Highlights of Turkey Tour (10 days)

Itinerary:

Istanbul - Cappadocia - Konya - Eğirdir - Pamukkale - Selçuk - Pergamum - Assos - Gallipoli - Istanbul

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. You can arrive at any time today as there are no planned activities until Dinner time. Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, with an estimated population of around 17 million. You will be blown away by the beauty an grandeur of it's architecture and history. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul

First we will visit Topkapı Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries and Istanbul's must-see attraction. The historical tour of the Old City of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. Dinner and night in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Istanbul - Cappadocia

Early morning flight to Cappadocia, followed by a 1 hour drive to Cappadocia. Brunch on arrival and visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, where you will be amazed by the churches cut into the rocks and their amazing frescoes. In the late afternoon we will visit a carpet-weaving centre to learn about the art of Turkish handmade carpets. Check into your hotel and early dinner. Night in Cappadocia.

Day 4 - Cappadocia

Optional: One-hour hot air balloon flight early in the morning. This is one of the highlights of the trip. You will enjoy the unique view from the air of this stunning landscape.

Full day tour of Cappadocia, where you can wander through the desert, surrounded on every side by cave houses dug by hand in the natural rock formations that form this magical landscape. This is a place where your imagination can run free. We will visit places such as Paşabağ and Derinkuyu Underground city, extending 8 levels below the ground and carved out of volcanic rock. In the evening we will enjoy dinner, local drinks and a Turkish Cultural Show with a lively dance performance. Night in Cappadocia.

Day 5 - Cappadocia - Konya - Eğirdir

Today we leave Cappadocia. Along the way we will stopat Sultan Hanı, the largest Caravan Saray in the world. Next stop is Konya, where we will have lunch and visit the Whirling Dervish Museum. and Mevlana Mausoleum. Konya is the most religious city in Turkey, best known for its devout followers of the Sufi sect of Islam. It is best to dress conservatively in town. The Dervish Museum is filled with religious relics so women will be asked to wear a head scarf inside. We will continue our drive to beautiful Eğirdir, situated on an inland lake. Along the way we will stop in Isparta to sample some of the many rose products that this region is famous for. Dinner and night in Eğirdir.

Day 6 - Pamukkale - Selçuk

After breakfast we will drive to Pamukkale where we will visit the amazing travertines (calcium pools) and explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa town of Hierapolis. This World Heritage-listed site stands as a monument to the wonder of nature. Our tour through Hierapolis includes its very large Amphitheatre and free time to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool, where the water allegedly cures almost every ailment known to mankind. Afternoon drive to the town of Selçuk. Night in Selçuk.

Day 7 - Selçuk

After breakfast we will visit the home of Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last days, the Selçuk Museum and tour the ruins of Ephesus, the most visited ruins site in Turkey. Visit to the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. Overnight in Selçuk.

Day 8 - Pergamum - Assos

Early start to Bergama, ancient Pergamum, which was ruled by one of Alexander the Great's generals and then by the Romans. The road up to Acropolis winds 5km up around a hill that offers breathtaking views. After lunch we will continue towards Assos where you will feel like you have gone back in time in this village of hand-built houses, all made from rocks. A gorgeous harbour setting sees you eating your evening meal in front of a spectacular sunset. Night in Assos.

Day 9 - Gallipoli - Istanbul

After breakfast we will travel to Çanakkale, which is across the Dardanellesfrom the Gallipoli battlefields. On the way we will stop to visit the city ruins of Troy, made famous by Homer's tale of the war of Troy. climb inside the replica wooden Trojan horse and wander through the city walls. Following our tour over the ANZAC battlefield area of Gallipoli we head towards Istanbul. Night in Istanbul.

Day 10 - Istanbul

Free morning for shopping at the Grand Bazaar. Bus transfer to the Airport. End of Service.