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DAY 1 İSTANBUL
Arrive. The tour group meets in the hotel for an introduction evening. (D)
DAY 2 İSTANBUL
Today we enjoy a sight seeing tour visiting the Hippodrome, the sporting
and political centre of the old city; the Blue Mosque, renowned for its
tiles and marble; Topkapı Palace, residence of the sultans for
almost three centuries; fascinating St Sophia, which reigned as the
greatest church in Christendom until 1453; and the underground Basilica
Cistern. (B,D)
DAY 3
İSTANBUL
This morning we wander through the Spice Bazaar before enjoying a cruise
down the Bosphorus with all its splendours. After disembarking, we head
to the 4000 shops at the famous Grand Bazaar for the ultimate shopping
experience. We continue on to the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, home of
many 19th-century sultans to complete the day. (B,D)
DAY 4 İSTANBUL/ÇANAKKALE
After breakfast we depart for the Gallipoli Peninsula. We visit
Kabatepe War Museum, Brighton Beach, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine
Australian Memorial Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, the New Zealand
Memorial and cemetery. We explore The Nek and the original war tunnels
and trenches at Johnston Jolly, accompanied by a step-by-step recount of
the Gallipoli war by our professional guide. Afterwards we check-in to our hotel
for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 5 ÇANAKKALE/BERGAMA/KUŞADASI
Today our first stop is Homer’s Troy, where we see the ruins of nine
cities built on top of each other and the famous Trojan Horse. Next, we stop at
the ancient kingdom of Pergamon, where we visit the Acropolis and the
Temple of Athena before viewing the Red Courtyard and the ruins of Asklepieon.
Through olive tree dotted countryside to our hotel in Kuşadası. (B, D)
DAY 6 KUŞADASI/EPHESUS/PAMUKKALE
This morning we set off for the ancient city of Ephesus where our walking
tour includes The Great Theatre, which was built by the Romans between 41 and
117 AD and is still used today; Gymnasium of Vedus; the magnificent Library of
Celsius; the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by a head of Medusa; the House of
Virgin Mary; and the Basilica of St John. A late afternoon
drive brings us to our hotel in Pamukkale where we have time to enjoy the
thermal pools. (B,D)
DAY 7 PAMUKKALE / FETHİYE VIA APHRODISIAS
This morning we explore the amazing white terraces of Pamukkale (cotton
castle) and the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis. We commence our
journey down off the plateau via the ruins of Aphrodisias before reaching
the Mediterranean coastal town of Fethiye for dinner and overnight.
(B.D)
DAY 8 FETHİYE
Today we explore Kayaköy,
an abandoned Greek settlement formerly known as Levissi and founded early 14th
century over antique Karmylassos. The 3,500 abandoned houses blanketing the
slopes date to the 19th century and are an awe inspiring sight. After lunch, a
forest drive takes us to the beautiful Gemiler beach, surrounded by pine
and olive trees. From here we go to St Nicholas Island with its ruins of
a Byzantine monastery - St Nicholas was once resident. A swimming opportunity
among the submerged ruins before returning to the hotel for dinner and
overnight. (B.D)
DAY 9 FETHİYE / ANTALYA VIA KALKAN/KAŞ
Our first stop today is a carpet weaving village before the magnificent
Saklikent Gorge, Asia’s largest. Our journey to Antalya takes along the
stunning Mediterranean coast via the once fishing villages of Kalkan and Kaş,
and Demre - the death place of St Nicholas. Visit the Basilica of Saint
Nicholas, home of the 4th- Century bishop. Overnight and dinner at hotel,
Antalya. (B.D)
DAY 10 ANTALYA/KONYA
This
morning we visit the Antalya museum and Kurşunlu waterfall before
driving to Aspendos, and see what is considered the best preserved Roman
ampitheatre anywhere. A drive through stunning mountains takes us to Konya for
dinner and overnight. (B.D)
DAY 11 KONYA/CAPPADOCIA
Early breakfast at the
hotel before visiting Mevlana Museum. The Mevlevi order of Whirling
Dervishes is a mystic group whose members are followers of Mevlana Celaleddin
Rumi. After lunch, proceed by coach for the start of our tour through Anatolia
to Cappadocia, the fairy chimney wonderland. En route we visit the
Sultanhanı Caravansaray, a medieval hotel. Dinner and overnight,
Cappadocia. (B.D)
DAY 12 CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast at the
hotel. Today we will explore this spectacular landscape incorporating
Göreme’s Open Air Museum with its cave churches and abundance of frescoes,
the pottery town of Avanos and the amazing underground city of
Kaymaklı.
Tonight a Turkish Folk
Show with dinner. (B.D)
DAY 13 CAPPADOCIA/ANKARA
Early breakfast at the
hotel. Depart to Ankara, the administrative capital of Turkey.
Orientation tour of Ankara and a visit to Anıtkabir, Atatürk’s mausoleum.
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its rich collection of
artefacts dating back as far as the Stone Age tops off another great day of
history. Dinner & overnight at our hotel, Ankara. (B.D)
DAY 14 ANKARA/BURSA/İSTANBUL
We visit Gordian,
where Alexander the Great cut the Famous Gordian knot, on our way to Bursa, home
to modern Turkish culture. Once there we see the breathtaking Green Mosque and
take time out for some shopping at the Silk Bazaar. The final leg of our tour
brings us back to our starting point – İstanbul. Take in some of the sights as
we drive to our hotel. Tonight we meet for an enjoyable farewell diner. (B,D)
DAY 15 DEPART
Transfer to airport after breakfast.
(B)
Tour Notes:
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Please bring : raincoat, sturdy walking shoes, small day pack, warm clothes,
swimming gear incl. beach towel.
-
All drinks are extra.
-
Board status as per itinery. (B,L,D) at end of each day of tour refers to
type of catering included in price.
Ie
: B – Breakfast
L – Lunch
D - Dinner
PRICE INCLUDES:
·
All accommodation at 4 Star Hotels.
·
All transport.
·
Meals as per itinery, 3 course dinners (drinks extra).
·
Airport transfers.
·
Representative service.
·
Professional guide.
·
All entrance fees for sites per itinery.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
6th April 2007
£720
8th October 2007 £720
Twin Share basis
Single Supplement £150
Call on : 0161 449 5228
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