Inland Experience tour of Turkey

Transfer from Marmaris to Fethiye and overnight at Atapark Hotel. (D)

In the morning visit the ‘ghost’ village of Kayakoy, which until 1923 was still inhabited by Greek speaking Christians. Now it stands as a museum village with hundreds of rundown but still mostly intact Greek-style houses and churches which cover a small mountainside. In the afternoon drive to Oludeniz Beach to swim. Oludeniz remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Oludeniz, on a blue lagoon. The beach itself is a pebble beach and is a national nature reserve. Return to Fethiye for overnight at Marina Boutique Hotel. (B)

Today, visit Saklikent Gorge. Translated to ‘Hidden City’, some parts of the canyon are only visible from the inside. Take advantage of the free time to explore and hike the canyon. Continue driving to Antalya for dinner and overnight at BW Khan Hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart the hotel for the drive north. Visit Aspendos and view the ancient Theatre, which is known as the bestpreserved theatre of antiquity and once hosted performances for the populace. Continue the drive to Konya and visit the Monastery of Mevlana Whirling Dervishes to learn the history of the dance. In the afternoon drive to Cappadocia via the Seljuk Caravanserai – the Ancient Turkish form of a motor inn. Overnight at Crown Plaza Nevsehir Hotel. (B, D)

Full day tour of Cappadocia visiting some of the best sites of the region. Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, which resembles a vast monastic complex composed of scores of refectory monasteries placed side-byside, each with its own fantastic church. Hear the stories of how the early Christians hid from the raiding Muslim parties. Continue on to the Kaymakli Underground City and be amazed at the sheer skill and determination of the past citizens as you view the houses of the village which are constructed around the one hundred tunnels of the underground city. Finish the day with a visit to the Natural Fortress at Uchisar. Optional Dinner and Turkish Folklore evening for those after a little bit of culture. (B)

Optional sunrise balloon ride over the magnificent Fairy Chimneys of the region. Return to the hotel for breakfast before departing the hotel for the drive to the capital of Istanbul – Ankara. Upon arrival visit the Mausoleum of the founder of modern day Turkey, Ataturk. Finish the visit with a short tour of the Museum before driving north to the World Heritage Listed town of Safranbolu. Overnight in Cinci Hani or Imren Lokum Kongı Hotel. (B, D)

Morning city tour of Safranbolu. Taste the fine examples of Turkish Delight and discover the examples of Ottoman architecture throughout the old city situated in a deep ravine between the mountains. After the tour, board the coach for the drive to Istanbul. Upon arrival enjoy an afternoon visit to the famed Grand Bazaar to pick up your last minute bargains before departing. Overnight in Istanbul at Kent Hotel. (B)

After breakfast, transfer to Ataturk airport at 9am or 13:00. (B)