Jewels of Turkey Tour - Special Category

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to your Hotel. Rest of day at your own leisure. Overnight at Hilton Doubletree Piyalepasa.

Full day guides tour of most fascinating sites of Istanbul. First stop is Topkapi Palace, a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments of the Ottoman Sultans, then admire the famous Hagia Sophia from outside. Visit  the Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Known to many as the Blue Mosque,this practicing mosque gains its nickname from the thousands of blue tiles which adorn the interior. Afternoon visit to Spice Bazaar.  Overnight at Hilton Doubletree Piyalepasa. (B)

Morning drive south to the Gallipoli peninsula with the Aegean Sea to the west and the Dardanelles straits to the east. Visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, and Lone Pine before crossing the Dardanelles by car ferry to Canakkale. Dinner and overnight at Kolin Hotel. (B, D)

This morning continue south to the legendary site of Troy, now known to all as the location where the Trojan War took place. Walk the same streets where the Hero Hector once strode. After crossing Mount Ida arrive to Pergamum. Explore this ancient city perched atop a high acropolis. See the ruined temples and amphitheatre before getting back onto the coach for the drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi at brand new hotel Elite World Kusadasi or similar. (B, D)

After breakfast visit Ephesus. See the colonnaded streets, temples, tombs and even toilets. Continue on to the marvellous village of Sirinice where we will be able to do shopping and taste delicious wines. Return to Kusadasi for an overnight stay at Elite World Hotel  Kusadasi or similar. (B, D)

This morning drive through the lush plains and cotton farms to Pamukkale. Enjoy some free time at the lime cascades and discover the histories behind the ancient spa retreat of Hierapolis. Perhaps experience some of the delights the ancients felt while swimming in Cleopatra’s pool. Dinner and overnight at Pamukkale at Adem Pira Hotel or similar. (B, D)

Drive to the lakeside town Koycegiz, where we take a boat cruise to Turtle Beach and enjoy some pampering at the local mudbath. Continue to Fethiye for overnight at Marina Boutique Hotel. (B, D)

Visit the Greek Village of Kayakoy. Once a thriving Greek town with over 1000 houses, two churches, 14 chapels and two schools, deserted when the 25,000 Greeks were repatriated to Greece. Explore the ghost town before driving on to Oludeniz for opportunity see the famed Blue Lagoon. Enjoy swimming in the crystal clear waters or sunbathing on the golden sandy beach. Return to Fethiye for overnight at Marina Boutique Hotel or similar. (B)

Today we will drive to Antalya , walk in the  Old Town  see the Hadrian gate  and also visit Duden Waterfalls in Lara. Overnight Antalya.  (B)

After breakfast departure to Konya, stopping enroute at Aspendos and view its majestic theatre. Upon arrival in Konya, tour the monastery of the Mevlana and his Whirling Dervishes. Visit the museum and learn the history behind this unusual dance and religion. Afternoon drive to Cappadocia via Seljuk a fine example of an ancient Silk Road. Overnight and dinner in Crown Plaza Nevsehir or similar. (B, D)

Full day touring the unique region of Cappadocia known for its landscapes and Fairy Chimneys. First stop is to the Kaymakli underground city. One of the largest underground settlements, the tunnels and rooms are still used today for storage, cellars and stables. Continue on to the Open Air Museum at Goreme, a reminder of the Christians who once used the natural landscape to hide from the raiding Muslim parties. Finish the day with a visit to the natural fortress in Uchisar. Optional Turkish Folklore evening with dinner. (B)

Optional morning balloon ride to enjoy watching the sun rise from the air over the fantastic scenery below. After breakfast at the hotel, depart for Safranbolu via the capital of Turkey. Upon arrival in Ankara, visit the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic of Turkey, Ataturk. Visit the museum detailing specific events of Turkey’s history. Continue on to the city named after Saffron, Safranbolu, which is still produced today, nearby. Dinner and overnight at a special category traditional hotel - Imren Lokum Kongı. (B, D)

Today enjoy a morning tour of the interesting UNESCO World Heritage Listed village of Safranbolu. Be sure to taste some of its famed Turkish Delight before the drive back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, enjoy an afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul at the Kent Hotel located in Old town. (B)

Breakfast at hotel and transfer to Ataturk airport. (B)