TURKEY TOUR
 GRAND
TURKEY TOUR
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 ceramis 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 its 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 refuged 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 distric.
Pamukkale is famous for it`s naturel hot-springs and
Travertine terraces (B,L,D)
Day 9 PAMUKKALE-
KUSADASI
 Early
moring visit the vast ruins of the Roman health spa of
Hierapolis and stroll thru the traventen 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 Symirna 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 heros 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 wat erway.
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.
Reservation
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