ITINERARY
DAY 1. (Sunday) ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul Atatürk
airport where your guide will meet you and assist you with your transfer
to hotel. After checking in and freshening up, we highly recommend that
you take a good rest, both because of the jet lag and also because you
will be starting on your wonderful trip of Turkey early the following
morning. In the evening, have dinner at a traditional restaurant in the
Kumkapi district, accompanied by gipsy music.
Overnight Istanbul.
DAY 2. (Monday) CAPPADOCIA
Today a morning flight from
Istanbul will bring us to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be transferred
to your hotel in Cappadocia. After check-in we will visit the Göreme
open Air Museum and the troglodyte village of Cavusin as well
as the Pasabagi Fairy Chimneys, and visit the village of
Avanos, famous for its pottery artisans. Visit Ortahisar, a
typical Cappadocian village and enjoy a panoramic view over the
Cappadocian lunar landscape from the Rose Valley.
Overnight Cappadocia.
DAY 3. (Tuesday) CAPPADOCIA
A full day traveling through
the Pancarlik Valley to visit the cultural sites of Cappadocia
Visit the village of Mustafa pasha (Sinasos), renowned for its
excellent Ottoman and Greek architecture. We continue to Taskinpasa
Caravanserai, and Sahnefendi before arriving at the remote village of
Guzeloz with its many Byzantine period rock tombs enjoy a leisurely hike
through exploring the Armenian style churches and monastery ruins. We
continue to the Soganli Valley also known as the ‘Valley of Dolls’.
Also pay a visit to the fascinating multilevel underground city of
Kaymakli, an absolute highlight of the region.
Overnight Cappadocia.
DAY 4. (Wednesday) NEMRUT DAGI
Depart Cappadocia,
stopping to view the Karatay caravanserai with it’s fine example
of high Seljuk art. Cross the scenic Taurus Mountains and
continue the journey along the plains of Mesopotamia. Make a stop
in Kahramanmaras to sample the authentic Maras beaten ice cream
before continuing to Nemrut Dagi.
Overnight Nemrut
mountain hotel.
DAY 5. (Thursday) SANLIURFA
Early morning departure for
the spectacular sunrise over the stone heads and god statues of the pre
Roman king Antiochus. Continue to a 14th Century castle at Eski Kale and
a magnificent 3rd Century Roman bridge. Pass through the plains of
Mesopotamia and the giant Ataturk Dam that tames the Euphrates
River and enter the biblical town of Sanliurfa.
Overnight Sanliurfa.
DAY 6. (Friday) SANLIURFA
Travel in the morning to the beehive houses of Harran; reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited community in the world. Return to Sanliurfa and explore the fascinating sites of this Old Testament town, the Sacred Carp Pools of Abraham, his birth cave and then the exquisite mosque complex, the fortress and the most traditional covered bazaar. Afternoon is free to explore Sanliurfa at leisure.Overnight Sanliurfa.
DAY 7. (Saturday) ANTAKYA
Follow ancient historic trade routes to the Ottoman City of Gaziantep. Visit the Emperor Justinian citadel and walk amongst the bustling neighborhoods featuring local traditional old wooden houses. Continue along the ancient silk route to Antakya or Antioch of Biblical times. Overnight Antakya.
DAY 8. (Sunday) ANTAKYA
Antakya is believed to be the place where the word "Christian" was first pronounced by St. Peter in the famous cave church. This town is now a rich blend of Arabic and Turkish cultures. Visit the Mosaic Museum, reputed to house the finest collection of Roman Mosaics in the world. Then continue to the coastal ruins of Seleucra and Piera, once the holiday retreat of Roman Emperors. Overnight Antakya.
DAY 9. (Monday) ADANA
A leisurely drive to
Iskenderun, named after Alexander the Great, before traveling on to
Adana. Visit the magnificent Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Caravansary and
"Fortress of the Genies" before entering the less known
Karatepe National Park. Once the summer retreat of Hittite Kings,
the extant ruins date from the 13th Century BC. Continue to the ancient
Roman capital of Anazarbus, a magnificent Roman hilltop fortress
city.
Overnight Adana.
DAY 10. (Tuesday) ADANA - ISTANBUL
Early morning transfer to
Adana airport for the flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we
get aboard a private boat for a cruise up the strait of Bosphorus,
passing half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside
villas) and shore villages. Disembark at Sariyer for lunch at a seaside
restaurant. Then drive south, and stop to visit the Castle of Rumeli
Hisar and the sumptuous imperial Dolmabahce Palace.
Overnight Istanbul.
DAY 11. (Wednesday) ISTANBUL
Start your day by visiting the
magnificent Haghia Sophia, and then continue to the marvelous
Topkapi Palace, that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans
between the 16th and 19th centuries. Optional visits: to the Treasury,
where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections
of jewelry, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans, as well as
to the Harem quarters, which is an absolute highlight. Have lunch
in one of the special traditional restaurants in Topkapi. Then we
continue to visit the famous Blue Mosque, the Byzantine
Hippodrome and the incredible Underground Cistern. Rest of
the day is at leisure.
Overnight Istanbul.
DAY 12. (Thursday) ISTANBUL
Today, accompanied by your escorting guide you explore the Grand
Bazaar (Kapal?carsi), the world's oldest "shopping mall", to look
for treasures in its 4000 shops and then dive into the colorful sights,
vibrant sounds and intriguing scents of the Egyptian Market (Spice
Bazaar). Return to your hotel and in the evening, enjoy a traditional
farewell dinner.
Overnight Istanbul.
DAY 13. (Friday) ISTANBUL
Free morning for last minute shopping; time permitting, before transfer to Istanbul airport for ongoing destinations.