TREASURES of TURKEY

Visit Turkey's top sights- Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia and Ankara
all in 16 days on a Private and locally escorted tour- Daily : March - Nov : Choose your own date

Compare with the Jewish Heritage Edition
Add a Gulet Cruise : Start in Dalaman and on to Antalya

Here's an alternative fifteen-day plan for experiencing the heart and soul of Turkey. We've tweaked the itinerary to allow more nights without a change of hotel, to cover more by air, and to build in more free time. It's just an example of how we can tailor your trip exactly to your preferences. Tour starts daily in Istanbul . Let us tailor your visit to Turkey exactly to your desires, using our extensive network of contacts throughout the country.

You'll go where and when you want to, without the limits of somebody else's idea of what you should see. Include the marvels of Istanbul, crossroads of East and West. Take in dramatic mountain scenery, or unspoiled beaches . . . or both ! Experience the sinuous rhythms of the belly dance, and explore mysterious troglodyte houses. You can even float over Cappadocia in a hot air balloon or explore hidden Mediterranean coves on a private sailboat! No wish is impractical, no desire is out of the question. Here are our suggested fourteen-day itineraries for Turkey. Together, we'll add adventures, explore possibilities, and make your Turkish experience extraordinary!

CAPPADOCIA AND THE COAST
Penetrate to the heart of Cappadocia, and discover ancient dwellings and churches hewn into rock. Travel across centuries, to Roman and Biblical Turkey, and the mysterious world of the Lycians . Our suggested itinerary covers it all in fifteen days.

DAY 1 - ARRIVAL ISTANBUL - Choose your own date - This is a private Tour : March - Nov
ISTANBUL, KAYSERI, CAPPADOCIA - You'll arrive in Istanbul.

Our staff meets your flight , or cruise line ( Oceania Cruises , Princess Cruises , Crystal Cruises or other Mediterranean cruises ), and escorts you to your hotel.

and proceed with the formalities of immigration and customs. If you don't have a visa in hand, it's usually a simple matter to acquire one upon arrival. You'll have an opportunity to rest and relax before catching your onward Turkish Air flight to Kayseri. There, you'll be met, and continue your adventure overland into the heart of fabled Cappadocia. Here, you'll check into your hotel in one of the region's towns, relax, and begin your discoveries.

Day 2- Walking tour Istanbul : "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque"
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" (BL)

Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon).

DAYS 3- CAPPADOCIA (B)
We'll tailor your Cappadocia itinerary according to your preferences. Most likely, you'll see the Open Air Museum of Goreme, with its twelfth-century frescoed churches carved right into volcanic pillars. Continue to Zelve, with its curious troglodyte dwellings, and even entire monasteries excavated into solid rock. Then cross landscapes of rock and boulders in the Devrent and Pasabag valleys that look as if they belong on the moon. We'll espy "fairy chimneys," pillars of stone formed by wind and water over millennia. We'll see painted landscapes in the Red and Rose valleys, and more churches carved from stone, and enjoy traditional regional specialties at dinner. But there are many more possibilities. We can arrange a spectacular ascent in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia, when available, or a traditional steam bath, or even a workshop in the venerable craft of carpet-weaving. We can plan for these activities beforehand, or you can discuss the possibilities with your guide as your interests develop.

DAYS 4 - CAPPADOCIA (B)
We'll tailor your Cappadocia itinerary according to your preferences. Most likely, you'll see the Open Air Museum of Goreme, with its twelfth-century frescoed churches carved right into volcanic pillars. Continue to Zelve, with its curious troglodyte dwellings, and even entire monasteries excavated into solid rock. Then cross landscapes of rock and boulders in the Devrent and Pasabag valleys that look as if they belong on the moon. We'll espy "fairy chimneys," pillars of stone formed by wind and water over millennia. We'll see painted landscapes in the Red and Rose valleys, and more churches carved from stone, and enjoy traditional regional specialties at dinner. But there are many more possibilities. We can arrange a spectacular ascent in a hot-air balloon over Cappadocia, when available, or a traditional steam bath, or even a workshop in the venerable craft of carpet-weaving. We can plan for these activities beforehand, or you can discuss the possibilities with your guide as your interests develop.

DAY 5 - CAPPADOCIA, KAYSERI, ISTANBUL, ANTALYA (B)
After breakfast, your host will call for you, to take you overland to the small airport of Kayseri. You'll board a flight for Istanbul, then change planes, and proceed to the port of Antalya and the world of Mediterranean Turkey. You'll have time to visit the city, perched on heights, and backdropped by the peaks of the Taurus Mountains. Venerable sights include Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch from Roman times; the Seljuk Yivli Minaret; the Clock Tower; and the seaside Red Tower, which once served as a lighthouse

DAY 6 - ANTALYA, PERGE, ASPENDOS, SIDE (B)
Today we'll take time to delve into history in nearby Roman towns. You'll set your own pace, and in consultation with your guide, emphasize the sites that most intrigue you. See Perge, from where Paul and Barnabus set out to spread the Gospels. Its monuments include a theater, agora, stadium, and triumphal arch and colonnades. Then it's on to Aspendos, a Roman trading center with a theater preserved almost perfectly intact. Perhaps you'll choose to concentrate on Side, with its temples of Athena and Apollo, and recall the romantic meeting of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra that took place here. We'll return to our lodgings in Antalya for the night.

DAY 7 - ANTALYA (B)
We've allowed an unscripted day in Antalya, for you to use exactly as you wish. Feel like a day of rest? By all means, take advantage of your comfortable lodgings. Browse the cafés and shops, and/or explore Roman sites in greater depth, or set out on the waters of the Mediterranean if you wish.

DAY 8 - ANTALYA, PHASELIS, OLYMPOS, ANTALYA (B)
We'll drive along the coast, today, with its influences from all over the Mediterranean. Pass through Phaselis, a port in Roman times, for the export of rose oil, perfume, and timber. A substantial stone aqueduct remains. Then it's on to the little beach town of Olympos. You'll feel that it's your own discovery, concealed among hills and orchards. Stay as long as you like. Nearby is a natural flame that burns endlessly. You'll return in the evening to the familiar comforts of your hotel in Antalya.

DAY 9 - ANTALYA, IZMIR, SIRINCE (B)
Enjoy a leisurely morning in Antalya. Take a late breakfast, and wander down to enjoy the sea breeze. We'll call for you at about noon, and take you to the airport, where you'll catch a plane for the short flight to Izmir. Then continue overland to the wine making village of Sirince, where you'll spend the night.

DAY 10 - SIRINCE, KUSADASI, SIRINCE (B)
Take it easy in the morning amid the tranquility of the vineyards around Fethiye. We'll spend the afternoon in Kusadasi, bustling port, resort, and cruise ship harbor. You'll want to browse the shops for handicraft treasures, sample grilled specialties at open-air eateries, and linger at seaside cafés. Feel like staying on for the action at the discos? We'll arrange for your transport back to placid Sirince whenever you're ready to call it a night.

DAY 11 - SIRINCE, EPHESUS, SIRINCE (B)
We'll spend the morning at Ephesus, the best-preserved Roman city in Turkey, known to St. Paul, Mary, and St. John. Then in the afternoon, it's on to the nearby farming town of Selçuk, with its museum holding many of the treasures of Ephesus. You'll return to Sirince for the night.

DAY 12 - SIRINCE, MILETUS, DIDYMA, BODRUM (B)
Travel along the coast today, to visit the sleepy port of Miletus with its classic theater, with seating for 15,000. Continue to Didyma, with its Temple of Apollo. The afternoon will find you in Bodrum, where you'll check into your lodging for the next few days.

DAY 13 -BODRUM (B)
Spend the day in this Aegean port, site of the Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, as well as a Crusader fortress and Museum of Underwater Archeology. See local sites, head out to nearby beaches for a relaxing day, or embark on a half-day cruise.

DAY 14 - BODRUM, ISTANBUL (B)
Take the morning in Bodrum to visit sites of interest, browse in shops, or enjoy the local scene from a café. In the afternoon, you'll board your plane for the flight back to Istanbul. You'll settle into your lodgings, and enjoy the sights, sounds, and aromas of the metropolis of Turkey. There's time to head to the Grand Bazaar for last-minute shopping. Or perhaps you'll choose a romantic boat ride to make a memorable last evening. Your host will help you with your choices.

DAY 15 -- ISTANBUL (BL)
We dive right into this fascinating city with visits to its top sights: Topkapi, the palace of the Sultans for centuries; Hagia Sophia, the greatest church in Christendom for a thousand years; the Blue Mosque, with its exquisite blue tiles; the Byzantine Hippodrome, scene of chariot races and gladiator combat; and the eerie Sunken Palace cistern beneath it. Then a drive through modern neighborhoods brings us to the ancient city walls and the Kariye Museum (Chora Church), filled with brilliant Byzantine mosaics. Breakfast, Lunch,

DAY 16 - DEPARTURE (B)
We'll see you to the airport, where you'll catch your plane to start your onward journey.

RATES (per person) in USD $

Compare with the 12 days , or 14 days edition edition

YOUR TOUR INCLUDES:

Rate doesn't include :

• International air fare.
• Tips
• Charges of a personal nature
• Meals other than breakfast.
• Visa Fee : cash upon arrival,or from any of the Turkish Consulates
• Trip/travel insurance

En Espanol - Back to Turkey Tour List

Most popular Yachting package : A Week's Escape on a Mediterranean Yacht
8- Day : Including a Mediterranean Gulet Cruise