Best of Turkey


 **Fully escorted from arrival in Istanbul
** Our Australian escort will be in Europe and will meet you in Istanbul when you arrive at the hotel.

We would be happy to find the best airfare for you or you can use your frequent flyer points to join the tour.

Guaranteed SINGLE room throughout
Commencing 10 August, 2011

 

Istanbul 3 nights, Gallipoli 3 nights, Kusadasi 1 night,  Marmaris 2 nights, Gulet cruise (private yacht) 4 nights, Pamukkale 1 night, Cappadocia 2 nights,  Ankara 2 nights,  Istanbul 1 night

 

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.

 

This tour combines perfectly with our Best of Greek Islands tour

 

Day 1  10 August, 2011      Istanbul   (D)    You will be met by your Turkish Guide on arrival at Istanbul airport and transferred to your hotel.  This evening join your fellow travelling companions and Turkish Guide for a traditional Turkish kebab dinner at the famous “Hamdi” restaurant, located in the district area of Eminonou.     Accommodation: Hotel Elite World (or similar) 3 nights Ideally located in the centre of Istanbul, the Elite World Hotel is a 5-star hotel offering comfortable accommodation and a great range of facilities just minutes from the city’s famous Taksim Square.  The hotel has 245 neatly decorated guest rooms, all furnished in a classical style and complimented by their luxury bathrooms.  Elite World Istanbul Hotel has 6 restaurants and bars for guests to enjoy. A great choice of Turkish cuisine is offer alongside international dishes in the main restaurant; the hotel’s street-side brasserie is perfect for enjoying a light meal whilst watching the world go by.  Leisure facilities at the hotel include an elegant indoor swimming pool, children’s pool and a fitness centre. There is also a traditional hamman and Turkish baths to enjoy.   All guests can make use of the complimentary Wi-Fi in the hotel’s public areas.  The Elite World Istanbul Hotel is a short walk from the exclusive Istiklal Street with its many shops, boutiques and restaurants. Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar and the Blue Mosque are approximately 3km away.
 

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Day 2  11 August, 2011     Istanbul  (B)    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 and the Byzantine Hippodrome, known as Sultanahmet Square. 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 Caferaga Medresesi (originally a 16th century Ottoman school of culture, paintings and ceramics).  Here you will be able to sample varieties of Turkish coffee, traditional apple tea and, if you wish, try a ‘Shisha’ (waterpipe). Your evening is at leisure.

 

Day 3  12 August, 2011    Istanbul  (B)  Day at leisure in Istanbul to explore at your own pace.

 

Day 4  13 August, 2011  (B,D)   Istanbul - Gallipoli   (B,D)   Departing Istanbul we drive south west to the Gallipoli peninsula and catch a ferry across the Dardanelles to spend the afternoon in the vibrant town of Canakkale. You will 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 central Canakkale hotel, where we stay the next three nights. This evening a local historian will meet with us and give an interesting overview of the Gallipoli Campaign from the Turkish perspective.      Accommodation:  Hotel Kolin ( or similar) 3 nights)  The 5-star Kolin Hotel is favourably located in Çanakkale city, and features excellent facilities. It is an excellent base for visiting Gallipoli and the ruins of Troy.   Energize at the fitness centre, or with a game of tennis. Rejuvenate at the sauna and hamman. Have a refreshing dip in one of the beautiful pools. Write home about the facilities and location using the free Wi-Fi internet access.
 

 Day 5  14 August, 2011   Gallipoli (B,L,D)          Our Gallipoli Campaign begins today.  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.  Our expert guides have handled numerous special ANZAC Day commemorative tours and worked closely with our team of War Historians. Their intimate background knowledge separates fact from fiction and provides numerous fascinating insights into the lifestyle and living conditions of the infamous ‘ANZAC Diggers’.     Our first visits will be to 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 Anzac 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. We have included a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel.

 

Day 6  15 August, 2011  Gallipoli    (B,L,D)      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 own personal 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, the 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 in a traditional local restaurant where you will be able to taste the different and delicious flavours of Turkish regional cuisine.  This afternoon we will also visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum, with numerous antique pieces and artefacts from Troy and Pergamum. 

 

Day 7   16 August, 2011   Gallipoli - Kusadasi  (B,D)         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 then continue down the West Coast to the popular port of Kusadasi, in ancient times a resort town for the wealthy citizens of Ephesus.    Accommodation:  Charisma Hotel (or similar) 1 night  Charisma Deluxe Hotel Kusadasi towers over the Aegean Sea on Turkey’s stunning coast on almost 200 feet of private beach next to the yacht harbor. The hotel is within easy walking distance of Kusadasi’s shopping and entertainment district and is an excellent location from which to explore Ephesus and Didyma’s fascinating historical sites.  All of the rooms at Charisma Deluxe Hotel are spacious and feature a special combination of technology and comfort. The en suite bathrooms in all of the rooms feature Jacuzzis. Each room offers an outstanding sea view from the large windows and the Jacuzzi, and there are balconies in most rooms.

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Day 8  17 August,  2011    Kusadasi - Marmaris   (B,D)     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 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 Marmaris where we stay the next three nights.  Marmaris is one of Turkey’s premier vacation resorts located where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean. The town is built around a sweeping natural bay and backed by rugged pine clad mountains. The old town is a maze of twisting little streets and alleys, with whitewashed houses in the Turkish style, a medieval castle and an excellent shopping bazaar. Accommodation: Anemon Hotel (or similar)  2 nights   The Anemon Hotel  is situated in the centre of Marmaris close to bars, cafes, restaurants and entertainment venues, the beach and the shopping areas of the resort. The Anemon Hotel is just 100 metres away from the Marmaris beach and provides guests  a wide range of leisure facilities to choose from including an outdoor swimming pool with separate children's area, Turkish bath, fully equipped gym and a sauna. The Anemon Hotel also has two restaurants a bar and cafeteria. All rooms have a balcony, telephone, air-conditioning, satellite TV system, minibar, hair-dryer, and wireless Internet access.
 

 Day 9  18 August, 2011  Marmaris  (B,L,D)     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.

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Day 10   19 August, 2011  Gulet Cruise (B,L,D)   This morning we board our private yacht and after information from our crew about the yacht and our programe we commence our Gulet cruise.  Overnight at Cennet Island.  Please note:   The itineraries that we have designed are to ensure maximum guest comfort and relaxation, whilst providing plenty of interest at a variety of stops. It is necessary that these itineraries remain a little flexible so as to allow for sudden weather conditions and crowds.
 

Day 11   20 August, 2011    Gulet Cruise (B,L,D)   Departure after breakfast. Cruising about 2 hours, we reach Ekincik. From Ekincik, you can take a trip with special boats to the ancient city of Caunos, Lycian rock tombs and mud baths where you can take a bath in sulphurous mud. This journey will be made in the labyrinth of the delta of Dalyan Çayi, surrounded with thick vegetation of reed. Here, is also the famous beach of Iztuzu, where the sea turtles called Caretta Caretta lay their eggs. Dinner and overnight in one of the bays of Ekincik.

 

Day 12   21 August, 2011     Gulet Cruise (B,L,D)     Cruising approx. 3.5 hours to Agalimani behind Kap Kurdoglu. Swimming and lunch here. In the afternoon arrival in the Bay of Manastir. Swimming breaks here and in the neighborhood (Kleopatra and Hamam bays). Dinner and overnight in one of the bays.

 

Day 13   22 August, 201      Gulet Cruise (B,L,D)     Visiting other lovely places in the Gulf like Tersane and/or Yassica Islands. Dinner and overnight in Fethiye on board our yacht.

 

Day 14    23 August, 2011  Fethiye - Pamukkale  (B,D)   We disembark our Gulet this morning in Fethiye and travel by coach to visit 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. At nearby Hierapolis we will see the stadium and take a fascinating stroll through the tombs of the Necropolis. Before dinner take time to relax in the thermal pool or spa at your hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.   Accommodation:  Spa Hotel Thermal Colossae (or similar) 1 night   Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel is a luxury 5-star thermal spa hotel in Karahayit, Pamukkale. Colossae, named after the ancient city that dates back to 500 BC, offers modern comfort and relaxing spa treatments using the healing thermal waters that the Pamukkale area is known for. Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel is not just a place to stay - it's a place to indulge in.   Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel has all rooms with balcony, and include private bathroom, A/C and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite TV, minibar, safe deposit box and hairdryer.   Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel also offers a wide variety of thermal and spa treatments including thermal and mud pools, Turkish bath, massage and slimming treatments.

 

Day 15  24 August, 2011  Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia   (B,D)  After an early breakfast drive to Konya  known as Iconium in Hellenistic and Roman times, Konya became the capital of the Seljuks, the first Turkish kingdom of Anatolia. Sights include the Karatay Medrese, the Ince Minaret and the greatly revered Mevlana’s Masoleum. This is the holiest shrine of the mystical Muslim sect of “whirling dervishes”.  The bazaar, the largest and richest in inner Anatolia, has changed little in the past 1,000 years. Crossing the Anatolian Plain we stop en route to visit the Caravanserai Sultanhan on the Silk Road. Arrival in Cappadocia. We will stay two nights in this remarkable place.   Dinner and overnight at hotel in Cappadocia   Accommodation:  Hotel Dedeman (or similar)  2 nights    The 5-star Dedeman Hotel offers an extensive range leisure and business facilities.   Offering views of its own garden, swimming pool and the dramatic mountainous terrain, you can relax amid well equipped accommodation before unwinding in a number of the hotel's own restaurants and bars.   Take advantage of both the indoor and outdoor swimming pool, before allowing yourself to be pampered at the health club and its solarium, sauna, Turkish bath, gym and massage treatments.  Wi-Fi internet is available in many of the public areas.

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 Day 16    25 August, 2011   Cappadocia   (B,D)   After breakfast 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. 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 see Uchisar Castle and later we visit the ‘underground city’ of Kaymakli.  It is thought that the Hittites originally constructed this city over 3,000 years ago. These chambers were later expanded into an extensive troglodytic complex by Christians escaping the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th centuries.  Dinner and overnight at hotel.

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Day 17    26 August, 2011  Cappadocia - Ankara    After breakfast complete visit of Cappadocia Region and travelling north-west we arrive in Ankara, Turkey’s capital and second largest city,  Dinner and overnight at hotel in Ankara.  Accommodation:  Hotel Radisson Blu  (or similar) 2 nights The 20-story hotel Radisson Blu Hotel Ankara faces Genclik Park and is located approximately two blocks from the Opera House . This location is also half a mile from the Ataturk Culture Center and 19th and 20th Century Turkish Art Museum, one mile from the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Ankara Castle, and three miles from Altinpark Exhibition Halls. Hotel amenities include the business center, 24-hour gym, sauna,  Kulis (lobby bar and terrace), and Mediterranean dishes on the garden terrace or in Loca dining room. The hotel also offers room service, concierge assistance, valet parking, free self-parking, currency exchange, dry cleaning services, and on-site shopping.  All rooms feature high-speed Internet access, minibars, satellite TV, in-room movies, trouser presses, and private bathrooms with telephones and hairdryers.
 

Day 18   27 August,  2011   Ankara    After breakfast 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 will be absorbed by the fascinating, life size depiction of life in the trenches, from the Turkish perspective, during the Gallipoli War. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

 

Day 19  28 August, 2011   Ankara -  Istanbul  On arrival back in Istanbul 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 in a local restaurant.   Dinner and overnight at hotel.   Accommodation: Hotel Elite World (or similar) overnight

 

 

Tour price $AU7090**  includes:

 

Price does NOT include:

 

 

**  Please note:   This tour involves services which are settled in a number of currencies and the exchange rate has been calculated on

rates current at the time of uploading this tour onto our website.  

Should there be a fluctuation of exchange rates of more than 3% from this time to the time we receive payment, we reserve the right to pass on an exchange rate surcharge.

 

These prices are based on 2011 estimates and are subject to increase and/or currency surcharge

 

 

To contact us
Destination World Travel
P O Box 2040
South Plympton   South Australia  5038
Australia

Phone: 08-8293-6988  Outside of Australia telephone 61 8 8293 6988
Fax:      08-8293-5988  Outside of Australia fax   61 8 8293 5988

Email:  destinationworld@internode.on.net

Lic. TTA 156054