HIGHLIGHTS OF WESTERN TURKEY

Day 1  Saturday                  Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the old city. The remainder of the day is yours free to explore. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 2 Sunday                    Istanbul old city

Tour the exotic city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace, the Cistern and the Hippodrome. Group dinner tonight. Overnight Istanbul. (B,D)

Day 3 Monday                         Gallipoli battlefields

One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, the Nek, Johnston's Jolly and the Kaba Tepe Gallipoli Museum. Overnight Guzelyali. (B,L,D)

Day 4 Tuesday                       Troy, Acropolis of Pergamum

This morning, step back in time as we visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse. Then we tour the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. An afternoon leather goods display follows. Overnight Kusadasi. (B,D)

Day 5 Wednesday                      Ephesus, Kusadasi

  Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey. At the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Overnight Kusadasi. (B,D)

Day 6 Thursday                       Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Tour the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale, followed by the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Overnight Pamukkale. (B,D)

Day 7 Friday                                 Caravansary

Today we travel the ancient Silk Road passing several Caravanserails and visiting Sultanhani Caravansary. Tonight, don't miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening! Overnight Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day 8 Saturday                 Cappadocia, Goreme, Underground City

  Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, an underground city and more. Overnight Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day 9 Sunday                         Nation's Capital - Ankara

In the Nations capital, Ankara, we visit the award winning Ancient Civilisation's Museum. Overnight Istanbul. (B)
(Optional morning flight to Istanbul from Kayseri, Cappadocia)

Day 10 Monday                                  Istanbul

After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends. (B)

Tour includes

O Inbound airport transfer from Ataturk airport and Sabiha Gökcen to your hotel
O Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
O Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
O 9 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 7 dinners
O 9 nights accommodation in total.
  - 1 night 4 star accommodation in Canakkale
  - 2 nights 4 star accommodation in Cappadocia
  - 3 nights 4 star accommodation in Istanbul
  - 2 nights 4 star accommodation in Kusadasi
  - 1 night 4 star accommodation in Pamukkale

O Entrance fees to various sites, tips