After breakfast, we drive towards Bergama and the Hellenistic city of Pergamon (about 130 km). Pergamon is one of Turkey's most important archeological sites where Alexander the Great left a significant part of his wealth with one of his generals before leaving for his Asia expedition. Notable aspects of the site we will see: the steepest theatre in this region, cut into the hillside; the library, which at its peak rivalled Alexandria; the ruins of the Altar of Zeus, as well as the Temple of Athena, the Royal Palace, the Temple of Trajan and the Temple of Dionysos. We will also visit the Asclepion, one of the world’s earliest medical centres. We will then move on to the 'Red Basilica', originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god Serapis and converted into a basillica by the Byzantines. It was one of the seven churches referred to by St John.

After a lunch break, we drive to the 'Seytan Sofrasi' (The Devil’s Dinner Table) situated on a hilltop overlooking Ayvalik with spectacular views as far as Cunda island and the Greek island of Lesbos. We will continue to Cunda island, which is famous for its fish restaurants, local atmosphere amongst the lanes of old Greek houses After a short coffee break at Tas Bahce, we will move on to visit the old Orthodox cathedral of Taksiarhis. Before checking in at our hotel, we will stop at the Ataturk Cliff.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Deniz boutique hotel located at Cunda Island, a beach area outside the town. (www.oteldeniz.com)

Kazdaglari (Turkish for Ida Mountain) was known as the mountain of the gods. It finds its place in many mythological legends. Homer mentions Ida Mountain in his "Iliad" many times, as 'the mother of wild animals and full of springs'. According to the legend, the famous beauty contest between Hera, Aphrodite and Athena that lead to the Trojan War took place on this mountain. Zeus was born here, the gods followed the Trojan War from here and Aphrodite fell in love for the first time on this mountain.

Situated in the northern Aegean, this mountain range stretches along the coast of the gulf of Edremit within easy reach of Assos and Troy. The Karatas summit at 1,774 metres, is the highest of a series of peaks which tower over a landscape filled with rare plant species, firs, streams and waterfalls. The region famously produces the highest levels of oxygen after the Alps. It is a magnet for walkers, mountaineers and nature lovers.

Once we have checked in to the Iliada hotel, we have the rest of the day free to relax and start exploring the mountain footpaths. There are optional extras of horse riding and jeep tours for those interested. (www.kazdagiotelleri.com/iliada.asp)

Lunch is not included today.
Dinner at the hotel.

On our sixth day, we will leave the hotel mid-morning for a drive to Adatepe Village. From here we will climb to the peak known as the Altar of Zeus. There are fantastic views over the entire area from this vantage point. We will have lunch at the Stone Houses in the village with time afterwards for walking in the area.

Dinner and overnight stay at the Iliada hotel.

After breakfast we will proceed by ferry across the part of the Dardanelles known as 'the Narrows'. The ferry pulls in at the small fishing village of Kilitbahir, noted for its fort built by Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. Here, we will be given a briefing on the first world war. The landing sites are situated on the European side of the Dardanelle Straits, known as Gallipoli.

We will visit Kabatepe Museum, which contains relics from the war, war memorials, trenches and tunnels, cemeteries and other sites in the war grounds.

We return to the Kolin Hotel with time to relax before dinner and overnight stay.