Let's
Go to Turkey
Private
Tour of the heart of Anatolia. Visit Turkey's top sights- Pamukkale,
Konya
and Cappadocia , all in 7 days on a Locally private escorted
tour
Daily Departure from Istanbul - Year Round
DAY
1 - ISTANBUL to CAPPADOCIA - Daily Departure from Istanbul ( Except
Nov - Feb) (BD)
A morning flight takes us across Anatolia ("Great Mother" in Turkish)
to Kayseri, air fare is included one way in economy class, tax included
, from Kayseri from which we drive into the eerie volcanic landscape
of biblical Cappadocia. We settle in at the Ottoman House Hotel ( Or
Similar), in the afternoon, we explore the foremost sights in this historic,
visually striking region. Our first stop is the Göreme Open Air
Museum, with its dozens of ancient cave-churches carved from the soft
volcanic stone. Many still contain their beautiful colored fresco decoration.
Next we explore the monastic valley of Zelve, where whole monasteries
were carved into the rock. In the Pasabag and Dervent valleys we view
the "fairy chimneys," pinnacles of volcanic rock formed by wind and
water erosion over millennia. We enjoy a panorama of the Red and Rose
Valleys before we head back for our hotel to enjoy a typical Turkish
dinner.
DAY
2 - EXPLORING CAPPADOCIA Monday (BLD)
We drive across the rolling steppe of Central Anatolia to the town of
Derinkuyu and descend into an underground labyrinth carved thousands
of years ago. Hundreds of cave-rooms and passageways descend eight levels
into the earth. Storerooms, kitchens, larders, and churches show that
this "underground city" was capable of housing thousands of people when
danger threatened. On our way back to our hotel we stop at the striking
Agzikarahan Caravansaray, built by the Seljuk Turks in the 11th century
as a way-station for the rich camel caravans plying the Silk Route between
Europe and Asia. Late afternoon drive to Avnos , a traditional potter-
making town to visit the local artisans, and admire the fine detailing
of the famous Iznic ceramic designs. In the evening we visit an underground
restaurant for a traditional Turkish folklore show, with dances and
costumes from several regions rich in folklore, including Gaziantep,
the Mediterranean, and the Black Sea. The mysterious and alluring art
of belly-dancing, and an enjoyable evening of traditional Turkish dance.
DAY
3 - CAPPADOCIA LIFESTYLE WALK Tuesday (BL)
Morning tour of the small local bustling vegetables, fruit and spice
market. Enjoy meeting locals as they do their daily shopping. Now that
we've seen the highlights, it's time to really enter into the daily
life of women in Cappadocia. We visit local cave homes in rock hewn
villages set in spectacular valleys off the beaten track, and learn
from local women how to prepare and cook several Cappadocian culinary
specialties. Depending upon the season, we may pick fresh grapevine
leaves to make dolma, or use a slender rolling pin to roll the dough
for manti (Turkish ravioli), or prepare fresh vegetables for a savory
lamb stew cooked in an earthenware crock. Best of all, we get to enjoy
our culinary creations for lunch! In the late afternoon, choose any
of several activities depending upon your interests. One of the most
popular is to learn how beautiful Turkish kilims and carpets are created
by talented Turkish female artists: we watch carpets being woven, and
talk with the artists creating them. Evening at leisure. Compare
with the 10 day version tour.
DAY
4 - KONYA & PAMUKKALE (BL)
Breakfast is always included at the hotel. Lunch is included enroute.
An early morning drive takes us to the mystical city of Konya,
birthplace of the Whirling Dervishes, for a visit to the Mevlana Museum.
We continue to the spa of Pamukkale to enjoy a breathtaking view
of the sun setting over its warm mineral-water pools and our hotel.
DAY
5 - HIERAPOLIS - APHRODISIAS - KUSADASI (BL)
In Pamukkale tour the extensive ruins of Roman Hierapolis, maybe
you will have a swim in the mineral pools, then continue through lush
farming country to Aphrodisias, the well-preserved City of Aphrodite,
goddess of love. After touring the ruins, we drive to the Aegean seaside
resort of Kusadasi for the night.
DAY
6 - KUSADASI (BL)
Sirince
Village.
This old Orthodox Village, 30 kilometers from Kusadasi, was once "Cirkince"(ugly).
Indeed its inhabitants gave this name on the purpose as they did not
want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village.
Still after years, visitors understood that the village was not ugly
and called it "Sirince" (pretty). Today the village is a perfect
synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture as of the 1920's; after the Turkish
Independence War, people exchange between Greek and Turks has occurred
and all the typical Greek houses, though they kept their original outside
characteristics, have received the local layout inside. At Sirince Village
you will have chance of seeing the local life at a village and purchasing
some small local souvenirs and handicrafts. The village is also famous
for its local grape and other fruit wines. During the lunch, mingle
with the local people of the village as you will be a guest in their
village for a simple cup of traditional Turkish coffee at the main coffee
house of the village. Depending on the number of guests, a gypsy woman
may read your fortune after you finish your coffee .
DAY
7 - Izmir Airport - Fly out (BD)
Drive to Izmir airport for or extend your stay and off to Ephesus and
Istanbul ? Bon Voyage
Add an extra day in Istanbul ? Please
click here
| |
Rates
per person in USD $
|
| Triple |
US$
4620.00 |
| Double |
US$
4760.00 |
| Single |
US$
6250.00 |
YOUR
TOUR INCLUDES:
Domestic airfare within Turkey in economy class one way Istanbul Kayseri
All transfers with a private car , private driver
All porterage /luggage handling tips
Private guided sightseeing (including admissions fees) as described
in the itinerary
Meals in Turkey as shown: (cB = continental
breakfast; L = set-menu lunch; D
= set-menu dinner)
Best Cave and / or boutique hotels in Cappadocia, best 5 stars and
best available in Konya , Pamukkale and Kusadasi as listed , including
hotel tax and service charges.
Bonus! Lonely Planet Turkey guidebook.
Rate
doesn't include :
- International
air fare.
-
Visa
Fee : in cash upon arrival,
for US citizens, or
from any of the Turkish Consulates
.
- Trip/travel
insurance
- Tips
More
Choices :
Most
popular Yachting package : A Week's Escape on a Mediterranean
Yacht
8- Day : Including a Mediterranean
Gulet Cruise
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