|
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-Hattusha, Mt. Nemrut remains, Xanthos-Letoon,
Divrigi Great Mosque and Hospital & Troy and natural heritage
sites like Pamukkale and Goreme-Cappadocia. In 23 days we
explore all of the UNESCO sites – and a lot more only
to appreciate the historical significance Turkey has played
to world civilisation.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Arrive
Ankara |
| 02 |
Ankara
– Safranbolu |
| 03 |
Safranbolu
- Amasya |
| 04 |
Amasya
– Hattusha – Cappadocia |
| 05 |
Cappadocia |
| 06 |
Cappadocia
– Kayseri - Sivas |
| 07 |
Sivas
– Divrigi - Kahta (Nemrut) |
| 08 |
Kahta
– Mount Nemrut - Gobeklitepe - Urfa |
| 09 |
Urfa
– Harran - Gaziantep |
| 10 |
Gaziantep
– Antioch – Adana |
| 11 |
Andana
- Silifke – Konya |
| 12 |
Konya
– Pamukkale |
| 13
|
Pamukkale
– Aphrodisias – Sagalassos - Antalya |
| 14 |
Antalya
|
| 15 |
Antalya
– Myra – Xanthos - Fethiye |
| 16 |
Fethiye
– Caunos (Dalyan) – Selcuk |
| 17 |
Ephesus |
|
| 18 |
Selcuk – Sardis – Pergamum
– Kucukkuyu |
| 19 |
Kucukkuyu – Assos - Troy –
Canakkale |
| 20 |
Canakkale
– Edirne - Istanbul |
| 21-22 |
Istanbul |
| 23 |
Depart
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 (Darussifa) of Divrigi in Sivas (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
(Bogazkoy) – Hittite Capital(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
Mountain in Adiyaman(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
– Letoon near Antalya (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. |
| City
of 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. |
| Selimiye
Mosque in Edirne (2011) |
The square Mosque with its single
great dome and four slender minarets, dominates the skyline
of the former Ottoman capital of Edirne. Sinan, the most famous
of Ottoman architects in the 16th century, considered the complex,
which includes madrasas (Islamic schools), a covered market,
clock house, outer courtyard and library, to be his best work.
The interior decoration using Iznik tiles from the peak period
of their production testifies to an art form that remains unsurpassed
in this material. The complex is considered to be the most harmonious
expression ever achieved of the Ottoman külliye, a group
of buildings constructed around a mosque and managed as a single
institution. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day
01 Arrive Ankara
Arrive Ankara. You are met by our local representative and escorted
to your hotel. This evening, you will be briefed by your guide
at the hotel then you will enjoy a group dinner.
Overnight: Ichkale Hotel (1 night) (D)
Day 02 Ankara – Safranbolu (143 miles)
Explore Ankara, the nation's capital since 1923. Visit the Museum
of Anatolian Civilizations with its rich collection from the
Hittite, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods;
Arslanhane Mosque from 13th century; Ankara Citadel with its
narrow streets; and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of
modern Turkey. In the afternoon, drive to Safranbolu.
Overnight: Hatatice Hanim Konagi Hotel (1 night) (B,
L, D)
Day 03 Safranbolu – Amasya (236 miles)
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. Stroll this
museum town to discover the Cinci Caravanserai, Kaymakamlar
Kiosk, Izzet Pasha Mosque, Clock Tower, and Kazdaglioglu Mosque,
as well as bazaars (blacksmiths and shoemakers). Lunch at the
village Yoruk famous for its old houses Drive to Amasya to see
its impressive remains. Appreciate the special architectural
features of old mansions (konak). Marvel at the Ancient Castle,
the Pontic Kings' tombs, and Gok Medrese, as well as Torumtay
Turbesi (Seljuk mausoleum with Mongol mummies). Visit the medieval
mental hospital Ilhanli Bimarhane, and the beautifully landscaped
Sultan Beyazit Mosque.
Overnight: Apple Palace Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 04 Amasya – Hattusha – Cappadocia (266
miles)
Drive to Bogazkoy. After lunch, visit Hattusa, Hittite capital
in the second millennium BC. Discover the city's Lion Gate,
Great Temple, Walls, Royal Gate, and Tunnel. Continue to Yazilikaya,
a rock sanctuary decorated with reliefs of deities of the Hittite
pantheon. Continue to Cappadocia.
Overnight: Mustafa Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 05 Cappadocia
Take a full day to discover Cappadocia. Visit the Goreme Valley,
an open-air museum with rock-hewn churches (7th-13th c.) adorned
with biblical frescoes. Marvel at the cave dwellings and fairy
chimneys. At a handicraft center, learn about the arts of rural
Turkey and watch a demonstration of rug weaving. Tour an Underground
City, a multi-level labyrinth for protection during invasions.
Take photos at Uchisar and Avcilar, magnificent vista points.
Admire the impressive rock formations at sunset. (B,
L, D)
Day 06 Cappadocia – Kayseri – Sivas (170
miles)
Drive to Kayseri, ancient Caesarea, capital of Cappadocia region.
Visit Honat Hatun Mosque from Seljuk period and make a picture
stop in front of Selcuk Kumbets, funerary monuments from the
13th century. Continue to Sivas, an important trade city in
medieval Anatolia. In this old Seljuk city, see the Buruciye
Medresesi; the Ulu Mosque; Kursunlu Han; Tas Han; and the intricately
carved façade of the Sifaiye Medresesi.
Overnight: Buyuk Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 07 Sivas – Divrigi – Kahta (Nemrut)
(277 miles)
Drive to Divrigi to see the complex built in the 13th c. by
Emir Ahmet Shah, ruler of the Seljuk Mengucek Emirate (Beylik).
Admire the exquisite geometric and floral reliefs of the Great
Ulu Mosque and its hospital, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Continue
to Kahta in the afternoon.
Overnight: Nemrut Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 08 Kahta – Mount Nemrut – Gobeklitepe –
Urfa (150 miles)
Early morning, ascend Mount Nemrut to explore the site where
King Antiochus I of Commagene erected a sanctuary of huge statues
in the 1st C BC. Return to Kahta for lunch. In the afternoon,
drive to Urfa, the ancient city where Abraham allegedly spent
several years. On the road, make a stop at Gobeklitepe to investigate
the recent discovery of the oldest temple in the world.
Overnight: Harran Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 09 Urfa – Harran – Gaziantep (146 miles)
In Urfa, visit Abraham's Caves and Balikli Gol, a large carp-filled
pool reflecting mosques. Drive to Harran to see beehive houses
with cone-shaped roofs. Return to Urfa for lunch. In the afternoon,
drive to Gaziantep. On the road, we'll make a picture stop for
the ancient city of Zeugma, partially covered by the dam water.
At the Mosaic Museum in Gaziantep, admire magnificent mosaics
from Roman era discovered at Zeugma.
Overnight: Ravanda Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 10 Gaziantep – Antioch – Adana (233
miles)
Travel to Antakya, ancient Antioch, where the disciples of Jesus
were first called "Christians." After lunch, visit
the Mosaic Museum, which displays one of the richest collections
of Roman and Byzantine mosaics in the world. Tour the Grotto
of St. Peter (designated by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage)
where the Apostle Peter allegedly preached. Drive through the
Plain of Issus (Dörtyol) where Alexander the Great crushed
the Persian army of Darius III and Crusaders built the Fortress
of Toprakkale. Continue to Tarsus, birthplace of St. Paul. Visit
St Paul's Well, Ulu Cami Mosque, and Eski Mosque, as well as
the Gate of Cleopatra. (Note that Mark Anthony allied with Cleopatra
VII in Tarsus.) In the evening, arrive in Adana.
Overnight: Surmeli Cukurova Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 11 Andana - Silifke – Konya (261 miles)
Drive to Silifke. En route, visit the Roman-Byzantine city of
Kanlidivane with its enormous red-walled chasm. Stop at Kizkalesi,
see the "Fortress of the Beauty" built on an island
off in the distance. Drive high (3,700 ft.) in the Taurus Mountains
to admire Alahan Monastery, an excellent example of early Byzantine
architecture (tentatively a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Travel
to the holy city of Konya, capital of the Seljuk Sultanate of
Rum (11th-13th c.).
Overnight: Ozkaymak Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12 Konya – Pamukkale (252 miles)
Visit the Museum of Mevlana honoring the famous mystic poet
who founded the Sufi Order of the Whirling Dervishes; Alaaddin
Mosque from 13th century; and Karatay Medresa, today a tile
museum. Drive to Pamukkale to admire the unreal landscape at
the "Cotton Castle" with its white terraces of limestone
deposited by thermal waters through the ages. See the ancient
spa still used today at Hierapolis. Discover the necropolis,
one of the largest cemeteries of the ancient world.
Overnight: Pam Thermal Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 13 Pamukkale – Aphrodisias – Sagalassos
– Antalya (256 miles)
Tour Aphrodisias, the ancient site dedicated to the goddess
of beauty, love, and fertility. Appreciate Anatolia's best-preserved
stadium. At this site which drew artisans to its famous school
of sculpture, enjoy the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon,
the Theater, and the Museum. After lunch, continue to Sagalassos
to visit the remains of this Greco-Roman city recently discovered.
The site is exceptional for its natural beauty. Drive to Antalya.
Overnight: Khan Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 14 Antalya
Drive to Aspendos, a treasure with the world's best-preserved
Roman Theater still used today for festivals and concerts. Tour
Perge, a spectacular Greco- Roman city. Return to Antalya to
stroll through the picturesque streets of the old town, Kaleici.
(B, L, D)
Day 15 Antalya – Myra – Xanthos –
Fethiye (185 miles)
Drive to ancient Myra to see stunning Lycian rock tombs in the
cliff above the Roman Theater. At Demre, visit the Church of
St. Nicholas. Take a boat ride over the sunken city of Kekova
(weather permitting). After lunch,drive to Xanthos, known for
its typical funerary monuments. Visit Letoon, the religious
center of the Lycian League.
Overnight: Atapark Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 16 Fethiye – Caunos (Dalyan) – Selcuk
(185 miles)
From there you will take a boat ride following the Dalyan River
to Caunos ancient city, all the way to Iztuzu Beach. After lunch,
continue to Selcuk (Ephesus).
Overnight: Kalehan Hotel (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 17 Ephesus
Visit the fascinating city of Ephesus. Explore the Marble Street,
Agora, Odeon, and Theater, as well as the Fountain of Trajan,
the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsius. View the
remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of
the Ancient World. Visit Ephesus Museum where statues of Artemis
are housed. (B, L, D)
Day 18 Selcuk – Sardis – Pergamum –
Kucukkuyu (275 miles)
Drive to Sardis, capital of the Kingdom of Lydia. In this Pactolus
Valley city famous for its wealthy King Croesus and the invention
of coinage, visit the Bath - Gymnasium Complex, the marble-paved
Synagogue (3rd c. AD), and the Temple of Artemis. After lunch,
continue to Pergamum, the ancient capital of the Attalid dynasty
and the place where parchment was invented. Ride a cable car
to the upper city to take in the ruins of the Acropolis. In
the lower city, visit the Asclepion, a sanctuary and a healing
center dedicated to the god of healing, Asclepius.
Overnight: Gure Saruhan Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 19 Kucukkuyu – Assos - Troy – Canakkale
(80 miles)
In the morning, depart for Assos to see the Temple of Athena
overlooking the sea from the highest spot on the acropolis.
Explore the site of the ancient city of Troy, whose 3,400-year
history spans nine superimposed settlements (Troy I to Troy
IX). Deepen your understanding of Homer's epic poem, The Iliad,
which immortalized King Priam's glorious city through the stories
of Helen, Menelaus, Paris, Agamemnon, Achilles, and Hector.
Pose at a reconstruction of the legendary Trojan Wooden Horse
at the entrance to the site. Continue to Canakkale.
Overnight: Akol Hotel (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 20 Canakkale – Edirne – Istanbul (288
miles)
Ferry across the Dardanelles Strait and drive to Edirne, the
Ottoman summer capital. Visit Selimiye Mosque and its Kulliye
(complex with hospital, school, library, and baths); Eski Cami
Mosque; Uc Serefeli Mosque; and Old Bazaar (Bedesten). Drive
to Istanbul in the afternoon.
Overnight: Aziyade Hotel (3 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 21 Istanbul
Explore Istanbul for a full day. In the morning, visit the Blue
Mosque, recognizable by its six minarets. Built between 1609
and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I, the interior is decorated with
some 21,000 blue Iznik tiles. Visit the Hippodrome, where political,
cultural, and athletic activities took place during Roman, Byzantine,
and Ottoman times. Visit the imposing Hagia Sophia, which marked
the apogee of Byzantine Emperor Justinian's reign. After lunch,
visit treasure-filled Topkapi Palace (residence of the Ottoman
sultans from the 15th to the 19th century) with its terraces
overlooking the Marmara Sea, the Bosphorus, and the Golden Horn.
End the day at the historic Grand Bazaar. Dinner is on your
own. (B, L)
Day 22 Istanbul
In the morning, visit Suleymaniye Mosque; Rustempasa Mosque;
and the Spice Market. Cruise on the Bosphorus, separating Asia
from Europe and connecting the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea.
Relish the best views of the city and its historic monuments.
Discover beautiful marble palaces (Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi),
wooden Ottoman villas (yalis), and medieval fortresses. Lunch
option at a seafood restaurant along the Bosphorus. In the afternoon,
visit St. Savior in Chora whose mosaics and frescoes are among
the most beautiful in the Byzantine World. Also visit Eyup Mosque
and its cemeteries. Dinner is on your own. (B)
Day 23 Depart Istanbul
Check out by 1100 hrs. Morning transfer to the airport for your
flight out. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
2012
May
12, Jul 28, Sep 08 &
Oct 06 |
| Prices |
| Departures
(2012) |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| May
12, Sep 08 & Oct 06 |
3385 |
940 |
| Jul
28 |
2985 |
940 |
| 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
|
•
Any airfares
• Departure taxes
• Insurances & visas
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| 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 |
|
33
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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