Turkey Tours
'Christmas Turkey Tour'
12 - Day itinerary
19 Dec 2009 to 30 Dec 2009

Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore. Overnight Istanbul

Tour the city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern and the Hippodrome. Overnight Istanbul (B)

Today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnston's Jolly and the Gallipoli Museum. Overnight Guzelyali (B, D)

Step back in time today as we visit Troy and it's famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. It's impressive temples, library and medical facilities made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus. Walk down Marble Road towards the Celsus Library and Grand Theatre and immerse yourself into the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city. We also visit the Selcuk Museum before a leather goods display. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Take a dip in the hot springs in the magnificent white calcium formations of Pamukkale, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis. Overnight Pamukkale (B.D)

Today we visit Demre, home of the original St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), where he lived as Bishop of the area. We visit his church and tomb before heading to Finike for Christmas dinner. Overnight Kemer (B, D)

Tour the ancient ruins of Perge with its impressive stadium walls and Aspendos, known for one of the best preserved theatres of Asia Minor, still used today. Overnight Konya (B, D)

Today we visit Konya and the Mevlana Museum before heading to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia. En-route, we stop at an ancient Silk Road Caravanserai, before we trek through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening. Overnight Cappadocia (B)

Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle, Derinkuyu underground city and more. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D)

Today we visit the nation's capital, Ankara, with a tour of the award winning Anatolian Civilisation's Museum. Overnight Istanbul (B, D) (Optional flight to Istanbul from Cappadocia)

After breakfast our tour concludes and you will be transferred to the airport for your outbound flight. (B)

Tour includes

o Inbound & Outbound airport transfer from Ataturk airport or shuttle service to Sabiha Gokcen airport
o Outbound airport transfer to Ataturk airport from your hotel
o Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
o Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
o 11 breakfasts, 8 dinners
o 11 nights - 4 star & 5 star accommodation in total.
  - 1 night in Canakkale
  - 2 nights in Cappadocia
  - 3 nights in Istanbul
  - 1 night in Kemer
  - 1 night in Konya
  - 2 nights in Kusadasi
  - 1 night in Pamukkale

Tour does not include

o Entrance fees to various sites, tips