Day 01 (Sun):
In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D).
Day 02 (Mon):
Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in 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 of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D).
Day 03 (Tue):
Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to Konya to visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure. Then continue on to Pamukkale and overnight (B, D).
Day 04 (Wed):
Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. In the afternoon tour Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi for overnight (B, D).
Day 05 (Thu):
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. Selcuk Ephesus Museum or St. John Church. Time for shopping. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D).
Day 06 (Fri):
Early departure for Bergama and visit to the Asclepion and Acropol with the well preserved remains. In the afternoon continue on to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as described in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale for overnight (Due to the limited hotel availability we also keep the right to stay in the surroundings of Canakkale) (B, D).
Day 07 (Sat):
After breakfast sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Arrive in Istanbul early afternoon (Due to the possibility of some participants might have scheduled flights in the afternoon) and transfer to the hotel or airport (B).
(B) = Breakfast (L)= Lunch (D)= Dinner
Our drop-off service is available only for the hotels near Ataturk Airport and in Sultanahmet and Taksim areas. Those who will be staying at the other locations will be dropped-off at Taksim
Tour Price:
US$ 655 per person sharing a dbl room
US$ 220 single room supplement
Tour price includes:
Accommodations as mentioned below
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Overland transportation by A/C vehicle,
English speaking guiding services,
Entrance fees to museums and sites as mentioned in the itinerray,
Tour price excludes:
All beverages and meals if not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal travel insurance
All personal expenditures
Gratitudes to tour guide and driver.
Hotel List:
Cappadocia - Dinler Hotel 4*
Pamukkale - Lycus River 4*
Kusadasi - Pine Marina Hotel (or Tatlises Hotel) 4*
Canakkale - Iris Hotel (or Akol Hotel) 4*
