Central Turkey & the Black Sea

Visiting: No Longer For Sale

Code: PECE

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

Please note that we are no longer actively selling this trip because we have too many similar trips in our current product range. Please contact one of our sales consultants for further details of our current trips.
These trip notes are for the sole use of customers currently booked on this tour.

Reviews

Discover the hidden heartland of Turkey

This spectacular journey showcases the hidden treasures well away from the popular highlights of the west. Scenically and historically captivating, the north western Black Sea coast is home to historic Safranbolu, where fascinating remnants from Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk and Ottoman civilizations await. The beautiful natural harbour of Sinop is a picturesque setting for ruins of the ancient citadel and, in Amasya, some of Turkey’s most impressive forms of Ottoman house lie in snug repose along the meandering Yesilirmak River. An insight into Seljuk history can be gained in Sivas with a visit to the city’s impressive architectural gems, the Gok Medrese and the Cifte Minareli Medrese. Further east, the immense statues devoted to Apollo, Fortuna, Zeus, Herakles and King Antiochus can be found on the slopes of Mt Nemrut -simply awe-inspiring, as their craftsman no doubt intended.

Central Turkey & the Black Sea

Moving on to the City of Prophets at Urfa, we visit the wonderful ancient bazaar and, in Harran, witness rural village life little changed since biblical times. Back in central Anatolia, we discover the astounding, mythic landscapes of Cappadocia, which have inspired writers and travellers for years. We end the fortnight in the city where east meets west, rewarded with a final look through one of the world’s great historic capitals.

Click the map to enlarge

Trip Itinerary

Day 1(Sun) Arrive in Istanbul.

Day 2Guided tour of the main sites of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque. Afternoon free.

Day 3Travel to Amasra and explore the old town, including the mosque and bazaar.

Day 4Drive to Safranbolu and explore the cobblestone lanes and traditional buildings. Continue on to the ancient harbour town of Sinop on the Black Sea and visit the old fortress and prison.

Day 5Drive to Amasya and discover traditional Ottoman houses and ancient tombs carved into sheer rock.

Day 6Drive to Sivas and explore the impressive Seljuk sites of Çifte Minare Medressa and Gök Medressa.

Day 7Visit the village of Darende and walk to the waterfalls at Günpinar.

Day 8Visit Mount Nemrut National Park and discover the colossal statues dedicated to King Antiochus and the Greek and Armenian gods.

Day 9Visit the mud-brick beehive houses of the biblical town of Harran. Drive to Sanliurfa and explore the ancient bazaar.

Day 10Explore the Hittite city of Gaziantep.

Day 11-13Explore the surreal lunar-like landscapes of Cappadocia. Walk through the valleys and discover cave dwellings, rock-cut churches and an elaborate underground city.