|
TURKISH
DELIGHT
A World Heritage Sites Tour of Turkey |
 |
Turkey is a unique place
in the world. It is an Asian – Middle Eastern country and yet European
too - a home to many world civilizations. Rich in history
and culture, it is one of the few countries in the world
that has to be visited, not once, but over and over again.
Our Turkish Delight program has been specifically tailored
for the first timer’s experience of Turkey. A wonderful
introduction to the Byzantine, Ottoman and Turkish land of
past and present.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01 |
Istanbul |
|
02 |
Istanbul |
| 03 |
Istanbul |
|
04 |
Istanbul/Ankara |
|
05 |
Ankara/Cappadocia |
|
06 |
Goreme/Avcilar/Pasabagi/
Dervent/Ozkonak |
|
07 |
Cappadocia/Konya/
Antalya |
|
08 |
Perge/Aspendos |
|
09 |
Antalya/Aphrodisias/
Denizli |
|
10 |
Denizli/Izmir |
|
11 |
Izmir/Pergamum/
Troy/Canakkale |
|
12 |
Canakkale/Gallipoli/
Istanbul |
|
13
|
Istanbul/Departure |
|
|
 |
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. |
| 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. |
| 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 01: Arrive
Istanbul
Upon our arrival at Istanbul, we are met with a friendly 'merhaba'
(hello) and escorted to our hotel. Evening, at 6PM, we meet
other tour members for a tour briefing.
Overnight: Grand Yavuz, Istanbul (3 nights) (D)
Day 02: Istanbul
Your day will be dedicated to the old city. Following the Roman
Hippodrome, visit Blue Mosque that is one of the most splendid
shrines of Islamic world. Enjoy successive courtyards and treasures
of Topkapi Palace. You have to save some freshness and budget
to Grand Bazaar for the rest of the day. (B, L, D)
Day 03: Istanbul
After breakfast sightseeing for Byzantine monuments of once
imperial Constantinople; Saint Sophia, the largest church in
mediaeval world was the protocol mosque of Islamic city under
Ottoman Sultans. Ataturk, the first president of secular Turkey
transformed this fifteen hundred years old monument to a museum.
Saint Savior in Chora preserves best examples of mosaic icons
dating back to the Paleologian revival of 14th century. You
will enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus to unveil beauties of
European and Asian shores of the city. At the Spice Market
you will be rather tempted by gourmet Persian saffron then,
next door witch doctor's merchants offer remedies such as leeches. (B, L, D)
Day 04: Istanbul/Ankara (Drive)
Early wake up and morning drive to the capital of modern Turkey.
After lunch, visit the Anatolian Civilizations museum, displaying
nine thousand years old mother goddess statues and ancient
landscape paintings of human history. The refinement and fines
of the Hittites and Phrygians art will captivate you.
Overnight: B. Anadolu Hotel, Ankara (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 05: Ankara/Cappadocia (Drive)
Enjoy the scenic drive along Salt Lake to Cappadocia. Discover
the unusual landscape with fairy chimneys twisting valleys
and table mountains, stop at a 13th century Caravanserai. See
the natural rock citadel of Uchisar,reflecting a variety of
colors through the day on its eroded, malleable tuff body.Visit
Soganli village and valley, where women handcraft dolls, as
beautiful as nature has crafted valleys, and man built cave
churches in them.
Overnight: Kapadokya Inn, Cappadocia (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 06: Goreme/Avcilar/Pasabagi/Dervent/Ozkonak
Explore the frescoed interior of Goreme's churches ''Caves
of god'', around which early christians established rules of
monastic life.Visit the underground chambers and galleries
of Ozkonak, one of the several subterrainian dwellings served
as refuge to Cappadocians through their history full of invasions.
You will take a walk in the red valley of Dervent, observe
the uniquely formed pinnacles of Avcilar and Pasabag, and finally
take a coffee break in a small village where you will mingle
with locals. Learn about arts and and crafts of rural Turkey
with a pottery atelier visit and attend a lecture on Turkish
hand-made rugs. (B, L, D)
Day 07: Cappadocia/Konya/Antalya (Drive)
Morning drive following the path of silk road merchants; Konya
the city of icons. Its golden age was Seljuk sultans' 13th
century, when numerous Islamic edifices such as mosques and
medresses were added to the city's riches. Mystic poet Rumi's
tomb is one of the most visited shrines by muslims venerating
his teaching for love and tolerance. His whirling dervishes
danced the Sema for their spiritual journey. Drive south in
the afternoon over Taurus mountains to reach Antalya on the
Mediterranean Coast.
Overnight: Golden Ring Hotel, Antalya (2 nights) (B, L, D)
Day 08: Perge/Aspendos
Explore Greek and Roman archaeology starting with the ruins
of Perge. Visit one of the best preserved Roman theaters in
Aspendos, that is still in full use for a variety of performances
with its 15000 seating capacity. Return to Antalya for a stroll
through the cobbled streets of the old town. (B, L, D)
Day 09: Antalya/Aphrodisias/Denizli (Drive)
An inland drive this morning, will take us to one of the most
inspiring ancient cities of Asia Minor. As well as being an
important cult city of mother goddess Aphrodite, Aphrodisas
was known with its production of marble sculptures and sarcophagi
that were exported to many Roman towns throughout the empire.
You will overnight in Pamukkale and explore the calcareous
cascades and luke-warm basins. The variety of tomb styles at
the necropolis is a proof of Hierapolis' fame in the healing
power of its thermal springs since ancient times.
Overnight: Hierapolis Thermal Hotel, Denizli (1 night) (B,
L, D)
Day 10: Denizli/Izmir (Drive)
Drive to the Aegean coast for a visit of Ephesus; the star
of Asia Minor and the best preserved of all the classical
world's great cities. St.Paul stirred up the worshippers
of mother goddess Artemis, the temple of whom is one of
the seven wonders of ancient world. During the Christian
era, Mary was dedicated her first church in Ephesus, where
ecumenical councils gathered during the Byzantine reign.
Overnight: Aksan Hotel, Izmir (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 11: Izmir/Pergamum/Troy/Canakkale (Drive)
Early drive to Pergamum for a visit of its fascinating acropolis.The
200000 pergament (parchement) scrolls of the library here,
threathened the fame of that in Alexandria during the Hellenistic
Age. Drive along the Aegean coast to Troy. You will touch
the city walls around which Achilles dragged the dead body
of Hector, as told in Homer's Iliad.
Overnight: Akol Hotel, Canakkale (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 12: Canakkale/Gallipoli/Istanbul (Drive)
Cross the Dardanelles to Gallipoli for a visit of the infamous
World War 1 battle sites. Lone Pine Cemetery and Anzac Cove
are remembered for no hatred nor glory but human aspects
of both sides' sufferings. Out of the ashes of this sad battle,
rose Kemal Ataturk as a hero for future modern Turkey. And
a John Simpson carried help to the wounded of both sides,
with his donkeys. Drive in the afternoon to Istanbul.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Yavuz, Istanbul (1 night) (B, L, D)
Day 13: Depart Istanbul
This morning we bid farewell and transfer to the airport
for the departure flight. (B)
* The sequence of the itinerary may be changed depending
on your arrival date.
|
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
Back
to top
|
Departure Dates |
2008
Daily,
except Saturdays
|
| Prices |
| Season
- 2008 |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| Jan 01 – Mar 13 |
1270 |
225 |
| Mar 14 – May 01 |
1455 |
320 |
| May 02 – Jun 01 |
1570 |
345 |
| Jun 02 – Aug 24 |
1455 |
320 |
| Aug 25 – Sep 04 |
1570 |
345 |
| Sep 05 – Nov 02 |
1695 |
380 |
| Nov 03 – Dec 28 |
1455 |
320 |
| Dec 29 – Dec 31 |
1570 |
345 |
| 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
|
• International
Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Travel Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
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
|
Back
to top
|
|
|
|
Site
updated April 04, 2008
|
|
|
