Explore Aegean sites and Anatolia, Gallipoli

We will begin to visit firstly uniqueness of Cappadocia region lies on a wide plateau, formed by the lava flows and ash from the eruptions of the now extinct volcanoes Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan Mountains in the region. The area has remarkable rock formations, with churches carved into odd-shaped rocks, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. There are more than 220 churches, most of which are located in the Cappadocia area. We pass to Aegean region, the shores of the region are among the loveliest landscape in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. We visit the rockpools of Pamukkale, archeologically ruins of Ephesus, continue northwards we visit ancient Troy, a 5000 years old legend. We pass to Marmara region and visit Istanbul is the only city in the world which embraces two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the other into Europe. The museum, churches, places, mosques and bazaars and the sight of natural beauty seem inexhaustible. As you recline on the shores of the Bosphorus at sunset contemplating the red evening light reflected in the windows and on the slender minarets on the opposite shore you understand, suddenly and profoundly, why so many centuries ago settlers chose to build on this remarkable site.

Itinerary 14 days:

Day 1 : Ankara
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel

Day 2 : Ankara
First, we can visit citadel of the city, it is the oldest part of the city has many examples of traditional architecture. After visit we walk down to Anatolian civilisation Museum an old bedesten has been beautifully restored and now house of marvellous and unique collection of many civilisation.. Afternoon , we visit the magnificent tomb of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who is commander of the Army for national Independence and founder of the modern Republic of Turkey. overnight in hotel.

Day 3 : Bogazkoy – Cappadocia
In the morning , depart from the capital to Bogazkoy (Hattutas), the capital city of Hittite civilisation the first to build an organised State in Anatolia. The largest ruins are those of the great temple of the storm god, Tesup. The Acropolis contained government buildings, the Imperial Place and the archive of the Hittite Empire. After visiting we continue Yazilikaya, an open air rock pantheon dating from 13th century B.C contains fine reliefs of all the Hittite gods. We drive to Cappadocia region that lies on a wide plateau, formed by the lava flows and ash from the eruptions of the extinct volcanoes Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan Mountains in the region. Overnight in Goreme

Day 4 : Capadoce
In the morning we visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the first settlements in the area were founded after the missionary journeys of St. Paul in the year AD 53. The soft rocks were hollowed out for different purposes. Afternoon we arrive at the small village of Cavusin which lies on top of a collapsed section of early Christian cave city. The richness and variety of these frescoes has caused to be reportedly among the best works of early Christian icon painting. Here we visit Saint Jean Baptise church. After visiting we drive to Uchisar village and visit of the densely settled citadel of Uchisar.. A great panoramic view of the surrealist area is available from the top. Overnight in Goreme

Day 5 : Cappadocia – Ihlara valley - Konya
In the morning we drive to Ihlara valley , was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes and the was once rushing river is now a quiet stream. There are many rock-cut churches is with well preserved frescos dating from the 9th century. Wosmanse drive to visit 13th century Agzikarahan caravanserai , The gate is a fine example of Selcuk architecture and is a reminder that we are travelling one of the ancient caravan routes linking Asia to Europe. We continue the transfer to Konya was capital of Seljuk empire from 12th to 13th centuries. Konya is a city for its works of Seljuk art and architecture and for its tomb of 13th century poet and philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi , founded a Sufi order known in the west as the Whirling Dervishes. After visiting of Mevlana we can visit Alaeddin Mosque was built the great Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Overnight at hotel

Day 6 : Konya - Antalya In the morning drive to Antalya. On the way we stop to visit Aspendos theatre ,the ruins of this city are Roman, with the exception of the bridge over the river Eurymedon which dates from the Selçuk period. Arrive to Antalya principal holiday resort of Turkey at the Mediterranean sea , is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards. Kaleici where we will stay is narrow, winding streets and old wooded houses abut the ancient city walls. We visit Yivli minaret (fluted minaret) located in centre of Antalya,, is minaret of Alaadin mosque converted from a church in 7230 by Seljuk Sultan alaadin Keykubat. Rising like a monument is symbol of Antalya. Overnight hotel

Day 7 : Termessos – Pamukkale
we drive to Termessos as founded by Solymians a native people of Pamphylie. Termessos had the fame of being only the city Alexander Great could not conquer. The city came under the rule of the Romans in 189 BC. The side has an amphit theatre , an agora, and an Odeon. Afternoon we continue to Pamukkale that known ancient Hierapolis. Here we will explore the theatre and times of Apollo and Hades. Overnight hotel

Day 8 : Pamukkale – Aphrodisiaa – Ephese In the morning we visit Pamukkale travertines that the formations look almost unreal. The rich calcium content of the mineral water from the nearby thermal springs. In other words, the lime residue, after the carbon gas evaporates, create the visual miracles, the travertines and the pools on the top of each other. We may walk on the travertine with barefoot. We visit Aphrodisiacs that developed during the period of the Romans. Afternoon we drive to Ephesus. Overnight hotel.

Day 9 : Ephese – Pergamum
In the morning we visit Ephese was an important port city until with passing of time and erosion. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. We also visit house of Mary (meryem ana evi), we know that St. John spent the last years of his life in Epheus and wrote his Gospel here. Jesus left his mother with John, therefore, it is believed that Mother Mary came to Epheus and lived here until the end of her life. After visiting we drive to Pergamum. Overnight hotel

Day 10 : Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale In the morning we visit Pergamum., is once great centre of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trijan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on the terrace and Agora. Afternoon we visit Troy, Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlement including ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. After visiting we drive to Canakkale lies at the narrow 1200 m. Entrance to the Strait of Dardanelles that connects the sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Overnight at hotel.

Day 11 : Bursa – Istanbul
In the morning we drive to Bursa, is the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. We visit Ulu mosque (grand mosque) Ottoman Sultan Beyazid built this mosque of 20 domes between the 1393 and 1400. An unusual feature of the mosque is the fountain built inside. According to a legend the place of the mosque was to be built belonged to a Jewish woman who refused to sell her property to the authorities. One night she had a dream that all the people in the world were running toward heaven. In her dream she tried to run with the crowd but wasn't permitted to enter heaven. After this nightmare, she donated her property to the authorities. Christian and Jewish communities contributed to the building of the mosque during the construction phase. We continue the visit Green Mosque, this monumental Tomb, which is the symbol of the city of Bursa, is one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Afternoon depart for Istanbul. Overnight hotel

Day 12 : Istanbul After we have our breakfast we will visit historical sites of the city. Our first stop is Sultanahmet Mosque known as Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of blue. After visiting we stroll around Ancient Hippodrome the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civil life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. We will see tree charming monuments. Then we pass to St. Sophia now called Ayasofya Museum. built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in 6th century. We will absorb the building’s majestic serenity and admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. After our lunch we will visit Topkapı Palace, amaze of buildings at the centre of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In these opulent surroundings, the sultans and their court lived and governed. After visiting we will have free time to enjoy in the city. .Overnight in hotel.

Day 13 : Istanbul
After breakfast our first stop is Covered Bazaar ,the world largest covered market. this labyrinth of the streets and passages houses more than 4.000 shops. Covered bazaar is still commercial centre of the old city. After visiting we will visit Yerebatan Sarayı is the sixth century Byzantine cistern. Three hundred and thirty-five massive Corinthian columns support the immense chamber’s fine brick vaulting. After lunch we will visit Mısır Carsisi (Spice bazaar) next to Yeni mosque in Emınonu, transports you to fantasies of the mystical East. The smell of the whole kinds of spices fill the air. Overnight hotel

Day 14 : Istanbul – home
In the morning transfer to the airport and fly home.

Season : April to December

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