The Road to Damascus - Overland Trip
3 weeks: Istanbul to Damascus (IMT-TARD)
Intro
Travel to two of the Middle East’s 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 18Activities
Optional sea kayaking from the gulet, extensive walking in Cappadocia & PalmyraAccommodation
19 nights simple hotels, 1 night gulet, 1 overnight busTransport
Gulet, private and public bus, service taxi, overnight busFully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leader (except at border crossing) and services of guide at PalmyraMeals
As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-DinnerWinter itinerary
Day 6, Pamukkale - Fethiye - Dalyan
Leaving Pamukkale we head to the pretty seaside town of Fethiye where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon we continue on to Dalyan where we\'ll stay for 2 nights (B)
Day 7, Dalyan
Dalyan lies in a stunning location between the mountains and the sea, and is known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. We have a day at leisure to explore the town. (B)
Day 8, Kas
Today we drive to Kas, a small town with a picturesque fishing harbour. (B) Approx. 5 hrs driving
Kas
The ancient Lycian city of Kas is now a quiet seaside village lying on a stunning section of the Turquoise Coast at the foot of the Taurus Mountains. It is a perfect place to stroll and you can explore the narrow alleyways or the small harbour. The town is also dotted with relics from the past and there are a number of impressive rock tombs in the hills above the town as well as a unique seaside amphitheatre. There are some excellent restaurants near the harbour where you can dine outside in the evening warmth, eating delicious locally caught fish.
Day 9, Olympos
Drive to Olympos where there is the chance to visit the ancient Olympos and Chimera. (BD)
The tour then follows the original itinerary above until day 13 which is detailed below.
Day 13, Cappadocia
We have another free day to explore this extraordinary landscape. (B)
Day 14, Iskenderun
Today we drive to Iskenderun, the city close by to Antakya known as Antioch in biblical times. We will have some free time to take in the town\'s many sights. The Hatay Museum possesses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics anywhere. (B)
Day 15, Antakya - Border - Aleppo
We have free morning to explore Antakya\'s rich history. In the noon time we drive to Syrian Boarder and cross over to Syria. Short drive will bring us to Allepo. (B)
The tour then follows the original itinerary above from day 16 onwards.
Itineraries
Day 1,ISTANBULArrival day.
Day 2,GALLIPOLIDrive to the small town of Canakkale. Free afternoon to visit Gallipoli or Troy. (B)
Day 3,SELCUKWe travel to the pretty town of Selcuk. (B)
Day 4,SELCUK – EPHESUSA full free day to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus. Half day guided tour of Ephesus (50 YTL). (B)
Day 5,PAMUKKALEA 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 – GULETToday 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,DALYANAfter breakfast we disembark and drive to Dalyan, known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. (B)
Day 8,DALYANA day at leisure. (B)
Day 9,OLYMPOSDrive to Olympos. (BD)
Day 10,ANTALYA - CAPPADOCIAAfter 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,CAPPADOCIAFree time for you to explore this spectacular region.
Day 12,CAPPADOCIAA full day for further exploration. Those after a bit of action can explore by mountain bike. (B)
Day 13,KAHTAA day’s drive across the stunning Eastern Taurus Mountains to Kahta, near Mt Nemrut. (B)
Day 14,MT NEMRUT – URFAFree morning to visit Mt Nemrut to see the massive Commagene stone heads. (B)
Day 15,URFA – ALEPPOMorning visit to Urfa, the city of the prophets, before continuing to the Syrian border and transferring to Aleppo. Approx. 4-5 hrs driving. (B)
Day 16,ALEPPOFree day in Aleppo. Explore the exotic atmosphere of the covered bazaars. Optional guided tour (1,100 Sr). (B)
Day 17,HAMAWe have a short drive to Hama, famous for its old water wheels. Option to visit the imposing Crac des Chevaliers crusader fortress (1,100 Sr). (B)
Day 18,PALMYRAA drive through the desert brings us to the breathtaking city of Palmyra. (B)
Day 19,PALMYRAGuided tour of these marvellous Roman ruins. (B)
Day 20,DAMASCUSDrive to Damascus in the morning. Free afternoon. (B)
Day 21,DAMASCUSFree day to explore the old city with its many souks, palaces and mosques. Optional walking tour (1,100 Sr). (B)
Day 22,DAMASCUSTour ends after breakfast. (B)
Last updated: 20th October 2009
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