Budget Turkey Tours
'Budget Tours - Shoestring Express'
8 - Day itinerary

Today is an arrival day, so without further ado... welcome to Turkey! Today, we meet our tour leader and fellow travelling companions. Overnight Istanbul

An early start today as we head west along the coast of the Sea of Marmara. This afternoon, you can experience Gallipoli on an optional tour of the Gallipoli battlefields or spend the afternoon exploring the town of Canakkale. Overnight Canakkale (Breakfast)

This morning, you head south along the Aegean Coast, stopping at the ancient city of Troy for a guided one-hour tour. You also have the opportunity to tour the magnificent antique site of Pergamum before heading to the resort town of Kusadasi. Overnight Kusadasi (Breakfast)

Absorb yourself in history this morning with an optional tour of one of the seven ancient wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis and the former capital of Roman Asia and the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, Ephesus. Your afternoon can be spent visiting the site believed to have been the last home of the Virgin Mary or tasting fruit wines at Sirince before relaxing on an Aegean Beach. Overnight Kusadasi (Breakfast)

Mid-morning we head to the Pamukkale to paddle in the natural calcium formations and visit the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. Maybe take a dip in therapeutic hot springs used in Roman times. Overnight Egirdir * (Breakfast)
* Accommodation in Egirdir is subject to availability otherwise overnight will be at Pamukkale.

This morning we head out to follow an ancient silk trade route across the Anatolian Plain, on the way you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai just as the ancient traders did. Tonight, do not miss the optional Turkish Folklore evening, which includes all the food and drink you can handle! Overnight Cappadocia (Breakfast)

This morning you have the option of taking a hot-air balloon ride in a region famed for being one of the best places in the world for ballooning, due to both the wind currents and spectacular scenery. You will be back in plenty of time for the optional tour around the southern parts of Cappadocia. Check out the carved cave villages, underground cities, spectacular coloured valleys and the fairy chimney formations. Overnight Cappadocia (Breakfast)

Early morning start today as we head back to Istanbul, via Ankara, the nations Capital. You will have brief stop at a salt lake on the way and then have time to visit the award winning Anatolian Civilisation's Museum and discover what happened to the Turkish nation after the World War 1. Overnight Istanbul (Breakfast)

After breakfast your tour concludes and sadly it is time to say good bye to new friends. (Breakfast)

Tour includes

o English speaking Tour Leader on the bus giving you a wealth of super interesting and useful info.
(All optional tours are conducted by English speaking professional tour guide)
o Guided tour of Troy and Pergamum. (Entrance fees not included)
o Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking bus
(Local bus transportation may be used on sections of this tour)
o 8 breakfasts
o 8 nights - Hostel accommodation in total.
  - 1 night in Canakkale
  - 2 nights in Cappadocia
  - 1 night in Egirdir
  - 2 nights in Istanbul
  - 2 nights in Kusadasi

Tour does not include

o Suggested optional activities and sightseeing
o Entrance fees to the various sites

Please Note:

This tour travels the Fez Bus circuit (stopping at the most popular places) and is a fully optional tour but is not part of the Hop on Hop off network which commences on June 1, 2009.