Tour organised and escorted by professional tour guide Kadir Zehir

Art Tuition with renowned Australian artist Ev Hales w: evhales.com

There is plenty to do for non painters.

Click images for larger view.

Art Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive ISTANBUL. A DAY TO GET ORIENTATED.
It is a magnificent city, full of history, beauty and a real blend of cultures. This afternoon we will get orientated to the historic Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. We will wander down the Hippodrome, visit the elegant Sultanahmet Mosque and the area around the Palace and Aya Sofia . After this you will have free time to absorb the feeling of this area and maybe plan where you will re visit and paint.
[BL]

Day 2: ISTANBUL. PAINT THE GRANDEUR.
This morning we will visit the great palace of the Ottoman sultans [Topkapi Palace]. With Kadir at your side he will guide you through the many courts and buildings so you can appreciate the incredible era of the Ottoman Empire. You will have from lunch until the palace closes to then capture this magnificent place on paper. [You will need to carry all your painting supplies with you]
[B]

Day 3: ISTANBUL. A DAY ON AN ISLAND
We will travel on the Bosphorus and visit Büyük Ada [Princes Island], enjoying the magnificent buildings and scenery along the shores of both Europe and Asia along the way. As there is no traffic on the Island, the only transport is horse and cart, so it is incredibly peaceful compared with the city Istanbul. Once on the island we will take an hour to get orientated and then the day is yours to paint - Life as it is on the island. After returning we will have a wander through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. The sights and smells in this bazaar are a unique sensation. You will definitely want to return here to capture this.
[B]

Day 4: ISTANBUL. SOAK UP THE HISTORY.
We will visit the Aya Sofia, a church built in the 4th century. The internal walls are decorated with stunning Byzantine mosaics and the close by Underground Cistern, built in 532 a.d. You may wish to try to capture the magic here.
In the afternoon we will visit the labyrinth of streets and passages of the colourful Grand Bazaar. Kadir will give you a short tour after which you will have free time to wander around the 4000 shops if you wish or sit down and put brush to paper.
[B]

Day 5: ISTANBUL. PEOPLE, PLACES AND PAINTING DAY.
Today is an opportunity to really get this great city on paper!
[B]

Day 6: ISTANBUL-SAFRANBOLU. A TIME CAPSULE.
Today we will travel east from Istanbul to Safranbolu. We will step back in time in this charming ‘old world’ town, which has been listed by UNESCO as an internationally significant cultural area for it’s unique architecture. After lunch, we will have an orientation walk though the narrow, twisting cobbled lanes amongst the well-preserved Ottoman homes. Many are now boutique hotels or cafes.
[BLD] – picnic lunch if weather is fine.

Day 7: SAFRANBOLU.
The day will be spent wandering through this magnificent Ottoman village, stopping to paint, visit the museum, market or whatever takes your fancy.
[BD]

Day 8: SAFRANBOLU.
Free day to do a painting workshop or explore.
[BD]

Day 9: SAFRANBOLU to ANKARA: THE CAPITAL.
We depart the lovely Safranbolu, heading south to the capital of Turkey, Ankara. It lies in the centre of Anatolia and it is the city of ministries, government, armies and universities. After lunch there will be an option to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk. This is an impressive mix of modern and ancient architecture and it dominates the city. The museum here holds a collection of memorabilia and personal effects of Ataturk, recording the important moments in his life.
[BLD]

Day 10: ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA. ENTERING A DIFFERENT WORLD.
Passing south through the Anatolian plains we head to the well know area called Cappadocia. The unique scenery around this area is an unforgettable experience. The volcanic stone has been eroded over the years to leave the amazing formations that are present now. The first Christian population of Anatolia then carved the stone to make the houses and chapels. There are approximately 600 churches and chapels in this area, some adorned with meaningful frescos. This afternoon we will visit Uchisar, a dramatic volcanic rock castle, which provides a superb view of the valley and an opportunity to see what awaits you.
We can also visit a carpet-weaving centre to learn a bit about the art of Turkish hand made carpets.
[BD]

Day 11: CAPPADOCIA.
We will continue this morning with a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, seeing fine fresco decorated chapels from the 11th and 12th centuries. The valley here is full of cave dwellings with tiny openings for windows and paths leading between them. A painters dream day! There will be time this afternoon for painting. These next few days will be fantastic; you will not easily forget your time here.…… There will be an early start for those who wish to try hot air ballooning over this magnificent area. This activity is highly recommended. *[At an extra charge of approx 250 USD]*
[BD]

Day 12: CAPPADOCIA.
Another amazing day! We will see more of the sights, in this popular part of Turkey. There will be an option today to visit the underground city called Derinkuyu. In times of peace the people of this area would live and farm above, however, when enemies were invading them, they would retreat into these underground safe havens where they could survive for up to 6 months. The size and complexity of these multi-storied underground cities is amazing.
[BD]

Day 13 + 14: CAPPADOCIA. Painting days.
There are not words to describe this area of Turkey, however you will be able to spend these days trying to capture the moods and vistas of this fascinating area [BD]
There is an option when you are in Cappadocia to attend a Turkish night show [whirling dervish dance, folk dancing and belly dancing].

Day 15: CAPADOCCIA TO ANTALYA: FOLLOWING THE ROUTE OF THE CARAVANS - AND A DAY OF TRAVELLING!
This morning we head off early, as we will be leaving the centre of Turkey and making our way towards the Mediterranean Coast. On the way to Konya we will have a look at a Caravansaray, used in Selcuk times as a resting place on the 13th century Silk Road. We will stop in Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, where you will learn about the culture of the Whirling Deverishes. We will then continue to the coastal town of Antalya.
[BLD] – lunch :Turkish pizza.

Day 16: ANTALYA. A FOCUS ON PAINTING A PORT
This morning Kadir will give you an orientation walk around the old historic centre of this picturesque town and port , then the afternoon is free for painting.
[BD]

DAY 17: ANTALYA: Painting day in old town and port area.
[BD]

Day 18: ANTALYA TO DEMRE AMAZING RUINS
Demre [Myra] is one of the most important Lycian cities in Turkey. We will visit one of the most beautiful sites of Lycian tombs and an amphitheatre This afternoon you will have an opportunity to focus on stone ruins.
[BD]

Day 19: DEMRE.
A relaxing final day on the Mediteranean Sea, visiting a picturesque island and old sunken city of Kekova.
[BLD]

Day 20: ANTALYA TO ISTANBUL.
Return to Antalya for flight to Istanbul.
[B]

There is plenty to do for non painters