Grand Turkey Tour -
Turkey Tours
TOUR DETAILS
Grand Turkey Tour, Turkey tours and the
history of Anatolia
Day 1
Istanbul
Your representative awaits to greet you
as you land in Istanbul. After
transferring to your hotel, Upon
arrival, we begin the sightseeing in
historical part of Istanbul with
Byzantine Hippodrome which was used for
chariot races and then Blue Mosque of
Sultan Ahmet I built in 1616 famous for
unequaled ceramic tiles. (B,L)
Day 2
Istanbul
A guided tour explores ancient city
highlights including Topkapi Palace
(main residence of Ottoman sultans) and
the Old City's unusual and large
underground cistern. Visit to Saint
Sophia Basilica, built in 537 AD as the
Byzantine Church's seat, now a museum
whose mosaics, stained glass windows and
decorated domes are breath–taking:
finally the Grand Bazaar with 3.000
exotic shops along covered lanes and
alleyways. (B,L)
Day 3
Istanbul - Bursa
In the morning we cross the Bosphorus
waterway that separates Europe and Asia
and drive to Bursa, first capital of the
Ottoman Empire, at the foot of Mt.
Olympus of Asia Minor. In the afternoon
visit the lovely Green Ottoman complex
and the Grand Mosque, you might like to
spend the remainder of the day shopping
in Bursa's colorful Covered Bazaar.
Tonight you have an excellent
oppurtunity to take a “Turkish Bath” at
your hotel's hot spring baths. (B,L,D)
Day 4
Gordion - Ankara
After breakfast, we depart on a scenic
ride to the heart of the Anatolian
Highland toward Turkey's capital,
Ankara. En route, we stop for a visit at
Gordion, where according to legend
Alexander the Great cut the Gordion Knot
thus opened the way to Asia. Overnight
in Ankara. (B,L,D)
Day 5 Ankara
- Cappadocia
This morning we visit the impressive
Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the
modern Turkish Republic and then the
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with
it's display of Hittite Treasures and
artifacts from the world's oldest city,
Catalhoyuk. After lunch we drive to
Biblical Cappadocia, famous for unique
landscapes, underground cities as well
as towns carved from region's soft
volcanic rock. En route we visit the
13th century Seljuk Caravan Inn of
Agzikarahan. (B,L,D)
Day 6
Cappadocia
A full day touring the “moon – like”
topography of Cappadocia: We begin our
day with a great panorama of the region
from Uchisar citadel which was a Roman
watchtower and shelter. We drive to
Goreme open-air museum via Avcilar
Valley. Goreme with it's rock hewn
churches dating between 6th to the 13th
century chapels decorated with Christian
frescoes is an unforgettable experience.
After lunch we drive via Urgup to
Dervent Valley to view the formations
where your imagination takes you to the
world of Wonders. Zelve Valley was
inhabited until 1950`s and then to
Pasabag Valley for the poetic Fairy
Chimney formations where St. Simeon once
seeked a shelter. We finished the day in
Avanos, the pottery heaven of
Turkey.(B,L,D)
Day 7
Cappadocia
Kaymakli underground city where early
Christians refuted in times of danger.
We drive to Soganli and then to
Mustafapasa a Greek origin village with
its beautiful typical houses and
Churches. After lunch we explore the
rest of the region for some great photo
and bargain opportunities. (B,L,D).
Day 8
Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale
Early departure to Konya. You cross the
rolling steppe of central Anatolia to
Konya for a tour of the Mevlana
Mausoleum, founder of the Order of
Whirling Dervishes (an ecstatic Muslim
sect). After a delicious Konya lunch we
continue driving to Pamukkale via the
lake district. Pamukkale is famous for
it's natural hot-springs and Travertine
terraces (B,L,D)
Day 9
Pamukkale - Kusadasi
Early morning visit the vast ruins of
the Roman health spa of Hierapolis and
stroll thru the travertine terraces of
Pamukkale, in Turkish the name refers to
the “Cotton Castle” appearance of the
spectacular white lime cascades formed
by hot mineral springs. After Pamukkale
tour drive to the House of Virgin Mary
in Ephesus (B,L,D)
Day 10
Ephesus & St. Mary's House - Kusadasi
This morning we head to glorious
Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor, to
see extensive ruins which include 2.000
year old marble streets, a huge theater,
the library of Celsius, a gymnasium and
the temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon,
we visit the temple of Artemis one of
the seven wonders of the ancient world
and an active Selcuki mosque from 14th
century named Isabey Mosque. (B,L,D)
Day 11
Pergamum - Troy - Canakkale
(Dardanelles)
Early departure via Izmir (ancient
Smyrna and the birth place of Homeros)
The first stop on your northbound
journey is the acropolis of ancient
Pergamum, famous for work done by the
great Roman physician, Galen, Sights
include the Altar of Zeus, and the
Asklepion, a famous Roman Medical
Center. Continuing north, we visit the
ruins of Troy where Greek and Trojan
heroes fought the Trojan War for the
honor of beautiful Helen. Also, visit
its legendary walls, buildings and a
replica of the famous Wooden Horse.
Overnight in Canakkale. (B,L,D)
Day 12
Dardanelles - Gallipoli - Istanbul
After breakfast we cross the Dardanelles
waterway to the Gallipoli Peninsula, see
Anzac cove, where the Gallipoli legend
was created by Anzac and Turkish hero's
after fighting for over 280 days in the
peninsula during the first world war.
Along the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul.
The reminder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)
Day 13
Istanbul
Morning, board a ferry boat for a
relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus
waterway. Afternoon is yours to explore
the city, or you can join optional tour
of Dolmabahce Palace. Tonight enjoy a
farewell dinner with your companions. (B,L,D)
Day 14
Istanbul
Your representative escorts you to the
airport for the flight home. (B)
(B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
INCLUDED IN
THE PACKAGE
HOTEL ACCOMMODATION IN SUPERIOR TOURIST
CLASS HOTELS.
ACCOMMODATION BASED ON TWIN WITH PRIVATE
FACILITIES.
CONTINENTAL BREAKFASTS (B), LUNCH (L)
AND COURSE DINNERS (D) AS PER THE
ITINERARY.
AIRPORT / HOTEL / AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
MODERN AIR CONDITIONED COACH WITH
RECLINING SEATS.
WELCOME DRINK.
HOTEL TIPS, LOCAL TAXES AND SERVICE
CHARGES..
NOT INCLUDED
IN THE PACKAGE
TRAVEL INSURANCE.
ANY ITEM OF A PERSONAL NATURE SUCH AS
LAUNDRY, TELEPHONE CALLS ETC.
PASSPORT & VISA COSTS.
AIRPORT TAXES.
ANY ITEMS NOT MENTIONED IN
ABOVE-MENTIONED ITINERARY.
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