Journey Along Jewels of Turkey

Daily Program

Day 01 - ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

Arriving at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 02 - FULL DAY ISTANBUL

After breakfast meet your guide at lobby of your hotel and start your day Hippodrome Square, once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople. Visit Blue Mosque known for its Turquoise colored tiles made of quartz minerals. Continue to explore home of the Ottoman Sultans; Topkapi Palace! Tour Harem and Treasury. Next will be Basilica of Saint Sophia built by Justinian the Great during 6th century. In the afternoon, you will visitGrand Bazaar and Nuru Osmaniye District where you can find opportunities of fine shopping especially for jewelry, leather products and many other handcrafted souvenirs. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for overnight. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 03 - FULL DAY ISTANBUL

In the morning, meet your guide at lobby of your hoteL and continue your expedition in this fascinating city. Narrow alleys will then get you to the bustling atmosphere of the Spice Market, dating back to the 17th century, but still the most popular bazaar visited by locals to shop for fresh ingredients to spice up the dishes prepared in the kitchens of Istanbul. You will enjoy today a very unique aspect of the city by boarding local ferry for an unforgettable cruise on the waters of the Bosphorus, the famed strait running between Asia and Europe! You will then head to Taksim Square, one of the busiest spots in Istanbul, to take a closer look at and comprehend the social diversity of the city. You will walk through Istiklal Avenue where you will enjoy the view of the 18-19th century buildings of art nuovo and eclectic architecture that currently serve a variety of purposes such as hosting art galleries, restaurants or diplomatic centers and that reflect cultural profundity and richness of Istanbul. During your tour of the district of Beyoglu (Pera), you will perceive the dominating European feel of Istanbul as the once terminating point of Orient Express. The non-Muslim community in Pera formed a more occidental style of life that was a reflection of what was lived in London, Paris and Venice at the time. Passage Des Fleurs and Passage d’Europe stand out among the major venues where one can distinguish the joy and nostalgia expressed by the authentic ambience of them. Your stroll will finally bring you to Galata, the neighborhood that hosted non-Muslim European communities migrating to Istanbul during 18th and 19th centuries to profit from the capitulations granted by the Ottoman Sultanate. You will have the opportunity to watch the skyline of Istanbul from the very peak of 13th century Galata Tower that was built by the Genoese merchants to look out for their ships arriving with their loads of goods brought for the markets of this cosmopolitan city. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 04 – ISTANBUL / CAPPADOCIA

Morning flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, tour Monastic Center of Goreme serving as an open-air museum. Then, move forward to walk through the valleys of Zelve, a rock-carved town occupied until 1942 by both Muslim and Christian communities. You will then appreciate the breathtaking scenery of the Pigeon Valley. Later, you will be touring Avanos, founded by Hittites and famed for its pottery studios. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 05 – CAPPADOCIA

Your expedition will start with Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings, where early Christians lived protecting themselves from invaders. You will move on to Soganli Village to see one of the early centers of monastic life and the most authentic dwellings that reflect the exclusivity of the region’s natural character. Driving through the inspiring valleys and towns of Cappadocia that will captivate you with their beauty, you will reach Sinassos to visit its well preserved houses and rock-carved Byzantine churches. Overnight in Cappadocia.

*Early morning experience: Hot air ballooning over valleys of Cappadocia

Day 06 – CAPPADOCIA / KONYA

Today you will meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel in the morning to leave for Konya (approx. 4.5 hours). Konya was called Iconium during the Roman period and was an important post for Roman legion and control of the trade routes of antiquity. It served as the Capital of Seljuk Turkish Kingdom during the 13th century. You will have the chance to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the founder of Whirling Dervishes and tile Museum of Karatay, the old Medrese that still maintains its superb tile decoration. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Overnight in Konya.

Day 07 – KONYA / ANTALYA

After a refreshing breakfast, you will meet your private guide at the lobby of your hotel and drive to Antalya (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival in Antalya, you will visit Aspendos, the ancient city well known for its Roman Theatre that is the best preserved Roman Theater in the world and still used for classical music events during the festival of Antalya. At the end of your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in and relaxation. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 08 – ANTALYA

Founded by the King of Pergamon, Attalos II, as an important port controlling the southern borders of his kingdom, Antalya has maintained its value throughout the history. The city has been home to numerous civilizations including the Romans, Seljuks and finally the Ottomans. Meeting your guide at the lobby of your hotel, you will set out to see the ancient Roman city of Perge known for its well preserved stadium, massive Roman Baths and the stunning gate of the city dating back to Hellenistic period. Perge is a Biblical settlement that was visited by St. Paul during his apostolic journeys before he kept walking further north. Continue with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Antalya, where works of art unearthed from Perge are on display. Antalya Archaeological Museum, gone through an extensive renovation, will impress you with its wide collection of examples of Roman sculptures among which there is a Roman relief returned by Getty Museum after getting smuggled from out of Turkey. Your guide will escort you back to your hotel at the end of the day. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 09 – ANTALYA / KAS

Leaving the city of Antalya, drive over the Taurus Mountains to get to Demre for your visit to St. Nicholas Church and ancient Myra. The city of Myra was one of the most prominent members of the Lycian Federation and is associated with Saint Nicholas who had become the bishop of Myra. Then, have a delightful boat tour to explore the Sunken City in Kekova Bay and the ruins of Kale that are not accessible by land and among which you can swim. Later in the day, you will head on to Kas (approx. 4 hours). Overnight in Kas.

Day 10 – KAS / FETHIYE

In the morning meeting your private guide at the lobby, you will drive to Fethiye (approx. 2.5 hours) and en-route you will visit Patara. Patara derived its fame in ancient times from oracle of Apollo situated there. Oracles in the temple, which was kept open only during the winter months, sought answer to questions concerning the future. This city, throughout the course of its history, was subject to invasions and sieges. Under Roman Domination, Patara again became one of Lycia's leading ports and received the title of metropolis. In addition, it undoubtedly won special honor during the Christian era as the birthplace of St. Nicholas. After a short drive, arrive at another ancient city of Xanthos. Xanthos, described by Strabo as Lycia's largest city, takes its name from the river that flows beside it. Xanthos maintained its independence until 545 B.C. when it was razed in the course of the Persian invasion. In spite of their defeat, the Xanthians’ passion for heroism and honor was immortalized in the pages of history. Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 11 – FETHIYE

Today, you will be impressed by Saklikent Gorge that is the second-largest (20 km-long) gorge in Europe, the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey, about a 40 minutes' drive from Fethiye. As the level of water rises during winter months, visitors can enter the canyon only in the summer. Four km. of the gorge is walkable after April when most of the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted and passed through the gorge on its way to the Xanthos River. Leaving Saklikent Gorge, you will continue your exploration with Tlos Antique City. In general the ancient towns of Lycia were built on the coast or in its proximity. Tlos was a major exception to this rule because it was located inland, on a hill controlling the upper valley of the Xanthus River. Due to its strategic position Tlos continued to be inhabited until the early 19th century. Your last stop in Fethiye will be Cadianda, the ancient ruins of lively and rich Lycian settlement, displaying the splendor of the Roman Empire. It is surrounded by walls. When you reach the walls over the Theatre you will see the magnificent panoramic view of Xanthos valley and the Fethiye plain. Concluding your tour, you will be escorted to your hotel and overnight in Fethiye.

Day 12 – FETHIYE / MARMARIS

After breakfast, you will meet your guide and board your minivan to drive on to Dalyan. Covering some of the most beautiful and fecund fields in Southwest Turkey, you will reach the village of Dalyan from where you will take your private wooden boat named “taka” and will have an adorable cruise on the waters of Koycegiz Lake. The first place you will visit is the sulphur baths that are known as the Baths of Cleopatra. The tradition states that even the great Queen of Egypt bathed here to make her skin look more attractive. Continue your cruise on the waters of Koycegiz Lake and reach the famed beach at the mouth of the lake opening on to the Aegean Sea, where Caretta Caretta turtles come to lay their eggs once every year. You can enjoy cold refreshments at a cafe on this beach enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Aegean Sea. Returning to your boat, you will cruise on to ancient Caunos that was known for piracy in the antiquity. The rock carved tombs of the Lycian Kings, which date back to 4th century BC, will be another scenic asset to your day. After touring the ruins of Caunos, you will return again by your boat to Dalyan where you will board your minivan to lead your way to Marmaris (approx. 1.5 hours) which is a charming resort town with its harmonious Mediterranean architecture and historical monuments. Overnight in Marmaris.

Day 13 – MARMARIS / BODRUM

After the breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide at the lobby of your hotel and drive to Bodrum (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival in Bodrum, you will stroll through the Crusaders’ Castle of St. Peter’s, and explore the English Tower that is decorated as feast-hall of the knights of St. John who were once the masters of this gigantic edifice. Inside the castle, there are individual small museums displaying attractive works of archaeology such as the skull of Carian Princess and relics of underwater archaeology. After visiting the St Peter’s Castle of Crusaders, you will continue to the site of Mausoleum built in 4th century BC going through the narrow streets that are reflecting very much of Mediterranean architectural tastes. You will have the afternoon at leisure to appreciate the peaceful environment of Bodrum with its beautiful beaches and the turquoise waters. Overnight in Bodrum.

Day 14 – BODRUM / IZMIR

In the morning meeting your private guide at the lobby, you will drive to Izmir (approx. 4 hours) and en-route you will visit Temple of Artemis that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue you morning visiting Ephesus the Capital of the Province of Asia Minor during the Roman Era. Walk on the Marble Road that runs through the city and visit Temple of Hadrian Library of Celsus Terrace Houses, the Great Theater of Ephesus. Overnight in Izmir.

Day 15 – IZMIR / CANAKKALE

You will depart from Izmir to Canakkale (approx. 5 hours) following your morning visit to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, famous for its Asclepion, the ancient medical center with a purpose most similar to that of a spa of the 19th century. You will next explore the remains of the Acropolis and see the Temples of Athena and Dionysus. Then you will visit the legendary city of Troy. The excavations of Troy constitute the beginning of modern study of archaeology. You will be thrilled by the ancient city that has witnessed the battle of Achilles and Hector, the story of which is told by the famous historian Homeros in his legend Iliad. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 16 – CANAKKALE / BURSA

After the breakfast at your hotel, you will meet your guide at the lobby to depart from Canakkale for the ride to Bursa (approx. 4 hours), the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, partly along the southern shoreline of the Sea of Marmara. Among a number of important Ottoman edifices you may visit in Bursa are the mausoleums of the early Ottoman Sultans, the Green Mosque with a beautiful interior decoration of blue and green tiles and the Great Mosque. The Great Mosque with a total of twenty domes and a fountain was built in 1396, and you may find it unlike any other mosque you may have seen up to now. Bursa, famous for its thermal baths, is also the heart of the country's silk industry with several lively bazaars. One of the oldest market courts is Koza Han, once the major center of Turkey’s silk trade. Overnight in Bursa.

Day 17 – BURSA / ISTANBUL

After the breakfast, you will set out to drive to Istanbul (approx. 3 hours) and en-route you will visit Iznik (Ancient Nicea), founded in the 4th century BC by the Macedonian king Antigonus I Monophthalmus, Nicea was an important centre in late Roman and Byzantine times. Iznik subsequently became famous for its magnificently beautiful "Iznik tiles," which decorate mosques and palaces throughout Turkey. Leaving Iznik, you will carry on to your hotel in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 18 DEPARTURE FOR HOME

In the morning, you will be transferred from your hotel to Istanbul International Airport for your flight back home.

Notes

Rate Includes:

- Airport transfers in Istanbul and Kayseri.

- Accommodation at the suggested hotels.

- Services of the same English speaking professional guide throughout the program.

- Transportation by A/C nonsmoking brand new vehicles throughout the program.

- Domestic flight tickets.

- Bosphorus Cruise by local ferry (Approx 1, 5 hours).

- Private visit to the studio of a pottery artist in Cappadocia.

- All entrance and parking fees for the sightseeing in the mentioned program.

 

Rate Excludes:

- Meals except for the breakfasts at the hotels.

- Beverages.

- Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia. (Approx 1 hour).

- Honorary gratuities for guide and driver.

- Porterage at airports and hotels.

- Personal expenses.

- Visa fees.

 

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