|
HERITAGE
TOUR OF TURKEY
An
in-depth journey exploring all the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
in Turkey |
 |
Turkey
is the only country in the world that has an acatalectic
mix of European, Asian and Middle Eastern cultures. This
is the fact of Turkish history from days bygone. This
journey captures the essence of Turkish culture and heritage:
a
delectable blend of art and ancient architecture. As
we explore this civilisation centre we can see why the
country
has 9 World Heritage Sites recognised by UNESCO. Amongst
these heritage sites include Istanbul, Safranbolu, Bogazkoy-Hattushash,
Mt. Nemrut remains, Xanthos-Lethoon, Divrigi Great Mosque
and Hospital & Troy and nature heritage sites like
Pamukkale and Goreme-Cappadocia. In 22 days we explore
all of the UNESCO sites – and a lot more only to
appreciate the historical significance Turkey has played
to world civilisation.
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Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Istanbul |
|
02
|
Istanbul |
| 03 |
Istanbul |
|
04
|
Istanbul – Gaziantep |
|
05
|
Gaziantep – Urfa |
|
06
|
Urfa - Nemrut Dag – Kahta |
|
07
|
Kahta - Divrigi – Sivas |
|
08
|
Sivas – Amasya |
|
09
|
Amasya – Kastamonu |
|
10
|
Kastamonu - Safranbolu |
|
11
|
Safranbolu - Ankara - Sungurlu |
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12
|
Sungurlu - Hattusa – Cappadocia |
|
13
|
Cappadocia |
| 14 |
Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya |
| 15 |
Antalya - Aspendos - Perge – Antalya |
| 16 |
Antalya - Kekova - Fethiye |
| 17 |
Fethiye - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale |
|
| 18 |
Pamukkale - Milet - Didyma -Priene - Izmir |
| 19 |
Izmir - Ephesus - Sardis – Izmir |
| 20 |
Izmir - Pergamum - Assos |
| 21 |
Assos - Troy - Canakkale - Istanbul |
| 22 |
Departure Istanbul |
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Turkey covered on this tour |
| Historic
Areas of Istanbul (1985) |
Strategically
located on the Bosphorus peninsula between the Balkans
and Anatolia, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean, Istanbul
has been associated with major political, religious and
artistic events for more than two thousand years. Its
masterpieces include the ancient Hippodrome of Constantine,
the 6th-century Hagia Sophia and the 16th- century Suleymaniye
Mosque, which are now jeopardized by overpopulation, industrial
pollution and uncontrolled urbanization. |
| Goreme
National Park and the Rock Sites of Cappadocia (1985) |
In
a spectacular landscape, entirely sculptured by erosion,
the Goreme Valley and its surroundings contain sanctuaries
hewn into the rock, providing irreplaceable evidence of
Byzantine art of the post-iconoclastic period. Dwellings,
troglodyte villages and underground towns representing
a traditional human habitat, dating back to the 4th century,
can also be seen there. |
| Great
Ulu Mosque and Hospital (1985) |
This
region of Anatolia was conquered by the Turks at the beginning
of the 11th century. In 1228–29 Emir Ahmet Shah founded
a mosque, with its adjoining hospital, at Divrigi. The mosque
has a single prayer room and is crowned by two cupolas. The
highly sophisticated technique of vault construction, and
a creative, exuberant type of decorative sculpture – particularly
on the three doorways, in contrast to the unadorned walls
of the interior – are the unique features of this masterpiece
of Islamic architecture. |
| Hattusha (1986) |
The archaeological site of Hattusha, former capital of the
Hittite Empire, is notable for its urban organization, the
types of construction that have been preserved (temples, royal
residences, fortifications), the rich ornamentation of the
Lions' Gate and the Royal Gate, and the ensemble of rock art
at Yazilikaya. The city enjoyed considerable influence in Anatolia
and northern Syria in the 2nd millennium B.C. |
| Nemrut
Dag (1987) |
The
mausoleum of Antiochus I (69-34 B.C.) who reigned over Commagene,
a kingdom founded north of Syria and the Euphrates after
the breakup of Alexander's empire, is one of the most ambitious
constructions of Hellenic times. The syncretism of its pantheon,
and the lineage of its kings, which can be traced back through
two sets of legends, Greek and Persian, is evidence of the
dual origin of this kingdom's culture. |
| Xanthos (1988) |
This site, which was the capital of Lycia, illustrates the
blending of Lycian traditions and Hellenic influence, especially
in its funerary art. The epigraphic inscriptions are crucial
for our understanding of the history of the Lycian people and
their Indo-European language. |
Hierapolis-Pamukkale (1988)
|
Deriving from springs in a cliff almost 200 m high overlooking
the plain, calcite-laden waters have created at Pamukkale (Cotton
Palace) an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests, petrified
waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. At the end of the
2nd century B.C. the dynasty of the Attalids, the kings of
Pergamon, established the thermal spa of Hierapolis. The ruins
of the baths, temples and other Greek monuments can be seen
at the site. |
| Safranbolu
(1994) |
From
the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early
20th century, Safranbolu was an important caravan station
on the main East–West trade route. The Old Mosque,
Old Bath and Süleyman Pasha Medrese were built in 1322.
During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architecture
influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman
Empire. |
| Archaeological
Site of Troy (1998) |
Troy,
with its four thousand years of history, is one of the
most famous archaeological sites in the world. The first
excavations at the site were started in 1871 by the famous
archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann. In scientific terms,
its extensive remains are the most significant and substantial
demonstration of the first contact between the civilizations
of Anatolia and the Mediterranean world. Moreover, the
siege of Troy by Spartan and Achaean warriors from Greece
in the 13th or 12th century BC, immortalized by Homer
in The Iliad, has inspired great creative artists throughout
the world since that time. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
1: Arrival in Istanbul
“ Marhaba” and welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival we are warmly received
as we are transferred to our hotel Relax, unwind and prepare for our World Heritage
Tour of Turkey.
Overnight: Aziyade (3 nights)
Day
2: Istanbul
Istanbul, a fascinating cultural hub that bridges Europe and Asia under the historical
names of Byzantium and Constantinople. The city has seen many great empires come
and gone and the aura of the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule are present in
every corner, which is why in 1985 the many historic areas of Istanbul were added
to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Our tour of Istanbul includes
the architectural masterpiece, the Blue Mosque. Renowned for its six minarets,
the mosque’s several domes and archways will surround you as you step into
its courtyard. Allow yourself to stare into one of the 21,043 Iznik tiles that
dominate a shade of blue, giving this historical monument its name. Facing the
Blue Mosque, we walk through a city park which was once the centre of cultural
and sporting events during the Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Just steps away, we
visit the magnificent Haghia Sophia, once the largest church in the Christian
world. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it sits in Istanbul as a museum and is
a living testament to the beauty of Christian and Islam that adorn its interior.
We explore Topkapi Palace, the opulent residence of the Ottoman sultans overlooking
the Bosphorus Straight. One will experience why it is renowned for its treasures
and jewelled captivity of its infamous harem. Lunch during sightseeing. We end
our day with an aperitif and a lecture on “Seljuk and Ottoman Architecture" by
a professor from Istanbul University. (B, L, D)
Day 3: Istanbul
Another exciting day in the historic and metropolitans city of Istanbul, starting
with a visit to the St Savior in Chora, another church that was turned into a
mosque during the Ottoman Rule. Stare into some of the most beautiful mosaics
and frescoes that cover its interior walls. Later, we walk through the alleys
of the Spice Market. Sip some apple tea while you smell the colourful array off
exotic spices. Next, we hop on a ferry and take a ride on the Bosporus, gliding
past the minarets, palaces, stone fortresses and wooden Ottoman mansion that
bridge Europe and Asia. Enjoy lunch at a seafood restaurant dockside of the Bosporus.
Our afternoon is free to wander the maze of tunnels in the Grand Bazaar, one
of the oldest covered market places in the world. Barter for colour carpets,
jewelry and leather products in over 3,000 shops. For dinner, try out one of
Istanbul’s many fine restaurants! (B, L)
Day
4: Istanbul – Gaziantep (Flight)
We depart on a brief morning flight to Gaziantep, located in the south eastern
part of the country. The city’s historical ruins are an amalgamation of
the Copper Age, Hittite, Mitani, Assyrian, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic empires.
Known as a centre for copper and brass making, Gaziantep is also the Turkish
pistachio capital. In the centre of the city stands the ancient Gaziantep Fortress.
Sources say the fortress dates as far back to 4000 BC however recent history
dictates inhabitants in the 6thC. For lunch, we will have the opportunity to
try a selection of regional specialties such as the baklava, a flaky pastry stuffed
with pistachio nut and the Turkish pizza lahmacun. Afternoon, we step indoors
to tour the enormous Roman mosaics and wall pictures exhibited at the Gaziantep
Archaeological Museum discovered in the ancient city of Zuegma.
Overnight: Ravanda Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 5: Gaziantep – Urfa
With a few baklavas in hand, we bid farewell to Gaziantep and make our way to
Halfeti, at the bottom of the picturesque canyon. Hollowed by the Euphrates River,
many of the surrounding villages of Halfeti were submerged by the rising waters
from the Birecik Dam. We take a boat ride to explore the canyon and visit the
ruins of the Rumkale Fortress. Later, we make our way to Urfa. Reflecting similar
characteristics of its Syrian neighbour, Urfa is cuddled deep in Turkey’s
south west corner. Locals refer to it as “the City of Prophets,” and
for good reason – Urfa claims itself as the birth town of the Prophet Abraham.
Our tour of the city will include the sites that have commemorated his life,
such as Abraham’s Cave and Balikli Gol, where the great prophet was thrown
to a lake of fire. We move through Ulfa’s thriving and colourful bazaars,
mazes of little streets, shops and mosques. In the afternoon we drive to Harran,
an ancient and rich Mesopotamian city that brought religion, commerce and culture
together. Religious legends state that Abraham spent several years of his life
in Harran. Here, we visit the cone shaped mud-brick beehive homes that were still
used as places of dwellings until the 1980s. Enjoy an evening exploring Urfa!
Overnight: Harran Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 6: Urfa - Nemrut Dag – Kahta
We depart for Kahta, a small town in the beautiful countryside. En route, we
stop to admire the Ataturk Dam on the Euphrates River. As we make our way to
the National Park of Nemrut Dag, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1987), we stop
at several attractions that make Kahta an ancient city full of stories. We begin
at the summit of Mount Nemrut to visit the burial sanctuary of the women from
the Commagene Royal Family. Our next stop takes us to Cendere Bridge, one of
the oldest working bridges in the world. Built from 92 stones that cross over
the Kahta creek, the bridge was built in honour of the Roman Emperor Septimus
Severus. Our exploration of Kahta also includes the Arsameia on the Nymphaios,
the summer residence of the Commagene Rulers. We make our way to the National
Park of Nemrut Dag and continue in our vehicle as we slowly drive up the mountain.
Standing at a height of 2150 metres, Mount Nemrut is the highest mountain in
northern Mesopotamia. At the very top, the Antiochus King of Commagene erected
a sanctuary in his own name allowing others to venerate him like a god. Throughout
the site, we will come across monumental statues, some dating back to 1stC BC.
Return to Kahta where we have lunch at a local restaurant. We have the rest of
the day free.
Overnight: Nemrut 2000 Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day
7: Kahta - Divrigi – Sivas
During the next four days we uncover the rich Ottoman and Seljuk heritage that
is so prevalent in central and northern Anatolia. We leave Kahta and make our
way to Divrigi in the province of Siva. Situated on a gentle slope on the south
bank that leads to the Euphrates River and near a fertile valley giving its surrounding
areas an abundance of lush gardens and orchards. Divrigi is widely known for
its beautiful 13thC Muslim architecture which is reflected so evidently in the
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1985) Great Ulu Mosque and Hospital. Built under
the rule of Emir Ahmed Shah, the mosque stands fully intact today, with detailed
geometrical carvings and decorative sculptures. We continue our journey and end
up in Sivas, some 1200 metres above sea level.
Overnight: Buyuk Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 8: Sivas – Amasya
Driving towards the enclosed Black Sea, we arrive at Amasya. The city is situated
in the mountains above the Black Sea coast and was built in the narrow valley
of the Yesilirmak River. Amasya and the surrounding areas have a rich history
of producing and attracting scholars, scientists, artists and poets. In Amasya,
you will be impressed by the terraced site of the tombs of the Pontus Kings.
A number of konak or old mansions in the city reflect Turkish and Ottoman architecture.
Noteworthy for its fine wooden carved doors and light blue tiles that surround
the tomb, we stop at the 13thC Toruntay Gok Medrese. As we continue our excavation
of Amasya, we also visit the 15thC Yildirim Beyazit Mosque, the 14thC Ilhanli
Bimarhane Mental Hospital with lovely sculptures around at its gateway and the
Archaeological Museums where the remains of the mummies of the Mongol IIlhanl�
rulers of Amasya are displayed.
Overnight: Apple Palace Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 9: Amasya – Kastamonu
We begin our day with a scenic drive to the lush and green city of Kastamonu.
In the midst of the forests of Ilgaz National Park, Kastamonu enjoys naturally
rich beauty thanks to the mild climate of the Black Sea. Our tour of this city
includes the 13thC Atabey Mosque and the Candarogolu Kulliye, built by Ismail
Bey in the 15thC. As we walk through Kastamonu, our eyes will be amazed of the
Ottoman architecture that is so evident in the present day homes. Arriving at
the city centre, we walk through Nasrullah Square, where we come under the shade
to view the ablution fountains used to cleanse before prayers. We make our way
to the Mahmut Bey Mosque in the small village of Kasaba. Built in the 14thC,
the mosque is renowned for some of the finest wood carvings in the country. The
intricate details of its doorways make for a beautiful entrance to this place
of prayer. We have the evening free to relax and unwind.
Overnight: Toprakcilar Konaklari Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 10: Kastamonu - Safranbolu
With the Black Sea to the north, we depart Kastamonu and drive west to the region
of Safranbolu. Since the 13thC, Safranbolu has been a popular stop for traders
and merchants on the east-west trade route. The city was the centre and trading
place for saffron, which gives it its name. Today, it grows some of the best
quality saffron in the world. In 1994, Safranbolu was added to UNESCO’s
World Heritage list, and rightfully so, the town has a museum feel, with its
perfectly preserved Ottoman style buildings, ancient mosques, tombs and historical
fountains. We stroll along the cobble streets and see the rest stop of many travellers
at the Cinci Caravanserai and Bath and the former governor’s house, the
Kaymakamlar. Walking along side the water, our next stop takes us to the Izzet
Mehmet Pasha Mosque. Surrounded by elegant minarets, the mosque is complete with
indoor décor and beautifully covered domes. Stepping out into the courtyard
you hear the water passing along underneath you and realize that the courtyard
and minaret have been built on the arches over the river. At the entrance of
the local bazaar is the magnificent Kazdaglioglu Mosque.
Overnight: Hatice Hanim Konagi Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 11: Safranbolu - Ankara - Sungurlu
Today we depart for the Turkish capital, Ankara. The region sits on a steep rocky
hill and is about 150 metres above the plain. Ankara’s great and rich history
makes up for its dry and barren surroundings. Our first stop takes us through
Ankara Castle’s entrance to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. With
some of the finest archaeological collection in all of Turkey, the museum is
the restored 15thC caravansary and covered bazaar. Allow your imagination to
go back to prehistoric times as you view artefacts from Paleolithic, Hittite,
Urartian, Roman and several other periods. We continue our visit of Ankara with
a stop at the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern day Turkey. An imposing
structure, combining modern and ancient architecture, Anitkabir is physical depiction
of Turkey’s path to independence. We wave goodbye to the nation’s
capital and make our way to Sungurlu.
Overnight: Mavi Ocak Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day
12: Sungurlu - Hattusa – Cappadocia
We have an early morning departure for Bogazkale to visit Hattusa. Once an urban
hub and capital of the Hittite Empire, Hattusa belonged to a roaring civilization
some 3000 years ago. Its remoteness from major travel ways and tall fortress
walls allowed for the preservation of temples and palaces, leaving it as another
UNESCO World Heritage Site (1986). Among the major attractions of Hattusha is
the discovery of royal archives of clay tablets proving early relationships with
ancient Egypt. Leaving behind the Hittites Empire, we continue south to the volcanic
region of Cappadocia, an underground adventure! We explore Ozkonak, a city under
the earth, sophistically designed with tunnels, passageways, homes and areas
for public gathering and worship. Cappadocia’s rupturing lava, water and
winds created a dynamic landscape that leaves the eye in a midst of wonder. Next,
we drive over 1000 metres above the plain to Uchisar. Crowned with a citadel
of the soft tufa rock, Uchisar offers spectacular panoramic views looking pass
Cappadocia’s valley. Before dinner we enjoy a short performance of the
Whirling Dervishes.
Overnight: Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cappadocia
We have a full day to uncover Cappadocia, a miraculous wonder of nature. A place
where nature and history come together, Cappadocia is home to some of the most
breathtaking landscapes our globe has to offer. Our exploration includes a visit
to another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Goreme Valley and National Park. Formed
from the remains of volcanic eruptions, the region is an open air museum showing
off up to seven layers of civilizations that once inhabited the land. In the
sculpted rocks is evidence of the Byzantine Empire, with beautifully covered
frescoes and murals in churches and monasteries. We continue our tour of Cappadocia
and make our way to Avcilar and Kiliclar Valleys to see homes carved from the
soft volcanic rocks and fairy chimneys. Enjoy a quiet evening at the hotel or
explore this beautiful city. Evening free. (B, L, D)
Day 14: Cappadocia - Konya - Antalya
We continue our excursion into central Anatolia as we drive through the wheat
growing land of Konya, the granary of Turkey. Konya is located at the heart of
the Anatolian plateau and is one of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited sites.
En route we stop at the Sultanhani’s 13thC Caravanserai. An excellent representation
of Seljuk work, this caravanserai is the largest in the province and provides
an excellent insight into life an early traveller. We arrive into Konya and visit
the Museum of Mevlana, the famous mystic and poet who founded the Sufi Order
of the Whirling Dervishes in the 13thC. After lunch at a local restaurant, we
depart for the mountainous lake region, passing through the renowned City of
Roses – Isparta. We reach Sagalassos and visit the Hellenistic and Roman
ruins of this ancient Pisidian city. Some 20 years ago, this popular tourist
site underwent further excavation and uncovered the Sagalassos’s ancient
city centre, a new discovery and triumph for historians and archaeologists. Continuing
our journey into the province, we arrive in Antalya overlooking the turquoise
depths of the Mediterranean. This evening, take the opportunity to explore this
world renowned port city.
Overnight: Falez Otel Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day
15: Antalya - Aspendos - Perge – Antalya
We start our day with a drive through the coastal plain of Pamphylia to Aspendos.
Founded by colonist from across the Aegean Sea, Aspendos has over 3500 years
of rich history that includes rules of the Romans and Byzantine and strong influences
from the Greek. Today, the city is notably known for the perfectly preserved
2ndC amphitheatre. Seating more than 10,000 people, the amphitheatre is an architectural
success with its galleries, stage decorations and incredible acoustics. We continue
to the Hellenistic city of Perge. The city has a long legacy and its narration
identifies Hittites as the initial settlers of the area. With some of the best
preserved ruins in Turkey, the city is of great importance to archaeologists
and historians, offering a very complete picture of the past. We step indoors
to see the living history of Antalya at the Archaeological Museum. In the evening,
take the time to explore the streets of Antalya, stroll through its narrow streets,
passing the traditional wooden houses that overlook the marina. (B, L,
D)
Day 16: Antalya - Kekova - Fethiye
We start our day with a drive to Demre to the Lycian city, Myra. We visit the
remains of great history, including rock cut tombs and Roman theatres, all of
which offer stories that will take us back to ancient times. Demre is an interesting
city and is living evidence that the legendary Santa Clause did once exist! Yes,
it is true! He did not come from the North Pole and did not have flying reindeers;
St. Nick was born under the warm sun in Demre. Today, we visit St. Nicholas church,
built in honour of Nicholas, a revered Bishop of Myra. If weather permits, we
can glide along the Mediterranean cost and enjoy a breezy motorboat ride to the
sunken city of Simena, in Kekova Bay. We continue to the UNESCO World Heritage
Sites (1988) of Xanthos, a major Lycian city well known for funerary art and
monuments and Letoon, one of the religious centres of the Lycian League.
Overnight: Atapark Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 17: Fethiye - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale
Driving through the mountains as the sun starts to make its place in the blue
sky; we make our way to Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to the goddess
of beauty, love and fertility, Aphrodite. Aphrodisias was known as a centre for
the arts, drawing several disciples for its school of sculpture. In Aphrodisias
we tour the ancient stadium that once seated up to 30,000 people. Dating back
to the 1stC, the arena was used to view athletic events until the 7thC, after
which it was severely damaged by an earthquake. As we walk through the ruins,
we visit the Tetrapylon, the Theatre and the Temple of Aphrodite. Built in honour
of the great goddess, the temple was a focal point of the town. We continue on
to Pamukkale in the region of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (1988).
Driving by, what looks like a snow covered mountain, we come close to what nothing
short but a natural wonder. The "Cotton Castle" is a mountain of limestone
deposits creating a surreal landscape with petrified waterfalls and basins cascading
down the hillside in the midst of a dry, barren landscape, giving it a that white
snow look. In Hierapolis we visit the remains of a health spa that drew crowds
for its hot springs to cure illnesses.
Overnight: Pam Thermal Resort (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 18: Pamukkale - Milet - Didyma -Priene - Izmir
Today, we drive along the plains of the Meander River to Priene. On arrival,
we immediately begin to uncover this ancient Hellenistic city. History has shown
that Priene was once an active harbour at the edge of the coast and likely shifted
away due to the threat of silt from the river. Designed on a sophisticated grid
plan, Priene has a number of ancient ruins including several columns from the
Temple of Athena, council chambers and theatre. We continue to drive along the
plains and reach the mouth of the Meander River at Miletus. Situated on well
established principles of urban design, Miletus also has evidence of Hellenistic
settlement, including a theatre that once seated 15,000 spectators, the Baths
of Faustina, the Gymnasium and the Nymphaeum. Next, we visit the sanctuary of
Didyma. Connected to Miletus by a stone paved path known as the Sacred Road,
Didyma drew crowds of pilgrims to worship the Temple of Apollo. We continue our
journey to the incredible Izmir.
Overnight: Movenpick Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 19: Izmir - Ephesus - Sardis – Izmir
After a good night’s rest in Izmir, we start our day with a walk down the
stone cobble path of Ephesus. As one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,
the ruins of the ancient city provide just a glimpse to its original splendour.
We visit the Roman villas, the Agora and the Temple of Hadrian. We walk on Marble
Street and approach the Library of Celsus, a grand and imposing structure that
once housed 12,000 scrolls. We leave Ephesus and climb to a remote setting to
visit the House of Virgin Mary. The small stone chapel draws thousands of people
every year and has been declared a place of pilgrimage by the Vatican. Driving
to Sardis, we stop at the Temple of Artemis and the recently excavated most beautiful
3rdC Synagogue. As we approach the site, we walk down Marble Way, a main street
that was once lined by shops, merchants and artisan. The discovery of the Synagogue
was highly significant, as it proved the continued vitality of Jewish communities
in Asia Minor. Take the time to enjoy a free evening in Izmir. (B, L,
D)
Day
20: Izmir - Pergamum - Assos
In the spacious valleys, some sixteen miles from the Aegean Sea is the ancient
Greek city of Pergamum. Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities
made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre. Overlooking the town,
we stand next to a theatre, built on a steep hillside giving us spectacular panoramic
view of the deep valley. Our tour of Pergamum includes the Acropolis with ruins
of the agoras, temples and palaces. Walking through the acropolis, we visit the
remains of an ancient library that housed over an impressive 200,000 volumes.
Descending from the heights of the acropolis, we visit the Asclepion, a sanctuary
and a wellness centre dedicated to the god of healing. In the afternoon, we continue
to Assos located in what is also known as Turkey's Olive Riviera.
Overnight: Nazlihan Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 21: Assos - Troy - Canakkale - Istanbul
Our last day of site seeing in Turkey begins with a serene view overlooking the
acropolis from the Temple of Athena. With the Aegean Sea just a few miles away,
the view from the top creates a calming environment for the ruins of this imposing
structure. We move on from Assos to the legendary city of Troy. The city has
experienced great history and was the centre of the Trojan War as describe by
Homer in Iliad. As you walk through the site, you will see evidence of 9 civilisations
spanning a period of over 3400 years. Troy is an archaeological haven and in
1998 was included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Later, we take
a short ferry ride and cross the Straight of the Dardanelles to reach Canakkale,
We break for lunch at a local restaurant on the Gallipolli Peninsula where the
Dardanelles War took place and continue our journey back to Istanbul.
Overnight: Aziyade Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 22: Departure Istanbul
All too soon it is time to bid this magical land "gule gule" (goodbye)
as we are transferred to the airport for our flight home or join one of the many
unique Bestway Tours in the region. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
Back
to top
|
Departure Dates |
2009
May 23, Sep 5 & 19
& Oct 03
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2009 |
3880 |
850 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
• Hotel
accommodation as mentioned or similar
• Meal plan as mentioned (B = Breakfast L = Lunch,
D = Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
• Domestic
flight Istanbul/Gaziantep
|
•
International Airfares
• Travel Insurances
• Visas |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1200 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of -
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Jun 01, 2009
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