Day 1. Depart Melbourne for Singapore, where we transfer to Turkish Airlines. Arrive early on Day 2.

Day 2. Arrive ISTANBUL. Istanbul is the only city in the world built on two continents. It is a magnificent city, full of history, beauty and a real blend of cultures. After relaxing a while at the hotel we will wander down the Hippodrome, the scene of ancient chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civic life. We will visit the elegant Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the blue mosque due to its magnificent interior decoration of Iznik tiles. After this you will have free time to continue walking in this lovely area of Istanbul. [B]

Day 3. ISTANBUL. Today we will visit the great palace of the Ottoman sultans [Topkapi Palace]. Here you will appreciate the incredible wealth of the Ottoman Empire. We will tour through the many courts and visit the fascinating harem. We will visit the Aya Sofia Museum, a church built in the 4th century. The walls are decorated with stunning Byzantine mosaics. After this we will visit the Underground Cistern, built in 532 a.d. This place has a magical quality about it. [B]

Day 4. ISTANBUL. This morning we will wander through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar. The sights and smells in this bazaar are a unique sensation. We will then relax on a Bosphorus Cruise, enjoying the magnificent buildings and scenery along the shores of both Europe and Asia. 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. [B]

 

Day 5. ISTANBUL – CANAKKALE. We depart early and drive south to the Gallipoli peninsula. We will spend 5 hours touring the Battlefields, cemeteries and monuments in this historic area. We will visit the Gallipoli museum and then cross the Dardanelle's strait to Canakkale. A very special day for many. [BD]

Day 6 . CANAKKALE – BURSA . We head east to Bursa. This is a very old and historically important city. It was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and has a special meaning to most Turks. We visit the beautiful Green Mosque and Green Tomb. They are the best example of Turkish style architecture. We will also visit the famous Silk Bazaar of Bursa. The silk cocoon trade is a popular industry for the local villagers around Bursa. This is a great place to buy silk. [BD]

Day 7. BURSA – ABANT LAKE. Depart Bursa for the lakeside town of Iznik, famous for the ornate tiles that decorate many of the Turkish mosques. We will then head to the beautiful Lake Abant. The hotel is set in lovely alpine surroundings at an altitude of 1500 m. This area is a cool haven in the summer for the locals from both Istanbul and Ankara. Before arriving at the hotel we will visit the Yayla [mountain pastures], where families migrate with their animals each summer. [BD]

Day 8. ABANT – SAFRANBOLU. Today we will travel a short distance north 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. In the afternoon we wander though the narrow, twisting cobbled lanes amongst the well-preserved Ottoman homes. Many are now boutique hotels or cafes. [BD]

Day 9. SAFRANBOLU - ANKARA. 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 we will visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum. This museum houses a marvellous collection of early Anatolian artefacts from the Palaeolithic age to Roman works. From the museum we see the view below of the city of Ankara as well as our next destination - 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. [BD]

Day 10. ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA. 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. [BD]

Day 11. CAPPADOCIA. We will continue our sightseeing in Cappadocia 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. We will visit the valley of the ‘Fairy Chimneys'. Today is a photographers dream day. Then we will visit a carpet-weaving centre to learn a bit about the art of Turkish hand made carpets. There will be some free time this afternoon. This is a fantastic day you will not easily forget. [BD]

Day 12. CAPPADOCIA. Another fantastic day, seeing more of the sights in this popular part of Turkey. Highlights of today will be visiting 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. We will travel over to Soganli, another interesting valley filled with churches and monasteries. [BD] 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 150 EU]*

 

Day 13. CAPPADOCIA – EGIRDIR. This morning we head off early, as we will be leaving the centre of Turkey and making our way towards the Aegean Coast. On the way to Konya we will have a look at a Caravanserais, 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 ‘lakes district' of Turkey and to Lake Egirdir where we will spend the night. [BD]

Day 14. EGIRDIR – PAMUKKALE. Today we drive further west to Pamukkale, one of the most unusual yet beautiful sights in the world. For thousands of years volcanic spring water has cascaded down the mountainside to form white calcium stone terraces. In previous years tourists were able to walk on the terraces and unfortunately this caused them to deteriorate, however it is now a protected area and returning to it former beauty. We are going to visit an interesting and important Roman city called Hierapolus and swim in thermal pools amongst Roman columns. We will have enough time here in Pamukkale to explore the terraces before heading to our hotel, where we can enjoy its own thermal pool and other facilities. [BD]

Day 15. PAMUKKALE – SELCUK. We continue travelling west until we reach the coastline and the town of Selcuk. Our first stop will be the last home of the Virgin Mary, a place of great importance in Christianity and now a place of pilgrimage for many of the worlds Roman Catholics. We will then visit Ephesus, once the eastern capital of the Roman Empire and the commercial centre of the ancient world. As you hear about the lifestyle of the people living here hundreds of years ago, you will soon appreciate that this will be one of the highlights of your trip. We will then go to the museum, which houses many of the findings from Ephesus. [BD]

Day 16. SELCUK – FETHIYE. This morning we drive south through the picturesque Taurus Mountains until we reach the town of Fethiye. After lunch in the old town you will be given free time to wander around the quaint streets, do some shopping or wander along the waterfront. [BD]

Day 17. FETHIYE. This morning we will visit the ruined Greek village of Kaya. We will walk through the deserted streets and visit two old churches. After a delicious lunch at Yaka Park we will then head off to the nearby Saklikent Gorge. The gorge is 18km long with very steep walls and you will have time to walk up into the gorge through the icy waters or just to relax in the shade of the gorge at a riverside café. [BL]

Day 18. FETHIYE. Today we will relax on the crystal clear turquoise waters of the southern Turkish coast. We will spend the day swimming, visiting ruins or just lying on the deck relaxing whilst we tour around the islands and coves. It is a lovely day, a great way to appreciate this beautiful coastline and a great relaxing end to the trip. [BLD]

Day 19. FETHIYE – ISTANBUL. Free time this morning to get packed or to go for a walk down at the lovely Ölüdeniz lagoon. There will be time for those who would like to have a traditional Turkish bath to do so [* at an additional cost*] . After lunch we will depart for the airport for our flight to Istanbul departing at 1915 and arriving in Istanbul at 2035. [B]

You may choose to spend more time in Istanbul or to continue your journey to another destination. For those returning to Australia your luggage will be checked in at Dalaman airport. There is a short stopover in Singapore and you arrive in Melbourne very early on Day 21.

OPTIONAL EXTENSION- 5 nights

A fantastic ending to this tour is to spend five days after the end of the tour cruising around the magnificent Mediterranean Sea. You have the option of chartering a traditional Turkish Gulet for perfect way to end the tour. The gulets have between 6 - 10 cabins available for guests, so places will be limited.

THERE WILL BE AN ADDITIONAL CHARGE FOR THIS OPTION which will depend on how many people take up this great tour.

If you would like to find out more let us know so we can have as idea how big a boat we need…..therefore we can work out the cost.

After lunch on Day 19 you will say Goodbye to the land lovers and board the Gulet, where you will begin the last part of your trip in Turkey.

The crystal clear waters here, are perfect for boating as the waters of the Mediterranean are as smooth as a lake, so for the next few days you will cruise around the many islands and coves of this magnificent coast. Your days will be spent exploring islands, swimming, and snorkelling, fishing or just lying on the deck reading and relaxing. It is the perfect way to finish your trip and the crew will make sure that you will love it . (BD)

Day 20, 21, 22, 23… YACHT CRUISE. Visiting more magnificent sheltered bays and exploring islands and inlets Don't forget to pack your sunscreen and hat.....oh so very relaxing. ….(BLD)

Day 24 YACHT - ISTANBUL. After lunch you will sadly have to leave the boat and depart for the airport. You will be taken by our representative to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul (departing at 1915 and arriving in Istanbul at 2035). You may choose to spend more time in Istanbul or continue with your journey. For those returning to Australia the connecting flight from Istanbul will be at 2145 and your luggage will be checked in at Dalaman airport. There will be a stopover in Singapore and you will arrive in Melbourne at 0445.

If you would like to extend your holiday after the tour has ended that is certainly possible. Kadir can help you with where to go within Turkey or speak to Travelscene staff in Warrnambool.