Turkey Touring

CLASSICS OF TURKEY 11 DAYS Day 1: Istanbul Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Stay the next two nights in Istanbul. Day 2: Istanbul (B) The next day, enjoy a guided tour of the city including the Topkapi Palace Museum (once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans), the Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment (extra charge). Day 3: Istanbul to Ankara (BD) This morning depart on an optional tour of the Hagia Sophia – a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. This tour also includes a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait (extra charge). In the afternoon, depart by private vehicle for the capital city of Ankara. Overnight in Ankara. Day 4: Ankara to Cappadocia (BD) Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. Transfer in a private vehicle to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravanserai en route. Pay a visit to the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant and after, enjoy an optional Whirling Dervishes performance (extra charge). Stay the next two nights in Cappadocia. Day 5: Cappadocia (BD) Consider an optional early morning hot air balloon tour (extra charge). After breakfast visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations, which was first settled back in the Roman period. Continue to the towns of Avanos, famous for its earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi, Red Valley and attend a brief regional pottery workshop. Day 6: Cappadocia to Pamukkale (BD) Travel by private vehicle to Pamukkale. En route visit the famous mausoleum of the Sufi philosopher, Mevlana. This tomb is located in the religious town of Konya and belongs to a well known dervish, poet and pioneer of the Islamic mysticism, Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumi. It’s a fascinating structure and also includes a museum. Overnight in Pamukkale. Day 7: Pamukkale to Kusadasi (BD) Visit the unique cotton fortress of Pamukkale and the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Proceed to Kusadasi. If time permits, spend some time getting to know this beach resort town. Its seafront promenade is lined with restaurants and bars and is a great place to kick up your heels or just mingle with the locals. Stay the next two nights in Kusadasi. Day 8: Kusadasi (BD) The next day, tour the famous ruins of Ephesus exploring 2,000 year-old marble streets, a theatre, the Pamukkale

Library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. After this tour, take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage. Continue to a regional rug production centre to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form then join an optional afternoon tour of Sirince (extra charge). Day 9: Kusadasi to Canakkale (BLD) Visit the ancient Medical Center Asclepion in Pergamum and continue to a traditional village for lunch. See Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War. Contrary to popular belief, the archaeological site of Troy comprises several ancient cites. Continue to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale. Day 10: Canakkale to Istanbul (BD) In the morning depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair. During your time here, there will be time for personal reflection as well as time to visit the memorials. After, the tour continues to Istanbul where you will enjoy a farewell dinner with your travel companions. Overnight in Istanbul. Day 11: Istanbul (B) The tour concludes today. You’ll be transferred to the airport.

(B = breakfast, D = dinner)

Gallipoli

Canakkale Troy 1 Istanbul 3

Kusadasi Ephesus 2 Pamukkale 1 Gallipoli

From $ 1801 * ^ per person twin share

11 DAYS | ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL TRAVEL TYPE: Extended coach touring DEPARTS: Selected dates (10 Jan – 31 Oct 20)

HIGHLIGHTS • Appreciate the art of cave architecture in Cappadocia • Admire the UNESCO Listed Site of Pamukkale • Pay respects to the fallen at Anzac Cove • Spend the day exploring the historical centre of Istanbul, including the iconic Grand Bazaar • Step back to the 4th century with a visit to the amazing city of Ephesus • Learn the intricate art of carpet making

INCLUDES • 10 nights 4 and 5 star accommodation • Meals as specified • Tours as per itinerary • Admission to attractions as per itinerary • Expert guide and driver • Air-conditioned vehicle • Return transfers from Istanbul Airport ^ Price valid 10 Jan – 20 Mar 20.

Ankara 1

•Konya Cappadocia 2

ISTANBUL Exploring historic Istanbul is like stepping into the past. The neighbourhood of Sultanahmet is brimming with landmarks such as the magnificent Blue Mosque and the Haiga Sophia. Shoppers won’t want to miss a day at the Grand Bazaar which features a host of Turkish handicrafts. Spend a few hours cruising the Bosporus Strait which offers unique views of the city. After exploring the city, settle into one of Istanbul’s many eateries or hit the thriving night scene.

SEE • Admire the inside of the Hagia Sophia, once a mosque and now a museum • Visit the famous Blue Mosque in the historic section of the city

DO • Haggle for a Turkish carpet or kilim at one of the many shops in the city

EAT & DRINK • Try Fuego Café & Restaurant in Sultanahmet, serving Turkish favourites

WHAT’S ON Istanbul Music festival 1 to 30 June Sacrifice Feast Days (Eid al-Adha) 30 July to 3 August Republic Day Eve and Republic Day 28 to 29 October Blue Mosque

Uzun Carsi Cd Ebussuut Cd Taya Hatun Cd I s t a s y o n A r S k N o b e t h a n e C d 2 3 3km

Bab-i Ali Cd Seref Efendi Sk Gedik Pasa Cami Sk Emin Sinah Hamami Sk Peykhane Cd Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar Topkapi Palace Museum H u k u m e t K o n a g i C d Vezirhan Cd 6 1 4 5

ATTRACTION

HOTELS PAGE

1 Celal Sultan Hotel ◆◆◆◆ 2 Centrum Hotel ◆◆◆ 3 Ciragan Palace Kempinski ◆◆◆◆◆ 4 Ottoman Hotel Imperial ◆◆◆◆ 5 Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul ◆◆◆◆◆ 6 Yasmak Sultan Hotel ◆◆◆◆ 52 52 52 52 52 52

Istanbul

Dolmabache Palace

MAGICAL ISTANBUL 3 NIGHT CITY BREAK

INCLUDES • 3 nights accommodation • Meals as specified • Full day sightseeing tour including to Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar • Admissions to sightseeing • Local English-speaking guide • Return transfers from Istanbul Airport

Day 1: Istanbul Arrive into Istanbul and be transferred to your accommodation. Day 2: Istanbul (BL) Today enjoy a full day tour taking some of the magical sights of Istanbul, including Topkapi Palace (excluding Harem section), Saint Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, the Basilica Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. In the evening there is an optional dinner that includes belly dancing (extra charge). Day 3: Istanbul (B) Today is a day at leisure. Perhaps revisit sights from yesterday or take a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Day 4: Istanbul (B) Be transferred to the airport for your departing flight.

(B = breakfast, L = lunch) SUGGESTED HOTELS Standard – Centrum Hotel Superior – Celal Sultan Hotel Deluxe – Ciragan Palace Kempinski