‘Flying Carpet Tour’ 15 Days / 14 Nights Tour
Day 1 Saturday Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! You will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day is yours free to explore at your own pace. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 2 Sunday Istanbul Old City
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya, Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome. Overnight Istanbul. (B)
Day 3 Monday Gallipoli Battlefields
Today we visit the WW1 battlefields of Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, The Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, original trenches and tunnels and The Nek. Overnight Çanakkale. (B, D)
Day 4 Tuesday Troy, Acropolis of Pergamum
Step back in time today as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Overnight Kusadasi. (B,D)
Day 5 Wednesday 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 Thursday Pamukkale, Hierapolis
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to 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 Friday Aphrodisias, Fethiye
Today we drive south towards the Mediterranean coast, visiting the ancient site of Aphrodisias along the way. Overnight Fethiye. (B)
Day 8 Saturday Fethiye
Today you have the option to relax on a day cruise around the 12 Islands of Fethiye or experience one of Turkey’s highlights on an optional day tour to Saklikent Gorge, Turkey’s longest and deepest canyon.
Overnight Fethiye. (B)
Day 9 Sunday Kayakoy, Antalya
Relaxing morning, before a late afternoon drive to the resort town of Antalya visiting the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy on the way. Overnight Antalya. (B, D)
Day 10 Monday Perge, Aspendos
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 Antalya. (B, D)
Day 11 Tuesday Konya, Cappadocia
Early departure for Cappadocia, stopping en-route to visit Konya and the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi with its accompanying museum. This afternoon we also stop to visit Sultanhani Caravansary, the largest in Anatolia. Overnight Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 12 Wednesday Goreme, Uchisar Castle
Marvel at the lunar landscape with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy chimneys, Uchisar castle and more. Tonight, don’t miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening! Overnight Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 13 Thursday Ihlara Valley, Underground City
Today we trek through the wildly beautiful Ihlara Valley and explore the many levels of an underground city.Overnight Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 14 Friday Ankara
Early morning departure to the nation’s capital, Ankara, where we visit Anitkabir, mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, before returning to Istanbul. (Optional morning flight to Istanbul from Kayseri, Cappadocia) Overnight Istanbul. (B)
Day 15 Saturday 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
Inbound airport transfer – Istanbul
Outbound airport transfer – Istanbul
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
14 nights – 4 star / 5 star accommodation.
14 Breakfasts, 9 Dinners
Tour does not include
Suggested optional activities
Tips – driver and guide
Price:
Twin share per person :AU$2489
Single Supplement :AU$1040
Departure Dates :2016
Apr 9 – 30
May 7 – 14 – 21 – 28
Jun 4 – 11 18 – 25
Jul 2 – 9 – 16 – 23 – 30
Aug 6 – 13 – 20 – 27
Sep 3 – 10 -17 – 24
Oct 1- 8 – 15 – 22 – 29
