Classical Turkey 2013 - 10 Days

Day 1 Fri: Istanbul

Upon arrival you will be met by our representative and transferred to hotel. Welcome briefing. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. Titanic City Hotel.

Day 2 Sat: Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, a guided tour of Istanbul, the city located on 2 continents Europe and Asia. Visit Topkapi Palace - home for the Ottoman Sultans, currently a Museum reflecting the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of living. Tour Blue Mosque - impressive structure with its beautiful domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Continue to Hagia Sophia -also called St Sophia, or Ayasofya, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture and the forth biggest Cathedral in the world with its 56m high dome. Complete anexciting day at the Grand Bazaar. Optional dinner with Turkish show is available. Overnight Titanic City Hotel. (B)

Day 3 Sun: Istanbul-Ankara-Cappadocia

After breakfast, depart for Ankara and visit Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. After a short stop depart for Cappadocia enjoying a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake. Late evening arrive in Cappadocia for overnight at Burcu Kaya (superior hotels) or Dilek Kaya (Cave hotel). (B, D)

Day 4 Mon: Cappadocia

Early in the morning an optional Balloon tour is available. After breakfast start fascinating tour of Cappadocia and it amazing rock formations. Walk through several levels of the Kaymakli Underground City - hiding places of early Christians, admire Open Air Museum in Goreme with its eleven refectories, with rock-cut churches, tables and benches dated from 10th, 11th and 12th centuries. Lunch in a cave restaurant to taste famous pottery Kebap Afternoon view the natural fortress in Uchisar - The highest peak in the region and the most prominent land formation of the region. The Uchisar Castle is a larger-than-life sculpture. Opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries. Optional Turkish show with dinner. (B, L)

Day 5 Tue: Cappadocia-Pamukkale

Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai, before arrival in Konya town known mostly as a home of Whirling Dervishes. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay. Overnight at Lycus River Hotel and opportunity to sample the effects of outdoor and indoor thermal pools of the hotel. (B, D)

Day 6 Wed: Pamukkale-Izmir

After breakfast, visit Pamukkale - white terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water as well as ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Necropolis. After lunch break drive to Selcuk to visit remains of the Temple of Artemis 'one of the seven wonders of the ancient world' then overnight at Kaya Ramada Thermal Hotel. (B, D)

Day 7 Thu: Izmir-Ephesus-Izmir

Morning drive to Ancient city of Ephesus, according to the old legends, city founded by the female warriors known as the Amazons. Walk the 2000 years old marble streets while listening to the fascinating history of this ancient Greco-Roman city told by our guide. Visit magnificent theatre, temples and Library one of the most beautiful structures in Ephesus. It was built in 117 A.D. a monumental tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, the governor of the province of Asia. The grave of Celsus was beneath the ground floor, across the entrance and there was a statue of Athena over it because Athena was the goddess of the wisdom.Lunch in nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Then, continue to traditional village of Sirence. Dinner and overnight Kaya Ramada Thermal. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Fri: Izmir-Pergamum-Canakkale

Early departure for Pergamum. Visit the Asklepion the ancient medical center where ancient treatments included psychotherapy, massage, herbal remedies and the interpretation of dreams. The Asklepion was more like a modern spa than a hospital: therapy included mud and bathing treatments, music concerts, and doses of water from the sacred fountain. Continue to Troy the site where the legendary Trojan War took place. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale. Kolin Hotel. (B, D)

Day 9 Sat: Cannakkale-Gallipoli-Istanbul

After breakfast cross the Dardanelles and continue to Gallipoli the famous site where so many Australians lost their lives during the battles in 1915. Stop at Anzac Cove, the Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine, see the 57th regiment memorial and visit the war museum. Continue to Istanbul for overnight Titanic Europe Hotel. (B)

Day 10 Sun: Istanbul

After breakfast transfer to Ataturk airport. (B)

Inclusions

• Transportation by air conditioned coach • English speaking guide throughout • 9 Nights accommodation in first class hotels (choice of hotel in Cappadocia) • Meals as per itinerary (B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner) • Entrance fees, luggage handling, service charges and local taxes