This spectacular tour has been especially designed to experience the history, culture, diversity and colour of the people of Turkey. Enjoy the mystic palaces of the Sultans, bazaars and mosques of Istanbul and the rock hewn churches of Cappadocia. Visit magnificent ancient sites from the Roman, Christian and Islamic worlds, view the sun drenched waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and journey through the battlefields of Gallipoli, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of the Turkish people. Your hosts Frank and Rosemary Fogo will share the wealth of experience they have gained over the years of living and touring in this fascinating county.
ITINERARY
DAY 1. - ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel located in the old city. Remainder of the day to enjoy some of the many sights of Istanbul including a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between 16th and 19th centuries. Its displays include priceless world-class collections of jewellery, porcelain and costumes of the Sultans. A visit to the Harem quarters is an absolute highlight. Explore the labyrinth of the thousands of shops of the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Bazaar.
Overnight Ayasofya Hotel -Istanbul (B)
DAY 2. - ISTANBUL
A full-day exploring the sights of Istanbul including the impressive Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), with
it’s beautiful blue Iznic tiles, unique architecture and
marble lattice work and the Hippodrome, the centre of
Byzantine life for a 1000 years. Visit the magnificient
Hagia Sofia, built by Constantine the Great and recon-
structed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the
world’s greatest architectural marvels. In the afternoon enjoy a fascinating cruise on the Bosphorus.
Overnight Ayasofya Hotel - Istanbul (B)
DAY 3. - ISTANBUL TO GALLIPOLI
This morning we leave Istanbul and travel along the north coast of the Sea of Marmara through Tekirdag and on to the battlefields of Gallipoli. Visit the significant sights of the Gallipoli battlefields including Anzac Cove, Ariburnu cemetery, Lone Pine, The Nec, Plugges Plateau , Chanik Bair and visit the Museum. Experience the scene of the failed allied naval battle that lead directly to the decision to deploy a military force on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Overnight Akol Hotel - Canakkale (B/D)
DAY 4. – CANAKKALE TO ASSOS.
Morning departure for the ancient city of Troy, the scene of the famous battles between the ancient Greeks and the Trojans. Continue to the beautiful small seaside village of Assos.
Overnight Grand Assos Hotel – Assos. (B/D)
DAY 5. ASSOS TO SELCUK
The coastline of the Aegean Sea is a treasure trove of historical and archaeological sites. Stop at the ancient Hellenistic city of Pergamum, a famous city of learning, medicine and the arts in the ancient times of the Greeks and Romans. Travel through the lush fields of cotton and tobacco and the orchards of apples and figs to the town of Selcuk, near the famous ancient Roman site of Ephesus.
Overnight Nilya Hotel - Selcuk (B)
DAY 6. – SELCUK.
A full day to visit the biblical city of Ephesus, the ancient
Roman capital of Asia Minor. Ephesus is widely regarded as one of the best preserved Roman cities in the world and a centre of early Christianity. The Basilica of St John is an incredible sight with its labyrinth of halls and marble courtyard. The House of the Virgin Mary is believed by many to be the place where Saint John took the mother of Jesus after the crucifixion and from which she ascended to heaven. Also make a visit to the nearby and highly regarded Archaeological Museum, with some of the best collections of Greek and Roman artefacts to be found anywhere in Turkey.
Overnight Nilya Hotel - Selcuk (B)
DAY 7. – SELCUK TO PAMUKKALE
Journey to Pamukkale or “Cotton Castle” where the white limestone cliffs have attracted visitors since before the time of Christ. Explore the Roman city of Hierapolis and stand at the ‘Gateway to Hell’. Evening swim in the thermal waters at our hotel.
Overnight Pamuksu Boutique Hotel - Pamukkale (B/D)
DAY 8. – PAMUKKALE TO BODRUM
Travel to Bodrum. Explore Bodrum Crusader Castle built by the Knights of St. John and now used as a museum of underwater relics from the many shipwrecks found around the picturesque coast of Turkey.
Board our Gulet and begin cruise.
Overnight Gulet.
DAYS 9 TO 15 GULET CRUISE.
We cruise from Bodrum to Marmaris visiting Knidos, Datca, Selimiye, Orhaniye and several other very interesting places on the Bozburun Peninsular as well as having time to relax, swim and enjoy shipboard life. We will also visit two or three special restaurants which are favourites of Rosemary and Frank.
DAY 15. MARMARIS - KAŞ.
We re-board the bus and continue our tour on land. Between Marmaris and Kas we visit other coastal towns such as Gocek, Fethiye and the village of Dalyan.
Overnight Hera Hotel – Kaş (B)
DAY 16 . KAŞ .
Today we visit the very historic Kekova area. We take a small boat and explore the old castle and view the portions now underwater. The afternoon and evening are available to explore Kas.
Overnight Hera Hotel – Kas (B)
DAY 17 – KAS – ANTALYA
Travelling the spectacular coastal route from Kas to Antalya we stop at ancient Olympos to view the ruins by the sea and maybe for a swim in the crystal clear water of this beautiful bay. We continue to Antalya via Kemer.
Overnight Antalya. Hotel Argos (B)
DAY 18 - ANTALYA.
Visit Kaleici, the old quarter of town, and the ancient Kaleici marina surrounded by quaint quayside restaurants and shops. The ancient city of Perge
[ 1500 BC.] and the best preserved amphitheatre of antiquity at Aspendos, are both nearby , plus canyons, waterfalls, caves , and many other natural places of beauty. We will explore, or simply have a day at leisure. It’s your choice.
Overnight Antalya. Hotel Argos (B)
DAY 19- ANTALYA - CAPPADOCIA
Early morning departure for the fantastic lunar
landscapes of Cappadocia. En route visit the religious
city of Konya, famous for its Selcuk architecture and
a major centre of Islam. Home of the famous Whirling
Dervishes and final resting place of the mystic, Mevlana,
it was also a major trading centre of the Silk Road.
The highlight of the day is the Mevlana Museum, a place of worship and home to many famous works of art and textiles the home of the ‘whirling dervishes’ and the museum of the Islamic mystic, Mevlana. Continue through the vast steppes of central Anatolia along the legendary ‘Silk Road’, dating from the Middle Ages. Visit the famous Sultanhani Caravanserai before continuing to Cappadocia in the early evening.
Overnight Museum Hotel - Cappadocia (B/D)
DAY 20. – CAPPADOCIA.
Full day tour of Cappadocia including the fascinating frescoed and rock-carved churches of the Göreme Open Air Museum, known for it’s fascinating frescoes. Continue to the fairy chimneys of Pasabag and Devrent Valleys. Enjoy wine tasting in Urgup and explore the uniquely Turkish village of Ortahisar. After enjoying the panoramic views of Red and Rose Valleys visit the famous pottery artisans in the traditional rock-carved village of Avanos. In the evening enjoy an optional kilim weaving demonstration and educational session on the centuries’ old craft of carpets.
Overnight Museum Hotel – Cappadocia (B)
DAY 21. – CAPPADOCIA.
Journey across fertile plains to visit the multilevel underground city of Derinkuyu and the beautiful sheer-sided canyon of Ihlara. A leisurely hike through Ihlara, exploring the many rock carved churches, before visiting the villages of Belisirma and Selime. View the 11th century Caravanserai of Agzikarahan before travelling the Silk Road back to Goreme. Dinner in a local favourite traditional restaurant.
Overnight Museum Hotel - Cappadocia (B)
DAY 22. – CAPPADOCIA TO ISTANBUL
Transfer to Kayseri airport for your morning flight to Istanbul. Final night in Istanbul
Overnight Ayasofya Hotel - Istanbul. (B)
DAY 23 – ISTANBUL Transfer to airport for ongoing destinations.