Splendors of Turkey 15 Days

Arrival in Istanbul, former capital of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, Turkey's largest metropolis and its commercial hub. Your private driver will greet you at the airport and transfer the hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will visit to the Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşı, literally “Egyptian Bazaar”) that draws its name from the Ottoman-ruled districts in Egypt that provided the revenue to build the structure in 1660, where you will experience the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme rising from every store. We will then embark a ferry for a scenic excursion up the Bosphorus, the natural waterway that divides Asia from Europe. Lean back and enjoy the view of city's dramatic skyline, filled with Ottoman palaces, citadels, centuries-old mansions on both the European and Asian shores with two magnificent suspension bridges. (Driving time: 1 hour)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Airport Transfer
• Spice Market & Bosphorus Cruise

Begin the day by exploring the Topkapı Palace, where was the imperial residence of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years, now houses the priceless collections of porcelains, jewelery, calligraphy, holy relics and many masterpieces of art. The next stop on your tour will be one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia (literally the Church of “Holy Wisdom”), built in 537 A.D. and converted into a mosque in 1453 right after the conquest of Constantinople by Ottoman Turks. Wander slowly through the masterpiece to take in the amazing mosaic scenes of the Virgin Mother, Jesus, the saints, many biblical narratives. After lunch, we visit the Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque), an early 17th century building, beautifully crafted blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior with its wonderfully curvaceous exterior featuring a cascade of domes and six slender, fluted minarets. The Hippodrome was first constructed in 200 A.D. by the emperor Septimus Severus. It was the focal point of civil activities. The ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are also visited. En route to the Grand Bazaar, we will stop at the sixth-century charming and mysterious Underground Cistern, constructed using 336 columns, many of which were salvaged from ruined temples and feature finely carved capitals. The atmosphere and mystic music will amaze you at once. The Grand Bazaar itself is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the World. With sixty-one covered streets, more than three thousand shops.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Guided Tour of Istanbul

After breakfast we head to Bursa. We visit the Ulu Cami (the great Mosque) with its splendid painted inscriptions. After that we will we explore the Silk Market (Koza hanı) famous with silk production in Ottoman Era. Then we continue to the most interesting buildings of the early Ottoman Empire: Green Mosque & Tomb with its outstanding tile work and its magnificent marble façade. Optional: We may cross the Dardanelles and visit the Gallipoli Peninsula - a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealander's. Located at Turkey's most westerly point this area is now serene, but the role it played in April 1915 during the First World War. We visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Arriving in Çanakkale, wandering around this vibrant waterfront town and perhaps view the Trojan horse used and subsequently gifted to the city by the producers of the movie Troy filmed in 2004. (Driving time: 5.5 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Çanakkale

• Guided Tour of Bursa - Gallipoli

This morning we will visit Troy (Truva) was a city that existed over 4.000 years ago and was known as a major ancient civilization. For many years people believed that it was the city mentioned only in the tales and never truly existed, as the area had become known as Ilium. Archaeological digs subsequently proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement. (3000 BC-AD 400) on what became accepted as the site of ancient Troy. Each successive period of habitation lies on top of its former incarnation. Here we can see the remnants of the ancient city walls in addition to a replica of the famous wooden horse. Historian's are still at odds as to whether or not this fable or indeed the battle itself is stuff of lore or reality. Then we will drive to Bergama, more famously celebrated as the ancient Greek city of Pergamon. A major center for culture, commerce and medicine and teeming with philosophers, scientists and artists, Pergamon boasted an outstanding library, a famous school of sculpture, excellent public buildings and monuments and numerous celebrated art works of the ancient world. We will visit the Acropolis by cable car, then the theatre and the library, whose 200,000 volumes were bequeathed by Mark Anthony to Cleopatra. Head to Şirince Village, İzmir. (Driving time: 5 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Şirince

• Guided Tour of Troy & Pergamon

Our tour of Ephesus begins with the House of the Virgin Mary in the hills above the ancient city, where she is believed to have spent her final years. Ephesus was the second largest city in the Roman Empire, one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world, commercially prosperous and an important center of early Christian practice. Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th Century BC and flourished under Roman rule. The Greeks replaced the cult of the Anatolian fertility goddess Cybele with Artemis and built a fabulous temple in her honour. With the arrival of the Romans, it became the Temple of Diana and was one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world. We visit the vast amphitheatre, walk the marble street once trodden by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. We end the day at the village of the last Ephesian residents, Şirince, where we taste the locally produced wine and enjoy our leisure time with the villagers, who sell fresh figs, peaches, cherries, pears, fresh almonds, and walnuts in the village market.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Şirince

• Guided Tour of Ephesus

This morning, journey through the most fertile land of Anatolia to visit the city of Aphrodite, Aphrodisas. This is one of the most beautiful and exciting archaeological sites in Turkey. Diligently excavated and lovingly restored by teams from New York University, our visit here leads us to understand why the young Augustus was moved to declare, ‘of all the cities in Asia, I choose this one for myself’. The stadium is the best preserved in Asia Minor, while the temple of Aphrodite, the tetrapylon and baths of Hadrian make Aphrodisias an unforgettable site. Most of the statues and architectural remains discovered by Professor Erim and his team are displayed in a well-organized museum at the site. After lunch, we will drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. (Driving time: 3.5 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Pamukkale

• Guided Tour of Aphrodisias - Pamukkale

Upon on arrival to Dalyan, we embark on a small riverboat for a 45-minute ride thoughout the Dalyan River. This tranquil waterway was named for dalyans, the fishing weirs that have supported locals for centuries. As we cruise this lovely waterway, we may well see some of the many species of birds that live here, from the shy ibis to the fearless gull. Depending on the season, we may also discover loggerhead sea turtles when our small riverboat brings us to the Dalyan’s estuary. Then visit Kaunos, an ancient seaport city with roots dating back to the ninth century BC. Our tour will shed light on this Carian city’s historical significance, known both for its figs and mosquitoes. We’ll view remains of a theatre, acropolis, Roman bath, and more. And since Kaunos bordered ancient Lycia—and took on aspects of its culture—we’ll also behold remarkable Lycian-style tombs hewn into the cliffs. As we walk, we'll take in the colorful fruit trees that dot the ruins, from lemon orchards to pomegranate trees. Film enthusiasts may recognize similarities between this picturesque setting and one featured in The African Queen (1951) starring Humphrey Bogart and Katharine Hepburn, which is said to have filmed on the banks of the Dalyan. You will enjoy the beautiful Turtle Beach (İztuzu Plajı) sand beach. End of the day head to culturally rich town of Fethiye, situated on a bay surrounded by pine forests and full of islands.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Fethiye

• Dalyan Boat Cruise
• Kaunos

We continue from here through pine trees and over a mountain, which commands breathtaking views, before arriving at the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy. It was a thriving township with a population of 3,500 until 1923 when Ataturk instituted the exchange program with Greece, where itinerant Greek and Turkish populations were repatriated to country of origin. Kayakoy in seemingly an instant, became a derelict town and was further destroyed by ensuing earthquakes. Today, only a few Turkish families inhabit houses at the bottom of the town's rolling hills and the whole place has a marvelously eerie feel. Saklikent Gorge is a unique natural wonder that is cut into the side of the Akdaglar Mountains. This magnificent canyon is 18 kilometres long and its walls reach a height of 600 metres in some places. We walk on sturdy boardwalks approaching the canyon and across a shallow river en route. The Saklikent Gorge truely is spectacular. Afterwards we visit the Xanthos - an ancient capaital of Lycian civilization that originated during the Hittite era, later to be conquered by the Greek and Persian empires. The Lycian population created a centre for both culture and commerce here at Xanthos. Today the ruins are a popular stop for both their stunning preserved ruins, fantastic view but they also hold the mystery of what happened to the city. The afternoon you will head to the famous Patara Beach, here you can relax in the beautiful Turkish weather or swim on the crystal-clear water of the Mediterranean Sea. (Driving time: 3 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Kaş

• Guided Tour of Kayaköy - Lycian Ruins

This morning we drive to Kekova, where we will board our local boat for a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, all with very distinctive rock formations. Look out for some ancient houses that are submerged under the clear water! Our cruise also takes us to the settlement of Ucagiz and also the quaint village of Simena, with its stone houses covered in bougainvilleas. We can enjoy a spectacular view from the castle. We also sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets, where we have the opportunity to enjoy swim off our boat. All in all a day of relaxation and beautiful vistas. We return to Kas for the evening. (Driving time: 1 hour)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Kaş

• Kekova Boat Cruise

Today we visit at the Lycian city of Phaselis, which was founded in the 7th Century BC and flourished as a commercial trading centre where anything could be bought and sold, including citizenships for 100 drachmas! The Phaselians were more concerned about preserving the affluence of their commerce than with staking any political independence, so they pragmatically accepted any conquerors that came their way. The city thrived until the 12th Century when it was superceded in importance by the nearby ports of Antalya and Alanya. The beauty of Phaselis is in its picture postcard setting. It is built around three small bays, each with its own beach, surrounded by fragrant woods and mountains. Afternoon we reach Antalya. A historic port city, this place was formerly known as Attaleia and was founded by Attalos II, King of Pergamum, in the 2nd Century BC. The old part of town, known as Kaleici, contains many remnants of past civilisations with its narrow winding streets and old wooden houses. Today much of Antalya is an attractive modern city, with shaded palm-lined boulevards and a lively marina area. (Driving time: 3 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Antalya

• Guided Tour of Phaselis - Antalya

This morning we visit the best-preserved ancient theatre in the world, located in the ancient city of Aspendos. Having thoroughly tested the near perfect acoustics, we circle the ancient acropolis to see some remarkably well preserved sections of the aqueduct that supplied the ancient citizens with their water. After this beautiful theater we will drive to Konya, known as 'Iconium' in Roman times, was also the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to 13th Centuries and home of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who founded a mystic Sufi order popularly known as the 'Whirling Dervishes'. We visit Mevlana's Mausoleum and the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect that he founded. (Driving time: 4 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Konya

• Guided Tour of Aspendos - Konya

This morning we will visit the largest caravanserai in Anatolia, the Sultanhanı was constructed in 1229, during the reign of the Seljuk sultan Alaaddin Keykubad I. 'Caravanserais,' were developed along old trade routes to provide shelters and protection to nomadic traders. These centuries-old buildings were built of stone and housed Caravaneers and their cargos plus their horses, donkeys and even camels as they made their way along the old Silk Road trading route that stretched all the way from China. Then we then drive to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, with some dwellings containing rooms expanding seven levels beneath ground level! Cappadocia is an extraordinary region that has bewitched travellers’ for centuries. It was formed a millennium ago as volcanic ash first settled, then hardened into soft rock and finally eroded, forming the strange and fantastic spires, domes, pinnacles and gorges that we will discover during your journey. Afternoon we we take a walk through Love Valley, where its magnificently sculptured, phallic rock formations have created one of the most surreal valleys of Cappadocia. Small valleys, cones, peaks and fairy chimneys blend harmoniously with fascinating caves. The longest river of Kızılırmak (red river) passing through the Avanos Town where you can have your potter kebab! and take the opportunity to discover the local handcraft of pottery. Overnight in Cave Hotel in Cappadocia. (Driving time: 3 hours)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Cappadocia

• Guided Tour of Cappadocia

For early birds, there is the possibility of rising before dawn to take an awe-inspiring optional hot-air balloon ride over the 'other-worldly' Cappadocia landscape and witness an amazing sunrise in the process. This morning we visit the Göreme Open Air museum: The people of Göreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realised that the soft rocks of the area could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, monasteries. There are several fascinating Byzantine cave chapels to explore, most of them decorated with exquisite and colourful biblical frescoes. In the afternoon we drive to the unique Pasabaglar Valley, where multiple fairy chimneys hewn from the earth and shaped by centuries of erosion lend a moon-like landscape and atmosphere to the valley. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit’s shelter are built into one of the fairy chimneys, which appears to have three heads! Later afternoon we discover the local handcraft of the region and visit a carpet workshop were we will be fascinated by the beauty of the carpets, a tradition that reveals the nomadic origins of the Turkish people. Returning to hotel, we have a night at leisure. We may have an opportunity to attend a folk dance show or witness an original Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Cappadocia

• Guided Tour of Cappadocia

After breakfast we leave the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia behind and drive to airport to fly Istanbul and then transfer to your hotel in Sultanahmet district. You will have have leisure afternoon in Istanbul. (Driving time: 2 hours + 1.5 flight to Istanbul)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Domestic flight
• Free Afternoon in Istanbul

After breakfast, transfer to airport. (Driving time: 1 hour)

• Airport Transfer