Treasures of Turkey

15 days - from $1595

From cosmopolitan Istanbul to the ancient remnants of the Ottoman Empire and Greek, Roman and Seljuk civilisations, Turkey is a country full of fascinating contrasts. We discover the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia by walking through the Love Valley and exploring Pasabaglar, with its unique fairy chimneys. The mystical city of Konya was the home of Mevlana, founder of the Whirling Dervishes, and Termessos is an ancient city with impressive remains from the Greco-Roman times. We visit the extraordinary natural wonder of Pamukkale, one of the world's most breathtaking sights, before heading on to the ruins of Hierapolis - a city founded by the king of Pergamon. Some of the many other highlights of Turkey experienced on this comprehensive journey include the magnificent ancient site of Ephesus, the fabled walled city of Troy and the sobering battlefields of Gallipoli.

Highlights

• Istanbul
• Blue Mosque
• Ankara
• Cappadocia
• Goreme Valley
• Kizilcukur (Red Valley)
• Ihlara Valley Walk
• Konya
• Antalya
• Kas
• Oludeniz Lagoon
• Fethiye
• Pamukkale
• Ephesus
• Troy
• Gallipoli

Itinerary:

Day 1 (Sun) Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to hotel.2 Visit the battlefields of Gallipoli and Anzac Cove. 3 Drive to Canakkale. Visit ancient site of Troy. Drive to Selcuk.4 Explore the ruins of Ephesus. Drive to Pamukkale.5 Explore the spectacular natural pools of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis. Drive to Fethiye.6 Drive to Dalyan. Boat ride through a reed labyrinth river to the Iztuzu beach .7 Visit the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy. Explore the Lycian site of Xanthos. Drive to Kas.8 Drive to Kekova for relaxing gulet cruise through the picturesque islands and coves. Visit the settlement of Ucagiz and the village of Simena.9 Visit the ancient Lycian town of Phaselis. Drive to the coastal town of Antalya.10 Visit the beautifully preserved theatre at Aspendos. Drive to Konya11 Drive to Cappadocia. Visit the village of Belisirma in the Ihlara Valley. Explore the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. Drive to Goreme.12 Walk through the Love Valley with discover the unique rock formations. Explore the Pasabaglar Valley.13 Visit the Göreme Open Air museum. Travel through the Anatolian landscape via a salt lake Tuz Gölü to Ankara. Overnight train to Istanbul.14 Morning sightseeing tour of Istanbul through the historic old town Sultanahmet, visit the Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Free afternoon.15 Trip ends in Istanbul after breakfast
Included: Peregrine tour leader, arrival transfer, transport and sightseeing.
Not Included: International flights, departure transfer, departure taxes, visas, insurance (compulsory on all trips), meals not listed (lunches and dinners), any optional tours or activities during free time, camera fees, excess baggage charges, tips and items of a personal nature.
Meals: 13 breakfasts,1 lunch,
Valid From: 01 Jan 10
Notes: Pre-departure document PDI Please carefully read these trip notes in conjunction with the pre-departure document (PDI) which you will recieve upon confirmation of your holiday. This important document contains further information about your European trip that you will need to know before you travel.
Starts/Ends: Istanbul to Istanbul
Trip Reference: PETT