Visit Achilles' tomb on the plain of Troy

    Follow the Marmara Sea to the mighty Hellespont. When Alexander the Great crossed, he sacrificed to Poseidon and poured libations of wine to the spirits of the sea. We visit Achilles' tomb on the plain of Troy, where Alexander paid homage to the hero, running naked anointed with oil. At the legendary city itself, we explore the ruins swathed in myth. At the great temple of Athena, the fabled shield of Achilles was presented to Alexander. It would save his life during a siege in India. And many more such as the city walls of Troy the Sixth, the trench where Schiliman unearthed the priceless treasures of King Priamos.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 4
    Ancient Pergamum in Turkey
    Ancient Pergamum in Turkey

    Kusadasi - Pergamum - Izmir (Smyrna)

    A morning visit to Canakkale's splendid little archaeological museum which houses some artifacts from the ancient city of Troy. Then east into the hills. On the banks of the river, Granicus Alexander nearly died in his first victory over the Persians. We examine the most likely location of the battle. As a matter of fact, no one knows exactly where the battlefield was therefore we will be seeing and passing through the area.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 5
    Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey
    Celsus Library in Ephesus, Turkey

    Kusadasi - Drive onto Ephesus marvelous archaeology museum

    Drive onto Ephesus's marvelous archaeology museum, close to the temple of Artemis, that reportedly burned down by a mad Greek man called Erostasus the night Alexander was born. We reach monumental Ephesus where we will see some of the best-preserved ruins of the World.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 6
    Head of Medusa Didyma Aydin, Turkey
    Head of Medusa Didyma Aydin, Turkey

    Kusadasi - Explore the ancient cities, Priene, Miletus and Didyma

    A morning to relax in Kusadasi, then depart for nearby ancient city Priene perched up on the mountain. We walk the stepped streets of Priene, virtually unchanged since Alexander the Great was here. The city is considered the first one built in the so-called Grid Plan, first applied by the architect Isidorus of Priene. To the south lay Miletus, which refused him entry. It became his first significant siege and first chance to try out a new weapon, the torsion catapult. The city was battered into submission. The temple of Apollo at Didyma remains one of the most spectacular of all monuments. It was here that Alexander's ultimate victory over the Persians was prophesized.

    Beside the sea, we explored Iasus, one of the very prettiest sites in Turkey, where Alexander made a local boy, who swam with dolphins, a priest of Poseidon. Beside the sea, we explore Iasus, one of the very prettiest sites in Turkey, where Alexander made a local boy, who swam with dolphins, a priest of Poseidon.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 7
    Narrow street in Bodrum
    Narrow street in Bodrum

    Bodrum (Halicarnassus) - Visit the site of the celebrated Mausoleum of Halicarnassus

    Drive to Bodrum. In Bodrum, the birthplace of Herodotus, we visit the site of the celebrated Mausoleum of Halicarnassos and the remains of the fortifications against which Alexander laid a desperate siege. We finish with a tour of the Castle of St. Peter.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 8
    Ancient City of Xanthos Kinik, Antalya
    Ancient City of Xanthos Kinik, Antalya

    Kalkan - Discover the ruins of Xanthos and Letoon

    East to Xanthos, Lycia's pre-eminent city, full of tombs, grand civic buildings, and a vast church floored with mosaics. Some say Alexander sacked it as Brutus later did. Nearby we visit Letoon's moody sanctuary, and we stay overnight at Kalkan.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 9
    The ancient town of Myra in Turkey.
    The ancient town of Myra in Turkey.

    Antalya - Explore Phaselis and the Church of St. Nicholas at Myra

    Today we will drive to triple-harbored Phaselis: a city later renowned for possessing Achilles' original spear and being a haunt for pirates. When Alexander arrived, they crowned him with golden wreaths. When he left, he gambled on a shortcut around the coast. Supposedly the sea parted in supplication, making way for his army. Later, visit the Church of St. Nicholas at Myra (Demre). Continue to Antalya overnight.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 10
    The Aspendos Theater is the most finished structure in all of Roman Turkey
    The Aspendos Theater is the most finished structure in all of Roman Turkey

    Antalya - Admire one of the world's best-preserved theatres at Aspendos

    Admire one of the world's best-preserved theatres at Aspendos and explore the acropolis where people shook at the very sight of Alexander the Great. Stroll the colonnaded streets of Perge, Alexander's key regional base, with its marble baths, stadium, and shops.

    Discover Termessos, perched high on a mountain, one of the few cities to say ‘no' to Alexander and survive.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
  • DAY 11
    Sagalassos Arkeological Site, Burdur, Turkiye
    Sagalassos Arkeological Site, Burdur, Turkiye

    Afyon - Visit ancient city of Sagalassos

    We walk along an ancient stone road heading north, once the main route to the central plateau. We visit Sagalassos, where archaeological excavations reveal a vast, impressive ancient city captured by Alexander in a bloody siege.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
    • Flight Flight
  • DAY 12
    Ancient City of Phrygia Central Anatolia, Turkey
    Ancient City of Phrygia Central Anatolia, Turkey

    Ankara - Visit where Alexander cut the knut, Gordion

    To Gordion, the capital of ancient Phrygia, where we visit the tomb of King Midas. Here, Alexander cut the Gordion knot sparking a myth that foretold his rule over Asia. East to Ankara's fabulous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 13
    The small town of Cappadocia, Turkey
    The small town of Cappadocia, Turkey

    Cappadocia - One of the most known places in Turkey

    South to Cappadocia, which Alexander put under the control of an Oriental, not wishing to waste time securing it. The area is a geological wonderland, full of fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, and underground cities.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 14
    Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, Turkey
    Hot Air Balloon Cappadocia, Turkey

    Cappadocia - Visit the stunning valley of Goreme's open-air museum

    Breakfast at the hotel before exploring the lunar landscape of Cappadocia visiting the Devrent Valley, the Pasabag Valley, and Avanos, renowned for its handmade pottery. Visit the stunning valley of Goreme's open-air museum.

    We will finish the day with a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 15
    The famous Adana Kebab, Turkey
    The famous Adana Kebab, Turkey

    Adana - See Tarsus City that Alexander hurried to seize

    We retrace Alexander's march south through the Taurus Mountains. Alexander hurried to seize Tarsus, rescuing it from burning by the Persians. Here he fell dangerously ill, spending several months in bed. All the while the Persian king mustered his forces nearby.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 16
    Kunefe with syrup and pistachios, Antakya
    Kunefe with syrup and pistachios, Antakya

    Antakya - Explore the area where the great Battle of Issus

    As tension mounts, we follow the build-up to the great Battle of Issus. We explore the area and sites, like Kinet Hüyük (ancient Issus), now being excavated, that once reverberated with the Macedonian war cry, and witnessed Alexander the Great charging at the head of his cavalry.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Dinner Dinner
    • Accommodation Accommodation
    • Tour Tour
    • Transfer Transfer
  • DAY 17
    Boat Trip to Bosphorus in Istanbul
    Boat Trip to Bosphorus in Istanbul

    Istanbul - Boat trip to the Bosphorus and visit the Egyptian Bazaar

    Private transfer to Antakya Airport for the flight home via Istanbul.

    Start a private sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit the Egyptian-Spice Bazaar, which was known as a place where shops sold only spices during the Ottoman period. Today, there are only a few spice and herb specialists.  The rest sell dried fruit, basketry, jewelry, etc., then take a boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, passing the European-style palaces of the Ottomans, Dolmabahce, Beylerbeyi, and a beautiful wooden kiosk from the 19th century. Visit the Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most magnificent symbolic structures of the Ottoman Empire's changing 19th-century identity. This elegant palace of the Bosphorus is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world.
  • DAY 18

    Gule Gule (Good bye) to Istanbul

    Private transfer to Antakya Airport for the flight home via Istanbul.

    What's included?

    • Breakfast Breakfast
    • Transfer Transfer

Starting from $6,500 per person

Price per person in double occupancy
The rate is based on 4-star, luxury and boutique hotel accommodation
Price excluding international flights
This trip is customizable for your private travel.
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What’s Included?

  • 17 nights’ accommodation at 4 Star and luxury and boutique hotels, centrally located
    2 nights in Istanbul
    1 night in Canakkale
    3 nights in Kusadasi
    1 night in Bodrum
    1 night in Kalkan
    2 nights in Antalya
    1 night in Afyon
    1 night in Ankara
    2 nights in Cappadocia
    1 night in Adana
    1 night in Antakya
    1 night in Istanbul
  • Bed and Breakfast basis  accommodation in Istanbul
  • Half Board Basis during the tour (breakfasts and dinners in hotels)
  • Domestic flight ticket Hatay – Adana in economy class
  • Transportation by a vehicle as per program (Mercedes Vito)
  • Professional English-speaking guide services throughout the tour
  • Entrance fees to the museums/sites (as mentioned in your program)

Sightseeing Highlights Included

  • Istanbul
    • Introduction to the tour in
      the archaeological museum
    • Topkapi Palace
    • St. Sophie
    • The fabulous collections of the Archaeological Museum
    • Visit the Blue Mosque
  • Troy
    • Explore the mighty Hellespont
    • Visit Achilles ‘ tomb on the plain of Troy
    • Visit Çanakkale’s (Troy) splendid little archaeological museum
  • Ephesus
    • Explore the Ephesus’s marvelous archaeology museum
  • Kusadasi, Priene and Miletus
  • Bodrum
    • Visit the site of the celebrated Mausoleum of Halicarnassos
    • The remains of the fortifications against which Alexander laid a desperate siege
    • Castle of St. Peter
  • Visit Xanthos, Letoon and Kalkan
  • Discover to triple harbored Phaselis
  • Myra
    • Visit the Church of St. Nicholas at Myra (Demre)
  • Antalya
    • Admire one of the world’s best-preserved theatres at Aspendos
    • Explore the acropolis where people shook at the very sight of Alexander the Great
    • Stroll the colonnaded streets of Perge
    • Discover Termessos
  • Discover Sagalassos, where archaeological excavations are revealing a vast
  • Gordion (Capital of ancient Phrygia)
    • Visit the tomb of King Midas
  • Ankara
    • Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
  • Cappadocia
    • Discover this geological wonderland, full of fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, and underground cities
    • Visiting the Devrent Valley, the Pasabag Valley, and Avanos, renowned for their handmade pottery
    • Explore the stunning valley of Goreme open-air museum
    • Visit the Kaymakli Underground City
  • Visit the city of Tarsus
  • Issus
    • Explore the area and sites, like Kinet
      Hüyük (ancient Issus), now being excavated, that once reverberated with the Macedonian war cry and witnessed Alexander the Great charging at the head of his cavalry

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