Turkey Land and Sea - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Istanbul to Istanbul (IMT-TTLS)
Intro
Visit picturesque villages like Kas & Kalkan and relax in wonderful secluded bays where you can while away evenings under star filled skies. You will also see the calcified falls at Pamukkale, ancient Ephesus and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia. The balance of historical sites, activity and relaxation is perfect!Maximum Group Size
15Arrival Transfer
Airport transfer to hotel day 1Fully Escorted
Fully escorted by Imaginative Traveller tour leaderTransport
Private air-conditioned coach, sleeper trainActivities
Extensive walking at sites and hiking in CappadociaAccommodation
6 nights tourist class hotels, 3 nights restored local house, 1 night historic hotel, 1 night homestay, 1 night sleeper train, 2 nights gulet cabinsEntrance Fees
Included for all sites visited as part of the itineraryVisit picturesque villages like Kas & Kalkan and relax in wonderful secluded bays where you can while away evenings under star filled skies. You will also see the calcified falls at Pamukkale, ancient Ephesus and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia. The balance of historical sites, activity and relaxation is perfect!
Itineraries
Day 1,ISTANBULArrive and check into your hotel. Later this evening you will have the chance to meet your tour leader and the other members of the tour. (No meals)
Day 2,ISTANBULHalf day walking tour of the old city, visiting the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, the Underground Basilica and the Hippodrome. In the evening we board the overnight sleeper train to Ankara. (BD)
Day 3,ANKARA - CAPPADOCIAArrive in Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Visit Ataturk's Mausoleum and continue via the salt flats of Tuz Golu and a roadside caravanserai to Cappadocia where we visit Kaymakli underground city. Tonight there is the chance to take a Turkish bath (US$15). (BD)
Day 4,CAPPADOCIAVisit Zelve open air museum and Uchisar ‘Castle’ for a panoramic view of Cappadocia's bizarre rock formations before exploring some of the region's most spectacular valleys on foot. You may have the opportunity to view a Folkshow (US$48), or to see a Whirling Dervish Ritual (US35). (B)
Day 5,CAPPADOCIAA free day for independent exploration. You may like to shop for souvenirs in Avanos, well known for its pottery. (B)
Day 6,KONYA – VILLAGE STAYWe visit Konya, home to the famous Whirling Dervish sect, and then continue to Beysehir where we visit an unusual 13th century mosque. We stay tonight in a local home in a peaceful village by a lake, giving us great opportunities to observe rural village life and interact with local people. (BD)
Day 7,EGIRDIR - ARYKANDA - KASCrossing the Taurus Mountains we visit the spectacular site of Arykanda overlooking the River Arykandpos, then drive to Kas with its picturesque old fishing harbour. (B)
Day 8,KALKAN - FETHIYE - GULETFollowing the exquisite Turquoise Coast we drive to Kalkan, a beautiful village that tumbles down the hillside. We continue to Fethiye where we have lunch and then continue to Gocek where we board our gulet for two nights. (BD)
Day 9,GULET CRUISEOur gulet cruise takes us around the idyllic bays and islands of the Turquoise Coast. We carry snorkelling equipment on board for those who want more activity but otherwise this is pure relaxation. (BLD)
Day 10,GULET - PAMUKKALE - SELCUKDisembark after breakfast. We leave the Mediterranean coast line and drive inland to the calcified falls (or 'cotton castles') of Pamukkale. We then continue to Selcuk. (B)
Day 11,EPHESUSGuided tour of the fabulous ruins at Ephesus in the morning. Free afternoon in the lovely town of Selcuk. (B)
Day 12,ASSOSAfter breakfast a short drive brings us to Bergama where we visit the Acropolis. Afternoon drive to the small fishing village of Assos. (BD)
Day 13,ASSOS - CANAKKALEFree morning to explore Assos. Afternoon drive to legendary Troy where we have a guided tour. Overnight in Canakkale. (B)
Day 14,GALLIPOLI - ISTANBULWe cross the Dardanelles and visit the poignant World War I Anzac memorials at Gallipoli. Afternoon drive to Istanbul. (BD)
Day 15,ISTANBULTour ends after breakfast.(B)
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