Portrait of Turkey

Destination: Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Turkey

"Day 1: Istanbul - Arrival
Greeted on arrival at istanbul airport or harbor and transferred to hotel. Accommodation at Hotel The World Park or similar.

Day 2: Istanbul
Tour of the old city: Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. Continue with the imperial cemetery of ottoman sultans. Stop at Corlulu Ali Pasa Medrese displaying the peaceful atmosphere of the past, still attracting the water pipe fans today. Shop at the Grand Bazaar. Accommodation at Hotel The World Park or similar. (B, L)

Day 3: Istanbul - Canakkale
In the morning, drive to Gallipoli and explore the peninsula : Stop at Anzac Cove, visit the museum and first world war sites. Accommodation at Hotel Kolin or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Canakkale - Kusadasi
Visit the legendary city of Troy. Cross Kaz Mountains and drive along the Aegean coast to ancient Pergamum, the city where parchment was invented. Accommodation at Hotel Pine Marina or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Kusadasi - Pamukkale
Proceed to Ephesus and explore the antique city by wandering along its 2,000 year old marble streets to such famous sites as the theatre and the Celsus Library. In the afternoon, visit the home of the Virgin Mary and a photo stop nearby the Temple of Artemis where only a column remains to indicate where one of the Seven Wonders of the World was. Accommodation at Hotel Lycus River or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Pamukkale - Antalya
Visit Pamukkale’s ancient healing city of Hierapolis and enjoy the unique splendor of its cascading, hot springs, Then, drive to Aphrodisias, a cultural center of the ancient world renowned for its sculpture and its temple which has been dedicated to the Goddess of Beauty. Admire largest antique stadium which hosted athletic games and gladiator fights during ancient times. Accommodation at Hotel Grand Adonis or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Antalya
Half day tour to visit historical cities of Perge and Aspendos. Return to hotel and afternoon is at leisure. Accommodation at Hotel Grand Adonis or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Antalya - Cappadocia
Morning drive to Konya to visit the Whirling Dervishes Convent which is now the Mevlana Museum. In the afternoon, continue to Cappadocia. Accommodation at Hotel Peri Towers or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Cappadocia
Entire day to enjoy the natural beauty and the cultural depth of this unique region: explore the frescoed interiors of Goreme’s cave churches, which date from the 8th century, take a walk in Avcilar, Pasabagi and the red valley of Dervent where you will admire the chimney like volcanic formations and a brief photo stop at Uchisar. Accommodation at Hotel Peri Towers or similar. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Cappadocia - Ankara
In the morning stroll through the underground galleries of Kaymakli where the first Christians hid themselves from rivals. Accommodation at Hotel Gurkent or similar. (B, L)

Day 11: Ankara - Istanbul
Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to explore Turkey’s ancient past, which dates from the Paleolithic Age. In the afternoon continue to Istanbul. Accommodation at Hotel The World Park or similar. (B, L)

Day 12: Istanbul
Visit the roman hippodrome, Saint Sophia, the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture and the Underground Cistern with its 556 columns, both dating back to 6th century. Farewell dinner at local fresh seafood market . Accommodation at Hotel The World Park or similar. (B, L , D)

Day 13: Istanbul - Departure
Transfer to airport. (B)
"

Contact Info.:
Fairfax, Virginia, United States

Phone: (866) 385 0801
P.O Box 223115
Chantilly, VA 20153-3115 USA