Program

Sunday - Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul
As we say in Turkey, HOS GELDINIZ! Welcome to Turkey. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After a short briefing about your tour you will have the afternoon free to rest and explore Istanbul on your own. Overnight in ISTANBUL.

Monday - Day 2 - Istanbul - (B/L)
This will be a full day of exploring the historical sites of Istanbul.
Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), Mystical smells of different aromas of various spices. Shops selling fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish etc.
Bosporus Cruise, thorough the waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential of luxurious apartments.
After lunch we will continue on the tour and will visit
Topkapi Palace--The residence and leadership center of the Sultans during the Ottoman Empire. It was built in 1459-1465 shortly after the conquest of Constantinople. You will see the Treasury that includes the Topkapi Dagger, the 86 carat Spoon Maker's Diamond, and the jewel encased bones of St. John the Baptist's skull and arm bone.
Grand Bazaar and the Suleymaniye Mosque will be visited during the tour
After the tour we will return to your hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Tuesday - Day 3 - Istanbul - (B/L)
This will be a day of exploring the historical sites of Istanbul.
Sites you'll see today
Hagia Sophia was, for nearly a thousand years, the largest enclosed space in the world, and still seen as one of the world's most important architectural monuments. It is one of Turkey's most popular attractions, drawn by the sheer spectacle of its size, architecture, mosaics and art. Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian.
Blue Mosque : This mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I during 1609-1616 in the town carrying his name in Istanbul. It is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Due to its magnificent hand-dyed blue, green and white tiles it has been named the "Blue Mosque" by Europeans. The central dome is 43 m in height and is 33.4 m in diameter. 260 windows surround the mosque
Hippodrome: The ancient Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life. Of the ornaments which once decorated it, only three remain: The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.
Theodosius Obelisk is originally an Egyptian piece of art erected in 1547 BC and originally 60m tall. German fountain is also within the hippodrome area, constructed in Germany to mark German Emperor Wilhelm II's second visit to Istanbul, it was imported and officially opened on January 1 1901. The fountain's three domes are decorated with gold mosaics.
After the tour we will leave you at the grand Bazaar and give you free time to explore and some souvenir shopping. Overnight stay in Istanbul -

Wednesday - Day 4 - Istanbul to Canakkale - (B/L/D)
In the early morning we will drive west, heading towards the Aegean Sea. We will visit Gallipoli on the way
*Gallipoli and The Dardanelles -- After our lunch we will stop to visit Gallipoli, a place of fierce World War 1 fighting between Allied forces and the Turks. At ANZAC Cove thousands lost their lives in one fateful dawn morning. We will also see other famous battle sites of World War 1 in this area, such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. From here we go to a ferry and cross the Dardanelle. For World War 1 buffs, you will know the Dardanelle Straits were a strategic crossing point for the allied armies to cross from Europe to Asia Minor.
*Canakkale will be our final destination for today and where we will spend the evening. After dinner, you might want to stroll the harbor walk and experience the local culture. Overnight in CANAKKALE.

- Thursday - Day 5 - Canakkale to Kusadasi - (B/L/D)
We continue our scenic drive along the Aegean, stopping for photo opportunities and perhaps to indulge the taste buds at one of the many farmer road side stands that sell olives, figs, seasonal fruit and pistachios. We then will head east towards our first site of the day.
Sites you'll see today
*Troy --is the ancient site written about by Homer in the Iliad. It dates back as far as 3000 BC and has been the site of nine different cities through the thousands of years it has existed. As you enter the site a large wooden Trojan horse dominates your view. You will definitely want to climb up and get your picture taken!
After lunch you will depart from Canakkale, driving along the Aegean Sea down to Kusadasi, evening arrival in Kusadasi, Check in the hotel, Overnight stay.

- Friday - Day 6 Kusadasi - (B/L/D)
We will visit Turkey's most impressive Roman and Biblical site today, in what may well be one of your most memorable days in Turkey. We will also visit other significant sites of the area.
Sites you'll see today
*Ephesus is one of the best preserved cities from Roman times. At the time St. Paul lived in Ephesus in the 60's AD, it was at it's Roman heyday with a population around 250,000. Ephesus was a great ancient city and much of it has been preserved for you to see. More than any other site, you can walk the streets, stand in the great theatre, wander in the library, see the ancient Roman toilets and baths, and feel that you are walking back into ancient history.
* Temple of Artemis Artemis was a Greek goddess, the virginal huntress and twin of Apollo, who supplanted the Titan Selene as goddess of the Moon.
*The House of The Virgin Mary is where it is believed St. Mary came to live with St. John in the last years of her life. After the tour we will return to Kusadasi where we will spend the night.

- Saturday - Day 7 - Kusadasi to Pamukkale - (B/L/D)
After breakfast we will depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale, upon arrival we will continue on the guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
*Pammukale means cotton castle in Turkish. It is the result of limestone formations built over thousands of years. Warm calcium rich mineral water flowed over the cliffs and as it cooled it deposited the calcium into the formations that are seen today. Pammukale is now a world heritage site.
*Hierapolis was founded as a healing care center in 190 BC, taking advantage of the mineral
waters in the area. It was one of the most important intellectual, artistic, religious and commercial centers of the Roman Empire. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

Sunday - Day 8 - Pamukkale to Marmaris - (B/D)
After breakfast we will provide a transfer to Marmaris, After arrival you will check into your gulet ( Traditional Turkish Boat, Click here to see the picture of the boat)
you will meet the Captain, crew and ship mates, and spend the night in Marmaris
Monday - Day 9 - (B/L/D) - Marmaris to Paradise Island
After breakfast we will depart from Marmaris, and will be on to our first stop to Paradise island and you will relax, swim, snorkel, sun bath, party, we will spend the night on a nice bay along the paradise island. Overnight stay in Paradise Island

- Tuesday - Day 10 - Paradise Island to Ekincik Bay - (B/L/D)
In the morning we will depart for Ekincik Bay and after arrival ( you can take an optional tour to Dalyan and CaunosWith this day tour you will explore the rock tombs, Caunos ancient site with with its amphitheater, acropolis and the tombs. Lunch will be provided in an authentic river side restaurant then you will see the famous mud baths,( why not to jump in and get more beautiful ) and then you will see the world famous turtle beach with its white sands, where Caretta Caretta Turtles still lay their eggs, after the tour you will be transferred back to the Gulet. and spend the at Ekincik Bay.

- Wednesday - Day 11 Ekincik Bay to Fethiye - (B)
After breakfast we will be on our way to our final destination Fethiye ( after arrival in Fethiye harbor, you will say good bye to Shipmates and Crew, then we will provide you to your hotel which is located in Oludeniz Town, After check into your hotel, then you will have a free afternoon to relax and explore Fethiye town on your own.

- Thursday - Day 12 - Fethiye to Kas - (B)
After breakfast we will provide a transfer to Kas Town, After arrival you will check into your hotel and have a free day to relax and explore KAS village on your own.
Overnight stay in KAS.

- Friday - Day 13 - Kas to Antalya - (B)
After breakfast we will provide a transfer from Kas to Antalya, After arrival you will check into your hotel and have a free day to relax and explore Antalya’s old part.
Overnight stay in Antalya.

Saturday - Day 14 - Antalya (B/L)
After breakfast we will take you on a guided tour to Termessos and Karain Cave
Termessos : Termessos was a Pisidian city built at a height of 1050 meters in the Taurus Mountain. Termessos constitutes an unusual synthesis of a large number of rare plants and animal species, which are under protection in the Termessos National Park.
Termesos is one of the best preserved of the ancient cities of Turkey. It lies 30 kilometers to the north-west of Antalya. It was founded on a natural platform on top of Güllük Dağı, soaring to a height of 1.665 metres from among the surrounding travertine mountains of Antalya, which average only 200 meters above sea level.
Karain Cave : Karain Cave is located in the foothills of the Katran Mountains in the Village Yagca, some 30 km from Antalya in southwest Turkey. The large cave site contains several interconnected chambers (A-G), including the well-known Karain E chamber which contains a long sequence from Lower to Upper Paleolithic as well as yielding human remains dating to 100-130.000 and 200-300.000 years B.P. The Neanderthal remains obtained from the site gains its significance and makes it unique in prehistory of Turkey since those are the oldest hominid fossils of Turkey up to date. Overnight stay in Antalya.

- Sunday - Day 15 - Antalya to Cappadocia - (B/L)
After breakfast we will depart from Antalya and drive to Cappadocia, on the way we will stop and visit Mevlana Museum in Konya.
*Mevlana Museum is a holy site for Muslims because it is the former lodging place for the whirling dervishes. The architecture and turquoise tiles are a beautiful site for all.
( Note today is not a guided tour, you explore these site on your own.)
In the afternoon we will provide a transfer to Cappadocia, after arrival you will check in the hotel & have a free day to relax and explore Cappadocia on your own. Overnight stay in URGUP Cappadocia.

- Monday - Day 16 - Cappadocia - (B/L)
Today will be spent walking through an underground city where ancient people once fled for their lives escaping the Arab invaders, wandering through Ihlara Gorge and spending time in an Anatolian village. As we will need to drive for awhile in order to reach our first destination, we will be starting out quite early this morning.
Sites you'll see today
*Underground City of Derinkuyu--You will gradually stroll your way down into the depths of the earth in this ancient underground city that has 18-20 floors as deep as 40 meters below the ground. Don't worry, you will only go down to the 8th floor. Cappadocia has around 36 underground cities. Archeologists date these back to the time of the Hittites which lived 4000 years ago.
*Ihlara Gorge will seem like an oasis in the middle of the Anatolian plain. Delve into the gorge and see the beautiful greenery as you follow the river. Around you will see ancient monasteries complete with pigeon holes cut into the cliffs by the monks. They used these pigeons as messengers to communicate with their monk friends!
*Traditional Anatolian villages--The head-scarved women out at work in the fields from sun up until sun-down, and the mustached, vest-wearing men hard at work playing cards in the coffee shops. You will get time to stroll in such a village and see the average Turkish villager at work...or play. Overnight in URGUP - Cappadocia -

- Tuesday - Day 17 - Cappadocia - (B/L)
This day will be spent exploring the amazing sites of Cappadocia. (For those who have bought optional hot air ballooning tour of Cappadocia ) Very, very early in the morning we will wake up to take a hot air balloon ride over the area. After this we will come back to the hotel for breakfast and a rest before setting out in late morning to see the rest of the sites.
Sites you'll see today
*The World Heritage Site of Goreme Open-Air Museum --This is a cluster of rock cut Byzantine churches, chapels and monasteries which include some wonderful 11th and 12th century frescoes on the cave walls.
*Fairy Chimneys--These geological phenomenon have been shaped over millions of years. They were formed during volcanic eruptions in the region. Reaching at times 40 meters in height, they are conical in shape and have a "hat" top to them.
*Devrent Valley--This valley is know as "the pink valley" because of the color of it's soil. This is a lovely place to wander around and look at the magical rock formations indicative to Cappadocia, including the Fairy Chimneys.
*Uchisar Castle--Also called a fortress, this is actually a formation of two gigantic rocks surrounded by smaller rocks that together form a natural fortress with towers. These formations were inhabited during both the Byzantine and Ottoman times.
*We will also get the chance to visit local craftspeople and learn how they make dolls and create traditional pottery. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

- Wednesday - Day 18 - (B/D) - Cappadocia
After breakfast you will have full free day to relax and explore Cappadocia on your own, ( you can also take an optional tour to nearest villages of Cappadocia.)
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

- Thursday - Day 19 - (B/L/D) - Cappadocia to Nemrut
After breakfast we will depart from Cappadocia, drive further east to Nemrut, after couple stops at unique places then we will have our lunch at a traditional restaurant, then on the way we will stop to and taste world’s number one Maras ice cream, by early evening we will arrive in Kahta where we will spend the night. Overnight stay in Adiyaman.

- Friday - Day 20 - (B/L/D) - Nemrut to Urfa
Very early in the morning we will start our day climbing up to the Nemrut Mountain, after parking our vehicle then we will hike up to the Nemrut Mountain, as the sun appears through
Ancient Statues and Heads of the Kings and Gods. We will have free time to explore this extra ordinary sites and take pictures.
We will drive down to Kahta and sites we will visit
Ruin of Arsemia, Cendere Bridge, Royal Tomb of Karakus :
Then we will depart from Adiyaman to Urfa and visit Ataturk Dam, after arrival we will visit Abrahams Cave and the Pools with holly fish swimming in it.
After lunch time we will have free time to relax or explore
Urfa’s Oriental Grand Bazaar. Overnight stay in Urfa.

- Saturday - Day 21 - (B) Urfa to Istanbul
After breakfast we will provide a transfer to Urfa airport ans put you on a 1 hour 30 minute flight back to Istanbul. After arrival we will transfer to your hotel and after check in, we can always give you a lift to Grand Bazaar so you can do your last minute shopping. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

- Sunday - Day 22 - Istanbul to Home - (B)
Gule, Gule! It is time to go home. We will transfer you to the airport and wish you well, asking that you keep Turkey and all of us in your hearts, and hoping that our paths cross again in this life!

Total cost: 2185 Euro per person in a double room & 2585 Euro in a single room.

Price includes
* All of the hotels ( Each of them individually chosen )
* All of the land transfers with comfortable vehicles
* All of the meal mentioned in the itinerary ( B-breakfast, L-lunch & D-dinner )
* Professional English speaking tour guides
* Domestic flight tickets from Urfa to Istanbul
* All of the TAX and service charges

Excludes
* International flight tickets to Istanbul
* Drinks with meals
* Hot Air Balloon ride on Cappadocia ( 15 percent discount if booked with this tour )