Best of Turkey (Winter 2011/2012)

14 day tour from A$1625.00*

Tour Style: Eastern Mediterranean

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Overview

Turkey is a historical and cultural crossroads best experienced through the Trojan Horse in Troy, health spas in Hierapolis, the ‘Whirling Dervishes’, Istanbul’s elaborately decorated Blue Mosque, Ankara’s museums and castles, Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle springs and Gallipoli’s tragic Anzac Cove. This itinerary is guaranteed to provide you with lifelong memories.

Hightlights

Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya, Perge and Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Gordion, Bursa, Istanbul

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Itinerary

Day 1

ARRIVE ISTANBUL

Welcome to one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in the world! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your journey and in the evening attend a Welcome Meeting with your Tour Director and meet your fellow travellers.

Hotel: Dedeman Istanbul (SF)

Day 2

ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – CANAKKALE

Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and see Anzac Cove, the site of a bitter battle in WWI. Visit Lone Pine Cemetery, the final resting place of many allied soldiers. See the Dardanelles and stay overnight in Canakkale.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Kolin (SF)

Day 3

CANAKKALE -TROY – IZMIR (SMYRNA)

Visit the ruins of Troy, the site of the Trojan War, to see the famous Wooden Horse. Explore the ancient Asklepion Medical centre at Pergamon, featuring Roman baths, palaces and the Altar of Zeus. Dine at your hotel in Izmir this evening.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Swiss Hotel (SF)

Day 4

IZMIR – EPHESUS – ST MARY’S HOUSE – PAMUKKALE

Visit the excavations at Ephesus including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Library of Celsius. See the House of the Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos en route to the hot springs at Pamukkale.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Pam Hotel (F)

Day 5

PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS – ANTALYA (2 nights)

Visit the Cotton Castle springs at Pamukkale and the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of Antalya.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Divan Talya Antalya (SF)

Day 6

ANTALYA – PERGE AND ASPENDOS EXCURSION

Visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and the Roman cities of Perge and Aspendos. Here see one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, built during the rule of Marcus Aurelius.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 7

ANTALYA – KONYA

This morning travel inland and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in a 100 year old traditional Ottoman-style house hosted by a local family. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, the final resting place for members of the Whirling Dervish mystic sect. You will also see the final resting place of Mevlana, the founder of this unique movement. Then continue on to the Karatay Koran School.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest lunch / Dinner)

Hotel: Rixos (F)

Day 8

KONYA – CAPPADOCIA (2 nights)

Visit the well preserved Sultanhan Caravansary. Journey on to biblical Cappadocia. Here you visit the underground city of Sarhatli on the ancient Silk Road just outside Konya and see the cone of Uchisar. This evening, dine at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Dedeman Cappadocia (F)

Day 9

CAPPADOCIA – URGUP AND GOREME EXCURSION

Spend the day exploring the volcanic landscape in and around Urgup, dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Day 10

CAPPADOCIA – ANKARA

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a tour of the capital Ankara. Visit the Museum of Anatolian civilisation and Ataturk’s Mausoleum. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Barcelo Altinel (F)

Day 11

ANKARA – GORDION – BURSA

Hear the fascinating legend of King Midas at Gordion, and see the Great Tumulus, the city’s largest burial mound. Explore the Green Ottoman Complex and Grand Mosque at Bursa. Spend the afternoon seeing the sights of your choice. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hotel: Thermal Kervansaray (F)

Day 12

BURSA – ISTANBUL (2 NIGHTS)

Cross the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul by ferry. Plan your day as you wish. Haggle for a Turkish carpet and other souvenirs at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

Hotel: Dedeman Istanbul (SF)

Day 13

ISTANBUL SIGHTSEEING

Gain an insight into the Ottoman Empire’s power and influence during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace. Explore the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica. Visit the wonderful Blue Mosque built in the 17th century. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Tour Director and travelling companions.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Day 14

14 DEPART ISTANBUL

This morning after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to this fascinating city which lies on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Return home with many special memories. Transfers are available, conditions apply.

Meal(s): (Buffet Breakfast)

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2011/2012 Rates

Departs On Returns On Twin Land Only Single Land Only
Fri, Nov 04, 2011 Thu, Nov 17, 2011 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Nov 11, 2011 Thu, Nov 24, 2011 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Nov 18, 2011 Thu, Dec 01, 2011 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 Thu, Dec 08, 2011 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Dec 23, 2011 Thu, Jan 05, 2012 A$1750.00 A$2280.00
Fri, Dec 30, 2011 Thu, Jan 12, 2012 A$1750.00 A$2280.00
Fri, Jan 06, 2012 Thu, Jan 19, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Jan 20, 2012 Thu, Feb 02, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Feb 03, 2012 Thu, Feb 16, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Feb 17, 2012 Thu, Mar 01, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Mar 02, 2012 Thu, Mar 15, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Mar 16, 2012 Thu, Mar 29, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00
Fri, Mar 23, 2012 Thu, Apr 05, 2012 A$1625.00 A$2155.00

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Child Prices: a 25% discount will apply to children under the age of 16 at time of travel. (Optionals for American tours are already discounted.)