THE BEST OF TURKEY (GEO 05)
Istanbul / Ankara / Cappadocia / Pamukkale / Kusadasi / Izmir
(7 Nights / 8 Days)
01/04/2007-31/10/2007
!!! DEPARTURES ON FRIDAYS AND SUNDAYS !!!
!!! PLEASE CHECK THE AVAILIBILTY IN ADVANCE !!!
FRIDAY or SUNDAY : ISTANBUL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in is depending on availibility. After a short rest departure for Bosphorus Cruise and Egyptian Bazaar tour.
SATURDAY or MONDAY : ISTANBUL - (B,L)
In the morning after breakfast, join the tour to visit Topkapi Palace, St Sophia, Suleymaniye Mosque, built in the 16th century by Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect of all times, the Byzantine Hippodrome, and Blue Mosque, which has six minarets and a middle dome of 109 feet. Finally the Grand Covered Bazaar, which covers over 4,000 shops under one roof.
SUNDAY or TUESDAY : ISTANBUL/ ANKARA / CAPPADOCIA - (B,L,D)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for early flight to Ankara. The capital of Turkey and one of the fastest growing cities in the world with a history that can be dated back 3000 years. Upon arrival visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, which also exhibits the remains of Catalhoyuk, the Neolithic village dating back to 6500 BC. Then visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ankara, destination is the mysterious Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Cappadocia.
MONDAY or WEDNESDAY : CAPPADOCIA - (B,L,D)
Sightseeing in this unique corner of the world. Visit to Pasabag Valley and the natural citadel of Uchisar, followed by Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is full of pink, rose and white tapering columns. These tall free standing cones of stone curve and twist as if pulled from earth like taffy. Others are tall like fairy chimneys. The caves were settled in the 4th century as monasteries. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches Kaymakli Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with the last one 250 feet underground. It is connected to Derinkuyu Underground city by six miles of tunnel. Lunch at a typical restaurant of the region and visit Avanos Village. Time for shopping. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
TUESDAY or THURSDAY : CAPPADOCIA / KONYA / PAMUKKALE - (B,L,D)
Transfer to Konya. On the way to Konya, visit 13th century Selcuk caravanserai "Sultanhan". Visit the tomb of Mevlana, the great mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader, who founded the sect of ''Whirling Dervishes''. After lunch continue to Pamukkale, the cotton fortress, which rises above the fertile Menderes Valley. Hot mineral waters burst from the earth and cascade over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters here were known to founders of the cure city of Hierapolis in 190 BC.
WEDNESDAY or FRIDAY : PAMUKKALE / KUSADASI - (B,L,D)
Stroll through the ruins of ancient Hierapolis, the Roman city, and transfer to Kusadası. En route lunch at a local restaurant and visit Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite. Dinner and overnight.
THURSDAY or SATURDAY : KUSADASI / IZMIR - (B,L,D)
Visit the ruins of Ephesus, which played a major role in the development of architecture, religions, governmental and economic systems and arts. The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of ancient world and centre of pagan religion for 15 centuries. Here Marc Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession, St. Paul preached in the Great Theatre and in a little house outside the city the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Transfer to Izmir. Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
FRIDAY or SUNDAY : IZMIR / ISTANBUL / INDIA - (B)
After breakfast free till transfer to airport to catch the flight to India via Istanbul.
The Hotels
Istanbul Euro Plaza Hotel or similar 4* www.europlazahotel.com
Cappadocia Dinler Hotel or similar 4* www.dinler.com
Pamukkale Lycus River or similar 4* www.lycusriver.com
Kusadasi Pine Bay Marina or similar 4* www.pinebay.com
Izmir Aksan Hotel or similar 4* www.aksanotel.com.tr
Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation at the mentioned hotels
- 7 breakfasts
- 5 dinners
- 6 lunches
- Return airport transfers on SIC basis
- SIC basis tours throughout as per itinerary
- Entrances
- Tip and portrage at hotel and restaurant
Exclusions
- Flights
- Drinks at meals
- Personal expenses such as phonecalls, minibar, laundry etc.
- Tip to driver and the guide
Important notes
- The rates may vary during the International events such as Formula 1, congresses etc
- Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday
- Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Bazaar are closed on Sunday
- St Sophia is closed on Monday
- Veg and Non Veg clients will be accommodated at meals during full day tours
- The domestic flights suggested :
Istanbul - Ankara latest at 08:00 |
Itineraries:
