Summary Starting and finishing in Istanbul this 17-day small-group tour visits some of the region's most important ancient sites while also taking in the beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean coastline, inland forests, Mount Ararat, Lake Van, Kars, Ani and pre-historic sites in South Eastern Turkey and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Accommodation in boutique and 4-5 star hotels, and the tour is also available privately on request Short Itinerary / Route
- Day 1
- Arrive Into Istanbul, Transfer To Hotel
- Day 2
- Istanbul, Old City Tour. Bosphorous Cruise
- Day 3
- Gallipoli Battlefields And Memorials Tour
- Day 4
- Tour Of Troy And The Acropolis Of Pergamum
- Day 5
- Kusadasi, Ephesus Roman Ruins, Wine Tasting In The...
- Day 6
- Aphrodisias And Onwards To Pamukkale
- Day 7
- Pamukkale Pools, Hierapolis And Salda Lake
- Day 8
- Fethiye. 12-Island Boat Cruise
- Day 9
- Deserted Greek Village Of Kayakoy, To Antalya
- Day 10
- Perge & Aspendos
- Day 11
- Exploring Konya And Sille
- Day 12
- Cappadocia; Underground City, Local Home Dinner
- Day 13
- Cappadocia Goreme, Pigeon And Red Valley
- Day 14
- Travel To Ankara And Fly To Van
- Day 15
- Van And Akdamar Island
- Day 16
- Dogubayazit, Ararat And Drive To Kars
- Day 17
- Visit The Ruins Of Ani, 12 Apostles Church And Kar...
- Day 18
- Fly From Kars To Istanbul.
- Day 19
- Istanbul, Free Time, Transfer To Airport
Travel Cities (10): Ankara, Antalya, Canakkale, Fethiye, Goreme, Istanbul, Kars, Konya, Kusadasi, Pamukkale Details Turkey is a land of contrasts, with a vibrant modern culture following a long history showing the marks of several different civilisations which have left a wealth of incredible ancient sites to explore. The scenery also varies hugely, from the dramatic Bosphorous strait in Istanbul, to the beautiful Mediterranean coastline, forested hills and mountains further inland and special highlights like the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale and Cappadocia.
This comprehensive 19 day tour takes all this in and more. Starting and finishing in Istanbul, the tour learns about modern history at the war memorials and ANZAC cemeteries at Gallipoli before developing deeper into the past with tours of some of the region's most important historic sites at Troy, Ephesus, Hieropolis, Aphrodisias, Aspendos and Side. There are plenty of stops to relax and enjoy the seaside at the coastal towns of Kusadasi and Fethiye and Antalya, with a 12-island boat cruise also included in the Gulf of Fethiye.
The tour then heads inland, following the ancient Silk Road trading route to see the Sultanhani Caravansary at Konya before heading south east to see Lake Van, Biblical Mount Ararat, Kars and the ruins of ancient Ani.
There are a wealth of opportunities to taste traditional and modern Turkish cuisine and to pick up souvenirs and learn more about this fascinating country along the way. Accommodation is in a mix of 4-5 star and boutique style properties, either on a breakfast only or half-board basis depending on the location and other options available nearby. |