Christmas Turkey Tour

If you wish to make your Christmas Day special, celebrate in Turkey where Santa Clause was born in the historical town of Demre on the Mediterranean coast line.

Day 1 – 19th December Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore this exotic city. Overnight Istanbul.

Day 2 – 20th December Istanbul old city
Tour the city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Topkapi and the Hippodrome. Overnight Istanbul (B)

Day 3 – 21st December 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, Johnston’s Jolly, original trenches and tunnels and The Nek. Overnight Canakkale (B, D)

Day 4 – 22nd December Troy, Pergamum
Step back in time today as we visit Troy and it’s famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. It’s impressive temples, library and medical facilities made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 5 – 23rd December Ephesus, Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the house of the Virgin Mary. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value. Overnight Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 6 – 24th December Pamukkale, Hierapolis
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Overnight Pamukkale (B, D)

Day 7 – 25th December Christmas Day in Demre
Today we visit Demre, home of the original St. Nicholas (aka Santa Claus), where he lived as the Bishop of the area. We visit his church and tomb before heading to Finike for Christmas Day dinner. Overnight Kemer (B, D)

Day 8 – 26th December Perge, Aspendos, Konya
Tour the ancient ruins of Perge with its impressive stadium walls and Aspendos, known for one of the best preserved theatres of Asia Minor, still used today. Overnight Konya (B, D)

Day 9 – 27th December Konya, Cappadocia
Today we visit Konya and the Mevlana Museum before heading to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia. En-route, we stop at an ancient Silk Road Caravansary, before we trek through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Tonight, don’t miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D)

Day 10 – 28th December Underground city, Goreme
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle, Derinkuyu underground city and more. Overnight Cappadocia (B, D)

Day 11 – 29th December Nation’s Capital Ankara
Today we visit the nation’s capital, Ankara, with a tour of the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Overnight Istanbul (B)
(Optional flight to Istanbul from Cappadocia)

Day 12 – 30th December Istanbul
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

(B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner)

Tour includes
Return Istanbul Airport Transfers
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
Tips except driver and guide
Entrance fees
11 nights – 4 star / Boutique / 5 star accommodation.
11 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners

Tour does not include