10 V i s i t www.theculturalexperience.com C a l l 0345 475 1815 Early Periods XXX XXX IN THE FOOTSTEPS O XXX IN THE FOOTSTEPS O XXX F ALEXANDER THE GREAT AT A ARCH XXX ARCH XXX AEOLOGy bATTLES ATTLES A AND SIEGES IN TURKEy Our ten day tour to Turkey explores the myths and reality that surround Alexander the Great as we follow in the footsteps of his army, starting at Granicus, heading south along the Ionian Coast and ending by tracing the liberation of the Lycian Valley. We explore the ruins of Alexander’s metropolisofMilitus,thebeautifultemples at Assos, Ephesus and Priene, the ancient harbours of Telmessos and Phaselis, and the remote, atmospheric Patara and Termessus. We will see two of the seven wonders of the ancient world as well as spending time in Istanbul and Antalya. Dr Andy Fear, historian, archaeologist and lecturer in classics at Manchester University leads this fascinating tour of battles, sieges, history, archaeology and architecture to provide evidence to establish the fact from fiction. ESSENTIALS Return flights from London, 4 star hotels, buffet breakfast, all lunches, 3-course dinner with drinks each evening, all entrance fees and expert guide throughout. Tour price: £2795 Single supplement: £225 Deposit: £300 Price without flights: £2620 After subduing the rebellious Greeks, Alexander embarked upon a campaign against the Persians that took him to the edges of India in search of the end of the world. In doing so he created one of the largest empires of the ancient world and earned himself a place in legend. With an uncertain claim to the throne, Alexander set out to liberate the region of Asia Minor from King Darius III and reclaim the lost Greek territories of his forefathers. The campaign of 334-333BC saw some of Alexander’s most spectacular and memorable moments, from the ingenious crossing of the Hellespont to the defining and disputed battle of Granicus, from the mythical cities of Troy and Halicarnassus to the defiant cities of Aspendus and Termessus. Day 1 - Outward Travel. Fly from London to Istanbul and check in to our hotel for two nights. Introductory talk and pre-dinner drinks. Day 2 - Istanbul. We visit the outstanding Archaeology Museum to peruse the riches recovered from antiquity across Asia Minor including the impressive decorated sarcophagusofKingAbdalonymousofSidon, in the past confused with the legendary leader himself. Thence to the thrice built 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 6 - 15 September 2019 10 days with Dr Andy Fear with Dr Andy Fear with Dr Andy Fear with Dr Andy Fear with Dr Andy Fear with Dr Andy Fear Activity Level 2 Activity Level 2 Hagia Sophia, one of the region’s most spectacular examples of architecture and the battlements of the imposing Byzantine walls. Day 3 - Granicus and Troy. Drive to the battlefield of Granicus, where Alexander won a resounding victory against the Persians paving the way for his conquest of Anatolia. Here we discuss the very different ancient records of Alexander’s tactics. Thence to the ruins of Troy, the scene of the triumph of Alexander’s personal hero, Achilles, and to whichhemadeaspecialpersonalpilgrimage. We continue to Canakkale, the narrowest point on the Dardanelles, the inspiration for the Greek legend of Hero and Leander and where Alexander’s army crossed into Asia. Check in to our hotel for one night. Day 4 - Assos and Pergamon. Along the Aegean coast we find the beautiful 1st Century BC ruin of Assos, once the home of Alexander’s tutor, the philosopher Aristotle. Wander around the once glorious Temple of Athena before making our way to Pergamon, the seat of what became a regional superpower in the aftermath of the collapse of Alexander’s Empire. Brave the walk, or take the cable car, and look down upon the steepest Greco-Roman theatre in the Roman Empire before heading into Bergama for one night. "Would thoroughly recommend The Cultural Experience & will go on tour with them in the future, service was of a very high order"