Best of Turkey

THIS TOUR IS FULLY BOOKED
*Fully escorted from Australia
Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout
Departing  Australia 18 September, 2008  

 Click to enlarge

This is a leisurely paced tour to take in the very best of Turkey from Istabul's Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace
 to Turkey's capital city Ankara and the troglodyte dwellings in Cappadocia.
Over thousands of years Empires have left their mark from Pergamum and Aphrodisias to the mighty Roman ruins of ancient Ephesus.
 Our tour includes the limestone cascades of Pamukkale, a day cruising the Turquoise Coast on a Gulet and a very special, in depth Gallipoli Commemorative programme.

Day 1 18 September, 2008    Australia - Kuala Lumpur Depart from Australia today with Malaysia Airlines.   Accommodation:  Kuala Lumpur 2 nights

Day 2  19 September, 2008   Kuala Lumpur  At leisure

Day 3  20 September, 2008   Kuala Lumpur - Istanbul  Early departure from the hotel this morning to board our flight to Istanbul.  This evening join your fellow travelling companions and tour guide over a welcome drink before a traditional Turkish kebab dinner in the Kumkapi District.   Accommodation: Senator Hotel ( or similar)
The Senator. Located in the old city centre of Istanbul this excellent 4 star hotel is within walking distance of all the major sights. Decorated in a grand style with high ornate ceilings the hotel also offers an extensive health club and Turkish baths.

Day 4  21 September, 2008  Istanbul  Straddling 2 continents - Europe and Asia - Istanbul dates back thousands of years and its grand monuments bear testament to ancient empires and the Byzantine and Ottoman eras. Your day of sightseeing will include a visit to one of the world's great religious sites - the magnificent Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome, known as the Sultanahmet Square and the nearby Yerabatan Cisterns. Built in the fourth century these underground cisterns, which riddle the foundations of the city, have been extensively excavated and renovated and exploring them is a unique experience. The highlight of your day will be a tour of Topkapi Palace (formerly the Sultan's Palace), home to the treasures of the Ottoman Empire.
Your tour of Istanbul would not be complete without the exotic experience of having Turkish Tea at the Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi. (once a 'Medrese' or religious high school dating back nearly 300 years). Here you will be able to sample varieties of Turkish tea and coffee, apple tea and, if you wish, try a 'Shisha' (waterpipe). (B)

Day 5  22 September, 2008   Gallipoli
Departing Istanbul we drive west to the Gallipoli peninsula and catch a ferry across the Dardanelles to spend the afternoon in the vibrant town of Canakkale. You'll have time to relax amongst the waterside cafes or visit Cimenlik Castle which Sultan Memhet II built in 1452. The fort today contains a fascinating military museum and beside it is the Turkish navy's minelayer, Nusrat, whose undetected mine laying activities led to the sinking of Allied warships in 1915. We then check into our hotel where we stay the next 3 nights. This evening a local historian will meet with us and give an interesting overview of the Gallipoli Campaign from the Turkish perspective. (B, D)     Accommodation:  Ida Kale Resort (or similar)   This excellent first class resort style hotel is located on the shores of the Dardanelles about 15 kms from Canakkale. There is an excellent pool and terrace with views across the Straits to the Turkish Monument on Cape Helles.

Day 6 23 September, 2008  Gallipoli
Our Gallipoli Campaign begins as we spend the day immersing ourselves into the conflict and tragedy that evolved over 90 years ago. The peninsula is filled with cemeteries, a war museum and many memorials to the tragic events of 1915. As you enter this almost barren land, you can still sense the war and heartache that once dominated the landscape, breaking the silent air. Remember, our expert guides have handled numerous special ANZAC Day commemorative tours and worked closely with our team of War Historians. Their intimate background knowledge separate fact from fiction and provide numerous fascinating insights into the lifestyle and living conditions of the infamous 'diggers'.
First stops will be at Anzac Cove and Beach Cemetery - home to one of Australia's most legendary soldiers, Private John Simpson. We will then trace the steps of the ANZACs up into the rugged hills to visit the War Memorials at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Amongst the numerous sights also visited will be Shrapnel Valley, Walker's Ridge, the Nek and the surrounding trenches. Our last stop on the Gallipoli Peninsula will be the Kapatebe War Museum with its absorbing collection of war relics and memorabilia. A lunch pack has been provided. (B, L, D)

Day 7 24 September, 2008   Gallipoli
A special day has been planned. Departing early we will cross the Dardanelles and gather under the early morning sun for a private wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the tragic events of 25th April 1915.
Each member of our small group will be welcome to say a few words and express their thoughts. It will be your simple tribute. Maybe a simple 'thanks', a personal poem or a minute of silence. The choice is entirely yours. Mid morning we will return to our hotel for a late breakfast and then visit the nearby ruins of the ancient city of Troy - site of the mythological battle Homer immortalized in his Illiad. Archaeologists have proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement here dating back to 3,000 BC.
A late lunch has been included at Restaurant Sofra, a typical village style local restaurant where you will be able to taste the different and delicious flavours of Turkish regional cuisine. The rest of the afternoon is free at your hotel to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities and reflect on the past two days. (B, L, D)

Day 8  25 September, 2008   Kusadasi
Travelling south down the mountainous coastline of Turkey our first stop will be at the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum, famous for its wealth of archaeological ruins where, from the Temple of Trajan, you will take in the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. We'll also spend time exploring the Asklepion, one of the major hospitals of antiquity. We then continue down the West Coast to the popular port of Kusadasi, in ancient times a resort town for the wealthy citizens of Ephesus. (B, D)  Accommodation:   Pine Marina (or similar)  An excellent first class resort style hotel overlooking the bay with swimming pools and extensive leisure facilities.

Day 9  26 September, 2008   Bodrum
The highlight of today will be a visit to one of the ancient wonders of the world, the inspiring ruins of Ephesus. Rated one of the world's best archaeological sites, you will walk along the 2,000 year old marble streets, visit the Temple of Hadrian and the famous Library of Celsus. We also visit to the nearby House of the Virgin Mary nestled high in the hills overlooking the city of Ephesus. This afternoon we will continue to the town of Bodrum where we stay the next 2 nights. Situated on two bays that are separated by the imposing Castle of the Knights, the old town has narrow alleys lined by traditional 'Aegean' whitewashed houses. By day the harbour side town is full of shops and cafes and the nightlife is very lively. (B, D)   Accommodation:   Majesty Marina  (or similar) This stylish, first class hotel is ideally located right in the heart of town with splendid views across the nearby marina and harbour. The inner courtyard boasts a large swimming pool.

Day 10  27 September, 2008  Bodrum
A wonderful day as we board a Gulet to cruise the crystal clear waters of the Turquoise Coast. Gulets are traditional wooden Turkish sailing boats that have been built more or less the same way for centuries (apart from the addition of engines and propellers, of course!). They are perfect for quietly anchoring in tranquil bays, visiting small coastal villages and 'chugging' along the beautiful coastal inlets. Highlights of your day will be experiencing the sulphurous mud baths, followed by a refreshing swim in the lake and visiting Istuzu Beach, an important breeding ground for Caretta Caretta sea turtles. (B, L, D)

Day 11 28 September, 2008  Pamukkale
Heading past Pecin Fortress, high above the Plain of Milas, we reach Aphrodisias. One of Turkey's most important archaeological discoveries of recent decades, these marvellous ruins rival Ephesus and include the Temple of Aphrodite with its dazzling white marble and a vast, virtually intact amphitheatre. Later we drive to the petrified white lime cascades of Pamukkale. This natural wonder of the world has formed over the centuries by the actions of the winds on the hot mineral springs and falls. At the nearby Hierapolis we'll see the stadium and take a fascinating stroll through the tombs of the Necropolis, one of the best preserved ancient cemeteries in Turkey. Before dinner take time to relax in the thermal pool or spa at your hotel. (B, D)   Accommodation:  Lycus River Hotel (or similar)   This superb 4 star spa hotel offers excellent in house facilities including a large pool, sauna and spa and makes a perfect base for your stay in Pamukkale.

Day 12  29 September, 2008   Konya
We arrive at Konya early afternoon. Called Iconium in Hellenistic and Roman times, Konya became the capital of the Seljuks, the first Turkish kingdom of Anatolia from 1100 to 1308. Numerous monuments of this era give the city its distinctly medieval character. Mevlana's Mausoleum, the holiest shrine of the mystical Muslim sect of "whirling dervishes", is greatly revered. The bazaar, the largest and richest in inner Anatolia, has changed little in the past 1,000 years. Also of note is the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret. (B, D)  Accommodaiton:  Dundar Hotel (or similar)  A modern 4 star hotel with leisure facilities including a Turkish Bath.

Day 13  30 September, 2008   Cappadocia
Crossing the Anatolian Plain we stop en route to visit the Caravanserai Sultanhan, once a hotel and restaurant on the Silk Road. Entering Cappadocia our first stop will be a visit to the Bronze Age 'Pottery Village'of Avanos. Cappadocia is located south of Mount Erciyes, and is a volcanic region known for its curious 'fairy chimneys,' cones and strange rock formations that have been sculpted by wind and rain. Over many centuries people seeking shelter from the conquerors and marauding armies of the Central Anatolian Plateau settled here, burrowing whole subterranean towns. Cappadocia is a remarkable place! (B, D)  Accommodation:
Dedeman Hotel (or similar) . This large, extremely modern first class hotel in located in the centre of Cappadocia.

Day 14  01 October, 2008  Cappadocia
Enjoy a full day touring the moon-like landscape of Cappadocia. The unique scenery of Goreme Valley (one of the oldest settlements of the region) with the rock chapels, carved by early Christians, is an unforgettable experience. We have included a visit to Uchisar Castle and later we visit the 'underground city' of Kaymakli. It is thought that the Hittites may have excavated the first few levels in the rock when they came under attack from the Phrygians around 1200 BC. These chambers were later expanded into an extensive troglodytic complex by Christians escaping the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries. (B, D)

Day 15  02 October, 2008  Ankara
Travelling north-west we arrive in Ankara, the second largest city in Turkey and the present capital. Our first stop will be the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilisations (The Hittite Museum) with its display of treasures and artefacts from the Assyrian trade colonies, the mighty Hittite Empire, and the Phyrgian and Urartu civilisations. We also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk. This magnificent tomb is in memory of Kemal Ataturk, commander of the Army for National Independence and the founder of the modern Republic of Turkey. You'll be absorbed by the fascinating, life size depiction of life in the trenches, from the Turkish perspective, during the Gallipoli War. (B, D)   Accommodation:  Radisson SAS Hotel. Located in the city centre the Radisson has sweeping views across the city and all the facilities you would expect of a modern first class hotel.

Day 16  03 October, 2008   Istanbul 
Reflect on your Turkish experiences as we make our journey back to Istanbul. On arrival we will visit the famous Grand Bazaar, a maze of 65 winding, covered streets and arguably the most famous 'covered market' in the world. In its 4,000 shops you'll find Turkish carpets, glazed tiles and pottery, copper and brassware, leather clothes and many other treasures.
Tonight we have included a farewell dinner cruise on the Bosphorus, the winding strait that separates Europe and Asia. With the city lights, illuminated mosques, fortresses and palaces this will be a delightful way to round off your tour. (B, D)   Accommodation:  The Senator (or similar)

Day 17  04 October, 2008   Istanbul - Australia
Sadly your tour finishes this morning after breakfast with a transfer to the airport. (B)

Day 18 05 October, 2008  En-route to Australia

Day 19  06 October, 2008  Arrive home

Tour cost  $ 6490 includes:

• Return economy class air travel with Malaysia Airlines

• Services of a tour escort from Australia (subject to numbers

•  All the sightseeing, scenic drives, excursions and entrances as described in the itinerary
  . English speaking local tour guide
  . First Class coach for transfers and touring

• 2 nights Kuala Lumpur - SINGLE room
  . 14 nights in Turkey - SINGLE room
  . Hotel porterage (1 bag per person)
  . Arrival and departure airport transfers in Istanbul on Day 1 and Day 15
  . Breakfast daily,
  . 13 dinners including welcome dinner and farewell Bosphorus dinner cruise
  . Lunch pack on Gallipoli Peninsula, lunch at the Sofra restaurant
  . Turkish Tea at the Corlulu Ali Pasa Medresesi
  . Full day Gulet Cruise including lunch
  . Private commemoration at ANZAC Cove and evening historian presentation
  . Welcome drink Istanbul
  . Entrance fees to Topkapi Palace, Underground Cisterns, Troy, Kabatepe Museum, Pergamum Acropolis, Asklepion, Pamukkkale Hierapolis, Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary, Aphrodisias, Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli Underground City, Uchisar Castle, Mevlana Museum, Hittite Museum.

Tour cost does not include:

• Air ticket taxes and fuel surcharges

• Travel insurance

• Passport and visa fees

• Meals other than those specified in itinerary

• Sightseeing other than that specified in itinerary

• Items of a personal nature