Day 1 - Istanbul - Arrival Day
Welcome to Turkey!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from Ataturk International Airport
during the hours of 8:00am til 11:00pm. Transfer to your
hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast and
dinner included)
We depart from the hotel at 08:30am for the Istanbul city
tour. TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman
sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace
houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and
Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their
families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury,
miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the
Prophet Mohammed.
Next on the list is the SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across
from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect
Mehmet, is known as the “BLUE MOSQUE because of its
magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Outside
the Blue Mosque we find the HIPPODROME. The Ancient
Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment.
The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of
Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of
Constantine.
After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the SPICE
BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) the air here is filled with the
enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme
and every other conceivable herb and spice.
After the tour you have the option to experience the
Bosphorus Cruise which will depart after the city tour. You
will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus
which is connecting Asia to Europe. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 - Istanbul - Abant Lake - Safranbolu
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast at 09:00am we depart for Abant Lake. Abant
is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. The lake is
at the end of a 22 km drive. The seven kilometer walk around
the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those
who don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the
tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine
trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of
discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside
is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies
embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its
trout. Lunch break at a beautiful alfresco restaurant under
the trees with BBQ and fresh bread. After lunch we depart
for Safranbolu (from the 13th century to the advent of the
railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an
important caravan station on the main East-West trade route.
The old mosque, the old bath house and Suleyman Pasha
Medrese were built in 1322. During its apogee in the 17th
century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban
development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire). On
arrival we will walk through the historical Safranbolu
Bazaar, continuing on to Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici
Hodja Bath House, Kaymakamlar House (Museum). Overnight in
Safranbolu.
Day 4 - Safranbolu - Ankara (Breakfast and
dinner included)
After breakfast at 09:00am we departure sleepy Safranbolu
for Ankara (3 to 4 hours drive) On arrival we will have time
for lunch before taking the city tour of Ankara which is the
2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey. On the tour you
will visit Ataturk`s (founder of the modern Turkey) Museum
and the Ataturk Mausoleum. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 5 - Ankara - Hattusa - Amasya (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After breakfast we depart for Hattusa, which was the capital
of Hitites. Hititians where Indo-German semi European people,
they arrived via the Black Sea to north Anatolia at the
beginning of 18 th century BC. They used horse carts as
their war vehicles, which they used during their attack of
Ramses the 2nd and they had a big war with the Egyptians and
they then made a peace treaty where they wrote on the clay
and had 2 women sign it. That was the first peace treaty
where woman ever participated. Visiting Yazilikaya which is
the ruin of an open air temple of the Hitites where there
are rock carvings of the Hitites god and Goddes. We then go
to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including gates
of lion and king. Visiting the summer palace of Hitites and
driving to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hitites and
Hatti civilisation. After lunch we drive to Amasya for our
Amasya Tour. Amasya is one of the provinces which is
distinct both with its natural setup and historical values
it holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer
Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris)
river, it has a history of 3000 years during which many
civilizations left priceless remains of their times. The
ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters
2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, an
ancient mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace and a secret
underground passageway. Overnight in Amasya.
Day 6 - Amasya - Trabzon (Breakfast and dinner
included)
After breakfast at 09:00am departure for Trabzon. When the
Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th
century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the
Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine
Empire. When relations and wars between the Byzantines and
the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the
Roman Sovereignty as Rum, and the areas under the Roman
sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums).
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 7 - Trabzon (Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church and
study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes,
depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle and Ataturk's
Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar
Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a
seaside restaurant in AkÃÇaabat. Afternoon we explore the
cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy
our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city.
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 8 - Sumela Monastery - Zigana - Karaca Cave - Erzurum
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela
Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep
forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere
Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road
through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to
Karaca Cave, considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey
for its colors and formations. Drive to Erzurum via Bayburt.
Overnight in Erzurum.
Day 9 - Erzurum - Kars (Breakfast and dinner
included)
An early morning departure from Erzurum will take us on a
beautiful drive to Kars passing on the way Sarikamis, the
coldest spot in Turkey. We will arrive in Kars and visit Ani
at the Turkish-Armenian border. We will take a 45-minute
drive to the medieval Armenian City of Ani, which lies
mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle
the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravansaries.
Enjoy a walk around the ruins and see the beautiful view to
the Armenian border imagining it as a city with one million
people rivaling Bagdad in its time! This city has
experienced the cultures of Urartians, Armenians, Georgians,
Mongols, Russians and finally the Turks. Overnight in Kars.
Day 10 - Dogubeyazit (Mount Ararat) (Breakfast
and dinner included)
This morning we will drive for 3 1/2 hours along the "Silk
Road" to Dogubeyazit. At the Iranian border we will see a
site known as the Crater Hole. This is a beautiful, yet
rugged area. We will have the opportunity to see Mount
Ararat from all sides. It is believed by some to be the
resting-place of Noah's Ark; but to date no one has found
anything that has been verified as the Ark - yet the search
is still on. In the afternoon we will stop and see the Ishak
Pasa Palace. This complex is a combination of a mosque, a
fortress, and a palace which originally had a room for every
day of the year! Below you can also see the remains of Eski
Bayazit, and Urartian City which flourished in 1000 BC.
Overnight in Kars. Dogubeyazit.
Day 11 - Dogubeyazit - Lake Van (Breakfast and
dinner included)
After visiting the Iranian border, we will depart for Van in
the early morning, a drive of approximately three hours.
This city has been established 13th century BC, when the
Hurrites arrived. Then the Hittites, Urartians, Persian,
Armenians, Macedonians, Romans and finally in 11th century
the Turks came here. From here, we will visit the finest
Armenian architectural wonder of the Church of the Holy
Cross on Akdamar Island. We’ll also visit the wonderful
Kurdish castle of Hosap very close to the Iranian border as
well as the Urartian citadel. Overnight in Van.
Day 12 - Van - Ahlat - Batis - Diyarbakir
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After visiting the eerie 12the century Selcuk cemetery in
Ahlat in the morning we will head to Bitlis for lunch and a
good walk around, Batis otherwise known as Alexander's town.
Its a unique medieval town! Overnight in Diyarbakir.
Day 13 - Diyarbakir - Urfa (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Mardin is very unique with lovely old-Arabic style houses.
It is a city that played an important role in the early
development of Christianity. We will take the time to visit,
walk in its busy streets and bazaars, and admire the
stonework all around the town. We will also visit the
Monastery of Deyr-az-Zaferan just outside of town, founded
in 762 A.D. It was the seat of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch
for almost 800 years. This monastery is built on top of a
4000-year-old temple used by sun worshippers. Overnight in
Urfa.
Day 14 - Urfa - City Tour (Breakfast and dinner
included)
Urfa, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Urfa has been
occupied since the Babylonians followed by the Hurrites,
Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks. We will also visit the holy
sites at the Ainzelha, a lake with millions of domesticated
fish. While in Urfa we will shop at the bustling covered
bazaar as well. There are exceptional photo opportunities in
this area. Overnight in Urfa.
Day 15 - Urfa - Mount Nemrut - Kahta (Breakfast
and dinner included)
From Urfa we will drive two hours to Adiyaman-Kahta. There
we will organise transfers up the mountain. This
extraordinary landmark rests at an elevation of 8000 ft. The
mountain top complex is composed of two flattened areas
strewn with statues and separated by a false peak of crushed
rock. Antiouchus built the entire complex approximately 2000
years ago as a monument to his "divine ancestry." After
watching sunset and exploring the mountain we will make our
way to Kahta for the night. Overnight in Kahta.
Day 16 - Kahta - Gaziantep (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Drive to Gaziantep, home to the famous Turkish dessert of
Baklava. Visit the archaeological museum and explore the old
city on foot. Overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 17 - Gaziantep - Adana - Tarsus (Breakfast
and dinner included)
We depart for Adana in the morning and start our tour with
the museum of Archiology the 16th Century Ulu Mosque and the
19th century Clock Tower then on to Tarsus going through
Cleopatra Door and Yedi Uyurlar Cave. Overnight in Tarsus.
Day 18 - Tarsus - Cappadocia (Breakfast and
dinner included)
After an early breakfast, we drive north to Cappadocia on
arrival we will check into your exquisite boutique cave
hotel the perfect place and environment to spend the
afternoon recharging the batteries, Cappadocia is unlike
anything you will ever see in your life from the landscapes
to the cave dwellings.. Fascinating place.. Overnight in
Cappadocia.
Day 19 - Cappadocia (Breakfast and dinner
included)
Goreme Valley, where we will examine the process of the rock
formations of Cappadocia. Later we drive a bit further and
visit the cave dwellings in conical rock formations around
Uçhisar. Tea and coffee break in a cave house before we go
to Goreme Open-Air Museum, where the best preserved frescoed
rock cut churches and monasteries are located. After we have
buffet lunch, we visit the Family Fairy Chimneys of Urgup.
Wine taste in a local winery and visiting the wishing hill
in Urgup.
A short walk in Devrent Valley where the rock formations
look like different figures. The Monk's Valley will be our
next stop where we see monk's cells in multi-capped Fairy
Chimneys. Avanos, the pottery town of Cappadocia is visited,
and after a short walk in Rose valley Cavetown, will take
you to a remote place for sunset. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 20 - Cappadocia (Breakfast and dinner
included)
We will pick you up from your hotel and depart at 09:00am to
drive to Ihlara Valley. There, we will walk nearly 4 km and
visit the frescoed churches before it gets hot.
Lunch is in Ihlara Valley, at bank of Melendiz River, which
is flowing in the valley. After lunch, we will visit Selime
Cathedral and return back to Derinkuyu Underground City. On
the way, we will visit the Nar Crater Lake. Whilst all other
tour groups are at Ihlara Valley, we will be in an
underground city where temperature is 12-13 C afternoon.
After we visit the biggest underground ccity of Cappadociaa,
we will drive to the Pigeons Valley to see pigeon houses,
which were made to collect guano in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 21 - Transfer Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Today is along driving day but is broken up with a lunch
break in Konya. This morning we drive to Konya and see the
imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic
founder of the Islamic Sufi sect (Sufism is less an Islamic
sect than a mystical way of approaching the Islamic faith.
It has been defined as "mystical Islamic belief and practice
in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and
knowledge through direct personal experience of God."
Whirling Dervishes ). After the Konya tour departure for
Antalya. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is
yours to discover Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 22 - Antalya City Tour - Aspendos & Perge
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast departure for Perge.
Perge: According to the geographer Strabon, Perge has been
founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars.
Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great
passed through here. In the following years, Perge went
under the control of Pergamon when the Kingdom of Pergamon
became a part of the Roman city. Especially in the first and
the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest
towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprising that St.
Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD.
The people of Perge loved and respected their Artemis to
such an extent that Christianity had to wait for another 400
years to enter here. In the Byzantine period, Perge was the
seat of the bishop. Even though Arabs raided Perge in the
7th century AD, when Seljuk Turks settled the area, records
show the existence of an older race living here. After the
tour, departure for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
Aspendos: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia
in ancient times. The Toros Daglari (Taurus Mountains) forms
a beautiful back drop to the fertile coast, rich with fields
of cotton and vegetables. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east
of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and
Persians had a great battle here (Greeks won they didn't
stay for long). During the reign of he Roman emperor Marcus
Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the
best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained
by Byzantines and Seljuks. The ruins of the ancient city are
extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica.
After Aspendos return to hotel for dinner. Overnight in
Antalya.
Day 23 - Antalya - Pamukkale (Breakfast and
dinner included)
After breakfast depart for Pamukkale. We shall visit the
calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins
of Hierapolis, walking around this natural phenomenon gives
you the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs
that flow down the calcium terraces. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 24 - Pamukkale - Kusadasi (Breakfast and
dinner included)
You don't have to wake up early, enjoy the thermal poll in
Hotel and sunshine and and explore the city, shop in the
local markets. After lunch we depart for Kusadasi. You will
be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to
enjoy party and explore Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 25 - Ephesus - Kusadasi (Breakfast and
dinner included)
At 08:30am we depart for Ephesus (20 minutes drive) - once
the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight
of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage
supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated
to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered
one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt
several times, dates in its latest form from the third
century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre,
gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.
After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will
become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather
manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour,
you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying
that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to
enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge
of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 26 - Bergama - Canakkale (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Today we drive to Pergamum (45 minutes drive) - see
Asklepion, Zeus's alter, the Red Bassilcia etc. Bergama is
the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman city of
Pergamon, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local
dynasty. Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red
Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the
acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god
Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians,
when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor
addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though
sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its
towers. After Pergamon we continue towards the our hotel in
Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale.
Day 27 - Canakkale - Troy - Gallipoli - Istanbul
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast we drive to Troy where you can explore the
site of the legendary town, made famous by Homer in his
Iliad and visit the Temple of Athena and have lunches in
Eceabat. After Lunch visit the sites that have made
Gallipoli a landmark and the memorial for all those that
fell during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War 1.
Gallipoli also stands as the birth place for the foundation
of Turkey as we know it today. The rise of Turkeys founder
Ataturk as well as the friendships formed between several
nations during the battle for the Dardanels. Overnight in
Canakkale.
Day 28 - Istanbul - End of Tour (Breakfast
included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another
TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
THE COMPLETE TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
3 nights hotel in Istanbul including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Safranbolu including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Ankara including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Amasya including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Trabzon including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Erzurum including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Kars including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Dogu Bayazit including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Van including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Diyabakir including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Urfa including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Gaziantep including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Kahta including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Adana including breakfast and dinner
3 nights hotel in Cappadocia including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Antalya including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Pamukkale including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Canakkale including breakfast and dinner
Guided tours in Istanbul, at Abant Lake, in Safranbolu, in
Ankara, in Hattusa, in Amasya, in Trabzon, in Erzurum, in
Kars, in Dogubeyazit, in Van, in Diyarbakir, in Mardin, in
Urfa, at Mount Nemrut, in Gaziantep, in Tarsus, in Mersin,
in Adana, in Cappadocia, in Konya, in Pamukkale, in Antalya,
Aspendos & Perge, in Kusadasi, in Ephesus, in Pergamon, in
Troy, at Gallipoli and in Canakkale
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
THE COMPLETE TURKEY TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
9 DAYS
BLACK SEA REGION TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Istanbul - Arrival Day
Welcome to Turkey!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from Ataturk International Airport
during the hours of 8:00am til 11:00pm. Transfer to your
hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast and
dinner included)
We depart from the hotel at 08:30am for the Istanbul city
tour. TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman
sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace
houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and
Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their
families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury,
miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the
Prophet Mohammed.
Next on the list is the SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across
from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect
Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its
magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Outside
the Blue Mosque we find the HIPPODROME. The Ancient
Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment.
The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of
Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of
Constantine.
After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the SPICE
BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) the air here is filled with the
enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme
and every other conceivable herb and spice.
After the tour you have the option to experience the
Bosphorus Cruise which will depart after the city tour. You
will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus
which is connecting Asia to Europe. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 - Istanbul - Abant Lake - Safranbolu
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast at 09:00am we depart for Abant Lake. Abant
is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. The lake is
at the end of a 22 km drive. The seven kilometer walk around
the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those
who don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the
tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine
trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of
discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside
is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies
embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its
trout. Lunch break at a beautiful alfresco restaurant under
the trees with BBQ and fresh bread. After lunch we depart
for Safranbolu (from the 13th century to the advent of the
railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an
important caravan station on the main East-West trade route.
The old mosque, the old bath house and Suleyman Pasha
Medrese were built in 1322. During its apogee in the 17th
century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban
development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire). On
arrival we will walk through the historical Safranbolu
Bazaar, continuing on to Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici
Hodja Bath House, Kaymakamlar House (Museum). Overnight in
Safranbolu.
Day 4 - Safranbolu - Ankara (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After breakfast at 09:00am we departure sleepy Safranbolu
for Ankara (3 to 4 hours drive) On arrival we will have time
for lunch before taking the city tour of Ankara which is the
2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey. On the tour you
will visit Ataturk`s (founder of the modern Turkey) Museum
and the Ataturk Mausoleum. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 5 - Ankara - Hattusa - Amasya (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After breakfast we depart for Hattusa, which was the capital
of Hitites. Hititians where Indo-German semi European people,
they arrived via the Black Sea to north Anatolia at the
beginning of 18 th century BC. They used horse carts as
their war vehicles, which they used during their attack of
Ramses the 2nd and they had a big war with the Egyptians and
they then made a peace treaty where they wrote on the clay
and had 2 women sign it. That was the first peace treaty
where woman ever participated. Visiting Yazilikaya which is
the ruin of an open air temple of the Hitites where there
are rock carvings of the Hitites god and Goddes. We then go
to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including gates
of lion and king. Visiting the summer palace of Hitites and
driving to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hitites and
Hatti civilisation. After lunch we drive to Amasya for our
Amasya Tour. Amasya is one of the provinces which is
distinct both with its natural setup and historical values
it holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer
Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris)
river, it has a history of 3000 years during which many
civilizations left priceless remains of their times. The
ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters
2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, an
ancient mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace and a secret
underground passageway. Overnight in Amasya.
Day 6 - Amasya - Trabzon (Breakfast and dinner
included)
After breakfast at 09:00am departure for Trabzon. When the
Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th
century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the
Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine
Empire. When relations and wars between the Byzantines and
the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the
Roman Sovereignty as Rum, and the areas under the Roman
sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums).
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 7 - Trabzon (Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church and
study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes,
depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle and Ataturk's
Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar
Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a
seaside restaurant in Akçaabat. Afternoon we explore the
cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy
our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city.
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 8 - Sumela Monestary - Zigana - Karaca Cave
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela
Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep
forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere
Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road
through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to
Karaca Cave, considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey
for its colors and formations. Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 9 - Trabzon - End of Tour (Breakfast included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another
TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
9 DAYS BLACK SEA REGION TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
2 nights hotel in Istanbul including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Safranbolu including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Ankara including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Amasya including breakfast and dinner
3 nights hotel in Trabzon including breakfast and dinner
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided tour at Lake Abant
Guided tour in Safranbolu
Guided tour in Ankara
Guided tour in Hattusa
Guided tour in Amasya
Guided tour in Trabzon
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
9 DAYS BLACK SEA REGION TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
8 DAYS
EASTERN TURKEY TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Trabzon - Arrival Day
Welcome to Trabzon. Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from airport or bus station during
the hours of 8:00am til 8:00pm. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 2 - Trabzon (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church and
study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes,
depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle and Ataturk's
Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar
Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a
seaside restaurant in Akcaabat. Afternoon we explore the
cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy
our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city.
Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 3 - Sumela Monastery - Zigana - Karaca Cave - Erzurum
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela
Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep
forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere
Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road
through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to
Karaca Cave, considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey
for its colors and formations. Drive to Erzurum via Bayburt.
Overnight in Erzurum.
Day 4 - Erzurum - Kars (Breakfast and
dinner included)
An early morning departure from Erzurum will take us on a
beautiful drive to Kars passing on the way Sarikamis, the
coldest spot in Turkey. We will arrive in Kars and visit Ani
at the Turkish-Armenian border. We will take a 45-minute
drive to the medieval Armenian City of Ani, which lies
mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle
the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravansaries.
Enjoy a walk around the ruins and see the beautiful view to
the Armenian border imagining it as a city with one million
people rivaling Bagdad in its time! This city has
experienced the cultures of Urartians, Armenians, Georgians,
Mongols, Russians and finally the Turks. Overnight in Kars.
Day 5 - Dogubeyazit (Mount Ararat) (Breakfast
and dinner included)
This morning we will drive for 3 1/2 hours along the "Silk
Road" to Dogubeyazit. At the Iranian border we will see a
site known as the Crater Hole. This is a beautiful, yet
rugged area. We will have the opportunity to see Mount
Ararat from all sides. It is believed by some to be the
resting-place of Noah's Ark; but to date no one has found
anything that has been verified as the Ark - yet the search
is still on. In the afternoon we will stop and see the Ishak
Pasa Palace. This complex is a combination of a mosque, a
fortress, and a palace which originally had a room for every
day of the year! Below you can also see the remains of Eski
Bayazit, and Urartian City which flourished in 1000 BC.
Overnight in Kars.
Day 6 - Dogubeyazit - Lake Van (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After visiting the Iranian border, we will depart for Van in
the early morning, a drive of approximately three hours.
This city has been established 13th century BC, when the
Hurrites arrived. Then the Hittites, Urartians, Persian,
Armenians, Macedonians, Romans and finally in 11th century
the Turks came here. From here, we will visit the finest
Armenian architectural wonder of the Church of the Holy
Cross on Akdamar Island. We’ll also visit the wonderful
Kurdish castle of Hosap very close to the Iranian border as
well as the Urartian citadel. Overnight in Van.
Day 7 - Van - Ahlat - Batis - Diyarbakir (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After visiting the eerie 12th century Selcuk cemetery in
Ahlat in the morning we will head to Bitlis for lunch and a
good walk around, Batis otherwise known as Alexander's town.
Its a unique medieval town! Overnight in Diyarbakir.
Day 8 - Diyarbakir - End of Tour
(Breakfast included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another
TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
8 DAYS EASTERN TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
2 nights hotel in Trabzon including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Erzurum including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Kars including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Dogu Bayazit including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Van including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Diyabakir including breakfast and dinner
Guided tour in Trabzon
Guided tour in Erzurum
Guided tour in Kars
Guided tour in Dogubeyazit
Guided tour in Van
Guided tour in Diyarbakir
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
8 DAYS EASTERN TURKEY TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
7 DAYS
GREATER ANATOLIA TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Diyarbakir - Arrival Day
Welcome to Diyarbakir!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from Airport during the hours of
8:00am til 8:00pm. Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in
Diyarbakir.
Day 2 - Diyarbakir - Urfa (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Mardin is very unique with lovely old-Arabic style houses.
It is a city that played an important role in the early
development of Christianity. We will take the time to visit,
walk in its busy streets and bazaars, and admire the
stonework all around the town. We will also visit the
Monastery of Deyr-az-Zaferan just outside of town, founded
in 762 A.D. It was the seat of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch
for almost 800 years. This monastery is built on top of a
4000-year-old temple used by sun worshippers. Overnight in
Urfa.
Day 3 - Urfa - City Tour (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Urfa, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. Urfa has been
occupied since the Babylonians followed by the Hurrites,
Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks. We will also visit the holy
sites at the Ainzelha, a lake with millions of domesticated
fish. While in Urfa we will shop at the bustling covered
bazaar as well. There are exceptional photo opportunities in
this area. Overnight in Urfa.
Day 4 - Urfa - Mount Nemrut - Kahta
(Breakfast and dinner included)
From Urfa we will drive two hours to Adiyaman-Kahta. There
we will organise transfers up the mountain. This
extraordinary landmark rests at an elevation of 8000 ft. The
mountain top complex is composed of two flattened areas
strewn with statues and separated by a false peak of crushed
rock. Antiouchus built the entire complex approximately 2000
years ago as a monument to his "divine ancestry." After
watching sunset and exploring the mountain we will make our
way to Kahta for the night. Overnight in Kahta.
Day 5 - Kahta - Gaziantep (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Drive to Gaziantep, home to the famous Turkish dessert of
Baklava. Visit the archaeological museum and explore the old
city on foot. Overnight in Gaziantep.
Day 6 - Gazizantep - Adana - Tarsus (Breakfast
and dinner included)
We depart for Adana in the morning and start our tour with
the museum of Archiology the 16th Century Ulu Mosque and the
19th century Clock Tower then on to Tarsus going through
Cleopatra Door and Yedi Uyurlar Cave. Overnight in Tarsus.
Day 7 - Tarsus - End of Tour (Breakfast
included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another
TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
7 DAYS GREATER ANATOLIA TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
1 night hotel in Diyabakir including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Urfa including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Gaziantep including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Kahta including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Adana including breakfast and dinner
Guided tour in Diyarbakir
Guided tour in Mardin
Guided tour in Urfa
Guided tour at Mount Nemrut
Guided tour in Gaziantep
Guided tour in Tarsus
Guided tour in Mersin
Guided tour in Adana
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
7 DAYS GREATER ANATOLIA TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
9 DAYS
SOUTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Cappadocia - Arrival Day
Welcome to Cappadocia!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from Airport or Bus Station during
the hours of 8:00am til 8:00pm. Transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 2 - Cappadocia (Breakfast and dinner
included)
Goreme Valley, where we will examine the process of the rock
formations of Cappadocia. Later we drive a bit further and
visit the cave dwellings in conical rock formations around
Uçhisar. Tea and coffee break in a cave house before we go
to Goreme Open-Air Museum, where the best preserved frescoed
rock cut churches and monasteries are located. After we have
buffet lunch, we visit the Family Fairy Chimneys of Urgup.
Wine taste in a local winery and visiting the wishing hill
in Urgup.
A short walk in Devrent Valley where the rock formations
look like different figures. The Monk's Valley will be our
next stop where we see monk's cells in multi-capped Fairy
Chimneys. Avanos, the pottery town of Cappadocia is visited,
and after a short walk in Rose valley Cavetown, will take
you to a remote place for sunset. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3 - Cappadocia (Breakfast and dinner
included)
We will pick you up from your hotel and depart at 09:00am to
drive to Ihlara Valley. There, we will walk nearly 4 km and
visit the frescoed churches before it gets hot.
Lunch is in Ihlara Valley, at bank of Melendiz River, which
is flowing in the valley. After lunch, we will visit Selime
Cathedral and return back to Derinkuyu Underground City. On
the way, we will visit the Nar Crater Lake. Whilst all other
tour groups are at Ihlara Valley, we will be in an
underground city where temperature is 12-13 C afternoon.
After we visit the biggest underground city of Cappadocis,
we will drive to the Pigeons Valley to see pigeon houses,
which were made to collect guano in. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4 - Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Today is along driving day but is broken up with a lunch
break in Konya. This morning we drive to Konya and see the
imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic
founder of the Islamic Sufi sect (Sufism is less an Islamic
sect than a mystical way of approaching the Islamic faith.
It has been defined as "mystical Islamic belief and practice
in which Muslims seek to find the truth of divine love and
knowledge through direct personal experience of God." “Whirling
Dervishesâ€). After the Konya tour departure for Antalya.
Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to
discover Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 5 - Antalya City Tour - Aspendos & Perge
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast departure for Perge.
Perge: According to the geographer Strabon, Perge has been
founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars.
Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great
passed through here. In the following years, Perge went
under the control of Pergamon when the Kingdom of Pergamon
became a part of the Roman city. Especially in the first and
the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest
towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprising that St.
Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD.
The people of Perge loved and respected their Artemis to
such an extent that Christianity had to wait for another 400
years to enter here. In the Byzantine period, Perge was the
seat of the bishop. Even though Arabs raided Perge in the
7th century AD, when Seljuk Turks settled the area, records
show the existence of an older race living here. After the
tour, departure for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
Aspendos: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia
in ancient times. The Toros Daglari (Taurus Mountains) forms
a beautiful back drop to the fertile coast, rich with fields
of cotton and vegetables. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east
of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and
Persians had a great battle here (Greeks won they didn't
stay for long). During the reign of he Roman emperor Marcus
Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the
best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained
by Byzantines and Seljuks. The ruins of the ancient city are
extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica.
After Aspendos return to hotel for dinner. Overnight in
Antalya.
Day 6 - Antalya - Pamukkale (Breakfast
and dinner included)
After breakfast depart for Pamukkale. We shall visit the
calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins
of Hierapolis, walking around this natural phenomenon gives
you the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs
that flow down the calcium terraces. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7 - Pamukkale - Kusadasi (Breakfast
and dinner included)
You don't have to wake up early, enjoy the thermal poll in
Hotel and sunshine and and explore the city, shop in the
local markets. After lunch we depart for Kusadasi. You will
be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to
enjoy party and explore Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 8 - Ephesus - Kusadasi (Breakfast and
dinner included)
At 08:30am we depart for Ephesus (20 minutes drive) - once
the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight
of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage
supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated
to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered
one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt
several times, dates in its latest form from the third
century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre,
gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.
After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will
become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather
manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour,
you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying
that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to
enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge
of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 9 - Kusadasi - End of Tour (Breakfast
included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing us.
9 DAYS SOUTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
1 night hotel in Istanbul including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Canakkale including breakfast and dinner
Guided tour in Kusadasi
Guided tour in Ephesus
Guided tour in Bergamon
Guided tour in Troy
Guided tour in Gallipoli
Guided tour in Canakkale
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
9 DAYS SOUTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
5 DAYS
NORTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR ITINERARY:
Day 1 - Kusadasi - Arrival Day
Welcome to Turkey!!! Today is your arrival day. Airport
transfers are available from Izmir airport, Kusadasi harbour
or bus station during the hours of 8:00am til 8:00pm.
Transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 2 - Ephesus - Kusadasi (Breakfast
and dinner included)
At 08:30am we depart for Ephesus (20 minutes drive) - once
the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight
of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage
supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated
to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered
one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt
several times, dates in its latest form from the third
century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre,
gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus.
After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will
become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather
manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour,
you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying
that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to
enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge
of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3 - Bergama - Canakkale (Breakfast and
dinner included)
Today we drive to Pergamum (45 minutes drive) - see
Asklepion, Zeus’s alter, the Red Bassilcia etc. Bergama is
the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman city of
Pergamon, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local
dynasty. Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red
Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the
acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god
Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians,
when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor
addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though
sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its
towers. After Pargamum we continue towards the our hotel in
Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale.
Day 4 - Canakkale - Troy - Gallipoli - Istanbul
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast we drive to Troy where you can explore the
site of the legendary town, made famous by Homer in his
Iliad and visit the Temple of Athena and have lunches in
Eceabat. After Lunch visit the sites that have made
Gallipoli a landmark and the memorial for all those that
fell during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War 1.
Gallipoli also stands as the birth place for the foundation
of Turkey as we know it today. The rise of Turkeys founder
Ataturk as well as the friendships formed between several
nations during the battle for the Dardanels. Overnight in
Istanbul.
Day 5 - Istanbul - End of Tour
(Breakfast included)
Today your tour is over. Please make your own arrangements
for departure remembering that your hotel will need you to
check out before midday. We hope you had a memorable tour
and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another Tour. Have a safe trip back home and
thanks for choosing us
5 DAYS NORTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:
Private return airport transfers
3, 4 star and Boutique Hotels in each area
1 night hotel in Istanbul including breakfast and dinner
2 nights hotel in Kusadasi including breakfast and dinner
1 night hotel in Canakkale including breakfast and dinner
Guided tour in Kusadasi
Guided tour in Ephesus
Guided tour in Bergamon
Guided tour in Troy
Guided tour in Gallipoli
Guided tour in Canakkale
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guides
5 DAYS NORTH WESTERN TURKEY TOUR EXCLUDES:
International flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional
meals
Tipping: Tips for guides and drivers
Insurance: All types
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