Turkey In Style - Overland Trip
2 weeks: Istanbul to Istanbul (IMT-TCTS)
Intro
Few countries are blessed with as intoxicating a combination of scenery, culture and history as Turkey. During the course of the next two weeks you will experience the historical delights of Ephesus and Mt Nemrut, the scenic wonders of Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast, and constant interaction with the incredibly friendly and hospitable locals. We spend our nights in comfort at a range of well-appointed hotels combining character and charm.Group Size
Max 18Activities
Extensive walking at sites, hiking in Cappadocia, swimmingAccommodation
14 nights special category or 4 star hotelsTransport
Private air-conditioned coach, domestic flightsFlights
Istanbul - Izmir and Malatya - IstanbulAirport Transfer
To hotel on day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 15Fully Escorted
By Imaginative Traveller tour leaderEntrance Fees
Included for all sites visited as part of the itineraryFew countries are blessed with as intoxicating a combination of scenery, culture and history as Turkey. During the course of the next two weeks you will experience the historical delights of Ephesus and Mt Nemrut, the scenic wonders of Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast, and constant interaction with the incredibly friendly and hospitable locals. We spend our nights in comfort at a range of well-appointed hotels combining character and charm.
Itineraries
Day 1,ISTANBULArrival day. We stay in the Grand Hotel Beyazid, only a few meters from the Grand Bazaar and within walking distance of Istanbul's major attractions.
Day 2,ISTANBULMorning visit to the Blue Mosque and an afternoon boat cruise to the picturesque Princes' Islands. (BD)
Day 3,ISTANBUL - SELCUKThis morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Aya Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome before taking a short flight to Izmir. On arrival we transfer to Selçuk where we stay for two nights in an Ottoman style hotel beautifully furnished with Antiques. (BD)
Day 4,SELCUKA full morning guided tour of the ancient Ionian city of Ephesus, still brilliantly preserved. Free afternoon to explore further. In the evening we have dinner in Sirince which used to be a Greek village. (BD)
Day 5,PAMUKKALEA short drive takes us to Pamukkale, famous for its calcified falls and hot springs. We visit the falls in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, and also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Approx. 3 hours driving. (BD)
Day 6,ANTALYATravelling through the beautiful scenery of the Taurus Mountains we visit the spectacular hilltop fortress of Termessos. We spend the night in an Ottoman Mansion in the old harbour of Antalya. Approx. 4 hours driving. (BD)
Day 7,ANTALYAMorning tour of the well-preserved theatre of Aspendos. The afternoon is free to explore Antalya and its picturesque harbour. (B)
Day 8,KONYAA spectacular drive today as we pass through the Taurus Mountains and Turkey's Lake District before arriving in Konya. This was the capital of the Selcuk Empire and is famous for its Whirling Dervishes. We visit the local museum. Approx. 5 hours driving.(BD)
Day 9,CAPPADOCIAContinue through the Anatolian Steppe to Cappadocia, a volcanic region of outstanding natural beauty. We spend three nights in a beautifully restored Cappadocian villa with traditional Turkish furnishings. Approx. 3 hours driving.(BD)
Day 10,CAPPADOCIAA full day to explore the region. We visit the world famous underground cities and open air museums by bus and by foot. Tonight we visit a local caravanserai to see the Whirling Dervishes. (BD)
Day 11,CAPPADOCIAIn the early morning there is an opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the amazing landscape (US$190 - US$280). Later we visit Goreme open air museum and Uchisar Castle. Tonight we visit a restaurant in one of the ancient caves for an evening of folk entertainment. (BD)
Day 12,ADIYAMANDrive eastwards to Adiyaman. The landscape changes as we ascend the high plateau of Eastern Turkey. Approx. 7 hours driving.(BD)
Day 13,MT NEMRUTThis morning we drive to Mt Nemrut and walk up to the summit where we see the massive Commagene stone heads. The views from here are spectacular, stretching out over a lake towards high mountains. This afternoon we have a tour of Arsemia. (BD)
Day 14,ISTANBULMorning flight to Istanbul and free afternoon for some last minute shopping in the bazaars. Later we meet for our farewell dinner. (BD)
Day 15,ISTANBULTour ends. (B)
Last updated: 30th September 2008
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