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DAY 1 (SAT)
ARRIVAL
Arrival at Istanbul airport. Meet and transfer to
your hotel. Overnight in 4* or boutique hotel.
DAY 2 (SUN)
ISTANBUL - SULTANAHMET
Visit the St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was
built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest
building in the world for over 1000 years. See its
intricate mosaics and huge central dome. Continue to
the Topkapi Palace, which was used by the
Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. We
will also see the impressive collection of priceless
jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, robes worn by
the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed.
(Entrance to the Harem is extra). After lunch we
will see the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan
Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of architecture
with its six minarets and features 20,000 beautiful
Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient Hippodrome
with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar
and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Walk
through the back streets of Old Istanbul and visit
the elegant little Sokullu Pasa mosque and
the hidden underground Theodosian Cistern.
This tour may be done all or partially as a walking
tour. Transfer to airport for evening flight to
Kayseri. Upon arrival in Kayseri transfer to a
special volcanic stone/cave hotel in Cappadocia.
B.L.D.
DAY 3 (MON)
CAPPADOCIA - CAVE CHURCHES AND GOREME VALLEY
In the morning you will wake up in a world you have
never imagined. Experience the feeling of living in
an Anatolian village, where houses are built in
caves, and life goes on as it has for centuries. You
may see villagers baking bread, drying fruit on
their rooftops or riding on donkeys to their fields.
We will begin our visit to the enchanting "fairy
chimneys" (conical and unusual rock formations)
in Devrent Valley. We continue to the Goreme Open
Air Museum, which was once a Byzantine
monastery. See the finest examples of religious
frescoes in rock-cut churches from the 10th to the
13th centuries. Enjoy Pasabagi Valley, while
walking through vineyards among strange multiple
"mushroom-capped" volcanic rock formations. We will
also visit Cavusin Village and see abandoned
troglodyte houses cut high up in the rock face. We
will take a short walk in the Rose Valley,
where mineral deposits have given beautiful color to
the weathered stones and then continue to Avanos,
center of terra cotta work since 3000 BC. See a
pottery demonstration using the ancient kick-wheel
technique. Evening of cultural entertainment
and music or performance of the Whirling dervishes.
Overnight in Special volcanic stone/cave hotel.
B.L.D.
DAY 4 (TUE)
CAPPADOCIA - GAZIANTEP
Today we will drive to Gaziantep, visiting
Gumusler Monastery in Nigde and Yesemek Open
air-museum with its stone carvings from the
Hittite period. Gaziantep is located on a wide and
fertile plain cultivated with extensive pistachio
groves. Arrival in Gaziantep and overnight in 4*
hotel.
B.L.D.
DAY 5 (WED)
GAZIANTEP
The artisans of Gaziantep are specialists in making
copperware and furniture inlaid with
mother-of-pearl. The city has a fortress with 36
towers originally constructed in the Justinian era
and later rebuilt by the Seljuks. We will visit the
Gaziantep Archaeology Museum with its
artifacts from Neolithic, Hittite and Roman times.
There are important mosaics from the ancient site of
Zeugma (Belkis). See copper-makers and other trades
in the Bazaars of Gaziantep
Try some of the famous pistachios or
pistachio baklava. See the Ethnographical Museum
(old stone house) and beautifully carved stonework
of doors and windows in the old parts of town.
Overnight in 4* hotel.
B.L.D.
DAY 6 (THU)
GAZIANTEP - SANLIURFA - HARRAN - MT. NEMRUT (KAHTA)
Our drive today takes us to Sanliurfa. We
may stop briefly at Zeugma, which is mostly
underwater. We pass the Euphrates River and
stop at Birecik, which is famous for the
nearly extinct Bald Ibis. We will have lunch in
Sanliurfa and visit the Mevlid Halil Mosque,
the Cave of Prophet Abraham, then the
sacred fish pool.
You will have a chance to wander in the Old
Bazaar. Drive to Harran - city of the
prophet Abraham. See the fortress, Islamic school
and curious beehive-shaped adobe houses. It
is possible to see the huge Ataturk Dam. Dinner and
overnight in Kahta (near Mt. Nemrut) in 4* hotel.
B.L.D.
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DAY 7 (FRI)
MT. NEMRUT - DIYARBAKIR |
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Rise very early for the drive and the walk up to
the summit of Mount Nemrut, which is the
highest mountain (2150 m) in Northern Mesopotamia.
View a fantastic sunrise from the East Terrace.
Visit the East and West terraces, fire altar,
statues of Apollo, Zeus, Hercules, Tyche and
Antiochus Epiphanes I, tumulus, reliefs and the
world's first horoscope. Descend down the mountain
through small villages and beautiful scenery. Cross
the Cendere Roman Bridge - built by Septimus
Severus in the 2nd century AD and still in use! See
Karakus, a tumulus of the royal Commagene women.
We return to the hotel for breakfast and then depart
for Diyarbakir, taking a ferry across the reservoir.
In Diyarbakir we will visit the old city,
surrounded by triple walls made of black basalt
originally dating to 394 A.D. It is a city based on
a Roman plan with four gates. We visit the
caravanserai (Deliller Han), the Ulu
Mosque from the Seljuk period and possibly the
third century Aramaic |
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Church of the Virgin Mary. See people
going about daily life on their rooftops, drying
fruits, and dung patties for fuel. Overnight in
Diyarbakir 4* hotel or special class caravanserai.
B.L.D. |
DAY 8 (SAT)
DIYARBAKIR - MARDIN - DIYARBAKIR
Today's highlight is the city of Mardin, with
its golden stone houses that blend into the hills.
The houses are often decorated with intricate
carvings. This is a very lively trading center with
people coming from surrounding villages to buy and
sell. We will have a fantastic view of the Plain of
Mesopotamia. Visit the Syriac-Jacobite Monastery
of Deyrulzaferan. Return to Diyarbakir for the
night. Overnight in 4* hotel or special class
caravanserai.
B.L.D
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Day 9 (SUN)
DIYARBAKIR - VAN |
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The tour begins after breakfast with the drive
to Lake Van, which is ringed by mountains,
and deep blue in color. It is the largest lake in
Turkey and lies at an altitude of 1720 m. The first
site en route is the Akdamar church, which is
built on an island in the lake. We will take a small
boat across the lake to see the church. This church,
from the 10th century is carved with Old Testament
scenes and figures. We will have lunch in Akdamar
then continue to Van. Overnight in 4* hotel.
B.L.D. |
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Day 10 (MON)
VAN
The day begins with the tour of Van. Van was
the Urartian capital. An imposing
9th
c B.C. citadel overlooks the town. Visit the ancient
Urartian site of Cavustepe, Hosap Castle, and
the famous Citadel of Van. Overnight in 4*
hotel.
B.L.D.
Day 11 (TUE)
VAN - DOGUBAYAZIT
Today we will drive to Dogubayazit and have lunch at
the beautiful Muradiye waterfalls.
Dogubayazit is a small town situated by Mount Agri
(Mount Ararat). We will Visit Ishak Pasa Palace,
which was built between the 17th and 18th centuries
by a local lord. It is a mixture of Ottoman, Persian
and Armenian architectural styles. Overnight in
Dogubayazit 3* Hotel (best available).
B.L.D.
Day 12 (WED)
DOGUBAYAZIT - KARS
Weather permitting, we may have a nice view of
Mt. Ararat this morning. We will pass small
squat villages at the base of the mountain. We will
arrive in Kars and visit the ancient and
seemingly forgotten city of Ani and its
churches. View of the Arpa River, which forms the
border with Armenia. Overnight in Kars 4*
hotel.
B.L.D.
Day 13 (THU)
KARS - ERZURUM
Today we will drive to Erzurum. Erzurum is known for
copper crafting and its Oltu stone, which is a
unique black stone used to make jewelry and beads.
We will visit fine Seljuk monuments such as the
Ulu (Great) Mosque, the Cifte Minareli
Medrese and Uc Kumbetler (three tombs),
and see the richly decorated portal and tiled
minaret of the 13th century Yakutiye Medrese.
Overnight in Erzurum 4* Hotel
B.L.D.
Day 14 (FRI)
ERZURUM - TRABZON - ISTANBUL
Our journey will continue on to Trabzon with a visit
to the magnificent Sumela Monastery located
high on the cliffs in the Altindere National Park.
The church is covered inside and out with brilliant
frescos. We will also visit the St. Sophia museum
(restored
13th
c Byzantine church with its splendid frescoes).
Transfer to airport for return to Istanbul. Upon
arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight in 4* or
boutique hotel.
B.L.
Day 15 (SAT)
ISTANBUL
At your leisure in Istanbul. Overnight in 4* or
boutique hotel.
B.
Day 16 (SUN)
DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport for departure.
B
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TOUR PRICE (LAND ONLY): IN EUROS
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PER PERSON IN DOUBLE/TRIPLE ROOM |
DOMESTIC
FLIGHTS |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT |
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4* IN ISTANBUL |
2160 EURO |
+200 EURO** |
+ 290 EURO |
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SUPERIOR BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN ISTANBUL |
2195 EURO |
+200 EURO** |
+ 325 EURO |
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INCLUDED:
All airport transfers
Accommodation in hotels as mentioned
Meals as mentioned only (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch,
D=Dinner)
Museum entry fees
Transportation in non-smoking minibus with
professional English speaking guide and
professional driver.
Entertainment as mentioned in tour plan
NOT INCLUDED:
International or domestic flights, drinks, tips to guide and
driver and items of a personal nature.
**Domestic
flight price, listed separately, is approximate.
OPTIONAL:
We can arrange for pre-or post-tours or hotel
accommodation for those of you who want to see
more of Turkey. We can also arrange a
Balloon
Tour in Cappadocia.
PAYMENT:
400 EURO per person is due at the time of
booking, which is non-refundable. The balance is
due one month prior to tour departure. No refund
will be given for unused tour service after
commencement of tour for any reason. We
recommend trip insurance. See terms and
conditions:
:
Click Here
Please add 6% for any
amount paid by credit card, except for initial
deposit. Balance may be paid by bank draft.
Hotels Featured in this tour:
Istanbul:
4*/boutique:
Golden Horn Hotel,
Megara Hotel or
Metropol Hotel
Superior boutique:
Daphne Hotel,
Diva's
Hotel,
Mina
Hotel or
Zeynep
Sultan Hotel
Cappadocia:
Gamirasu Hotel or
Elkep Evi Hotel
Gaziantep:
Ravanda Hotel or similar
Kahta:
4* Zeus Hotel
Diyarbakir:
4*
Kervansaray
or Class Hotel
Van:
4*
Buyuk Urartu Hotel
Dogubeyazit:
3* Sim
Er Hotel
Kars:
4* Sim
Er Hotel
Erzurum:
Palan Hotel
*Hotel information is available on our website
at
Turkey Hotels.
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Similar hotels may be used if the featured
hotels are not available at the time of booking. |
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