Turkey is an amazing diverse country. It has stunning scenery, such as the volcanic landscape in Cappadocia and the white stunning travertines at Pamukkale. Then there is the remarkable UNESCO listed archaeological sites at Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus and Hierapolis. When you combine these ancient sites with the modern history and significant Turkish victory at Gallipoli, with east meets west Istanbul history and culture, you end up with this fascinating 10 day trip. A trip full of bucket list “must see” destinations.
Highlights
Day 1 : Istanbul
You will be picked up for a day discovering a few of the many wonders of Istanbul: the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. After lunch we will explore Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 : Istanbul – Two Continents Bosphorus Cruise
After being picked up from your hotel, todays activites start with the Spice Bazaar before embarking on a Bosphorus cruise. After the cruise, we’ll drive along the Asian shore of the Bosphorus to Camlica Hill with its panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus where we will have lunch. Our last stop will be a tour of Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabache is closed Mondays and Thursdays and will be replaced with Chora Museum). Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 : Gallipoli
You will depart your hotel around 06:30am for Gallipoli. We will have breakfast en route and lunch at Eceabat. After the lunch we’ll head to the Gallipoli battlefield (Gelibolu National Park) to visit the museum and all the important memorials, coves, cemetaries and trenches. Overnight in Eceabat or Canakkale.
Day 4 : Troy and Pergamon to Selcuk
After breakfast at your hotel we will take a ferry across the Dardanelles to the UNESCO listed Troy. We will see remains of cities from Troy I through Troy IX, current excavation sites, and, of course, the replica of the Trojan Horse. Following our tour of Troy, we will head to Pergamon another UNESCO listed site, where we will visit its Acropolis and the Asclepieum. Our final destination for today is Selcuk, a small but very friendly small town. Overnight in Selcuk.
Day 5 : Pamukkale
Today's journey takes us to Pamukkale to visit the Travertines, famous for its healing thermal baths and beautiful snow-white calcium travertines. At the top of the travertines we visit Hierapolis, an ancient city built thousands of years ago to take advantage of these hot water springs. You will have the opportunity to go on an Optional tour for bathing in the Thermal baths After the tour we will take you back to your hotel in Selcuk where you will spend the night. Overnight in Selcuk.
Day 6 : Ephesus
Today is the tour of the remarkable ancient city of Ephesus.Your guide will provide information and stories to bring this ancient city alive. Afterwards we visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis to hear about its history, even though only a few columns remain. We have lunch at a local restaurant, and then continue to the shrine of the Virgin Mary, where many believe she spent her final years of her life. At the end of the day we will take you back to your hotel in Selcuk. Overnight in Selcuk.
Day 7 : Izmir to Cappadocia
After breakfast at your hotel, we will transfer you to Izmir airport for your flight to Kayseri. After arrival to Kayseri we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax or explore. There are many optional activities that can be done such as horse back riding or quad bike riding. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8 : Cappadocia
After breakfast at your hotel, we’ll visit Dervent Valley and Paşabağ (Monk’s Valley) with their various rock formations and then head to Avanos, for a pottery demonstration and lunch. After lunch, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, with its large concentration of rock-cut churches and amazing frescoes. Our last stop, before returning to the hotel, is the Uchisar rock castle for a panoramic view of of the valleys of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 9 : Cappadocia
Today we see the natural beauty of the area by a walk through a number of valleys (around 4km easy walk). We’ll visit the village of Cavusin, famous for its houses and churches of Christian clergymen. We’ll have lunch in Pigeon Valley. After lunch, we’ll visit Kaymakli, an underground city the Christians built to escape persecution. We’ll also visit the natural castles at Ortahisar. After the tour we will transfer you to Kayseri airport for your evening flight for Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul we will transfer you to your hotel late evening.
Day 10 : Istanbul
Your tour ends after breakfast at your hotel.
This is a small group tour for 10 days and 9 nights
This trip requires a minimum of 6 and maximum of 12 people
A moderate level of fitness is required to walk up to 3 hours on uneven surfaces on some days
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