Turkey Student Educational tour starts when you land at the Istanbul Airport.  Our representative will meet you at Istanbul Airport, the world's third-largest airport, holding a sign with your group name on it and you’ll be transferred to your hotel. You are free for the rest of the day. You may explore the streets of Istanbul at your own will.
Dinner and accommodation in Istanbul hotel. (Dinner)

Our professional guide will meet you at your hotel’s lobby at 08:30 and we’ll start our Student Tour in Istanbul. Today, our first stop will be Saint Sophia Church ( Hagia Sophia ), built by the emperor Justinian in 532 - 537. Designed and built as a church, Hagia Sophia was later converted into a mosque in the Ottoman period and become a museum afterward. For over 1000 years it was the largest cathedral in the world and the center of the Orthodox. Today, it is a touristic and spiritual center for Christians, Muslims, and many other religious groups. Next, we’ll visit Topkapı Palace which served as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years, from the 15th to the 19th centuries, and as the home of the Sultans and their families. It hosts an outstanding collection of famous jewels of the Ottoman Imperial Treasury, daggers decorated with precious diamonds and stones, swords, war armors, the Spoonmaker's Diamond, crystals, silver items, and Chinese porcelain, elegant dresses once used by sultans and their families members (The Treasury section and Harem is extra). Here, we will also visit the Hagia Irene Church, located in the garden of Topkapı Palace. 
Afterward, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and explore the Hippodrome Square where horse races took place and entertainment, sports, and political activities were organized during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Here, we will see the Serpent Column brought from Delphi in India, the Egyptian Obelisk, the German Fountain of Wilhelm ll, and the tombs of Ottoman sultans and princes. Next, we will visit the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque, which is the greatest Ottoman mosque in Istanbul, built between the years 1609-1617. It is best known for its 6 minarets and blue Iznik tiles that lend the mosque its name. The students can compare the architecture of Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque on the spot here. Afterward, we will visit the Basilica Cistern, a large underground water reservoir built for the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I (527-565). The cistern has a water storage capacity of 100,000 tons and is 140 m long and 70 m wide, and contains 336 columns, each 9 meters high. Finally, we will visit the Grand Bazaar, which has more than 4000 shops full of hidden treasures and authentic items.  
End of the tour, return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation in Istanbul hotel.  ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

Today, we’ll start the tour of the day with a visit to the Istanbul Archeology Museum and later head for the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, which is a very colorful market with an oriental atmosphere that specializes in typical products such as spices, desserts, nuts, and small souvenirs. Next, we’ll drive to Golden Horn for a cruise along the Bosporus Strait which separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the inland Marmara Sea. Some of the important landmarks we’ll see on this 2-hour trip are the Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Rumeli Fortress, imperial mansions, the Maiden Tower, and the Bosphorus Bridge.

After the Bosphorus Cruise, we will have a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace. The architecture of the palace contains elements from French baroque, German rococo, and English neoclassical and Italian Renaissance styles. One of the most magnificent works of art in the palace is the 4.5-ton crystal chandelier made in England.
Afterward, we will have lunch at a restaurant and go to the other side of the Bosphorus Strait, the Asian side. Here, we will climb up to the highest hill of Istanbul, Çamlıca Hill to enjoy the panoramic views of Istanbul and take beautiful pictures. On our way back to the European side, we will visit the famous Istiklal Street and Taksim Square. 
End of the tour. Dinner and accommodation in Istanbul hotel.  ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

Today, we will depart early for Çanakkale. After breakfast at 6:00 am, we will drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula for about 4 hours to visit one of the most important sites of World War I. Upon arrival, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and start our tour of the region. Gallipoli is home to the remains of 500,000 soldiers and is one of Turkey's most important war memorials. We will visit the site of the Battle of Gallipoli, including the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair Atatürk Monument, Anzac Cove, and the Johnston's Jolly Cemetery. 
At the end of the tour, we’ll drive to Çanakkale.  Dinner and accommodation in Çanakkale hotel.   ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll check out and start the tour of the day. We’ll drive for approx. 30 km to the ancient city of Troia or Troy, the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad. Afterward, we will drive to Pergamon (approx. 1,5 hrs) and have lunch upon our arrival. Next, we will be visiting the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon Kings in 282-133 BC. We will visit the Acropolis, which is the administrative center of the city, the Temple of Zeus, Dionysus, Athena, Demeter, and the famous Pergamon Library of 200,000 rolls. The Altar of Zeus, excavated during the Pergamon (Bergama) excavations, is now on display at the Pergamonmuseum in Berlin. The Great Theatre of Pergamon here is the world's steepest theater and it could entertain up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times. We will also visit the Gymnasium and the Red Basilica (St. John’s Church), which is one of the sites of the Seven Churches of Revelation.   After our visits, we’ll drive to either Izmir or Kuşadası. 
Dinner and accommodation in Izmir or Kuşadası.   ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

After breakfast, our first stop of the day will be the House of the Virgin Mary, which was proclaimed by Pope Paul VI  in 1967 and declared as a place of pilgrimage for Christians by Pope John Paul II. According to the legend, Virgin Mary was brought here by St. John to spend her last years upon the request of Jesus Christ. 
Afterward, we will immerse ourselves in history in Ephesus, the most beautiful ancient city of the Ionia region. Here, we will see Curetes Street and see the ruins of the 25,000-capacity Grand Theater, the State Agora, the magnificent Celsus Library, Odeon, Temesos, Prytaneion, Magnesia Gate, Grotto of the Seven Sleepers, and the Harbour of Ephesus. 
Afterward, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, we will visit the 300-year-old village of Şirince, famous for its fruit wines. 
*At the end of the tour, we can give a break on the outlet center on the way, or visit a ceramic atelier. (Optional)
Dinner and accommodation in Izmir or Kuşadası.  ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

Today, we will visit some ancient Ionian cities. The Greeks (Ionians) who migrated to the Aegean Region after the attacks of the Dorian Tribe in Northern Greece in 1000 BC, took refuge in the Aegean region. The Ionians, who fled from Greece and the islands, mixed with the Lelegs, Carians, and Lydians living in the region. Afterward, they established 12 cities using Greek architecture.
First, we will visit Priene. The ancient city of Priene, which was established 2500 years ago at the foot of the Mykale Mountain, was a port city at that time. There are many works of art and architecture belonging to the ancient Greek period such as the marble streets laying parallel to each other and water channels. The Priene Theater and the Temple of Athena Polias were built by Alexander the Great as a gift. 
After a 20 km ride, we will visit the Miletos ruins. We will see the ancient theater with a capacity of 15,000, the Miletos Museum, the Temple of Serapis, and the Faustina Bath, built by Marcus Aurelius in the name of his wife. There is a 20 km-long sacred marble road between the Temple of Serapis in Miletos and the Temple of Apollo in Didim. Miletos people used to go to the temple of Apollo for pilgrimage and religious rituals through this holy path. 
Nowadays, Didyma is a tourism center thanks to its golden sand beach. The Temple of Apollo built in 600 BC here was a sacred religious center in ancient times. We will visit the temple that features magnificent marble columns. 
After our visits, we will have lunch at a local restaurant and drive to Aphrodisias. Upon arrival, we will visit the ancient Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, whom we know as the goddess of love and beauty in mythology. The Aphrodisias Temple, which still survives today, was used as a temple during the Roman period and was later turned into a Christian basilica. We will admire the magnificent Aphrodisias Temple, the 30,000-seat stadium, the Roman bath, the Odeon, and the Ancient Theater of Aphrodisias. 
At the end of our visits, we will continue on our way to Pamukkale.
Dinner and accommodation in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale.   ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

After breakfast, we will start our Pamukkale tour. The ancient city of Hierapolis, meaning holy city, was an ancient center of Pagan culture. Here, we’ll see the Martyrium of Apostle Philip, ancient city ruins including the Gate of Domitian, the Arcadian Way, Grand Theatre, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the Necropolis. Afterward, you will be given free time to swim in the Ancient Cleopatra Pool (extra cost). Afterward, we’ll enjoy walking on the white travertines (white calcium pools) and taking beautiful pictures.
We’ll give a lunch break after our visit and head for Izmir via Sardis (Salihli). On our way to Izmir, we’ll visit the ancient city of Sardis, the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom, which minted the first coin here in the 7th century BC. We’ll also see the Sardis Synagogue, Temple of Artemis, and the Ancient gymnasium. Upon our arrival to Izmir, we’ll have a sightseeing tour and visit the Kemeraltı Bazaar. You will have the opportunity to spend a nice evening in modern Izmir's Kordon area cafeterias.
Dinner and accommodation in Izmir.   ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

After breakfast, we’ll have a sightseeing tour in Izmir and continue on our way to Bursa. On the way, we’ll give a short lunch break. In Bursa, we’ll visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Mosque), the Koza Han Silk Market, and the Green Mosque, which offers some of the best examples of Ottoman architecture. The Queen of England, Elizabeth II, and her husband Prince Philip once visited Koza Han during their visit to Bursa. The historical inn is home to many shops selling shawls and scarves made from the famous Bursa silk, and it was a place where silk route caravans came to stay during their journeys. You can give a tea break at one of the cafes in the garden of the inn or try the famous kebab particular to the region. Afterward, we will continue on our way to Istanbul.
Dinner and accommodation in Istanbul.   ( Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner )

You’ll have free time until your transfer to the airport. Transfer from the hotel to Istanbul Airport will be made 3,5 hours before your flight time.   ( Breakfast )

Customized Tours   
We can create a tour program on your request and offer an itinerary that suits your personal, educational, cultural, and budgetary requirements. Please contact us with your requests.