Turkey In Style

from USD 3431 for 15 days

Few countries are blessed with as intoxicating a combination of scenery, culture and history as Turkey. During the course of the next two weeks you will experience the historical delights of Ephesus, the scenic wonders of Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast, and constant interaction with the incredibly friendly and hospitable locals. We spend our nights in comfort at a range of well-appointed hotels combining character and charm.

Brief Description Show detailed

Day 1 - ISTANBUL

Arrival day. We stay in the Grand Hotel Beyazid, only a few meters from the Grand Bazaar and within walking distance of Istanbul's major attractions.

Day 2 - ISTANBUL

Morning visit to the Blue Mosque and an afternoon boat cruise to the picturesque Princes' Islands. (BD)

Day 3 - ISTANBUL - SELCUK

This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Aya Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome before taking a short flight to Izmir. On arrival we transfer to Selçuk where we stay for two nights in an Ottoman style hotel beautifully furnished with Antiques. (BD)

Day 4 - SELCUK

A full morning guided tour of the ancient Ionian city of Ephesus, still brilliantly preserved. Free afternoon to explore further. In the evening we have dinner in Sirince which used to be a Greek village. (BD)

Day 5 - PAMUKKALE

A short drive takes us to Pamukkale, famous for its calcified falls and hot springs. We visit the falls in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, and also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.  (BD)

Day 6 - ANTALYA

Travelling through the beautiful scenery of the Taurus Mountains we visit the spectacular hilltop fortress of Termessos. We spend the night in an Ottoman Mansion in the old harbour of Antalya.  (BD)

Day 7 - ANTALYA

Morning tour of the well-preserved theatre of Aspendos. The afternoon is free to explore Antalya and its picturesque harbour. (B)

Day 8 - KONYA

A spectacular drive today as we pass through the Taurus Mountains and Turkey's Lake District before arriving in Konya. This was the capital of the Selcuk Empire and is famous for its Whirling Dervishes. We visit the local museum. (BD)

Day 9 - CAPPADOCIA

Continue through the Anatolian Steppe to Cappadocia, a volcanic region of outstanding natural beauty. We spend three nights in a beautifully restored Cappadocian villa with traditional Turkish furnishings.  (BD)

Day 10 - CAPPADOCIA

A full day to explore the region. We visit the world famous underground cities and open air museums by bus and by foot. Tonight we visit a local caravanserai to see the Whirling Dervishes. (BD)

Day 11 - CAPPADOCIA

In the early morning there is an opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the amazing landscape (US$190 - US$280). Later we visit Goreme open air museum and Uchisar Castle. Tonight we visit a restaurant in one of the ancient caves for an evening of folk entertainment. (BD)

Day 12 - ANKARA

We leave Cappadocia region, stopping at a large salt lake en route to Ankara. In Anakara we visit Ataturk’s mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, one of the best museums in Turkey. (BD)

Day 13 - SAFRANBOLU

Drive to Safranbolu, one of the best preserved towns from the Ottoman period with restored wooden houses and a small handicraft market. (BD)

Day 14 - ISTANBUL

Return to Istanbul. On arrival the remainder of the day is free to explore further. (BD)

Day 15 - ISTANBUL

Return to Istanbul. On arrival the remainder of the day is free to explore further. (BD)

Itinerary Notes

Few countries are blessed with as intoxicating a combination of scenery, culture and history as Turkey. During the course of the next two weeks you will experience the historical delights of Ephesus and Mt Nemrut, the scenic wonders of Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast, and constant interaction with the incredibly friendly and hospitable locals. We spend our nights in comfort at a range of well-appointed hotels combining character and charm.