2009 Turkey Tours
'Taste of Turkey Tour'
12 - Day itinerary

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours, free to explore. Overnight Istanbul

Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica underground cistern and the Hippodrome. Overnight Istanbul (B,D)

After breakfast, we head inland towards the Uludag, also called the Mount Olympus of Mysia. Today we visit the Green Ottoman complex, the Great Mosque and the ancient silk bazaar. Overnight Bursa (B,D)

After breakfast we drive to the nation's capital, Ankara, visiting the award winning Anatolian Civilisation's Museum. Overnight Ankara (B,D)

Head through the salt steppes and swamps of central Anatolia towards the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia and visit the walled 13th-century Seljuk, Agzikarahan Caravansary. Overnight Cappadocia (B,D)

Today we tour the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag and Uchisar castle. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore, music and belly dancers, a night you won't forget! Overnight Cappadocia (B,D)

Leaving Cappadocia we head south along an ancient Silk Road for the stunning Mediterranean Coast. Along the way we visit Sultanhani Caravansary, before stopping at Konya, where we tour the Mevlana Museum. Overnight Antalya (B)

Today we visit the ruins of the Greco Roman city of Perge, including the theatre, the stadium and the gate towers leading into a street where chariot ruts can still be seen. Then it’s on to Aspendos to visit the best preserved Roman theatre of the ancient world. Afternoon free. Overnight Antalya (B)

Experience one of Turkey’s highlights today as we trek up Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon. Saklikent is literally a mountain split down the middle by an earthquake. Overnight Marmaris (B,D)

Tour the magnificent white calcium formations of Pamukkale, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers before continuing to Kusadasi. Overnight Kusadasi (B,D)

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and stadium. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey. At the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value. Overnight Kusadasi (B,D)

After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say good bye to our new friends. (B) This tour runs in conjunction with our Anatolian Highlights

Tour Includes

o Inbound airport transfers to Ataturk Airport or shuttle service from Sabiha Gokcen.
o Outbound transfer to Kusadasi harbour
o Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
o Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
o Entrance fees to various sites
o 11 breakfasts, 8 dinners
o 11 nights - 4 star accommodation in total.
  - 1 night in Ankara
  - 2 nights in Antalya
  - 1 night in Bursa
  - 2 nights in Cappadocia
  - 2 nights in Istanbul
  - 2 nights in Kusadasi
  - 1 night in Marmaris