Description

Itinerary

Day 1: ISTANBUL
On arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be transferred to the hotel. What remains of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2: ISTANBUL
Today you will be exploring the only city to span two continents, Istanbul, which partly finds itself split between Europe and Asia. You will go on a city tour exploring many of the old city’s highlights such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque; St. Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome. In the afternoon you will then have leisure time to do with as you will although a strong suggestion would be to add an optional Bosphorus cruise here. This cruise on the stretch of water separating the two continents is an experience not to be missed offering unique panoramic views of Istanbul as well glimpses of palaces, a fortress and numerous mansions as well as the Bosphorus bridge which connects the two continents. (not included)
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 3: ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – CANAKKALE
Today you will be visiting on the most emotionally charged places in all of Turkey as you explore the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli. Visit Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and see numerous original trenches and tunnels. Then continue to Canakkale.
Overnight: Canakkale (BD)

Day 4: CANAKKALE – TROY – PERGAMON –
KUSADASI
This morning you will be stepping even further back in time as you visit the excavations of the ancient city of Troy famed for the tale of the Trojan Horse. Thereafter continue to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamon. The impressive temples and library found here once made Pergamon a renowned cultural capital and political centre. Then continue to the coastal city of Kusadasi and your hotel.
Overnight: Kusadasi (BD)

Day 5: KUSADASI – EPHESUS – SIRINCE –
KUSADASI
Your journey into history continues today as you go on a guided tour of Ephesus. Ephesus was the holy city of the Greek goddess Artemis and the Roman capital of Asia Minor, which today is considered to be one of the most attractive archaeological sites in the world. You will go on a guided tour showing you all the highlights including the impressive Temple of Artemis. Then continue to the Greek village of Sirince which is well-known for its fruit wines. Another long-standing tradition in Turkey is carpet-weaving and at the village you will how the carpets are made by hand
and how to discern their value. Thereafter return to Kusadasi.
Overnight: Kusadasi (BD)

Day 6: KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE
The day’s first activity will be to marvel at some locally handcrafted leather good before departing to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as the Travertines, to be found at Pamukkale. Here you will explore the ancient Hierapolis, an ancient Roman centre of healing due to the natural hot springs said to possess therapeutic powers to be found here. If you brought a bathing suit you well have the chance to try them out for yourself. Then continue to Pamukkale proper andyour hotel.
Overnight: Pamukkale (BD)

Day 7: PAMUKKALE – KONYA- CAPPADOCIA
Depart Pamukkale and take the former Silk Road to Konya. Along the way a stop will made at a Sultanhani Caravansaray just as was done when this was an important trade route. On arrival in Konya you will visit the Mevlana Museum, the burial place of the Persian
Sufi, known as both Mevlana and Rumi, who founded the order of the Whirling Dervishes. You will also visit Alaedddin Mosque before getting back on the road towards Cappadocia. A great optional add-on for tonight would be a folklore evening complete with exotic foods, interesting tales and even some belly dancers (not included).
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 8: CAPPADOCIA
You might have already caught glimpses of it yesterday but the scenery surrounding Cappadocia almost seems lunar in nature or as if you find yourself on another planet. See plenty more of that scenery as travel to Goreme Valley Open Air Museum the sight of the samerock formations known as the fairy chimneys. Explore than many layers of the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City. Thereafter you will return to thehotel.
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 9: CAPPADOCIA – ANKARA – ISTANBUL
Get an early morning start on the return leg to Istanbul but before arriving at the former capital you will visit the current capital city of Ankara. The city became Turkey’s capital in 1923 and, though it was just a small town then, has grown to become the second-largest city in Turkey. Visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 10: ISTANBUL
After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport. (B)

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