Itinerary – Classics of Turkey
Classics of Turkey
Turkey, an intoxicating blend of old and new, of East and West. Experience exciting Istanbul with a half-day tour and leisure time to discover its hidden charms. Marvel at the unusual rock formations of Cappadocia, the unique calcium cascades of Pamukkale and the Roman ruins at Ephesus before stopping at Troy and Gallipoli.
Itinerary
DAY 1: ISTANBUL-ARRIVAL
You will be greeted upon arrival and escorted to your hotel. Remainder of the day is at leisure before a welcome briefing by your tour director.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL-ANKARA-CAPPADOCIA
Early morning you will be taken to the airport for a short flight to Ankara. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, father of modern Turkey, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its Hittite treasures and artifacts from the world’s oldest city. Continue to Cappadocia, famous for it’s “moon-like” landscapes. En route visit the 13th century Caravan Inn.
DAY 3: CAPPADOCIA
Tour Goreme with its 6th-10th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes, Zelve’s cliff-side Byzantine monastic complex, and Uchisar’s natural citadel.
DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA-PAMUKKALE
Depart for Pamukkale, en route you will see the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher Mevlana. Upon arrival to Pamukkale, visit the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades formed by mineral springs and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Enjoy a swim in your hotel’s mineral spring pool.
DAY 5: EPHESUS & VIRGIN MARY’S HOUSE-KUSADASI
Today tour the ruins of Ephesus, the Virgin Mary’s cottage, the 2,000 year old marble streets, a theater, the library of Celsius, and Hadrian’s Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 6: PERGAMUM-TROY-CANAKKALE
Visit ancient Pergamum, home to the Altar of Zeus. Tour Troy’s legendary walls and replica of the famous wooden horse used during the Trojan War. Continue to Canakkale for an overnight.
DAY 7: GALLIPOLI-DARDANELLES-ISTANBUL
Morning departure to Gallipoli, visit Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Cemetery, Chunk Bair Battlefield and Gabatepe War Museum. Cross the Dardanelles to Istanbul.
DAY 8: ISTANBUL
Enjoy a full-day tour of Istanbul including Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar. Consider an optional dinner with belly-dancing entertainment.
DAY 9: ISTANBUL-RETURN
You will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.