Ottoman is not Just a Footstool
Visiting: TurkeyCode: GETO
Tour price from USD 1320.00 for 15 days - Land Only
The Tour Price displayed here is for the tour only and does not include international flights. Our flight prices are very competitive, please ask for a quote when making your booking
Plus a local payment of pp payable locallyThis is a payment for your trip that must be paid locally to your tour leader on the 1st day of the trip, in the specified currency.
Visiting: Turkey
In the Ottoman Empire, condemned government officials who were sentenced to death could run for their lives. Literally. They were allowed to challenge their executioner to a foot race from the palace down to the Fish Market Gate. If they made it before the executioner, they would be banished instead of executed.
Ottoman is not Just a Footstool
Too bad if you forgot your runners.(Was Turkish Odyssey)
Day
Istanbul
Check out the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome (sadly, there’s no actual hippos here). Your hotel is right in the thick of the action so you won’t have to walk far for your first kebab of the trip. Day 1Arrive in Istanbul and perhaps visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market Meet the tour guide and fellow travel companions at an evening welcome meetingHead out on an optional group dinner, a good introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafeDay 2Take a guided tour of the treasures of the Old Town including the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome Explore under your own steam in the afternoon Perhaps barter for a bargain, enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus (optional) or indulge in a traditional Turkish hamam (optional) (B)Day
Gallipoli - Canakkale - Ayvalik
Drive to Gallipoli and wander around the famous battlefields - it's hard not to feel moved. Take a ferry across the Dardanelles to Canakkale. Optional trip out to Troy, Brad Pitt’s long gone but it’s still worth a visit. Day 3Take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli, a place of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders Cross the Dardanelles by ferry to accommodation in ÇanakkaleDay 4Optional excursion to Troy, where you can explore the ancient ruinsTake an orientation tour of Ayvalik and view its Greco-Ottoman houses, cobblestone streets and lively cafes (2B)Day
Selcuk - Pamukkale - Fethiye
Meet the locals on a bus to Selcuk. Walk in Cleopatra’s footsteps at the Greco-Roman site of Ephesus. Then find out why the hot spring city of Pamukkale is known as 'cotton castle'.Day 5Take a local bus to SelçukOn arrival we explore nearby Ephesus - perhaps the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world Walk the marble streets once trodden by Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and the restored Library of CelsusDay 6Travel to Pamukkale with its natural pools, shelves and ridgesPerhaps explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its abundance of temples and religious structuresDay 7 Head for the coast and take a local bus to Ölüdeniz, described as 'the Eden bestowed by God to the world' Plenty of time to enjoy a swim at the three-kilometre-long beach (3B)Day
Turquoise Coast
The sunken city of Kekova Island sits just under the surface of the water. Did you know the colour turquoise was named after Turkey? This is why. Board a boat for a memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast and view some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the worldCruise to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilisations can be viewedWalk up to nearby Simena Castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays and islands Perhaps explore some of the numerous Lycian rock tombs Spend some time on the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea Swim and explore the natural and historical sites along the way Indulge in feasts before being lulled to sleep by Mediterranean breezes (2B, L, 2D)Day
Cirali - Antayla - Cappadocia
It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya (unless your finger is over the lens) thanks to cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina and the Taurus mountains in the distance. Head to Zencefil café for a karniyarik -roasted eggplant split down the middle and stuffed with chopped beef, onions, tomatoes and spices. Day 10 Disembark the boat in Uçagiz and head to Antalya Stop by Olympos en route and see the flames of Chimera Press on to the ruins of ancient Lycian city of PhaselisDay 11 Take a local bus to CappadociaStay in and explore Cappadocia for the next three nights (2B)Day
Cappadocia
Penis-shaped rocks, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Cappadocia’s got it all.Day 12Drive to the top of the trail at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley) Walk amongst fruit gardens and vineyards Arrive in Uçhisar and visit the village and high viewpoint known as The FortressTake a stroll in Pigeon Valley before heading back to Göreme Enjoy free time to experience Göreme’s nightlife Perhaps attend a traditional Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performanceDay 13Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu – a marvel that descends 60m below the surface (3B)Day
Ankara - Istanbul
Go eight floors underground at Derinkuyu – one of Cappadocia’s 36 underground cities. Take the bus to Istanbul and celebrate your arrival back in Europe with a fresh fish roll on the Galata bridge. Day 14Drive to the start of Pasabaglari (Priest Valley) and follow a trail to the picturesque village of CavusinWalk through Kizilcukur (Red Valley)Take an overnight bus back to Istanbul Day 15 The trip ends upon arrival in Istanbul (between 6am and 7am). (B)While the information presented here details our planned itinerary, including routes taken, activities included, accommodation and meeting times, please accept that unforseen changes may occur. We are constantly on the lookout to improve our program and further enhance your experience. Naturally, we will keep you up to date with any last minute amendments to your tour.
Key: (B) = Breakfast, (L) = Lunch, (D) = Dinner
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