Enjoy the incredible sites of legendary Turkey including Istanbul, Gallipoli,Troy, Cappadocia and a 3 night Lycian Coast cruise.
In the Greco-Roman seaport of Ephesus explore the archaeological treasure found here as well as the nearby sites of discover one of Pergamum and the ruins of ancient Troy before crossing the Dardanelles to Gallipoli. Spend 4 days/3 nights on a gulet cruising the fabulous waters of the Lycian Coast. We finish by experiencing the volcanic landscape of Cappadocia and the underground settlements of yesterday and today. This is truly a deluge into the best of Turkey.
2012 Departure Dates and Costs
Departures every Thursday from April until October
Tour Cost: $ 3,350 CAD
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul (B)
Transfer in. Welcome briefing with your small group trip. Overnight Conrad Hotel or similar.
Day 2 Istanbul (B)
Full day tour to include: Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.
Day 3 Gallipoli – Dardanelles – Canakkale (B,D)
Morning departure for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove , Lone pine cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Gbatepe War Museum then across the Dardanelles to Canakkale for overnight at the Kolin Hotel.
Day 4 Troy – Pergamum – Kusadasi (B,D)
Visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, tour Pergamum and continue on to Kusadasi. 2 nights at the Charisma Hotel.
Day 5 Ephesus & St. Mary’s House – Kusadasi (B,D)
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus and St. Mary’s cottage. Afternoon Optional: tour of Sardis or Sirince.
Day 6 Kusadasi – Pamukkale (B,D)
Drive through fertile valleys to Pamukkale (white lime cascades) visit Hierapolis and enjoy the thermal pools of the Pam Hotel.
Day 7 Hierapolis – Gocek or Fethiye - Lycian Coast Cruise (B,D)
Visit the Hierapolis Roman health spa ruins and then motor south to the resort city of Gocek or Fethiye to board a gulet yacht.
Day 8 Yacht cruise (Lycian coast) (B,L,D)
Sail across beautiful bays surrounded by high-forested hills.
Day 9 Yacht cruise (Lycian coast) (B,L,D)
Continue cruising the Mediterranean coast explore nearby Lycian ruins, swim or simply relax.
Day 10 Marmaris (B)
End your cruise with breakfast in Marmaris. Overnight and a day to enjoy the Coast.
Day 11 Marmaris - Dalman - Cappadocia (B)
Drive to Dalaman airport for the flight to Kayseri (via Istanbul). Upon arrival, transfer to Cappadocia. Rest of the day is at leisure. 3 nights Hotel Urgup Evi Cave Hotel or similar.
Day 12 Cappadocia (B)
After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in Cappadocia. Hike downhill in Rose Valley while exploring some older churches. Arrive in Cavusin Village, an old Seljukian and Ottoman village, visit the Cave Mosque. After lunch time continue on to Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors; and Ortahisar with its castle.
Day 13 Cappadocia (B)
Optional hot air ballooning. Depart from the hotel at around 09:30 or 10:00 and visit the Imagination Valley where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in the Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river in Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks. This has been the raw material used in pottery for centuries. After lunch, visit the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Continue on to the Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible.
Day 14 Capaddocia – Istanbul (B)
Morning flight to Istanbul. Onward or extend your trip.
