Welcome on arrival and transfer to the hotel. After check in to the hotel a welcome cocktail will be held covering the information on tour route and the days ahead. Overnight: Istanbul
A full day in the great metropolis of Istanbul, gateway between Asia and Europe. An introduction to the tour in the Archaeological Museum beside the Alexander Sarcophagus, followed by some of the greatest sites of the city including the Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia and the fabulous collections of the Archaeological Museum. Then we will view the Hippodrome remnants and the Blue Mosque. Overnight: Istanbul (B)
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 the are Achillesʹ tomb that is said to be on the plain of Troy and not identified for sure yet , 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. Overnight in Canakkale (B, D)
A morning visit to Canakkaleʹs splendid little archaeological museum which houses some artifacts from the ancient city of Troy. Then east into the hills to reach one of the battle grounds of Alexander, 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 battle field was, therefore; we will be seeing and passing through the area wrapping ourselves into the old ancient days of wars and victories. Overnight in Izmir (B, D)
Drive onto Ephesusʹs marvellous archaeology museum, close to the Temple of Artemis, that reportedly burned down by a mad Greek man called Erostasus the very same night Alexander was born. We reach monumental Ephesus where we will see some of the best preserved ancient ruins of the world. Founded in 4000 B.C., Ephesus is the most visited archeological site of Turkey. The first inhabitants built a temple to Artemis which, after several renovations, became one of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity. Ephesus, one of the cities of the Ionian Confederation, counted about 100.000 inhabitants (agriculture - olives, grapes, figs, honey bees - stone carvers and smiths) who ensured that their town would become an important commercial harbor. As first town in the world that knew democracy, she was also the first one to offer street lightening. During your visit, you will visit the agora, Odeon, the Curetes Street, the Hadrian Temple, more temples and fountains, the library of Celsius and the amphitheater. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
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. This is city is considered to be the first one built in the so called Grid Plan first applied by the architect Isodorus of Priene. To the south lay Miletus, which refused his entry. It became his first major siege and his 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 Alexanderʹs ultimate victory over the Persians was prophesized. Drive to the south and beside the sea; we explore Iasus, one of the prettiest sites in Turkey, where Alexander made a local boy, who swam with dolphins, priest of Poseidon. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D)
Drive to Bodrum. In Bodrum, birthplace of Herodotus, we visit the site of the celebrated Mausoleum of Halicarnassos (one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World) and the remains of the fortifications against which Alexander laid a desperate siege. We finish with a tour of the Castle of St. Peter and Underwater Archeology Museum located inside the castle is not just a dusty collection of lifeless relics, it is an original, creative and exiting experience. It is a visit into a fascinating past through to life in exhibits that take you back in time into the worlds of ancient mariners who sailed to meet their destiny shipwrecked on Anatolian shores. The medieval Age of Knights who built this castle from stones that once were part of one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World. Overnight in Bodrum (B, D)
East to Xanthos, Lyciaʹs 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. Xanthos was captured by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C. The Xanthians' dealings with him are a matter of uncertainty. The historian Appian, writing in the 2nd century A.D., records that 'they are said to have been unwilling to submit to him, and to have suffered as one the previous occasion, destroying themselves in the name of freedom.' This is not, however, confirmed by any other evidence, and Arrian, our most respectable authority for Alexander's campaign, also writing in the 2nd century, observes merely that Xanthos was surrendered to Alexander along with Pinara, Patara, and other places. Appian's hearsay account therefore should no doubt be rejected. While Alexander was in the region, a prophecy is said to have occurred. A fountain near Xanthos suddenly welled up of its own accord and threw out a bronze tablet inscribed with archaic letters announcing the overthrow of the Persian Empire by the Greeks. Nearby we visit Letoonʹs moody sanctuary. Overnight in Kalkan (B, D)
Today we will drive to triple harboured Phaselis: A city later renowned for possessing Achillesʹ original spear, and for being a haunt for pirates. When Alexander arrived, they crowned him with golden wreaths. When he left he gambled on a short cut around the coast. The sea supposedly parted in supplication, making way for his army. Later visit the Church of St. Nicholas at Myra (Demre). Overnight in Antalya (B, D)
Admire one of the worldʹs 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, Alexanderʹs key regional base, with its marble baths, stadium and agora shops. Discover Termessos, perched high on a high mountain to the north of Antalya, one of the few cities to say ‘’no’’ to Alexander and survive. Overnight in Antalya (B, D)
Heading out to north we walk along an ancient stone road of a secluded ancient City, Sagalassos, once the main route to the central plateau of Asia Minor. We visit Sagalassos where archaeological excavations are revealing a vast, impressive ancient city and listen to the history of the war declared by Alexander and captured after a bloody siege. Overnight in Afyon (B, D)
Drive to Gordion, 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. Proceed eastward to Ankaraʹs fabulous Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where the richest archaeological collection in all of Turkey is on exhibit. Built into a 15 th century caravanserai (Old style Ottoman hotel) and covered bazaar established under the reign of Mehmet the Conqueror, the museum contains remarkable items of every civilization that passed through Anatolia as far back as the date of caveman; a fabulous display of ancient settlers in Asia Minor starting from Stone Age and especially dating back to Neolithic and Bronze Ages from sites such as Catalhoyuk and Alacahoyuk. Overnight in Ankara (B, D)
Today we will drive to the south to Cappadocia, which Alexander put under the control but did not wish to waste time securing it. After bringing the Persian Empire to an end, Alexander the Great tried to rule the area through one of his military commanders. But Ariarathes, a Persian aristocrat, somehow became king of the Cappadocians. As Ariarathes I (332–322 B.C.) he was a successful ruler, and he extended the borders of the Cappadocian Kingdom as far as to the Black Sea. The kingdom of Cappadocia lived in peace until the death of Alexander. The area is a geological wonderland, full of fairy chimneys, rock hewn churches, and underground cities. Have brief photographic tour and proceed to our hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D)
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 Open Air Museum. We will finish the day with a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City. Overnight: Cappadocia (B, D)
We retrace Alexanderʹs march towards south through the Taurus Mountains and Clician Gates. 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. Overnight in Adana (B, D)
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. Overnight in Antakya (B, D)
Departure from Antakya. After breakfast, you will have your transfer to the airport and our services end here. (B)
