The Road to Damascus - Overland Trip

3 weeks: Istanbul to Damascus (IMT-TARD08)

Intro

Travel to two of the Middle Easts most interesting and varied countries. Our tour starts in the vibrant city of Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia and offering a wealth of attractions, before continuing along the Turquoise Coast to Gallipoli, Ephesus and a night on a private gulet. Our route then turns inland to the dramatic landscapes of Cappadocia before moving south to Syria, to the remote desert ruins of Palmyra and the exotic cities of Aleppo and Damascus.

Group Size

Max 18

Activities

Optional sea kayaking from the gulet, extensive walking in Cappadocia & Palmyra

Accommodation

19 nights simple hotels, 1 night gulet, 1 overnight bus

Transport

Gulet, private and public bus, service taxi, overnight bus

Fully Escorted

By Imaginative Traveller tour leader (except at border crossing) and services of guide at Palmyra

Meals

As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner

WINTER ITINERARY

During the winter we do not stay on the gulet, nor do we visit Mt Nemrut. Please see the trip dossier for details.

Itineraries

Day 1, ISTANBUL

Arrival day.

Day 2, GALLIPOLI

Drive to the small town of Canakkale. Free afternoon to visit Gallipoli or Troy. (B)

Day 3, SELCUK - We travel to the pretty town of Selcuk. (B) Day 4, SELCUK EPHESUS

A full free day to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus. (B)

Day 5, PAMUKKALE

A morning drive takes us to Pamukkale where there is time to visit the famous calcified falls and the ancient city of Hierapolis. (B)

Day 6, PAMUKKALE - FETHIYE GULET

Today we travel to Fethiye where we have lunch before boarding our private gulet. We spend the afternoon cruising along the scenic Turquoise Coast. (BD)

Day 7, DALYAN

After breakfast we disembark and drive to Dalyan, known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. (B)

Day 8, DALYAN

A day at leisure. (B)

Day 9, OLYMPOS

Drive to Olympos. (BD)

Day 10, ANTALYA - CAPPADOCIA

After leaving Olympos we drive to Antalya where we have time to explore the old harbour before taking an overnight bus to Cappadocia. (B)

Day 11, CAPPADOCIA

Free time for you to explore this spectacular region.

Day 12, CAPPADOCIA

A full day for further exploration. Those after a bit of action can explore by mountain bike. (B) Day 13, KAHTA A days drive across the stunning Eastern Taurus Mountains to Kahta, near Mt Nemrut. (B)

Day 14, MT NEMRUT URFA

Free morning to visit Mt Nemrut to see the massive Commagene stone heads. (B)

Day 15, URFA ALEPPO

Visit Urfa, the city of the prophets, before continuing to the Syrian border and transferring to Aleppo. (B)

Day 16, ALEPPO

Free day in Aleppo. Explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered bazaars. (B)

Day 17, HAMA

We have a short drive to Hama, famous for its old water wheels. Option to visit the imposing Crac des Chevaliers crusader fortress. (B)

Day 18, PALMYRA

A drive through the desert brings us to the breathtaking city of Palmyra. (B)

Day 19, PALMYRA

Guided tour of these marvellous Roman ruins. (B)