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Tour Summary :
The tour begins in Istanbul, where we will see the most important sites of Constantinople's former glory. We will learn about the battles fought in Turkey by visiting Gallipoli, Dardanelles and Canakkale, before exploring Troy and Pergamum and the relics left over from the Trojan War. We will wander through the ancient city of Ephesus and the white limestone cascades of Pamukkale, and spend a relaxing afternoon by the Mediterranean as we take in the rich history of Antalya and Perge. We will have the opportunity to explore Cappadocia, the land of Fairy Chimneys, and learn about Anatolian Civilization in Ankara. The Tour concludes in Ankara
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Best of Turkey Tour Itinerary: |
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Day 1 Thursday / Sunday: Istanbul - Arrive
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Welcome briefing. Overnight in Istanbul. |
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Day 2 Friday / Monday: Istanbul
Full day tour of Istanbul including the Topkapi Palace, the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (excluding harem) and the Hippodrome, from the days of Constantinople's glory as an imperial capital. We will also visit the largest mosque in Turkey—the stunning Blue Mosque. Continue to St. Sophia* and the colorful Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul.
Optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment. (B) |
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Day 3 Saturday / Tuesday: Gallipoli / Dardanelles / Canakkale
This morning depart for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, named after the acronym from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I. Continue to the Lone Pine Cemetery, which is the location of one of the five memorials on the Gallipoli Peninsula commemorating servicemen killed in the campaign from the former British Empire with no known grave. We will then cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale. Overnight in Canakkale. (B, D) |
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Day 4 Sunday / Wednesday: Troy / Pergamum / Kusadasi
Today visit Troy, famous for its wooden horse, and learn about its pivotal role during the Trojan War. We then continue to the ancient Greek city of Pergamum, filled with relics and ruins of the past. Finally we continue on to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D) |
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Day 5 Monday / Thursday: Ephesus & St. Mary's House / Kusadasi
Today you will tour Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Visit the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan and the steam-heat Baths of Scolastika. Continue to the majestic Temple of Hadrian, Latrines (public toilets) and the marble Library of Celsus, built to hold 12,000 scrolls. Also enjoy the Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk along the Arcadian Way, the same path that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Afterwards visit the humble chapel on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite many controversies, the Vatican has officially sanctioned the site for pilgrimage. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Afternoon Optional: tour of Sardis or Sirince. (B, D) |
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Day 6 Tuesday / Friday: Kusadasi / Pamukkale
Today you will be driven through the fertile valleys of Pamukkale, known as the "cotton castle" for its white limestone cascades. Continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis, known for its hot springs and well-preserved ruins. On arrival enjoy the thermal pools at our hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale. (B, D) |
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Day 7 Wednesday / Saturday : Pamukkale / Perge / Antalya
This morning drive to Antalya, Turkey's largest sea resort. Visit the ancient city of Perge; during the Hellenistic period Perge was one of the richest and most beautiful cities in the world. Enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Mediterranean as you take in the rich history of Antalya province. Overnight in Antalya. (B, D) |
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Day 8 Thursday / Sunday: Antalya / Optional tour: Phaselis or Yacht Cruise
Today is a free day with a choice of optional tours. The first option is to visit the ancient coastal city of Phaselis, dating back to second century B.C. The second option is a relaxing cruise on a yacht along the clear turquoise coast of the Mediterranean. Overnight in Antalya. (B, D) |
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Day 9 Friday / Monday: Antalya / Aspendos / Konya
After breakfast, depart for Konya and stop en route to visit Aspendos, the best-preserved theatre in antiquity. Continue to Konya to visit Mevlana Mausoleum, also known as the "green dome." Mevland Mausoleum is the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group. It contains the tomb and shrine of the Mevlana, or Rumi, which remains an important place of pilgrimage. Also visit the Karatay Koran School. Overnight in Konya. (B, D)
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Day 10 Saturday / Tuesday: Konya / Cappadocia
This morning we depart for Cappadocia, known as the land of Fairy Chimneys for its unique geological features. On the way we stop and visit the 13th century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, built to provide accommodation and amenities for merchants who rode by in caravans. In Cappadocia we pay a visit to a regional carpet production center. Enjoy dinner in a local restaurant. Tonight optional:Whirling Dervish performance. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D) |
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Day 11 Sunday / Wednesday: Cappadocia
Early Morning Optional: : Balloon Tour, experience floating above the volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise in Cappadocia.
After breakfast visit Goreme, located among the fairy chimney rock formations, Pasabagi, formerly known as "Monk's Valley," and Red Valley, known not only for its natural formations but also for the numerous churches and homes carved into the rock. In the afternoon we have a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)
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Day 12 Monday / Thursday: Cappadocia / Ankara
This morning depart for Ankara, capital of Turkey. Upon arrival, enjoy a tour of Ataturk's Mausoleum to visit the tomb of the leader of the Turkish War of Independence. Continue to the Anatolian Civilization Museum to view artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the Classical Period. Overnight in Ankara. (B, D) |
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Day 13 Tuesday / Friday:Ankara - Return
Transfer to the airport. (B)
*Note: Tours departing on Sundays will visit St. Sophia on day 3 before departing Istanbul, as St. Sophia is closed on Mondays
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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| TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES: |
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Accommodation |
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Meals are indicated on itineraries by (B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner. |
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Licensed guides throughout the tour |
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Private air-condition transportation. |
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Luggage handling. |
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Local taxes and service charges. |
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Arrival and departure transfers at the beginning and on the last day of tour. |
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| TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE: |
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Items of a personal nature |
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Optional tours |
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Customary tips to guide and drivers. |
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Travel Insurance |
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Items not mentioned as being included |
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Visa fees |
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Port taxes |
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Flight / Cruise from Kusadasi at the end of the tour |
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| Tour Style |
(Small Group Tour) |
| Tour Length |
12 Nights/13 Days. |
| Starts on |
Istanbul (Thu / Sun) |
| Ends On |
Ankara (Tues / Fri) |
| Visit |
Istanbul (Arrival) - Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi - Ephesus & St. Mary's House-Kusadasi - Pamukkale-Perge-Antalya - "Optional Tour of Phaselis or Yacht Cruise" Antalya-Aspendos- Konya - Cappadocia - Ankara (Departure) |
| Prices |
Starting At USD 1,315* Only. |
| Dates |
See dates below. |
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- Explore the ancient and modern city of Istanbul
- Learn about the history of the Gallipoli Peninsula
- Visit the famous city of Troy
- Wander through the breathtaking archaeological site of Ephesus
- Marvel at the natural limestone cascades of
Pamukkale
- See at the spectacular 'Fairy Chimneys' of Cappadocia
- Visit the country's capital city, Ankara
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Places
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No. of Nights |
Hotels |
| Istanbul |
02 Nights |
Crowne Plaza Harbiye / Crowne Plaza Old City |
| Canakkale |
01 Night |
Kolin Hotel |
| Kusadasi |
02 Nights |
Charisma Hotel |
| Pamukkale |
01 Night |
Pam Thermal |
| Antalya |
02 Nights |
Crowne Plaza |
| Konya |
01 Night |
Hilton Garden Inn / Rixos Hotel |
| Cappadocia |
02 Nights |
Lykia Lodge / Dedeman Hotel |
| Ankara |
01 Night |
Crowne Plaza |
| Please note: (If the above mentioned hotels are not available we will provide similar alternate). |
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| Departure dates (2012) |
P/P in double |
P / P in triple |
Single Sup |
| Jan 19 |
$1,315 |
$1,269 |
$700 |
| Feb 16 |
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| Mar 08, 15, 18, 22, 25 |
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| Apr 05, 12, 19, 26, 29 |
$1,569 |
$1,529 |
$700 |
| May 03, 06, 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 31 |
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| Jun 03, 07, 10, 14, 21, 28 |
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| Jul 05, 12, 19, 26 |
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| Aug 02, 09, 16, 23, 30 |
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| Sep 06, 09, 13, 16, 20, 27, 30 |
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Oct 04, 07, 11, 14, 18, 25
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| Nov 01, 04, 08, 15 |
$1,359 |
$1,329 |
$700 |
| Dec 20 |
$1,499 |
$1,459 |
$700 |
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| Departure dates (2013) |
P/P in double |
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Single Sup |
| Jan 17 |
$1,399 |
$1,359 |
$700 |
| Feb 14 |
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| Mar 07, 14, 21, 24 |
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| * Prices are in USD-Based on per person on a twin sharing basis. |
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