Glories of Turkey
		One of our most popular tours. A marvellous 'voyage of discovery' showing you the wealth of cultural & scenic riches which Turkey possesses. Travel in an air-conditioned deluxe coach with highly qualified guides who will bring this fabulous country to life.

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14 days / 13 nights, ex- Istanbul, First Class
See Eastern Turkey Extension for add-on to this itinerary

Thursday    Istanbul
Arrival transfer to your hotel located in the Old City.

Friday         Istanbul
Sightseeing in Istanbul includes the stunning Topkapi Palace, St Sophia Basilica, Blue Mosque and the exotic Grand Bazaar. (B) Optional Turkish belly dancing show tonight.

 

Saturday     Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale
Morning departure for Gallipoli. Visit Anzac Cove and the NZ memorial Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery and Kabatepe War Museum. Later cross the Dardanelles waterway to Canakkale. (B,D)

 

Sunday       Canakkale – Troy – Kusadasi
Morning visit to Troy, legendary city of Helen and the famous wooden horse. Later visit the ancient Acropolis of Pergamum with its Altar of Zeus. Continue to Kusadasi. (B,D)

 

Monday       Kusadasi (Ephesus)
Today see the ancient city of Ephesus, exploring its marble streets, amphitheatre, library, gymnasium and Temple of Hadrian. Later visit the stone house of Virgin Mary. (B,D)
Optional afternoon tour of Sardis or Sirince.

Tuesday      Kusadasi - Pamukkale
Travel through fertile valleys to Pamukkale to see its amazing limestone cascades and also the Hierapolis Roman health spa ruins.(B,D)

 

Wednesday  Pamukkale – Perge - Antalya
Drive to Antalya on the sunny shores of the Mediterranean. This afternoon visit the ancient city of Perge. (B,D)
                                       
Thursday     Antalya
A full day at leisure. (B,D)
Optional tour of Phaselis an ancient Lycian city OR a lazy yacht cruise along the turquoise coast of the Mediterranean.

 

Friday     Antalya – Aspendos - Konya
Travel via the Tauras Mountains to Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, founder of the Whirling Dervishes and then see the Karatay Medersa. (B,D)
Optional Dervishes performance.

Saturday     Konya - Cappadocia
Depart for Cappadocia visiting enroute the 13th Century Agzikarahan Caravansary in the land of the 'fairy chimneys'.  Visit the underground city of Kaymakli before reaching your hotel in Cappadocia. (B,D)

 

Sunday        Cappadocia
Visit Goreme, Pasabagi and the beautiful Rose Valley, home of the pottery making village of Avenos. (B,D)

 

Monday        Cappadocia - Ankara 
Drive to Turkey's capital, Ankara, visiting enroute the Ataturk Mausoleum and Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its Hittite treasures. (B,D)
Option to add Eastern Turkey from this day on and finish the tour in Saliurfa. Please see the Eastern Turkey Extension.

 

Tuesday       Ankara – Istanbul
After breakfast drive to Istanbul for some last minute shopping at the Spice Market. (B,D)
Optional - Afternoon Bosphorus Cruise.

 

Wednesday   Istanbul
Departure transfer to the airport. (B)

TOUR INCLUSIONS: *Accommodation with private facilities (Choice of Deluxe or First class), *All transfers, *A/C transport, *Luggage handling at hotels, *13 breakfasts,  *11 dinners, *Professional guides, *Sightseeing and Entrance fees, *Travel Notes

*Notes: Deluxe upgrade is only available in Istanbul, Ankara and Antalya.

Transfers are only valid on day of arrival and departure, if arriving/departing on different days to the tour start/end a supplement applies. Transfers are only valid for arrival/departure to/from Istanbul Ataturk Airport. If arriving/departing another airport a supplement applies.