Prestigious Turkey Private Tour

Upon arrival at the airport meet a representative, who will assist with the transfer to the Arena Hotel. Located in the Old City section of Istanbul the hotel is an excellent example of a traditional 19th Century Ottoman stone house.

After breakfast at your hotel enjoy a full day private guided tour of Istanbul. This Includes St Sophia, the cathedral built by Emperor Justinian in 537, the Byzantine Hippodrome with its various monuments including a 3500-yearold red granite obelisk brought from Egypt in 390 AD. The Ottoman Empire produced marvellous architecture and during the tour you can see two of its finest works: Topkapi Palace, home of the Sultans, and the famed Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. After all these visits, venture into the labyrinthine Grand Bazaar - one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Transfer back to the Arena Hotel for overnight is included. (B)

Today travel to Gallipoli where the guide will take you through the significant sites of the ANZAC. You may choose to enjoy lunch at Maydos restaurant overlooking Canakkale Harbour. Afterwards continue on to Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine and 57th Regiment Memorial. From there cross the Dardanelles, a narrow strait connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Overnight stay at Nazlihan boutique Hotel in Assos. Nazlihan Boutique Hotel, with a magnificent location on antique seaport. (B, D)

Drive to legendary Troy; a 5000 year old archaeological city. See a reconstruction of the fabled Wooden Horse, which was used in Trojan War, then cross the legendary Mount Ida to Pergamum. Visit the Acropolis of this ancient city, one of Turkey’s oldest civilised settlements, which has been inhabited from prehistoric times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine Civilisations. This area is a fascinating stop for history-loving tourists. It has yielded archaeological treasures whose importance is recognised worldwide. Continue to Kusadasi for overnight stay at Efe Boutique Hotel. Located on the harbour the Efe offers stunning views of the coast of Kusadasi from the modern and stylish interiors. All within walking distance of the city’s centre. (B, D)

In the morning be driven to Ancient city of Ephesus to explore some of the best preserved ancient theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. After lunch climb the hill to visit the House of Mother Mary where she is thought to have spent her last years together with St. John. Return to Kusadasi for overnight stay at the Efe Boutique Hotel. Enjoy a splendid dinner at a fine restaurant overlooking Kusadasi Harbour. (B, D)

After breakfast drive through the meandering plains and cotton farms, before arriving in Pamukkale. Once here enjoy the beauty of lime cascades and visit ancient Hierapolis – which has the biggest Necropolis (with 1200 gravestones) in Turkey. The Sacred Pool is also one of the highlights of the site. There shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient Roman ruins that lie beneath. Afterwards return to your hotel to relax in the hot spring pool. Continue on to Marmaris for overnight at the Orsmaris Boutique. Dinner at the hotel’s restaurant included. (B, D)

In the morning drive to the beautiful lakeside town of Koycegiz. On arrival board a boat cruise to the beautiful Turtle Beach (Iztuzu Beach) and smoother yourself in the rejuvenating mud of the mudbaths. Afterwards transfer back to the Marina Boutique Hotel to spend the night. Just five minutes from downtown Fethiye the hotel has a contemporary minimalist design encased in Mediterranean architecture. In the evening enjoy an authentic Turkish food at a restaurant in beautiful Fethiye. (B, D)

After breakfast explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. This ghost town is now preserved as a museum village, and consists of hundreds of rundown but still mostly intact Greek-style houses and churches which cover a small mountainside. In the afternoon visit Oludeniz. Take the opportunity to swim and then drive back to the Marina Boutique Hotel for overnight in Fethiye. (B, D)

Today visit the stunning, beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon. After tracking along the canyon, continue to Antalya crossing the Taurus mountains. Upon arrival visit the amazing Duden Waterfall. Overnight and dinner at the Mediterra Art Hotel in Antalya. The hotel is formed by three buildings and has been renovated to reflect the Ottoman architecture including ancient fireplaces and handmade doors and wardrobes. (B, D)

Early departure for Konya. On the way stop at the Aspendos Ancient Theatre. On arrival in Konya tour the monastery of the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes. In the afternoon drive to Cappadocia via Seljuk – a fine example of an ancient Silk Road Inn. Overnight and dinner in Cappadocia at the Gamirasu Cave Hotel. Gamirasu is an exquisitely restored small troglodyte cave house. The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences like swimming pool and restaurant without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Gamirasu has been featured on Channel 9’s Getaway Program. (B, D)

After breakfast enjoy a full day exploring Cappadocia including visits to the Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, Open Air Museum in Goreme to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century) and natural fortress in Uchisar. Tonight have dinner at a unique cave restaurant. Overnight stay in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Very early morning optional hot air balloon tour. After breakfast depart for Safranbolu. On the way stop by Ankara to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the Museum in Ankara. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Afterwards continue to Safranbolu, the UNESCO World Heritage Town considered to be an open air museum. Overnight at the Imren Lokum Konak Boutique Hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast visit the old town of Safranbolu where you can test the fine sample of Turkish delights then continue to drive to Istanbul to check in at the Arena Hotel. Afternoon at leisure, our local guide will recommend unique places to visit or shopping options. (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport. (B)