Classic Turkey
per person
There are also optional excursions including a cruise on the Bosphorus. Next stop is Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital, to see its museums before heading into the heart of the country – Cappadocia. This is a land of wind-carved, sandstone caves where early Christians hid from…
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Destination
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Dress Code
Casual. Comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat, light jacket.
1
Day 1 Arrive Istanbul
You are met at the airport and transferred you to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. Welcome briefing will be held. Overnight at your selected hotel (2 nights)
2
Day 2 Istanbul
Enjoy a full day tour including a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 and 1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616, famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the worldās largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment.
Included Meals: B
3
Day 3 Istanbul ā Ankara
The morning is at leisure to explore on your own or take an optional tour of St. Sophia and a Bosphorus cruise. Later this afternoon we depart for Ankara arriving in tonight where dinner will be served at the hotel after check-in.
Overnight at your selected hotel.
Included Meals: BD
4
Day 4 Ankara ā Cappadocia
This morning we will see the wonderful Hittite artifacts at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations followed by a visit to Ataturk's Mausoleum. Then drive into the heart of Anatolia to Cappadocia, stopping to see a 13th century caravan inn. Overnight at your selected hotel (2 nights)
Included Meals: BD
5
Day 5 Cappadocia
Consider an optional early morning hot air balloon tour and
experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise. After breakfast visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations, which was first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Continue to the town of Avanos renowned for its high quality earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi, Red Valley and attend a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave.
Included Meals: BD
6
Day 6 Cappadocia - Pamukkale
Drive to Pamukkale. En route visit the famous
mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher, Mevlana. This was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Included Meals: BD
7
Day 7 Pamukkale ā Kusadasi
Today we start with an early morning visit to the unique the white calcium cascades of Pamukkale where we will also pay a visit to one of the first modern spa centers of the ancient world, Hierapolis. Then we drive to west to the Aegean resort town of Kusadasi. Overnight at your selected hotel (2 nights)
Included Meals: BD
8
Day 8 Ephesus & St. Maryās House ā Kusadasi
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theater, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrianās Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Maryās stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Join an optional afternoon tour of Sirince.
Included Meals: BD
9
Day 9 Pergamum ā Troy ā Canakkale
Visit the ancient Medical Center Asclepion in Pergamum and continue to a traditional local village for lunch with locals. Then continue to Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Continue to Canakkale for overnight. Overnight at your selected hotel.
Included Meals: BLD
10
Day 10 Dardanelles ā Gallipoli ā Istanbul
In the morning depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, and then drive to Istanbul. Enjoy a Farewell Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul at your selected hotel.
Included Meals: BD
11
Day 11 Depart Istanbul
After breakfast there will be a transfer to airport for your onward flight.
Included Meals: B
Inclusions | Not Included |
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Meet and greet on arrival | International airfares and departure taxes |
Round-trip airport transfers | Meals not indicated |
Accommodation as described (or similar), with en-suite facilities, based on double occupancy | Gratuities |
Ground transportation and sightseeing as indicated inclusive of entrance fees | Items of a personal nature |
Meals as described by BLD | Optional tours |
Local taxes and service charges | Entry visa fees (if applicable) |
Services of professional English speaking guides | Travel insurance |