Gorele Tourism

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Gorele Tourism

• Gorele Tourism Travel Trade and Petrolium PLC

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• proudly presents

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• Gorele Tourism
• ANATOLIAN
• ROUND
• TRIPS

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CLASSICAL TURKEY TOUR WITH GORELE TOURISMQuality
is not a coincidence

• 13 Days 12 Nights

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 1 Arrive Istanbul and transfer to your hotel
  where you will meet the rest of your group and
  guide. Before dinner we will take a walk through
  the historical Sultanahmet district of Istanbul,
  having a look at the Hippodrome and the famous
  Blue Mosque. Overnight in Istanbul .
• DAY 2 Today after breakfast visit Topakapi Palace
  home to many of the Ottoman Sultans. Later visit
  the Haghia Sophia, once an Byzantine Church now a
  museum with wonderful mosaics. After lunch visit
  the Egyptian Spice Bazaar followed by an
  afternoon cruise on the Bosphorous to admire the
  marble palaces and wooden Ottoman villas lining
  both shores of the fabled waterway. Overnight in
  Istanbul.

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 3 Today we will visit the Grand Bazaar, with
  its more than 4,000 shops, followed by a visit
  across the Golden Horn to Taksim Square where we
  will see a more modern side of Istanbul. In the
  afternoon we will transfer to the airport for our
  flight to Ankara. In Ankara we will check into
  our hotel and have a relaxing evening. Overnight
  in Ankara.
• DAY 4 Today we will visit the world renowned
  Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and its
  impressive array of archaeological finds,
  including Neolithic artifacts, a Hittite
  collection and Phrygian exhibits. This will be
  followed by a visit to Anatkabir, Atatürk's
  Mausoleum. Atatürk was the founder of Modern
  Turkey. We will then board our bus for the drive
  to mystical Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 5 Cappadocia is an extensive region of
  volcanic tufa with early Christian churches and
  dwellings, some of them still inhabited, carved
  like caves into the rock face. Today we will
  visit the open air museum of Göreme. After lunch
  you will have a demonstration on traditional
  carpet making, silk spinning and dying as well as
  Kilim weaving. In the evening you will visit
  Uçhisar. Dinner will be in the hotel. Overnight
  in Cappadocia.
• DAY 6 You will have a special pottery
  demonstration this morning, followed by free time
  to explore the village of Avanos. Our next stop
  is the subterranean city of Derinkuyu, built by
  early Christians to evade Roman armies. You will
  have lunch in a small village and meet with a
  typical Turkish family. This evening you will
  stay in the small town of Güzelyürt in either
  the Monastery Hotel or one of the local
  pensions. Overnight in Güzelyürt.

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 7 In the morning after breakfast, you will
  visit Ilhara valley to see the beautiful scenery
  and the many ancient churches there. We will
  Sultanhani Caravansary before reaching Konya,
  the former capital of the Selcuk Turks in the
  13th century. The city is now famous for its
  mystical Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in
  Konya.
• DAY 8 Today visit the Tekke Monastery and Mevlana
  Museum and Mosque. We will stop for lunch on the
  road to Anatlya. Tonight we can visit the Turkish
  bath if you would like, it is a truly
  rejuvenating experience. Overnight in Antalya.
• DAY 9 We will cruise the Mediterranean aboard our
  private boat and have a picnic at sea. At times,
  we will stop so that everyone can swim in the
  beautiful crystal clear water of the
  Mediterranean. We will dock at the picturesque
  ruins of Phaselis, where Alexander the Great
  spent a winter with his troops. Overnight in
  Antalya.

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 10 Journey inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the
  spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder,
  called the "Cotton Castle". This name is truly
  fitting, the brilliant white calcified terraces
  do truly resemble a Castle made of Cotton. We
  also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of
  the largest and most diverse necropoli in the
  world. Overnight in Pamukkale.
• DAY 11 Today we will visit Aphrodisias, the city
  of the goddess of love. There, we visit the
  Aphrodisias Museum, the remains of the Temple,
  the Odeon, Theater, Hadrian's Bath, Stadium and
  other ruins. Aphrodisias ranks with Ephesus among
  the world's best-preserved ancient cities. In the
  afternoon, we will have free time to explore the
  seaside resort of Kusadasi, with its Island
  fortress and pedestrian city center. Overnight in
  Kusadasi.

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Classical Turkey

• DAY 12 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the famous
  Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, the Temple of
  Artemis and other Roman sites. We then visit the
  House of Virgin Mary and the impressive
  collections at the Ephesus Museum. Tonight we
  will have a special farewell dinner. Overnight
  Kusadasi.
• DAY 13 We will transfer to the Izmir airport for
  our flights home.

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BLUE HISTORY WITH GORELE TOURISMQuality is not a
coincidence

• 19 DAYS / 18 NIGHTS

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Blue History

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
  In the evening meet your guide and group at a
  cocktail in the hotel lobby. Overnight in
  Istanbul.
• DAY 2 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 3 After breakfast, we embark on a Bosphorous
  Cruise to admire the marble palaces and wooden
  Ottoman villas lining both shores of the fabled
  waterway. After lunch, we continue on to the
  bustling Grand Bazaar, with its more than 4,000
  shops. Later we will visit the Kariye (Chora
  Church) museum, which houses one of the most
  famous collection of Byzantine mosaics and
  frescoes in the world. Overnight in Istanbul.

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Blue History

• DAY 4 After a short morning flight from Istanbul
  to Ankara, the capital of modern Turkey, we tour
  the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and its
  impressive array of archaeological finds,
  including Neolithic artifacts, a Hittite
  collection and Phrygian exhibits. Then, we visit
  the Mausoleum of Atatürk, who was the founder of
  modern Turkey. After lunch we will continue on to
  mystical Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
• DAY 5 Cappadocia is an extensive region of
  volcanic tufa with early Christian churches and
  dwellings, some of them still inhabited, carved
  like caves into this rock face. After breakfast,
  we visit the natural citadel of Uçhisar, the
  Göreme Open-air Museum, which has the highest
  concentration of early churches decorated with
  religious frescoes, Avanos and the celebrated
  churches of Ürgüp. Overnight in Cappadocia.

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Blue History

• DAY 6 Our first stop is the subterranean city of
  Derinkuyu, built by early Christians to evade
  Roman armies. We then drive south through
  remarkable countryside, stopping at the "Volcanic
  Lake" and Sultanhani Caravansary before now
  famous for its mystical reaching Konya, former
  capital of the Selcuk Turks in the 13th century.
  The city is Whirling Dervishes. Visit the Tekke
  Monastery and Mevlana Museum. Overnight in Konya.
  
• DAY 7 We drive south for a visit to the
  refreshing Manavgat Waterfalls. After lunch, we
  continue to the remarkable ancient cities of
  Aspendos and Perge, which contain some of the
  finest Roman ruins in the world. Then we visit
  the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which houses a
  rich collection of prehistoric, Greek and Roman
  artifacts. Overnight in Antalya.
• DAY 8 In the morning, we visit Alexander the
  Great's winter quarters in Phaselis. Our next
  stop is Olympos, the site of the "Eternal Flame"
  and a celebrated ancient city. We then proceed
  west, past Finike and Kaleköy, to visit the
  Lycian rock tombs of Myra, St. Nicholas Church,
  the stunning bay of Kekova and Kas. In the
  afternoon, we continue to the port town of
  Fethiye, where we board our private deluxe
  air-conditioned sailboat, or Gulet. The next
  three days and four nights are a magical
  experience of leisurely cruising, three delicious
  meals a day, the ever-changing scenery of the
  coastline, swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing on
  the deck of your Gulet. Overnight on the Boat.

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Blue History

• DAY 9- DAY 11 We sail from east to west and visit
  the following sites Turunç Bay, Göcek Marina,
  Bedrirahmi Bay, Monastery Bay, " Cleopatra's
  Bath" and ruins, Ekincik Bay, Kaunos via boat
  trip on the Dalyan River Lycian rock tombs and
  Roman baths Iztuzu Beach Overnight on the Boat
  for all three nights.
• DAY 12 Late morning, disembark your Gulet in the
  port town of Marmaris, a beautiful natural harbor
  with sparkling waters. Drive to Bodrum (ancient
  Halicarnassos), a leading resort town in a
  breath-taking setting, where we explore its main
  attractions the Castle of St. Peter, dating back
  to the Crusaders, and the Museum of Underwater
  Archaeology. We also visit the Mausoleum and the
  Amphitheatre of Halicarnassos. Overnight in
  Bodrum.

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Blue History

• DAY 13 After breakfast, we drive to Euromos, with
  its spectacular Temple of Zeus, then proceed to
  Aphrodisias, the city of the goddess of love.
  There, we visit the Aphrodisias Museum, the
  remains of the Temple, the Odeon, Theater,
  Hadrian's Bath, Stadium and other ruins.
  Aphrodisias ranks with Ephesus among the world's
  best-preserved ancient cities. Overnight in
  Pamukkale.
• DAY 14 We visit to Pamukkale to enjoy ourselves
  in the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural
  wonder, called the "Cotton Castle", which takes
  its name from its brilliant white travertines. We
  also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of
  the largest and most diverse necropolises in the
  world. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 15 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the famous
  Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis and other
  Roman sites. We then visit the House of Virgin
  Mary, Ephesus Museum and the Basilica of St.
  John. The Virgin Mary and St. John both lived in
  Ephesus. Overnight in Kusadasi.

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Blue History

• DAY 16 We continue north to the celebrated Roman
  city of Pergamon, the site of an enormous library
  built with Roman tiles, visit Asklepion and
  Acropolis, the place where parchment was
  invented. We visit the steep Theater, the Sacred
  Way and other sites. Overnight in Assos.
• DAY 17 In the morning we visit Assos with its
  famous restored Roman coliseum and superb view of
  the Aegean and its islands. Continue to ancient
  Troy, the city described by Homer. We cross the
  Dardanelles (Hellespont) straits to Gallipoli to
  view the Memorial to the fallen of a battle in
  1915 during the First World War. We then follow
  the coastline of the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul,
  viewing the well-preserved Byzantine Theodosian
  City Walls. Overnight in Istanbul.

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Blue History

• DAY 18 After breakfast, we take a boat trip to
  the Princes' Islands, where motor vehicles are
  banned, and we tour Büyükada in a horse-drawn
  carriage. The return trip affords unsurpassed
  views of the Istanbul skyline. We then visit the
  Egyptian Spice Market, full of the smells of the
  past. In the evening, we share a festive farewell
  dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 19 Transfer to the airport for your flight
  home.

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THE WONDERS OF EASTERN TURKEY WITH GORELE
TOURISM Quality is not a coincidence

• 17 DAYS / 16 NIGHTS

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The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 1 Arrive in Trabzon. You will be met and
  transferred to your hotel where you will meet
  your guide and group this evening. Overnight in
  Trabzon.
• DAY 2 We will begin our day with a tour of the
  14th Century Sumela Monastary. In Byzantine times
  this was the largest and most important monastic
  establishment in Asia Minor. The precarious site,
  800 feet above the Altindere River Valley, was
  originally chosen by a monk who had seen it in a
  dream. The monastery grew to an impressive size
  despite the limitations of the location. We will
  then follow the river valley back to the lush
  coast of the black sea, then continue to the
  Rize, to The Tea Institute to view the tea making
  process and taste some of the teas this region is
  famous for producing. Overnight in Trabzon.
• DAY 3 We will depart Trabzon in the morning
  continuing inland to Erzurum. Erzurum has long
  been an important stopping point for trade
  between the East and West. Here we will visit the
  Çifte Minareli Medrese, one of Erzurum's
  architectural glories and the citadel which
  affords a fine panoramic view of Erzurum and its
  surroundings. Overnight Erzurum.

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The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 4 In the morning we will depart for Kars.
  Upon arriving we will secure our permission to
  visit the medieval metropolis of Ani. Still
  called the city of a thousand and one churches,
  this once thriving Armenian city is now like a
  ghost town. Many of the buildings are still
  standing and some are in good repair. Overnight
  Kars.
• DAY 5 This morning our excursion will take us to
  the slopes of Mount Ararat. This majestic peak is
  thought to be the resting place of Noah's Ark.
  After viewing the peak, we will continue on to
  Ishak Pasha Sarayi. Built by Ottoman Lords in the
  later part of the 18th century it was a
  combination fortress and pleasure dome, and
  controlled a very important position on the Silk
  Road. After stopping here we will continue on to
  Van. Overnight Van.

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The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 6 A 20 minute boat ride across Lake Van will
  bring us to Akdamar Island. Here we will find the
  medieval Armenian Church of the Holy Cross.
  Constructed of cut blocks of pink sandstone and
  covered with reliefs, the church is decorated
  inside with frescoes. Overnight in Van.
• DAY 7 Toady we will spend the day visit the sites
  of Van, We will visit Hosap Castle, Cavustepe
  Fortress and Van Castle. Each of these buildings
  holds its own special surprise for the visitor.
  Overnight in Van.
• DAY 8 Our journey today will take us to
  Diyarbakir, surrounded by massive basalt walls
  this city has held an important position since
  ancient times. Enclosed with in the walls of
  Diyarbakir are many mosques, medresses and
  churches. There is an active Syrian Orthodox
  church which has been dated to the 3rd century.
  Overnight in Diyarbakir.

23
The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 9 Today we will explore the cities of
  Hasakeyf, Midyat and Mardin. Here we will see
  some of the oldest universities in the world, an
  ancient citadel and several mosques. Overnight in
  Diyarbakir.
• DAY 10 We will depart Diyarbakir for Adiyaman,
  visiting Nemrut dagi in the afternoon. Nemrut
  Mountain is a man made tomb to King Antiochus of
  the Commangene. Here we will walk among the giant
  heads of men and gods. Overnight Adiyaman.
• DAY 11 In the morning we will depart for Urfa,
  stopping to visit the massive Atatürk Dam along
  the way. We will check into our hotel and then
  visit the sites of Urfa, it is here that Rebecca
  is thought to have drawn water from the well for
  Jacob and also where Abraham decided to move to
  the land of Cannan. In the Afternoon we will
  travel to Harran, famous for its beehive like mud
  brick dwellings. Overnight in Urfa.

24
The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 12 We will depart Urfa in the morning and
  drive to the ancient city of Zeugma, located on
  the banks of the Euphrates river, this site has
  recently won much international acclaim. Visit
  the Antakya Museum, famous for its collection of
  Mosaics and to the Grotto of Saint Peter, where
  both Saint Paul and Saint Peter were said to have
  preached. Overnight in Antakya.
• DAY 13 Today on our journey through Anatolia we
  will depart Antakya for Cappadocia stopping along
  the way in the city of Saint Paul's birth Tarsus.
  In Tarsus we will walk through Cleopatra's gate
  on our way to take a drink from the Well of Saint
  Paul. Our last stop for the day will be at the
  19th century Armenian Church of Saint Paul. We
  will then depart for Cappadocia. Overnight in
  Cappadocia.
• DAY 14 Cappadocia is an extensive region of
  volcanic tufa with early Christian churches and
  dwellings, some of them still inhabited, carved
  like caves into this rock face. Today we will
  visit the open air museums of Göreme. After lunch
  you will have a demonstration on traditional
  carpet making, silk spinning and dying as well as
  Kilim weaving. In the evening you will visit
  Uçhisar. Dinner will be in the hotel. Overnight
  in Cappadocia.

25
The Wonders of the Eastern Turkey

• DAY 15 You will have a special pottery
  demonstration this morning, followed by free time
  to explore the village of Avanos. Our next stop
  is the subterranean city of Derinkuyu, built by
  early Christians to evade Roman armies. Overnight
  in Cappadocia.
• DAY 16 We will depart Cappadocia for Ankara, the
  capital of modern Turkey. Here we will tour the
  Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and its
  impressive array of archaeological finds,
  including Neolithic artifacts, a Hittite
  collection and Phrygian exhibits. Then, we visit
  the Mausoleum of Atatürk, who was the founder of
  modern Turkey. Overnight Ankara.
• DAY 17 Transfer to the Ankara airport for your
  flight home.

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TURKEY EXPLORATION WITH GORELE TOURISMQuality is
not a coincidence

• 28 DAYS / 27 NIGHTS

27
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 1 Arrive in Trabzon. You will be met and
  transferred to your hotel where you will meet
  your guide and group this evening. Overnight in
  Trabzon.
• DAY 2 We will begin our day with a tour of the
  14th Century Sumela Monastary. In Byzantine times
  this was the largest and most important monastic
  establishment in Asia Minor. The precarious site,
  800 feet above the Altindere River Valley, was
  originally chosen by a monk who had seen it in a
  dream. The monastery grew to an impressive size
  despite the limitations of the location. We will
  then follow the river valley back to the lush
  coast of the black sea, continue to the Rize Tea
  Institute to view the tea making process and
  taste some of the teas this region is famous for
  producing. Overnight Trabzon.
• DAY 3 We will depart Trabzon in the morning
  turning inland to Erzurum. Erzurum has long been
  an important stopping point for trade between the
  East and West. Here we will visit the Çifte
  Minareli Medrese, one of Erzurum's architectural
  glories and the citadel which affords a panoramic
  view of Erzurum and its surroundings. Overnight
  Erzurum.

28
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 4 In the morning we will depart for Kars.
  Upon arriving we will secure our permission to
  visit the medieval metropolis of Ani. Still
  called the city of a thousand and one churches,
  this once thriving Armenian city is now like a
  ghost town. Many of the buildings are still
  standing and some are in good repair. Overnight
  Kars.
• DAY 5 This morning our excursion will take us to
  the slopes of Mount Ararat. This majestic peak is
  thought to be the resting place of Noah's Ark.
  After viewing the peak, we will continue on to
  Ishak Pasha Sarayi. Built by Ottoman Lords in the
  later part of the 18th century it was combination
  fortress and pleasure dome, and controlled a very
  important position on the Silk Road. After
  stopping here we will continue on to Van.
  Overnight Van.
• DAY 6 A 20 minute boat ride across Lake Van will
  bring us to Akdamar Island. Here we will find the
  medieval Armenian Church of the Holy Cross.
  Constructed of cut blocks of pink sandstone and
  covered with reliefs, the church is decorated
  inside with frescoes. Overnight in Van.

29
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 7 Toady we will spend the day visit the sites
  of Van, We will visit Hosap Castle, Cavustepe
  Fortress and Van Castle and the Van Museum. Each
  of these buildings holds its own special surprise
  for the visitor. Overnight in Van.
• DAY 8 Our journey today will take us to
  Diyarbakir, surrounded by massive basalt walls
  this city has held an important position since
  ancient times. Enclosed with in the walls of
  Diyarbakir are many mosques, medresses and
  churches. There is an active Syrian Orthodox
  church which has been dated to the 3rd century.
  Overnight in Diyarbakir.
• DAY 9 Today we will explore the cities of
  Hasakeyf, Midyat and Mardin. Here we will see
  some of the oldest universities in the world, an
  ancient citadel and several mosques. Overnight in
  Diyarbakir.

30
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 10 We will leave behind Diyarbakir for
  Adiyaman, visiting Nemrut dagi in the afternoon.
  Nemrut Mountain is a man made tomb to King
  Antiochus of the Commangene. Here we will walk
  among the giant heads of men and gods standing
  guard on the mountanside. Overnight Adiyaman.
• DAY 11 In the morning we will depart for Urfa,
  stopping to visit the massive Atatürk Dam along
  the way. After checking into our hotel we will
  visit the sites of Urfa, it is here that Rebecca
  is thought to have drawn water from the well for
  Jacob and also where Abraham decided to move to
  the land of Cannan. In the Afternoon we will
  travel to Harran, famous for its beehive like mud
  brick dwellings. Overnight in Urfa.
• DAY 12 We will travel to Urfa in the morning and
  drive to the ancient city of Zeugma, located on
  the banks of the Euphrates river, this site has
  recently won much international acclaim. Visit
  the Antakya Museum, famous for its collection of
  Mosaics and the Grotto of Saint Peter, where both
  Saint Paul and Saint Peter were said to have
  preached. Overnight in Antakya.

31
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 13 Today on our journey through Anatolia we
  will depart Antakya for Cappadocia stopping along
  the way in the city of Saint Paul's birth Tarsus.
  In Tarsus we will walk through Cleopatra's gate
  on our way to take a drink from the Well of Saint
  Paul. Our last stop for the day will be at the
  19th century Armenian Church of Saint Paul. We
  will then depart for Cappadocia. Overnight in
  Cappadocia.
• DAY 14 Cappadocia is an extensive region of
  volcanic tufa with early Christian churches and
  dwellings, some of them still inhabited, carved
  like caves into this rock face. Today we will
  visit the open air museums of Zelve and Göreme.
  After lunch you will have a demonstration on
  traditional carpet making, silk spinning and
  dying as well as Kilim weaving. In the evening
  you will visit Uçhisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.
• DAY 15 You will have a special pottery
  demonstration this morning, followed by free time
  to explore the village of Avanos. Our next stop
  is the subterranean city of Derinkuyu, built by
  early Christians to evade Roman armies. Overnight
  in Cappadocia.

32
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 16 We will Sultanhani Caravansary before
  reaching Konya, former capital of the Selcuk
  Turks in the 13th century. The city is now famous
  for its mystical Whirling Dervishes. Overnight in
  Konya
• DAY 17 We drive south for a visit to the
  refreshing Manavgat Waterfalls. After lunch, we
  continue to the remarkable ancient cities of
  Aspendos and Perge, which contain some of the
  finest Roman ruins in the world. Then we visit
  the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which houses a
  rich collection of prehistoric, Greek and Roman
  artifacts. Overnight in Antalya.
• DAY 18 We will cruise the Mediterranean aboard
  our private boat and have a picnic at sea. We
  will stop at times so that everyone can swim in
  the beautiful crystal clear water of the
  Mediterranean. We will dock at the picturesque
  ruins of Phaselis, where Alexander the Great
  spent a winter with his troops. Overnight in
  Antalya.

33
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 19 We visit to Pamukkale to enjoy ourselves
  in the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural
  wonder, called the "Cotton Castle", which takes
  its name from its brilliant white travertines. We
  also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of
  the largest and most diverse necropoli in the
  world. Overnight in Pamukkale.
• DAY 20 Today we will visit Aphrodisias, the city
  of the goddess of love. There, we visit the
  Aphrodisias Museum, the remains of the Temple,
  the Odeon, Theater, Hadrian's Bath, Stadium and
  other ruins. Aphrodisias ranks with Ephesus among
  the world's best-preserved ancient cities. We
  will have free time to explore the seaside resort
  of Kusadasi, with its Island fortress and
  pedestrian city center. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 21 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the famous
  Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis and other
  Roman sites. We then visit the House of Virgin
  Mary and the impressive collections at the
  Ephesus Museum. Tonight we will have a special
  farewell dinner. Overnight Kusadasi.

34
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 22 On this day of our journey we begin with a
  visit to ancient Smyrna, modern day Izmir. We
  continue north to the celebrated Roman city of
  Pergamon, the site of an enormous library built
  with Roman tiles, visit Asklepion and Acropolis,
  the place where parchment was invented. We visit
  the steep Theater, the Sacred Way and other
  sites. We may have a speial side trip to a newly
  discovered site if the time of year is right.
  Overnight in Assos.
• DAY 23 In the morning we visit Assos with its
  superb view of the Aegean and its islands.
  Continue to ancient Troy, the city described by
  Homer. In Troy we will take the time to discover
  something of the many layers of civilization
  found here. Overnight Çanakkale.
• DAY 24 We cross the Dardanelles (Hellespont)
  straits to Gallipoli to view the Memorial to the
  fallen of a battle in 1915 during the First World
  War. We then follow the coastline of the Sea of
  Marmara to Istanbul, viewing the well-preserved
  Byzantine Theodosian City Walls. Overnight in
  Istanbul.

35
Turkey Exploration

• DAY 25 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 26 After breakfast, visit the Egyptian Spice
  Market, full of the smells of the past. We then
  embark on a Bosphorus Cruise to admire the marble
  palaces and wooden Ottoman villas lining both
  shores of the fabled waterway. After lunch, we
  continue on to the bustling Grand Bazaar, with
  its more than 4,000 shops. Later we will visit
  the Kariye (Chora Church) museum, which houses
  one of the most famous collection of Byzantine
  mosaics and frescoes in the world. Overnight in
  Istanbul.
• DAY 27 After breakfast, we take a boat trip to
  the Princes' Islands, where motor vehicles are
  banned, and we tour Büyükada in a horse-drawn
  carriage. The return trip affords unsurpassed
  views of the Istanbul skyline. In the evening, we
  share a festive farewell dinner. Overnight in
  Istanbul.
• DAY 28 Transfer to the airport for your flight
  home
• This comprehensive tour, lets the traveler truly
  explore Turkey. Learning not only about Turkey's
  history and culture, but developing a real
  understanding of its people.

36
JEWELS OF THE AEGEAN WITH GORELE TOURISMQuality
is not a coincidence

• 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

37
Jewels of the Aegean

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
  In the evening meet your guide and group at a
  cocktail in the hotel lobby. Overnight in
  Istanbul.
• DAY 2 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 3 After breakfast, we embark on a Bosphorus
  Cruise to admire the marble palaces and wooden
  Ottoman villas lining both shores of the fabled
  waterway. After lunch, we continue on to the
  bustling Grand Bazaar, with its more than 4,000
  shops. Later we will see a more modern side of
  Istanbul, with a visit to Taksim Square and
  Galata Tower. Overnight in Istanbul.

38
Jewels of the Aegean

• DAY 4 After an early morning departure we will
  visit the monument and national park at Gallipoli
  and then take the ferry to Çanakkale before
  continuing on to Troy. In Troy we will explore
  the ruins and develop an understanding for the
  layers of civilizations uncovered here. Overnight
  in Çanakkale.
• DAY 5 In the morning we will visit the celebrated
  Roman city of Pergamon, the site of an enormous
  library built with Roman tiles, visit Asklepion
  and Acropolis, the place where parchment was
  invented. We visit the steep Theater, the Sacred
  Way and other sites. Here we will also visit the
  famed Red Basilica. After our visit here we will
  head to the coastal resort town of Kusadasi.
  Stopping in Izmir, ancient Smyrna to visit the
  ruins which stand overlooking the city. Overnight
  Kusadasi.
• DAY 6 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the Theatre,
  the famous Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis
  and other Roman sites. We then visit the House of
  Virgin Mary and followed by the impressive
  collections at the Ephesus Museum. Tonight we
  will have a special farewell dinner. Overnight
  Kusadasi.
• DAY 7 We will transfer to the Izmir airport for
  our flights home. If you wish to extend your stay
  in Turkey or continue on to Greece by way of
  ferry to Samos please let us know and we can help
  with all the arrangements.

39
SEVEN CHURCHES OF ASIA MINOR WITH GORELE
TOURISMQuality is not a coincidence

• 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

40
Seven Churches of Asia Minor

• DAY 1 Arrive at the Izmir airport here you will
  be transferred to your hotel to meet your guide
  and group. Tonight after dinner there will be a
  meeting and lecture to discuss religion in Turkey
  and the sites we will visit on the tour.
• DAY 2 We will begin our tour in Izmir, site of
  ancient Smyrna, the first of the Seven Churches
  of Asia Minor included in this tour. The church
  was established at the same time that Saint Paul
  was preaching in Ephesus. Smyrna was also the
  site of the martyrdom of Saint Polycarp. We will
  then continue to Pergamon. In the afternoon we
  will visit the celebrated Roman city of Pergamon,
  the site of an enormous library built with Roman
  tiles, visit Asklepion and Acropolis, the place
  where parchment was invented. We visit the steep
  Theater, the Sacred Way and other sites. Here we
  will also visit the famed Red Basilica. Pergamon
  was also home to one of the original Seven
  Churches. Overnight Pergamon.
• DAY 3 We continue to the Churches at Sardis,
  Thyratria, Philadelphia and Laodicea. In Sardis
  we will visit ruins of an early Christian
  Basilica. All of these sights where extremely
  important in the development of Christianity in
  Asia Minor. Overnight in Pamukkale.

41
Seven Churches of Asia Minor

• DAY 4 We will visit the site of Pamukkale this
  morning to enjoy ourselves in the spas, pools,
  and terraces of this natural wonder, called the
  "Cotton Castle", which takes its name from its
  brilliant white travertines. We also spend time
  in Hieropolis, the site of the Martyrdom of Saint
  Phillip and home to one of the largest and most
  diverse necropoli in the world. In the afternoon
  visit the ancient city of Collassae. the
  recipient of one of the letter of Saint Paul. Our
  last stop for the day will be Aphrodisias, the
  city of the goddess of love. There, we visit the
  Aphrodisias Museum, the remains of the Temple,
  the Odeon, Theater, Hadrian's Bath, Stadium and
  other ruins. Aphrodisias ranks with Ephesus among
  the world's best-preserved ancient cities. We
  will finish our day in the seaside resort of
  Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 5 Today we will have a more leisurely day
  with a visit to a local Turkish village to
  receive a better understanding of Turkish culture
  and way of life. Today we will have a
  demonstration of traditional Turkish craft
  making. Overnight in Kusadasi.

42
Seven Churches of Asia Minor

• DAY 6 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  It was here in the great theater that Saint Paul
  preached and also here was the site of another of
  the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. We explore the
  Temple of Hadrian, the famous Celsus Library, the
  Temple of Artemis and other Roman sites. We then
  visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Mother
  Mary spent her final days. Finally today we visit
  the Basilica of St. John, where the Saint is said
  to have been buried and the basilica built around
  his tomb. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 7 Transfer to the Izmir airport and your
  return flight home. Or Today you can continue
  your tour with us to the Greek Isle of Patmos. It
  was on Patmos the Saint John, banished by the
  Ephesians, wrote the divinely inspired book of
  revelations. On Patmos we walk the Byzantine path
  to the Monastery of Saint John the Theologian,
  home to many beautiful frescos and a priceless
  treasury. Around the monastery are huddled the
  whitewashed house of Hora. Along the path we will
  stop and see the Monastery of the Apocalypse,
  built around the cave where Saint John received
  his divine revelations. Here we will find the
  rock Saint John used as his pillow and the triple
  fissure in the roof, from which the voice of God
  issued. Depending on personal time we can stay a
  day or two or you can choose to continue on your
  own to other Greek isle destinations.

43
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44
THE JOURNEYS OF SAINT PAUL WITH GORELE
TOURISMQuality is not a coincidence

• 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

45
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 1 Meet at the Istanbul airport, where you
  will meet your group and group leader, before
  boarding your plane for Adana. In Adana, we will
  meet our guide and continue to Antakya. Antakya
  is just inland of Seleuceia Pieria, the city from
  which Saint Paul began all of his three
  missionary journeys in Turkey. Visit the Antakya
  Museum and the Grotto of Saint Peter, where both
  Saint Paul and Saint Peter were said to have
  preached. In the afternoon we drive to Seleuceia
  Pieria to take a walk along the waterfront.
  Overnight in Antakya.
• DAY 2 On our first full day of the tour we will
  begin our journey to follow the footsteps of
  Saint Paul as he crossed Asia Minor preaching and
  spreading the new Christian faith. Today we will
  drive through Iskenderun, ancient Alexandretta,
  viewing many of the crusaders castles, on our way
  to Adana. In Adana we will visit the Archaeology
  Museum famous for its mosaic collection. We will
  end our day in Mersin but before we reach there
  we will stop in the city of Saint Paul's birth
  Tarsus. In Tarsus we will walk through
  Cleopatra's gate on our way to take a drink from
  the Well of Saint Paul. Our last stop for the day
  will be at the 19th century Armenian Church of
  Saint Paul. Overnight in Mersin.
• DAY 3 Today we will drive through Silifke, the
  death place of Fredrick Barbarosa, the famous
  leader of the crusades. Silifke is also home to
  the sanctuary of Saint Thecla, it was here that
  she settled and spread the Christian faith
  through her legendary healing. We will then
  continue on to Konya to visit the center of
  Islamic mysticism, the tomb of Mevlana, the
  founder of the whirling dervishes. Konya is
  ancient Iconum which Saint Paul visited on all
  three of his missionary journeys. Overnight in
  Konya.

46
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 4 We will begin our morning in Konya, from
  here we will take a side trip to Lystra. We will
  then stop at Beysehir to see one of the most
  beautiful mosques in Turkey and continue to
  Yalvaç This is the home of ancient Antioch in
  Psidia, a place in which Paul preached. We will
  the drive through the Toros Mountains on our way
  to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
• DAY 5 We will continue our journey with a visit
  to the remarkable ancient cities of Aspendos and
  Perge, which contain some of the finest Roman
  ruins in the world. Then we visit the Antalya
  Archaeological Museum, which houses a rich
  collection of prehistoric, Greek and Roman
  artifacts. In the afternoon we will have a little
  free time to explore this beautiful port city.
  Overnight in Antalya.

47
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 6 Today we will return inland to visit the
  ancient cities of Collassae and Laodicea. Both of
  these cities hold important places in the
  development of Christianity in Asia Minor,
  Laodicea being the site of one of the Seven
  Churches of Asia Minor and the Christian
  community at Collosea was the recipient of one of
  the letter of Saint Paul. We then go on to
  Pamukkale to enjoy ourselves in the spas, pools,
  and terraces of this natural wonder, called the
  "Cotton Castle", which takes its name from its
  brilliant white travertines. We also spend time
  in Hieropolis, the site of the Martyrdom of Saint
  Phillip. Overnight in Pamukkale.
• DAY 7 We begin our journey today with a tour of
  the ancient city of Priene, to see this
  extraordinary ancient city perched high above the
  plain below. Or we may stop instead at
  Aphrodisias, the city of the goddess of love.
  Where we will visit the Aphrodisias Museum, the
  remains of the Temple, the Odeon, Theater,
  Hadrian's Bath, Stadium and other ruins. Later in
  the day we will visit Miletus where Saint Paul
  continued his missionary work, here we will see
  the theatre and the ancient baths. Our final stop
  for the day will be at the Temple of Apollo at
  Didim. This temple was home to an oracle, as
  revered as the oracle at Delphi. Overnight in
  Kusadasi.

48
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 8 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  It was here in the great theater that Saint Paul
  preached and was protested by crowds. Ephesus was
  the site of another of the Seven Churches of Asia
  Minor. We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the
  famous Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis and
  other Roman sites. We then visit the House of
  Virgin Mary, where the Mother Mary spent her
  final days. Finally today we visit the Basilica
  of St. John, where the Saint is said to have been
  buried and the basilica built around his tomb.
  Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 9 Today we will have a more leisurely day
  with a visit to a local Turkish village to
  receive a better understanding of Turkish culture
  and way of life. A special treat today will be
  the demonstrations of traditional Turkish craft
  making, such as tile, ceramic making and carpet
  weaving. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 10 On our journey today we will visit four of
  the Seven Churches of Asia Minor. We continue our
  journey northward with a visit to Izmir, site of
  ancient Smyrna, here we will visit the Church of
  Saint Polycarp and Mount Pagos. We continue to
  the Churches at Sardis, Thyratria and
  Philadelphia. All of theses churches were founded
  by Saint Paul or his disciples on their journeys
  through Asia Minor. Overnight in Bergama.

49
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 11 In the morning we will visit the
  celebrated Roman city of Pergamon, the site of an
  enormous library built with Roman tiles, visit
  Asklepion and Acropolis, the place where
  parchment was invented. We visit the steep
  Theater, the Sacred Way and other sites. Here we
  will also visit the famed Red Basilica. This is
  the final of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor on
  our journey. After departing Pergamon, we will
  continue to Assos with its superb view of the
  Aegean and its islands. Finally in the afternoon
  we will visit Alexandria Troas, where Saint Paul
  had his vision which lead him to travel to
  Macedonia. Overnight Çanakkale.
• DAY 12 Today our journey will take us through
  Iznik, ancient Nicaea, it was here that the First
  Council was held in 325. At this council the
  Nicaean Creed was formulated. In Nicaea we will
  visit the Haghia Sophia, a Byzantine Church in
  which the Seventh Ecumenical Council was held in
  787. We will continue on to Istanbul. Overnight
  in Istanbul.
• DAY 13 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom. Tonight
  we will have a special lecture on the role of
  Islam and Christianity in Turkey. Overnight in
  Istanbul.

50
The Journeys of St. Paul

• DAY 14 After breakfast, we embark on a Bosphorus
  Cruise to admire the marble palaces and wooden
  Ottoman villas lining both shores of the fabled
  waterway. After lunch, we continue on to the
  bustling Grand Bazaar, with its more than 4,000
  shops. Later we will visit the Kariye (Chora
  Church) museum, which houses one of the most
  famous collection of Byzantine mosaics and
  frescoes in the world. Tonight we will have a
  farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 15 Transfer to the airport and your return
  flight to Istanbul and then home. If you wish to
  extend your stay in Turkey please let us know, we
  can help with all the arrangements.

51
JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR WITH GORELE TOURISMQuality
is not a coincidence

• 7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

52
Jewish Heritage

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
  Have the afternoon to wander the streets of this
  overwhelmingly beautiful and complex city. In the
  evening meet your guide and group at a cocktail
  in the hotel lobby. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 2 In 1492, the Ottoman Empire opened its
  borders to Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition.
  Many of them eventually made their home in the
  neighborhood of Galata. A Jewish neighborhood for
  centuries, its famous tower was built in 1303 by
  immigrants from Genoa, Italy. Continue from here
  to the Neve Shalom Synagogue, then drive to Balat
  with a splendid view along the Golden Horn where
  the Star of David appears on the facades of some
  buildings. Visit the beautiful Ahrida Synagogue
  built over 500 years ago and the Jewish Heritage
  exhibition.
• DAY 3 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.

53
Jewish Heritage

• DAY 4 After breakfast, we embark on a Bosphorous
  Cruise to admire the marble palaces and wooden
  Ottoman villas lining both shores of the fabled
  waterway. After lunch, we continue on to the
  bustling Grand Bazaar, with its more than 4,000
  shops. We will have plenty of free time for
  shopping and exploring this amazing treausre of
  Istanbul.Overnight in Istanbul. In the evening,
  we will board our flight to Izmir and then
  continue to the seaside resort town of Kusadasi.
  Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 5 We spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.
  We explore the Temple of Hadrian, the Theatre,
  the famous Celsus Library, the Temple of Artemis
  and other Roman sites. We then visit the
  impressive collections at the Ephesus Museum.
  Today as it was thousands of years ago concerts
  are still preformed in the great theatre, if we
  are lucky enough maybe there will be one in the
  evening. Overnight Kusadasi.

54
Jewish Heritage

• DAY 6 The city of Izmir has a 400-year-old Jewish
  community. It is abundant in synagogues, of which
  you will visit the most important one this
  morning - the Beth Israel Synagogue. In the
  afternoon, drive on to Sardis, the ancient
  capital of Lydia. Here you will visit the remains
  of one of the world's oldest synagogue's, the
  Sardis Synagogue, first built in the 3rd century
  BC. We will have free time to wander the streets
  of Izmir with its chic shops and interesting mix
  ture of old and new. Overnight Izmir.
• DAY 7 We will transfer to the Izmir airport for
  our flights home. If you wish to extend your stay
  in Turkey or continue on to Greece by way of
  ferry to Samos please let us know and we can help
  with all the arrangements.

55
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ALEXANDER THE GREAT WITH
GORELE TOURISMQuality is not a coincidence

• 16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS

56
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
  in the evening meet your guide and group at a
  cocktail in the hotel lobby, later we will have
  our first dinner together. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 2 Our tour begins in Istanbul with a visit to
  the archaeological museum to see the sepulchre of
  Alexander as well as many of the other artifacts
  that make up the collection of this impressive
  museum. Our tour continues as we explore the
  wonderful sites of Old Istanbul, the only city in
  the world straddling two continents, Europe and
  Asia. After breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque,
  with its six graceful minarets and famed blue
  Iznik tiles, the Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena
  for chariot racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 3 Drive to Troy where, before fighting the
  Persians, Alexander made a sacrifice at the
  Temple of Athena then anointed his body in oil
  and ran naked around the tomb of Achilles
  .Overnight in Çanakkale.

57
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

• DAY 4 Drive around Mt. Ida (Kaz Dagi), where
  Paris gave the golden apple to Aphrodite, thus
  beginning the Trojan war. We will then continue
  southward to Izmir, ancient Symrna. Alexander
  re-founded this city after he was told to do so
  in a dream while resting on Mount Pagos.
  Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 5 Tour the temple of Artemis where the
  Ephesians refused Alexander's offer of help to
  rebuild the temple, which had recently been
  destroyed by fire. Continue on to visit the
  extensive ruins of Ephesus, the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world. Overnight
  in Kusadasi.
• DAY 6 Walk through Priene and visit Alexander's
  house. Continue your journey to Miletus, where
  Alexander used new weapons and strategies to
  capture the city. After lunch visit the
  magnificent temple of Apollo at Didim. It was
  here that the oracle heralded Alexander's future
  glory. Overnight in Bodrum.

58
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

• DAY 7 Visit visit the Museum of Underwater
  Archaeology, to see the many exhibits of
  recovered artifacts from the region. The museum
  is located in Castle of Saint Peter, whose
  occupation by Christian armies is commemorated by
  the almost 250 coats of arms on its walls. Then
  take a trip to Alinda where Alexander met Ada,
  the deposed leader of Bodrum. She befriended
  Alexander and offered to adopt him as her son.
  Overnight in Bodrum.
• DAY 8 Drive on to Fethiye in the morning stopping
  for lunch before continuing on to Xanthos. In
  Xanthos, considered the greatest of the Lycian
  cities, visit the extensive ruins of the city,
  which surrendered to Alexander the Great, rather
  than be razed to the ground as it had been twice
  before. Continue on to Kalkan where we will board
  the boat. Overnight on the boat.
• DAY 9 Sail to Phaselis, the city in which
  Alexander was welcomed with a golden crown and
  open gates. It was here in this coastal city that
  Alexander spent the winter with his troops.
  Overnight in Antalya.

59
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

• DAY 10 On our journey today we will explore
  Perge, where in 333 BC Alexander was welcomed by
  the Pergeans and provided with guides for his
  journey. We will then continue on to Aspendos
  home to a beautifully preserved theater. Our
  final stop today will Side. Overnight in Antalya.
• DAY 11 Today journey to Gordion, via Afyon, to
  see where Alexander undid the proverbial knot by
  cutting it with his sword. Gordion was also the
  home to King Midas of the legendary "golden
  touch". Overnight in Ankara.
• DAY 12 Drive to Cappadocia, there will be a
  demonstration of traditional Turkish crafts ,in
  the afternoon followed by free time in the
  village of Avanos. Overnight Cappadocia.
• DAY 13 Cappadocia is an extensive region of
  volcanic tufa with early Christian churches and
  dwellings, some of them still inhabited, carved
  like caves into this rock face. After breakfast,
  we visit the natural citadel of Uçhisar, the
  Göreme Open-air Museum, which has the highest
  concentration of early churches decorated with
  religious frescoes, and the celebrated churches
  of Ürgüp. In the afternoon we will take a side
  trip to lovely Ilhara valley. Overnight
  Cappadocia.

60
In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great

• DAY 14 We will stop at the underground city of
  Derinkuyu, before we continue our journey
  traveling along the ancient route from Anatolia
  to Syria passing through the Cilician Gates and
  Tarsus,. It was in Tarsus, that Alexander fell
  ill after bathing in the icy waters of the river
  Cyndus. Finish the day in Adana with a visit to
  its Archaeological Museum. Overnight Adana.
• DAY 15 Visit Issus, the sight of the great battle
  between Alexander the Great and the famous
  Persian King Darius. Continue on to Antakya, via
  Iskenderun, ancient Alexandretta, where Alexander
  dedicated many altars to commemorate his victory
  over Darius. In Antakya visit the Archaeological
  Museum to see the collection of Mosaics, one of
  the most impressive in the world. We will also
  make a visit to the Grotto of Saint Peter where
  he preached the new religion of Christianity.
  Overnight in Adana.
• DAY 16 Transfer to the Adana airport and your
  return flight to Istanbul and then home. If you
  wish to extend your stay in Turkey please let us
  know and we can help with all the arrangements.
• This Gorele Tourism original tour will be guided
  by a professional tour guide very knowledgeable
  in the field of Alexander the Great. Your guide
  will be able to provide you not only with
  historical background on all the sites you will
  visit, but also with anecdotes and stories that
  will help the past come to life as you follow in
  the footsteps of Alexander the Great.

61
UNEARTHING THE HITTITE PAST WITH GORELE
TOURISMQuality is not a coincidence

• 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

62
Unearthing the Hittite Past

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your
  hotel where you will meet your group and guide.
  We will have an evening lecture and prepare for
  the tour. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 2 Our tour begins with a visit to the
  extensive collections of the Istanbul
  Archaeological Museum. Then we will explore the
  Museum of the Ancient Orient (Eski Sark Eserler
  Müzesi), finding clay tablets bearing Hammurabi's
  famous law code and artifacts from the Assyrian
  and Hittite empires. After lunch, we will board
  our flight for Ankara. Upon arrival we will
  proceed directly to the Museum of Anatolian
  Civilization. Here we will explore the
  collections that trace the history of Anatolia.
  Overnight in Ankara.
• DAY 3 This morning we will leave Ankara early and
  begin our exploration of the ancient sites of the
  Hittite empire. Today we will see the Lions Gate,
  city walls, Palaces and temples of the once great
  Hittite capital of Hattusa, now know as
  Bogazkale. We will visit the Rock Shrine of
  Yazilikaya, where we will see the many wall
  reliefs. Alacahöyük is also included in today's
  program, here we will visit the museum, the Spinx
  gate, and the Royal tombs. Overnight near
  Bogazkale.

63
Unearthing the Hittite Past

• DAY 4 In the morning we will depart for
  Cappadocia. Here we will find an extensive region
  of volcanic tufa with early Christian churches
  and dwellings, some of them still inhabited,
  carved like caves into this rock face. Here we
  will view Uçhisar castle and stop to take
  pictures of this mystical landscape. In the
  village of Avanos we will have lunch and then
  visit the pottery studio of Master Potter Galip.
  Our last stop for the day will be the open air
  museum of Göerme, here we will see the churches
  and homes carved into the rock face. Overnight in
  Cappaocia.
• DAY 5 The first stop on the tour this morning
  will be the subterranean city of Derinkuyu, built
  by early Christians to evade Roman armies. We
  will then drive by way of Issos to Antakya. Issos
  is the sight of the great battle between
  Alexander the Great and the famous Persian King
  Darius. Overnight in Antakya.
• DAY 6 In Antakya visit the Archaeological Museum
  to see the collection of Mosaics, one of the most
  impressive in the world. On our way to Gaziantep
  we will stop at Yesemek, this is the site of one
  of the oldest quaries in Turkey. Here we visit
  the site of the sculpture workshop with its more
  than 300 statues. After arriving in Gaziantep we
  will explore the castle and the archaeological
  museum. Overnight in Gaziantep.

64
Unearthing the Hittite Past

• DAY 7 We will board an early morning flight to
  Istanbul where we will take some time to explore
  the wonders of this great city. We will visit the
  Blue Mosque, with its six graceful minarets and
  famed blue Iznik tiles, the Hippodrome, ancient
  Roman arena for chariot racing and the
  Underground Cistern, a subterranean reservoir
  built in Byzantine times. After lunch, we visit
  Topkapi Palace, with its remarkable Treasury, and
  the museum Haghia Sophia, the Church of The
  Divine Wisdom. Tonight we will have a farewell
  dinner together. Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 8 Transfer to the airport for your flight
  home. If you wish to extend your stay please let
  us know.

65
ARCHAEOLOGICAL WONDERS OF THE AEGEAN WITH GORELE
TOURISMQuality is not a coincidence

• 14 DAYS / 13 NIGHTS

66
Archeological Wonders of the Aegean

• DAY 1 Arrive in Istanbul, where East meets West.
  In the evening meet your guide and group at a
  cocktail in the hotel lobby, followed by dinner.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 2 Today, we explore the wonderful sites of
  Old Istanbul, the only city in the world
  straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. After
  breakfast, visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
  graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik tiles, the
  Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
  racing and the Underground Cistern, a
  subterranean reservoir built in Byzantine times.
  After lunch, we visit Topkapi Palace, with its
  remarkable Treasury, and the museum Haghia
  Sophia, the Church of The Divine Wisdom.
  Overnight in Istanbul.
• DAY 3 Today we will explore the Archaeology
  Museum of Istanbul. Here we will see the
  artifacts, statues and sculptures gathered from
  many sites across Turkey. We will have a lecture
  on the status of Archeological research in Turkey
  and information on recent discoveries. In the
  afternoon we will have time to explore the Grand
  Bazaar with its more than 4,000 shops. Overnight
  in Istanbul.

67
Archeological Wonders of the Aegean

• DAY 4 In the morning we will depart for Troy,
  spending much time explore and developing an
  understanding for the layers of civilizations
  uncovered there. We will have a lecture from one
  of the Archaeologists responsible for the
  continuing work at the site. Overnight in
  Çanakkale.
• DAY 5 In the morning we visit Assos with its
  superb view of the Aegean and its islands. We
  continue to the newly discovered site of
  Antandros. This site is only open during the
  months of June, July and August, when the
  archaeologists from Ege University are working.
  Here we will see some of the most impressive
  mosaics yet discovered in Turkey, as well as a
  cemetery with many intact grave sites. We will
  met the archaeologists currently working on the
  site. We will also visit the village of Altinoluk
  to see the many Ottoman houses some of them very
  nicely restored. Overnight in Altinoluk.

68
Archeological Wonders of the Aegean

• DAY 6 We continue north to the celebrated Roman
  city of Pergamon, the site of an enormous library
  built with Roman tiles, visit Asklepion and
  Acropolis, the place where parchment was
  invented. We visit the steep Theater, the Sacred
  Way and other sites. We will then drive to the
  coastal resort town of Kusadasi. Overnight in
  Kusadasi.
• DAY 7 Today we will have a more leisurely day
  with a visit to a local Turkish village to
  receive a better understanding of modern Turkish
  culture and way of life. Today we will have a
  demonstration of traditional Turkish craft
  making. This evening we will have a lecture on
  the sites we will be visiting in the next few
  days. Overnight in Kusadasi.
• DAY 8 Spend the day visiting the premiere
  Greco-Roman City of the ancient world, Ephesus.