The History of Medicine in Turkey and Greece

History, medicine and culture intertwine on this journey through Turkey and the Greek Islands. It would be hard to find such a concentration of important medical historical sites anywhere else, amidst some of the richest culture and history in the world.

Start in Istanbul, where history is as richly layered as one of its baklava pastries, and travel down the western coast to Rhodes, a showpiece Greek island with an exquisitely preserved medieval city. Your journey will encompass thousands of years of medical history, from battlefields of Gallipoli to Hippocrates, Galen and the Knights of St John, with a range of expert talks and specialist visits along the way.

Cuisine is an important part of travel, and we have included a number of local restaurants and culinary experiences provide the delicious flavours of Turkey and Greece.

At the end of the tour there is an extension to the Peloponnese and Athens.

Price (sharing a room)

per person

Price (room to yourself)

per person

Reference:

TUR0927-1

At a glance

What you need to know

Type of tour

Cultural

Profession

Medical History

Nights

Countries

Tour grade

Moderate

Remaining places

Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

Istanbul

Saturday

September

Arrive in Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents, it is a bewitching dust-devil of cultures and influences spanning thousands of years. Check in to the hotel for a welcome dinner.

Istanbul

Sunday

September

Visit the Chora Museum, home to some of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, paintings and mosaics. Continue to the Palace of the Porphyrogenitus, a Byzantine palace built next to the Theodosian Walls. Take part in a tasting tour with lunch in the Kadıköy district, known for its markets and specialist food shops. Cruise the Bosphorus and explore the 17th-century Spice Market.

Istanbul

Monday

September

Visit the Blue Mosque, cross the Hippodrome, now known as Sultanahmet Square, to the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most imposing sights. Explore the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of colourful stalls and shops, and dinner at a local restaurant.

Istanbul / Çanakkale for Gallipoli

Tuesday

September

Depart from Istanbul and drive to Gallipoli. Visit a private museum displaying archaeological objects collected by a local resident. Continue to the battlefields of Gallipoli, including Anzac Cove and Lone Pine Cemetery. Drive to Çanakkale and check in to the hotel for dinner.

Çanakkale for Troy

Wednesday

September

Visit the UNESCO-listed World Heritage Site of Troy, home to the legendary Trojan Horse, and tour the Troy Museum. At leisure with an optional beach visit to Güzelyalı or Dardanos.

Çanakkale / Pergamum / Kuşadası

Thursday

September

Drive to the spectacular ruins of Pergamum, this great Greek city was once a centre of commerce, culture and medicine. Its most famous son was Galen, who became known as the greatest physician of ancient times. Visit the magnificent Acropolis and the Aesclepion. Continue to Kuşadası and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Kuşadası for Ephesus

Friday

September

Full day in Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean, unmatched in its sheer magnitude. Visit a traditional carpet-weaving school, where you will also enjoy a barbecue lunch. Continue to the picturesque village of Şirince for wine tasting before exploring the Temple of Artemis.

Kuşadası / Bodrum

Saturday

September

Drive to Bodrum stopping en route at Lake Bafa (Herakleia) for a scenic coffee break. Visit Bodrum Castle and the Museum of Underwater Archaeology. Check in to the hotel and enjoy some time at leisure before a local dinner.

Bodrum / Marmaris / Rhodes

Sunday

September

Drive to the lovely seaside resort of Marmaris. Take the ferry to Rhodes and transfer to the hotel. Dinner in a taverna.

Rhodes/ Kos /Rhodes

Monday

September

Catch the fast ferry for a day trip to Kos, the birthplace of Hippocrates. Visit the International Hippocratic Institute of Kos, the famous Hippocrates plane tree and the Asclepium. Lunch at a taverna before the afternoon ferry back to Rhodes, where there will be time at leisure.

Rhodes

Tuesday

September

Take a half-day tour of Rhodes’ medieval city, a legacy of the crusading Knights of St John, who were based here from 1309 to 1522. Visit the Street of the Knights, the Grand Master’s Palace, and the Hospital of St John, now a museum. At leisure before a farewell dinner.

Rhodes

Wednesday

September

Depart for airport or join the extension in Athens.

What to expect

Tour highlights

Discover Istanbul

Istanbul

A bewitching dust-devil of cultures and influences spanning thousands of years. See some of the finest surviving examples of Byzantine art and experience its culinary offerings.