World Heritage In Turkey

ITINERARY


 

Day 1 ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL- Welcome to Istanbul, the city on two continents. You are met by your tour manager and escorted to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2 GALLIPOLI – CANAKKALE- Morning drive to Gallipoli and see the battle grounds of WW I including Lone Pine and the ANZAC Cove. Cross the Dardanelles, a vitally strategic strait of all time. Your hotel is a historic Ottoman mansion, Kervansaray Hotel in Canakkale. (B,L,D)

DAY 3 TROY - PERGAMON - IZMIR- Visit the 5000 years old Troy (World Heritage -1998) and have free time to take pictures by the wooden Trojan Horse. Continue to Pergamon. Visit the Acropolis; Zeus Altar, the steepest amphitheater in the ancient world and Asclepius' Sanctuary; the god of healing. See the Temple of Serapis and drive to Izmir for overnight, fatherland of famed Homer. Hotel: Special Class Antikhan; built in 1857. (B,L,D)

DAY 4 SARDIS - KUSADASI- After breakfast head east to Sardis, home of fabled King Croesus. Visit the synagogue and the bath-gymnasium complex from 2nd and 3rd centuries whose excavations are sponsored by Harvard and Cornell Universities. See the Temple of Artemis and continue to Kusadasi for overnight.  (B,L,D)

DAY 5 EPHESUS- KUSADASI- Today's highlight is Ephesus; the capital of Asia Minor. See the renown Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, fascinating Terrace Houses and the site of Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders. Visit the  Ephesus Museum in Selcuk and Basilica of St. John. Close the day with a memorable visit to  House of Virgin Mary. Return to Kusadasi for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 6 APHRODISIAS - HIERAPOLIS- PAMUKKALE-  Aphrodisias was named after the goddess of love. See the beautiful Temple of Aphrodite, well preserved stadium and school of sculpture. Visit the museum at the site to see the excellent examples of sculpture. Continue to Hierapolis and Pamukkale (World Heritage – 1988), explore the ancient city with the biggest necropolis in Anatolia. Spend some time by the Greco- Roman sacred pool and enjoy the surreal travertines. Relax in the thermal pool of your hotel tonight. (B,L,D)

DAY 7 ANTALYA- After breakfast, travel to Antalya via scenic Taurus Mountains. Visit the award winner Antalya Archaeological Museum and take a stroll in the old town. Picturesque historic Turkish houses will and old little streets will take you to the Hadrian's Gate. Your hotel is an old Ottoman residence, Tekeli Konaklari in the historic harbor area. (B,L,D)

DAY 8 PERGE - ASPENDOS- ANTALYA- Visit  glorious Perge in the morning; walk he impressive colonnaded street, see the Baths Complex, the Roman gateway and the Agora.  Continue to Aspendos to see  the best preserved amphitheater in the world. Visit Kursunlu Waterfalls in the end of the day; relax and savor the admirable natural setting of the vicinity. Overnight in Antalya. (B,L,D)

DAY 9 CATALHOYUK- KONYA- Depart for Konya; visit Catalhoyuk on the way. A  fascinating Neolithic site from the 8th millennium B.C, one of the world's oldest human settlements and biggest excavation-preservation projects in the world. See its impressive size and unprecedented wall paintings. Overnight in Konya. (B,L,D)

DAY 10 MEVLANA MAUSOLEUM - CAPPADOCIA- After breakfast visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana and the  lodge of the Whirling Dervishes. An inspirational shrine of love and compassion for one another and life as a whole. Visit the 13th century Seljuk Ince Minaret Medrese, center for astronomy, mathematical and theological sciences. On the way, visit the 13th century Seljuk masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and continue to Cappadocia for overnight. You stay at …..., a beautifully modernized cave mansion. (B,L,D)

DAY 11 CAPPADOCIA- Today an optional Balloon ride is available early in the morning. A  full day excursion in Cappadocia includes Kaymakli Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum (World Heritage -1985) with the   best examples of Byzantine frescoes in rock-cut churches from 10th to 13th century, natural fortress in Uchisar. Visit to a carpet school will give you a unique chance to understand the rich history behind this impressive art in rural Turkey. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 12 CAPPADOCIA- Morning visit to old Zelve to see the rock-cut dwellings and free time in the marvelous natural formations of Pasabagi. Visit to a pottery workshop in Avanos where Kizilirmak (Halys) has generously supplied the artistic red clay for thousands of years. Picture stops at vantage points. Wine tasting at a reputable local wine factory and learn about wine production in the area. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 13 HATTUSA- SAFRANBOLU- Early departure for Hattusa; capital of the legendary Hittite Kingdom (World Heritage -1986). Explore the Grand Temple and the gates of the city and visit the Yazılıkaya rock sanctuary. Continue to Safranbolu for overnight. You stay at the ........ ; a superb example of a well preserved Ottoman mansion. (B,L,D)

DAY 14 SAFRANBOLU- ISTANBUL- Ottoman town Safranbolu (World Heritage – 1994) is entirely under  protection with its more than 1000 registered artifacts. Visit the Cinci Hani, Asmazlar Konagi, Hidirlik Hill, Seljuk mausoleum Torumtay Turbesi with Mongol mummies and colorful bazaars with blacksmiths and shoemakers all the while enjoying the photographic looks of the town. Drive Istanbul for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 15 ISTANBUL- Visit the old town which has been the capital of three great empires (World Heritage List-1985), see the Hippodrome, world famous Hagia Sophia from 6th century, the revered Blue Mosque and the Cistern Basilica. Visit the astounding Topkapi Palace and Harem to see its glorious exhibitions. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L,D)

Day 16 ISTANBUL- Start your day with a colorful visit to the Spice Market. Embark the scenic Bosphorus cruise which will take you for a dazzling voyage between Europe and Asia. See the Maiden Tower, Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces and catch a glimpse of modern Turkey. Chances to take unforgettable pictures in these two days. Transfer back to your hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)

DAY 17  DEPARTURE- Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight abroad. (B)  


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HIGHLIGHTS


 

World Heritage In Turkey

Designed to give the traveler a total understanding of the glorious past of Anatolia and the great cultural background of today's modern Turkey. You will visit 6 of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, see the acknowledged archaeological and natural monuments, unrivaled artifacts throughout the tour and will enjoy the privileges that we will gladly arrange for your utmost pleasure to explore the Turkish way.

 

·         Ephesus; walk the capital of Asia Minor of Roman Empire

·         Hattusa; what did Bible say about the Hittites?

·         Catalhoyuk; the largest Neolithic site in the world

·         greatest worship venues from prehistoric ages to Judaism, Christianity and Islam

·         exotic natural marvels and award winner museums

          includes:

·         Istanbul; a jewel spanning two continents, the capital of last three great empires

 ·         6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites


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