ITINERARY
DAY 1 ARRIVAL- ISTANBUL- Welcome to the breath taking city that spans two continents. You will be met by your tour representative and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is at your leisure.
AY 2 ISTANBUL- The day starts with a visit to the old town (UNESCO World Heritage List-1985); see Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque; both colossal artworks of architecture with flawless beauty. Explore Hippodrome; see the Egyptian obelisk, Serpent column and the stunning Basilica Cistern. Visit the astounding Topkapi Palace; the imperial residence and administrative quarters of the Ottoman Empire; enjoy the vast collections of breath taking artifacts and treasures. Continue with Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum and see the best examples of Turkish carpets, wood work, stone art, hand writing and calligraphy. Return your hotel for overnight. (B)
DAY 3 ISTANBUL- Start the day with a visit to the Istanbul Modern Art Museum where you will witness the evolution of contemporary Turkish art and continue to Pera Museum; a young private museum in a photographic setting, the Orientalist Painting Collection is highly recommended. Proceed to the magnificent St. Chora to see the finest examples of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Take the Bosphorus ferry for a scenic ride and visit Sadberk Hanim Museum which is well known for its archaeological and ethnographic collections. Visit the bustling Grand Bazaar before you return your hotel for overnight. (B)
DAY 4 BURSA- Take the ferry to Yalova and proceed to Iznik (former Nicea), an important artistic and cultural center in the past, still well known for its tiles. Visit the Iznik Foundation Tiles to see the invaluable collection. Proceed to Bursa and visit the Grand Mosque, the Green Mausoleum famous with its turquoise tiles. Explore the Silk Market in the historic Covered Bazaar. Chances to taste famous Iskender (Alexander's) Kebap, type of doner kebab today and relax in the “hamam” of your hotel in Bursa this evening. (B,D)
DAY 5 ANKARA- Visit Gordion on the way; an important city that lies on the ancient road between Lydia and Assyria/Babylonia. Its long history from early Bronze Age to Roman times has bestowed the city fame and wealth; legendary King Midas, renowned Gordian Knot and the Great Tumulus makes this ancient settlement an attractive stop on the Anatolian trails. Continue to Ankara for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 6 CAPPADOCIA- Morning visit to the award winning Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the old town nearby. Great opportunity to take pictures of the recently renovated historic neighborhoods and local life as jovial kids accompany you with cheerful “hello”s. Proceed to Cappadocia via all time important commercial wealth Salt Lake on the way. On arriving the region, your first visit will be to a local Ebru (Paper Marbling) artist for a demonstration. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)
DAY 7 CAPPADOCIA- Visit the rock-cut churches in Goreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage -1985) with best examples of Byzantine frescoes and continue to rock town Zelve, see the interesting natural formations in Pasabagi valley. Proceed to discover the love and skill behind age old arts carpet weaving and pottery making and experience the feeling yourself next to the friendly masters. Panorama stops at scenic valleys. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D) Optional: Hot air balloon ride is possible early next morning. (B,D)
DAY 8 CAPPADOCIA- Adventure continues; start the day with a visit to an underground city and continue with a hike in the hidden valleys. Explore the natural fortress in Uchisar town; make a visit to a local family to experience rural life, handicrafts and local delicacies. Chances to take unforgettable pictures all day long. Close the day with a restful wine tasting visit to a local wine factory before you go to your hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,D)
DAY 9 KONYA- Drive via Sultanhani Caravanserai; an extraordinary example of Seljuk stone work. Arrive Konya, visit tomb of the most revered Great Mevlana and the museum of Sufi; see the venerable Moslem relics and unique carpet collection. The timeless place of pilgrimage for all walks of life and an inspirational shrine of pure love and compassion for one another and life as a whole. Visit the Seljuk Ince Minaret Medrese which is famous for its highly ornamented stone facade which was a center of astronomy, mathematical and theological sciences in 13th century. Overnight in Konya. (B,D)
DAY 10 PAMUKKALE-. Drive to Sagalassos in ancient Pisidia, a city on heights of Taurus Mt. range at 1500 m. (4920 ft)altitude. Thrived after Alexander the Great; now the site of a major excavation project and a main tourist attraction. Take a tea break by the 1000 years old Monument Plane Tree in the nearby town Aglasun and listen to her stories no man can remember anymore. Rest and enjoy your evening in the thermal pool of your hotel in Pamukkale. (B,D)
DAY 11 BODRUM- Visit ancient Hierapolis and the astonishing travertines (both UNESCO World Heritage-1988), an imperial spa and art center for Pergamon royalty in the Hellenistic Age which has maintained its fame until today. Walk the colonnaded road, visit the theater and the largest necropolis in Anatolia. Free time in the terraced basins to enjoy the surreal formations before you proceed Bodrum for overnight. This little harbor town is also famous with its lively night life, you may want to enjoy an escapade tonight. (B,D)
DAY 12 KUSADASI- Visit Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archeology inside the Castle of St Peter; see the 14th c BC Uluburun shipwreck and the unrivaled ancient artifacts and treasures saved from underwater. Visit the site of Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the seven wonders of the world and the Hellenistic theater. Proceed to the nearby shipyards district to to see the wold famous wooden Gulets come to life in the skillful hands of the masters. Drive Kusadasi for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 13 KUSADASI- Visit Ephesus; the capital of Asia Minor. See the site of Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders in the world, Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, Terrace Houses, one of the largest ancient theaters in the world; a city of art, wealth and splendor. Visit Ephesus Museum in Selcuk town and Basilica of St. John. A special lunch experience in a nomad tent today and visit the House of Virgin Mary. A short ride amongst olive groves to Sirince, the restored old Greek village; visit the Ayios Ionnades Prodomos Church and enjoy your stroll around the village center before you relax for wine tasting. Return Kusadasi for overnight. (B,D)
DAY 14 DEPARTURE- Transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight home.(B)