Turkey Discovered. 14 Days Starts/Ends: Istanbul. What's Included

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1 14 Days Starts/Ends: Istanbul Discover Turkish treasures on a trip that packs in Ottoman Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, historic Gallipoli and the Aegean, fine Mediterranean beaches, whirling dervishes, stunning Cappadocia and UNESCO listed Safranbolu. This is ultimate Turkey, in two amazing weeks! HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights Cappadocia region, UNESCO World Heritage listed Goreme Valley, Kaymakli Underground City and Uchisar Castle Konya - Silk Road, ancient caravanserais and Mevlana Whirling Dervish Museum Greek villages of Sirince and Kayakoy Fethiye, Koycegiz and Olu Deniza - lake, Turtle Beach, mud baths and the beautiful Blue Lagoon Safranbolu - UNESCO World Heritage Listed town, Ottoman architecture and artisians Marmaris, Saklikent Gorge, Antalya and the ancient theatre of Aspendos Istanbul - old City, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar Pamukkale thermal pools and Roman Hierapolis Gallipoli Peninsular - ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials, trenches and battlefields Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum Aegean coast Troy - Trojan horse and ancient ruins Carpet weaving demonstration and leather showroom What's Included 13 breakfasts and 8 hotel dinners 12 nights 4 star hotels and special class hotels, 1 night Ottoman Mansion home - Safranbolu Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer (to Ataturk International Airport) on day 14 Guided sightseeing - Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus, Pergamum, Sirince, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Koycegiz, Kayakoy, Marmaris, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia and Safranbolu Koycegiz lake cruise and mud baths Wine tasting in Sirince Saklikent Gorge - canyon walk and tubing (optional) Ferry crossing of the Dardenelles Escorted by an English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide All relevant transfers and transportation in private, modern air-conditioned vehicles What's Not Included Tipping Kitty: $45 USD Entrance Fees: $ USD Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow $3-5 USD per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and $2 USD per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture. International flights and visa ITINERARY Day 1 : Istanbul Saturday. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul airport and included transfer to our hotel. The remainder of the afternoon offers free time for you to relax or explore. At 8 o clock this evening our tip filled welcome meeting takes place. A great opportunity to meet your tour guide and travelling companions before our exciting 14 day adventure gets under way. Overnight - Istanbul - 1 -

2 Day 2 : The Blue Mosque & Topkapi Palace dotted with understated memorials to the war dead. Day 5 : Ancient Ephesus & Greek Sirince Istanbul is the only city in the world to span two continents resting on the shores of the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life. Today we embark on a classic guided tour of the city's highlights. Our first stop is Sultanahmet, the compact old city filled with parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. The Hagia Sofia, constructed in the 6th century, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace where we spend time exploring the grounds and various museums contained within the Palace walls. Evening at leisure. Overnight - Istanbul (B) Day 3 : Gallipoli - WW1 battlefields Our guided tour of the region will take in sights such as ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian War Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair New Zealand War Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years. Roughly 3 feet deep, the system of trenches provided much need safe cover for troops as they desperately fought the enemy. Crossing the Dardenelles by ferry (offering panoramic views of the entire Gallipoli Peninsular) we proceed to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation, waterside. Overnight - Canakkale (B, D) Day 4 : Troy & Coastal Kusadasi Gallipoli Kusadasi. At Troy (the inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy) we visit the Trojan Horse and ruins. We enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city that dates back to 3000BC! En route to Kusadasi, we explore the ruins of Pergamum with it's impressive temples, library and medical facilities which made it a famous cultural and political centre of it's time. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D) Kusadasi - Sirince. Today, we enjoy a guided tour of the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. Positively the best preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus, under the Romans, was a vast city with a population nearing 250,000 and became the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. It revelled in it's prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see the great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel! Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and afterward we stop to watch a demonstration of how they are made before visiting the quaint Greek village of Sirince peached mountainside within a valley of vineyards and orchards. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D) Day 6 : Cotton Castles of Pamukkale Istanbul Gallipoli. Early this morning we travel to the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli. Here, we ll embark upon a guided tour of the region, once the site of fierce fighting and today almost hauntingly beautiful, with its wooded landscape Kusadasi Pamukkale Marmaris. Meandering through the sweeping plains and endless cotton farms we arrive at the ruins of Roman Hieropolis and the hot springs of Pamakkule. Admire this surreal landscape created by - 2 -

3 frequent earthquakes in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin. Marvel at the crystalline marble, quartzites and stalagtites, which shimmer in the sunlight. There will be time to paddle our feet as you walk the terraces or opt for a dip in the thermal baths. Later we stop at a leather manufacturing house. Overnight - Marmaris (B, D) Day 7 : Turtle Beach & Fethiye Marmaris - Koycegiz - Fethiye. Arriving at the lakeside town of Koycegiz, we embark upon a boat cruise to Turtle Beach and smother ourselves in mud at the local mud bath. We continue our journey to Fethiye, a charming port town on Turkey s Turquoise Coast, fringed by the Taurus Mountains where we'll spend the next two nights. Overnight - Fethiye (B, D) Day 8 : Kayakoy & Oludeniz Day 10 : Whirling Dervishes Antalya Cappadocia. Early morning departure for Konya, en route we visit the ancient theatre of Aspendos. Arriving at Konya, we tour the monastery of the Mevlana whirling dervishes and the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. A further stop is made along the Silk Road at the Seljuk - a fine example of an ancient Silk Road caravanserai. Overnight - Cappadocia (B, D) Day 11 : Underground Cities Castle. Stopping on the outskirts of Goreme Village we have the opportunity to see Pigeon Valley where century s old pigeon houses are carved into the surrounding cliffs, the pigeon droppings that litter the area have been used as fertilizer on crops for generations. Here you will also have the opportunity to visit an Onyx shop, specialising in historic jewellery designs unique to Turkey and using local materials and craftsmen. For those not interested in shopping spend a little time relaxing and grab a drink from the local cafe. An optional Turkish dinner and folklore evening is available tonight. Overnight - Cappadocia (B) Day 12 : Safranbolu - Ottoman Royalty Cappadocia Safranbolu. Opt for an early morning hot air balloon flight over lunar landscape. Today we head to the World Heritage Listed town of Safranbolu. The town boasts many graceful Ottoman homes, once the residences of royalty and artisan work shops crafting traditional Turkish wares. Tonight we stay in an Ottoman mansion home. Overnight - Safranbolu (B, D) Day 13 : The Grand Bazaar Fethiye - Kayakoy Greek village - Oludeniz - Fethiye. After breakfast today we explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. This afternoon we drive to Oludeniz, a popular resort town which is home to the beautiful Blue Lagoon. Here you'll have the opportunity to enjoy a swim before travelling back to neighbouring Fethiye. Overnight - Fethiye (B) Day 9 : Saklikent Gorge Fethiye - Antalya. Today we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey s longest and deepest canyon, take a walk through nature, or just relax and watch the world go by from the fig tree-shaded wooden platforms that overlook the river. Weaving our way through the Touros Mountains we arrive to Antalya visiting the Duden Waterfalls en route. Overnight - Antalya (B, D) Today we tour the stunning Cappadocia region - an extraordinary national treasure The utter improbability of the seemingly surreal landscapes have to be seen to be believed, where whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia. The crumbling legacy of persecuted Christians trying to escape the Muslim onslaught in 1st - 10th centuries AD by effectively heading underground is one of Turkey s finest attractions. A guided tour of the region includes the World Heritage Listed Goreme Valley to see stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches and chapels, Kaymaki Underground City and Uchisar Safranbolu - Istanbul. This morning we embark on a walking tour of the old town before returning to Istanbul with an afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar. The remainder of the afternoon and evening offers free time. Overnight - Istanbul (B) Day 14 : Istanbul Friday. We say goodbye to our new friends, our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. (B) HOTELS - 3 -

4 The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary. Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus (Karakoy) Opened in February 2016, the Novotel Istanbul Bosphorus is the latest in the Novotel range. Guest rooms have a contemporary design and the hotel also benefits from an indoor pool, onsite spa and fitness centre. The Novist restaurant serves up a delicious array of Turkish and international dishes. Set in the trendy Karakoy district of the city it's a great place to base yourself when visiting the city. Kolin Hotel Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea. Ramada Kusadasi Perched on the coast next to the Aegean Sea, the palatial Ramada Kusadasi has no less than six outdoor pools with water slides, a stunning indoor pool and luxury spa centre. Guest rooms are spacious and well equipped all with private balconies. Guests can choose from Turkish or Italian inspired restaurants as well as a number of bars. There is also a large golf club with excellent facilities and beautiful grounds. Bluebay Platinum Hotel Sitting right on the beach, the Bluebay Platinum Hotel offers no fewer than 4 outdoor pools. This 5 star resort includes a full service spa, expansive restaurant and Wi-Fi in public areas. Guest rooms are spacious and bright and all come with private balconies and plasma TVs. The restaurant serves both Turkish and international cuisine in a vast buffet within the modern dining hall. The staff at the hotel come highly recommended and the Blue Bay has an enviable location close to the centre of the vibrant resort town of Marmaris. Hotel Ata Park Set with a beautiful green backdrop, the Hotel Ata Park is a comfortable hotel with well equipped rooms and a gorgeous outdoor pool. The rooms boast hard wooden flooring, some quirky furnishings and balconies with fantastic views across the bay. Tempt your palate with delicious local seafood at the in house Bahriyeli Fish House or quaff some beautiful local wines at the Wine House. Both come highly recommended. The hotel is located right on the bay overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Best Western Khan Hotel Modern and elegant, the Best Western Khan has good sized rooms with en suites and a range of modern amenities, and free transportation to Konyaaltı, one of the most beautiful beaches in Antalya. A breakfast buffet iserved in the hotel's restaurant on a daily basis and various Turkish delicacies can be found here as well. The hotel also has a pool and fitness centre. The hotel is located in the city centre, within easy walking distance of the Old Town and Marina. Peri Tower Renovated in 2006, the Peri Tower Hotel s design is inspired by the region s famous fairy chimneys. The contemporary guest rooms are comfortable and tastefully decorated with rich mahogany furniture. Guests can enjoy a delicious Turkish meal in front of the roaring fire in winter or outside as the sun sets in summer. The hotel also has full Turkish spa facilities which are a great way to relax and unwind. Perfectly located in a quiet area with great access to restaurants and shops. Cinci Han One of the biggest historic caravansarays in Turkey, the Cinci Han is a unique style hotel. Guest rooms are classically designed with attractive silk bedding and rustic stone interiors. Meals are served in the a la carte restaurant and wi-fi is available throughout. Sip delicious Turkish tea in the open courtyard - the perfect way to end the day! Well located on the outskirts of Safranbolu

5 Ramada Old City A member of the reputable Ramada chain, the Istanbul Old Town property is modern and comfortable with excellent amenities. Guestrooms are bright and spacious with contemporary amenities. Two restaurants are on offer and our personal favourite is the wonderful roof top restaurant, serving delicious local cuisine coupled with a magnificent view of the City and Sea. The perfect way to end the day. Located very close to the Historical part of the city with major Monuments are all walking distance. PRICES / DATES INFO Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/ Double' price. If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, thus avoiding the single person supplement. PRICES / DATES Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Nov EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Dec EUR 1,695 EUR 2,605 PRICES / DATES Jan EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Feb EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Mar EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Mar EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Apr EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Apr EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Nov EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Dec EUR 1,695 EUR 2,605 PRICES / DATES Jan EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Feb EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Mar EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Mar EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Apr EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Apr EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, May EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2,805 PRICES / DATES Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jun EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Jul EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Aug EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Sep EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Oct EUR 1,895 EUR 2, Nov EUR 1,695 EUR 2, Dec EUR 1,695 EUR 2,