Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul:
Our trip starts today in Istanbul - a trove of treasures waiting to be discovered. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Istanbul Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town. Our hotel is located within walking distance of all the main sights, so if arriving early there is time to soak up the atmosphere and explore on foot. There are no formal activities planned for today, so you may arrive at any time. This evening we meet our tour leader and fellow travel companions. We can then join our tour leader for an introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street side cafe (optional).
Day 2 - Çanakkale (Gallipoli):
Today we drive to the small town of Çanakkale. The afternoon is free for you to visit the Anzac war memorials at Gallipoli or the site ancient Troy. A half-day tour to Gallipoli cost about 60 YTL. Gallipoli is the site of one of the most brutal campaigns of World War I and the Gallipoli Peninsula is now a national park which preserves the monuments to the fallen. Of significant historical and cultural importance to Turks, New Zealanders and Australians alike (ANZAC stands for Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), the park is located at the entrance to the Dardanelles on the Aegean Sea. It was the Allied forces’ intention to take the peninsula and thus have access to Istanbul and the Black Sea towns of their ally, Russia. However, it actually became the final resting place of many an Allied hope as well as some 700,000 soldiers. The reality of the war becomes apparent after a visit to the Gallipoli Museum and Anzac Cove. With memorabilia and copies of letters sent to families, the museum is a poignant place of reflection. Afterwards, a visit to the sheer cliffs of Anzac Cove gives an indication as to the insurmountable task the Allied forces had been set. (Approx 6 hrs driving)
Day 3 - Selcuk:
In the morning there is the chance to join an optional half-day guided tour of Troy (60 YTL). Troy may not look like much at first, but going there with a guide, the legend appears before our eyes. It is possible to see a wooden horse, but sadly it is actually only 20-30 years old. We also get to learn about the archaeological intelligence of the Anatolians and the cleverness of the Greeks. We then travel to the pretty town of Selcuk with its rich history and beautiful setting. The closest town to the ancient provincial Roman capital of Ephesus, Selcuk is a cosy town with several attractive pedestrian streets in the shadow of an impressive Ottoman castle. Selcuk's laid back atmosphere and friendly restaurateurs and salesmen will immediately make us feel at home. (Approx 8 hrs driving)
Day 4 - Selcuk - Ephesus:
A full free day to visit the amazing ruins at Ephesus and to explore the picturesque winding streets of Selcuk. A half-day guided tour of Ephesus cost 50 YTL. Without any doubt, Ephesus is what we will remember most about our time in Selcuk. As one of the best preserved classical cities of the Eastern Mediterranean, a walk through the old city gives us a genuine taste of what life must have been like during the Roman times. The site is remarkably well-preserved and there has also been extensive reconstruction of the more crumbling edifices. The result is very impressive and it is not difficult to believe that this was home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World ! A stroll through the old city finishes at the breathtaking Library of Celsius, which once competed with that of Alexandria for scholarly interest. After a visit of the old capital you may wish to explore the charming village of Sirince, nestled in the hills some seven kilometres away from Selcuk. Formerly a Greek village, Sirince means 'loveliness' and is known for its lace production and also the countless wines produced in the region's many vineyards.
Day 5 - Pamukkale:
A morning drive takes us inland to Pamukkale, which is famous for its calcified falls and the ancient site of Hierapolis. The beautiful calcified formations which spill down the slopes on the edge of this small village are a truly unique phenomenon and have attracted people for thousands of years. The ancient Romans believed the water collected by pools formed along the startlingly white terraces was ideal for bathing and would relieve ailments. The impressive city of Hierapolis was therefore constructed nearby expressly for the purpose of utilising the healing qualities of the springs. Pamukkale today is still somewhat of a spa town, however swimming is restricted to only a few pools. (Approx 4 hrs driving)
Day 6 - Fethiye - overnight boat cruise:
We travel to the town of Fethiye, which is in the heart of some of the most beautiful scenery in southern Turkey and is typical of what you will see along the charming Turquoise Coast. Spread around a large sheltered bay with a backdrop of steep wooded mountains and a small harbour, it is a lovely stop for lunch. We then continue to Gocek, where we board our boat. Imagine spending the rest of our day relaxing as we cruise along the spectacular Turquoise Coast, stopping in secluded bays and pulling alongside some of the small islands that lie scattered off the coast. There is plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling around the rocky shores. There is also the chance to enjoy an evening stroll in one of the bays to have the great views of the bays or just relax with a cool beverage and take in the scenery. Our on-board chef prepares delicious traditional fare and we may even be treated to the catch of the day. (Approx 5-6 hrs driving)
Day 7 - Dalyan:
After breakfast we disembark and drive to Dalyan, known for its hot springs and the nearby conservation area for loggerhead turtles. Dalyan offers so much to the traveller yet manages to retain its easygoing charm. It is an ideal place mid-tour to recharge the batteries and idle away time. We can cake ourselves in hot mud then relax in the hot spring waters or take a boat ride on the slow moving Dalyan River estuary through the reeds to see the rock tombs carved into the sheer hillside at Caunos. (Approx 30 mins driving)
Day 8 - Dalyan:
Today is a day at leisure. Nearby are the picturesque ruins of Caunos, accessible only by boat, or you may prefer to just relax on the beach. A full day boat trip cost 15 YTL (lunch not included).
Day 9 - Olympos:
We drive to Olympos where there is the chance to visit ancient Olympos and Chimera. Olympos lies in a national park area where major development is prohibited – hence the reason we stay in tree houses! One of the highlights of the area is to head to the mysterious site of Chimaera after dark. This optional excursion cost 15 YTL involves a 45 minute minibus ride followed by an easy 15-20 minute walk. Greek mythology tells of the Lycian hero, Bellerophon, who together with his winged horse Pegasus was sent to slay the Chimaera (a fire-breathing part-lion, part-goat and part-snake). Although successful in his mission, what remains to this day is a mysterious phenomenon. Gas seeps from the earth and fuels flames which burst out from within cracks in the bare hillside. The flames can be covered and extinguished, but the air becomes gaseous and without cover the flames will spontaneously reignite. (Approx 5-6 hrs driving)
Day 10 - Antalya - overnight bus:
After leaving Olympos we drive to Antalya, where we have time to explore the old harbour. Antalya has all the right elements to make it one of the most attractive resorts in the country. The pine-covered Taurus Mountains sweep down to the Turquoise Coast and the views of blue sky, steep mountains, a spectacular rocky coastline and glittering blue sea are superb. As the sun sets, it is worth finding a café overlooking the sea and watch as the secluded coves around the town fade to hues of dark green and blue. Later, the old city walls are lit up, lending the scene an aura of timelessness and serenity. In the old quarter of the city we can stroll past the myriad shops and perhaps stop to watch the world go by at one of the many restaurants and cafes. There are also many cultural highlights to visit such as the Yivli Minareli Mosque in the centre of the city, built by the Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat in the 13th century or the attractive late 19th century Iskele Mosque, built of cut stone and set on four pillars over a natural spring near the marina. In the evening we take an overnight bus to Cappadocia. (Approx 9 hours driving)
Day 11 - Cappadocia:
After arriving from our overnight bus journey, we check in at our hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore this spectacular region. Often talked about as the absolute highlight of a visit to Turkey, Cappadocia is one of the most surreal places you will ever see. Here repeated volcanic eruptions around 40-50 million years ago covered the area with layers of a light rock called tufa creating a natural 'lunar-like' landscape. Over time the elements have eroded this surface rock to create unusual valleys and vast rock sculptures or 'fairy chimneys' which have been incorporated into the building of towns, villages and underground settlements. Wandering around Cappadocia, clambering in and out of the buildings and over the rippling tufa deposits you will almost certainly feel like you have just landed on another planet. But however you choose to spend your time here, whether you decide to wander on foot or on horseback, the bizarreness of the rock formations and the amazing blend of nature and man will leave you astounded. Your options include visiting the open-air museums of Zelve and Goreme, the underground cities of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, or take advantage of numerous walking or hiking opportunities all over the area. A minibus can be hired for a full day of sightseeing and the costs shared between those of us joining in. In the evening there will be a chance to have dinner in one of the cave restaurants.
Day 12 - Cappadocia:
We enjoy a full day for further exploration. There is much to see and do in Cappadocia, so this second day in the area will be most welcomed. Those after a bit of action can explore by mountain bike. In the evening there is the opportunity to relax in a Turkish bath (20 YTL), view a folk show (60 YTL) or to see a Whirling Dervish ritual (40 YTL).
Day 13 - Kahta:
Today is a travelling day as we drive across the stunning Eastern Taurus Mountains to Kahta, near Mount Nemrut. (Approx 8 hours driving)
Day 14 - Mount Nemrut - Urfa:
Once upon a time there was an unbelievably egotistical ruler by the name of Antiochus I Commagenes. Although his was a small kingdom wedged between the superpower forces of the Parthians and Romans, he decided to build a monument to his own greatness atop Mount Nemrut. Still evident today, this monument is now the most spectacular sight in south-eastern Turkey as the giant stone heads of Antiochus and an assortment of Hellenistic and Babylonian deities stare out at the dramatic landscape which used to be home to the Commagene Kingdom. Your tour leader will assist you in planning a trip to visit Mount Nemrut although if you're travelling after October, a visit may not be possible due to heavy snowfalls. The excursion to Mount Nemrut to see the massive Commagene stone heads involves an entrance fee of 7 YTL. In the afternoon we drive to Urfa. (Approx 3 hrs driving)
Day 15 - Urfa - Gaziantep:
We take time to visit Urfa, the city of the prophets. Urfa is also known as Sanliurfa or 'Glorious Urfa', so named after the inhabitants successfully defended their city against French invasion after World War I. Home to a diverse community of people, it is common to hear a mixture of Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish and Armenian spoken here. The city is believed to be the birthplace of the prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) and is a sacred place of pilgrimage for Muslims. The legend states that after angering the evil ruler King Nimrod, Ibrahim was thrown from the battlements of the castle into a burning pit. At the last moment God intervened transforming the fire into water and the wood into fish, enabling Ibrahim to land safely. The lake still exists today and is home to thousands of carp which must be the most well-fed fish in the country! But don’t be tempted to try your hand at angling, let alone partake in eating the fish there, as the locals predict you will go blind if you do. Later we continue to Aksaray, via Gaziantep and Kilis, to catch the overnight bus back to Istanbul. Please note that if you would prefer not to use the overnight bus, it is possible to arrange a flight to Istanbul at extra costs. (Approx 5 hrs driving from Urfa to Aksaray)
Day 16 - Istanbul:
Upon arrival in Istanbul, we are transferred to our hotel. Today is a free day to explore this great city. Once the imperial capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, Istanbul is both a city steeped in history and an exciting modern day hub of activity. Always described as a fusion of East and West, it is not difficult to understand why as you walk through narrow alleys flanked by wooden Ottoman houses to emerge in a funky restaurant and bar strip in the downtown area, the call to prayer mingling with modern Turkish pop. Bisected by the Bosphorus, a strategically significant passage of water which links the Black Sea to the Aegean, the city has several distinct divisions. Across the Golden Horn, a watery cul-de-sac which branches off the Bosphorus, is Sultanahmet which boasts some of the city's finest Byzantine and Ottoman monuments. After exploring the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya (Hagia Sophia) Museum and Underground Basilica, you may like to dine on seafood at one of the countless restaurants along the narrow alleys of downtown Taksim. Afterwards why not board a local ferry to observe the beautifully lit sprawl of Istanbul by night and then finish your evening with the timeless wind-down of smoking a 'nargileh' (Ottoman water pipe). But if 'nargileh' doesn't appeal, there is always a glass of apple tea to be drunk at the friendly insistence of the locals.
Day 17 - Istanbul:
Our tour ends after breakfast in Istanbul. Additional accommodation can be booked should you wish to further explore this fascinating city - please inquire at time of booking.