Homer’s Odyssey: Northern Aegean & Antiquity

Today we explore the foundational legends of Istanbul. By utilizing our Fast Track entry service, you will bypass the lines to witness the breathtaking interiors of Hagia Sophia and the royal treasury of Topkapi Palace. After a curated lunch featuring Ottoman specialties, we wander through the Grand Bazaar where your historian guide will introduce you to master craftsmen. This immersive day ensures you feel the pulse of the city while avoiding the typical tourist rush.

Experience the majesty of the city from the water with a Private Yacht Cruise along the Bosphorus. As you glide between Europe and Asia, you will see the waterfront mansions and medieval fortresses that have guarded the city for centuries. The afternoon features a drive through the historic neighborhoods of the Golden Horn, providing spectacular panoramic vistas and a perfect moment for photography and reflection before we head toward the Aegean coast tomorrow.

We depart the city for a scenic drive toward the Dardanelles and the historic Gallipoli Peninsula. This day is dedicated to a somber and reflective tour of the battlefields and memorials where modern history was forged. Your historian guide will share poignant stories of bravery and peace that define this sacred ground. After the tour, we cross the strait to Canakkale for an evening of relaxation at a boutique hotel overlooking the sea.

Today we step into the world of Homer as we discover the legendary city of Troy. You will walk through the ancient gates and see the archaeological layers that inspired the Iliad. The journey continues south to the breathtaking Acropolis of Pergamon, where you will visit the steepest theater of the ancient world. This high altitude sanctuary offers incredible views and a deep connection to the intellectual and architectural achievements of the Hellenistic age.

We arrive at the crown jewel of Roman Asia Minor for a private tour of Ephesus. You will walk the marble streets to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre without the stress of long queues. After a gourmet lunch in a nearby village, we ascend to the House of the Virgin Mary, located within the peaceful Solmissos Mountains. The spiritual serenity of this site provides a beautiful balance to the grand scale of the ancient city ruins.

Our penultimate day takes us to the “White Paradise” of Pamukkale. You can relax in the healing thermal pools and walk along the brilliant white travertines that have been a wellness destination for thousands of years. We also explore the ruins of the ancient spa city of Hierapolis. This day is designed to be a revitalizing experience for both body and mind, leaving you refreshed as your odyssey nears its conclusion.

After a final breakfast featuring local Aegean olives and honey, your private transfer will take you to Denizli Airport for your flight back home via Istanbul. You leave with the echoes of legends and the rejuvenated spirit that only a “Feel Good” journey through history can provide. We look forward to being your host on your next Turkish adventure.