10 Days / 9 Nights – Departs every Saturday
The Magic Carpet Tour is operated all year round, departing every Saturday. The tour uncovers some of Turkey’s hidden treasures in North West Anatolia.
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. 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
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 Çanakkale. (B, D)
Day 4 Tuesday Troy, Acropolis of Pergamum
This morning, step back in time as we visit Troy, home of the famed Trojan Horse and then tour the magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made Pergamum 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 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 Silk Road, Konya
Today we travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana museum in Konya along the way. Tonight, don’t miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening! Overnight Cappadocia. (B, D)
Day 8 Saturday Cappadocia, Goreme, Underground City
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia through the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, the fairy chimneys and explore the many levels of an underground city. Overnight Cappadocia 5 star (B, D)
Day 9 Sunday 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 10 Monday 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)
Tour includes
Return Istanbul Airport transfers
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Professional English-speaking tour guide
9 nights – 4 star / 5 star accommodation.
9 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
Tips
Entrance fees
Tour does not include
Suggested optional activities
Tips – driver and guide
Low Season : (1 Jan–13 Mar / 1 Nov–23 Dec) High Season : (14 Mar–31 Oct / 24 Dec–31 Dec)
Per person in twin share: AU$1,499 Per person in twin share :AU$1,689
Single Supplement : AU$566 Single Supplement :AU$600
