Visiting: Turkey
Mother Nature was in a good mood the day she created Love Valley in Cappadocia. Sometimes referred to as ‘Turkey’s Undies’, it is a bunch of phallic rock structures sprouting up all over the countryside.
Whirling Turkey
You could say there’s a stiff breeze in the air.(Was Turkey Adventure)
Istanbul
We've found accommodation right near the Grand Bazaar and Spice
Market (so you won't have to lug your treasures very far). Convenient,
no?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 or indulge in a traditional
hamam (Turkish bath) (B)
Gallipoli - Canakkale
No jokes about Gallipoli. If you choose to take the optional trip to
Troy, however, you're free to remember Brad Pitt's terrible accent in
the movie and laugh yourself silly. Take 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 Çanakkale (B)
Ayvalik
We suggest you devote this day to finding the best burek of the trip.
Or the best kebab. Or the best baklava. Maybe just devote this day
entirely to food. Your local guide can help.Drive to AyvalikOptional 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 (B)
Pamukkale
This place is so pretty Walt Disney would be jealous he didn't invent
it. Apparently the thermal waters can cure asthma, but bring your
inhaler just in case. Set off on a morning orientation tour around Selçuk, a town
full of history Travel to
Pamukkale with its natural
pools, shelves and ridgesPerhaps explore the ancient city
of Hierapolis, known for its abundance of temples and religious
structures (B)
Konya
Konya is home to the famous Whirling Dervishes. Please note that most
of the whirling takes place behind closed doors. You won't see people
spinning randomly on the street. Catch a bus to Konya, a town that dates back to Roman times Seize the chance to visit Mevlana's Mausoleum and the museum housing manuscripts
of his works (optional) (B)
Cappadocia
Explore Cappadocia, the lunar-like landscape in the interior of the country. Moon boots optional.Day 8Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu – a marvel that
descends 60m below the surface (optional)Day 9Drive to the top of the trail at the beginning of the Akvadi
(White Valley) Walk amongst fruit gardens and vineyards Take in Uçhisar and visit the village and high viewpoint known as
The Fortress (optional)Take 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' performance (optional) (2B)
Cappadocia - Istanbul
Jess said her favourite part of Istanbul was the Basilica Cistern.
After the initial shock of discovering it's not a giant toilet, she
described it as "...amazing, creepy, Medusa head, fishy, haunting,
lovely". Jess has a way with words. Day 10Spend a free day exploring the Cappadocia
regionPerhaps stop by the Göreme Open Air Museum - always worth a visit (optional) Farewell Cappadocia and make the long journey by
overnight bus back to Istanbul Day 11The trip ends on arrival in Istanbul (between 7am and 8am), but there are plenty more of kebabs to be eaten if you're thinking of sticking around a bit longer (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