14 Days: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy, Pergamum, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Sirince, Pamakkale, Fethiye, Saklikent Gorge, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Safranbolu

Tour overview:

This comprehensive tour of western and central Turkey covers most places a visitor would want to see. Starting in that world city situated on two continents, Istanbul was until May 1453 Constantinople, the capital of East Rome for a thousand years. From here travel down into Minor Asia with its historical places going back to Greek antiquity. Return by way of the southern Turkish coast and central Turkey with its capital Ankara to Istanbul.

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Day 1 – Arrive Istanbul

Upon your arrival, you will be met by our representative before transfer to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

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Day 2 – Istanbul – City Sightseeing

Full day guided tour to Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia, Blue Mosque and Spice Market. (B)

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Day 3 – Istanbul / Gallipoli / Canakkale

Today we drive to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine and 57th Regiment Memorial. Then cross the Dardanelles from the Eurpean side into Asia. Continue to Canakkale. BD)

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Day 4 – Canakkale / Troy / Pergamum / Kusadasi

Drive to legendary Troy; the site where the legendary Trojan War took place, crossing the mountain Ida and arrive in Pergamum. Then continue to Kusadasi. (BD)

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Day 5 – Kusadasi – Ephesus & Sirince

A short drive to visit Ephesus, we will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets and leather. Lunch in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. We continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. You may be able to do shopping and taste delicious wines of the village. (BLD)

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Day 6 – Kusadasi / Hierapolis / Pamukkale

Morning drive through the meandering plain and cotton farms and then arrive to Pamukkale. Time to enjoy the beauty of the lime cascades and also visit ancient Hierapolis. (BD)

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Day 7 – Pamukkale / Koycegiz / Fethiye

This morning we drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz. Here we take a boat cruise to turtle beach and cover ourselves in mud at the local mudbath. Afternoon continue to Fethiye. (BD)

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Day 8 – Fethiye – Kayakoy Greek Village & Oludeniz

Morning explore the quaint Greek Village of Kayakoy. Afternoon we visit Oludeniz with the opportunity to swim. (B)

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Day 9 – Fethiye / Saklikent Gorge / Antalya

Today we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon. After tracking along the canyon we will continue to Antalya crossing the Tauros Mountains and, upon arrival, visit Duden Waterfall. (BD)

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Day 10 – Antalya / Aspendos / Konya / Cappadocia

Early departure for Konya, enroute stop by Aspendos’ ancient Theater. Upon arrival to Konya, we tour the monastery of the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes. Then have an afternoon drive to Cappadocia via Seljukian Caracanserai – a fine example of the ancient Silk Road. (BD)

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Day 11 – Cappadocia

Early in the morning an optional balloon tour is available. After breakfast full day excursion in Cappadocia including visits to the Kaymakli Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme and natural fortress in Uchisar. Lunch in a cave restaurant to taste the famous pottery Kebap. An optional and fun Turkish folklore evening with dinner is available tonight. (BL)

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Day 12 – Capppadocia / Ankara / Safranbolu

Morning departure for Safranbolu. On the way stop by Ankara and visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum in Ankara. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. We continue our drive to Safranbolu, a UNESCO world heritage town which is considered an open air museum. Tonight we stay at an old Ottoman mansion. (BD)

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Day 13 – Safranbolu / Istanbul

Morning visit of the old town of Safranbolu where you can taste a fine sample of Turkish delights, then continue to drive to Istanbul. Afternoon visit Grand Bazaar. (B)

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Day 14 – Depart Istanbul

Transfer to airport for your departure flight. (B)

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