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 Turkey
UNFORGETTABLE TURKEY
15 Days / 14 Nights
Tours begin on Saturdays
Unforgettable Turkey is designed for the visitor who wants
a comprehensive and educational tour of this beautiful country.
It touches on aspects of pagan kingdoms, Hellenistic civilisations,
Roman and Byzantium times and Seljuk and Ottoman eras, all
of which are complemented by the warmth and hospitality of
the Turkish people.
 Day 1
Istanbul
Arrive at Istanbul airport where you will be met and transferred
to your hotel. Short briefing and welcome cocktail in
the evening. (D)
Day 2
Istanbul
Following breakfast drive to the "Old City" to visit
the Hippodrome, the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, the
Blue Mosque famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and
St Sophia. This orthodox church, turned mosque, turned
museum has breathtaking architecture and a magnificent dome.
Next visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on
one of the seven hills of Istanbul it has commanding views
of the Bosphorous and the Golden Horn and was for many centuries
the seat of government of the Ottoman Empire. There's
time to look at the extravagant treasury and priceless Chinese
porcelain, and listen to stories of mischief as you meander
through the Harem. Return to the hotel for a quick rest
and change before proceeding to dinner at an Istanbul nightspot
with live music and belly dancing. (B, L, D)
Day 3
Istanbul
The morning starts with a visit to the Spice Bazaar where
the aromas of cinnamon, cloves and thyme rise from hundreds
of colourful bags at every store front. Join a cruise
along the legendary Bosphorous, the natural gateway between
Europe and Asia. Enjoy the views of numerous summer
palaces and palatial homes as you sip Turkish coffee or tea
from traditional small cups.
Disembark at the northern end of the strait for lunch at a
local seafood restaurant. Then travel by coach to the
Suleymaniye Mosque built during the reign of Suleyman the
Magnificent, "the Lawgiver". The last stop
of the day is the Grand Bazaar, a covered market with over
4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, leatherware
and carpets. (B,
L, D)
Day 4 Istanbul
- Cannakale
Today you will drive along the Gallipoli Peninsula, famous
site of many battles during World War I. Following lunch
you cross the Dardanelles and proceed to Troy, renowned for
its portrayal in the Iliad of Homer and the site of nine ancient
cities superimposed upon each other. Overnight in Cannakale.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Cannakale
- Izmir
On the journey to Izmir you will visit Pergamon. Among
the impressive structures of this city, dating back to 339BC,
you will see the Altar of Zeus and the Temple of Dyonisus.
Continue to Izmir arriving in the early afternoon.
Spend some time exploring this port city on your own.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Izmir
- Kusadasi
This morning visit one of the seven wonders of the ancient
world, Ephesus. View the recently restored Library of
Celsius, the Temple of Adrian, the stone clad streets of the
ancient city and the Amphitheatre. Following lunch visit
the Basilica of St John and the House of Virgin Mary where
it is believed she spent her last years. Overnight in
Kusadasi. (B, L,
D)
Day 7
Kusadasi
Today you will visit the ancient cities of Priene, Miletus
and Didyma and respectively see the Temple of Athena, the
Delphinon and the Temple of Apollo. Overnight in Kusadasi.
(B, L, D)
Day 8
Kusadasi - Pammukale
Travel to Pammukale, stopping at the ancient city of Aphrodisias,
home of the Goddess of Love. Arrive in Pammukale by
mid afternoon to view its famous thermal waters flowing from
natural pools within terraces of white calcium clad travertines.
(B, L, D)
Day 9
Pammukale - Antalya
After breakfast you begin the scenic journey to the sparkling
Turquoise Coast. After checking in to your hotel you
will have time to bathe in the warm waters of the Mediterranean
before dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 10
Antalya
A leisurely visit to three ancient cities near Antalya is
scheduled for today. Perge has wide porticoed streets
lined with many fine buildings, Aspendus has an ancient theatre
said to be the best preserved in the world, and Side is home
to the temple of Apollo and Athena. Alternatively you may
prefer to spend the day enjoying the Mediterranean sun.
Overnight in Antalya. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Antalya - Konya
The trip today takes you over the beautiful Taurus Mountains
via the lake district and into Konya, the centre of the Selcuk
Empire, with many fine examples of Turkish Islamic art and
architecture. Recently the remains of Bronze Age Man were
excavated nearby. Overnight in Konya. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Konya - Cappadocia
After a city tour of Konya proceed to Cappadocia. On
the way you visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and the amazing
underground city of Derinkuyu which dates back to the time
of Christ and has eight levels carved into solid rock.
Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D)
Day 13
Cappadocia
Spend the day exploring the natural wonders of this region
formed by volcanic deposits being eroded away by wind and
water over millions of years. See the Valley of Goreme
where hundreds of churches have been hewn out of the soft
volcanic rock and decorated with frescoes. View the
Fairy Chimneys and the natural Citadel of Uchisar, a natural
fortress. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D)
Day 14 Cappadocia
- Ankara - Istanbul
After breakfast take the journey to Ankara, the national capital,
where you will visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations
and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic
in 1923. Return flight to Istanbul in the late afternoon.
(B, L, D)
Day 15
Depart Istanbul
Free time until you transfer to the airport. (B)
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