|
|
Home > Destinations > Mediterranean > Turkey > Highlights of Turkey
Highlights of Turkey
Travel to Turkey's three most important cultural and political centers to experience the regional culture, history and cuisine of Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. Discover a backdrop of medieval Byzantium and ancient Constantinople exploring the alleyways and neighborhoods of modern Istanbul giving rise to a lively city of outdoor markets, artists, shopkeepers, and epicurean restaurants. On our walking Ephesus tour we venture beyond the main streets of the ancient Roman city, and in Cappadocia we hike through some of the most surreal landscapes on earth; bizarre rock formations, volcanic gorges, and underground cities with frescoed rock churches. Throughout our Turkey tours we connect with local people and places staying in well-appointed Ottoman-style accommodations, a boutique cave hotel, and a private renovated mountain home where we experience village life. Join a scheduled small group departure or design a private Turkey vacation for as few as two people any time of year.
DAY 1 : ARRIVE ISTANBUL
Arrival and transfer to our hotel in the Sultanhamet historic district. Meet our guide for an afternoon stroll through the Old City to stretch our legs after the long flight. We walk to a local restaurant for an introduction to authentic Turkish cuisine with a commanding view overlooking the Golden Horn, Galata Tower, the ferries and bridges of the Bosphorus, and a skyline of mosques and minarets. Overnight at the Sultanhan Hotel (or similar), a former Ottoman government building converted as a historic hotel with lofty ceilings and original ethnographic Oriental etchings. [D]
DAY 2 : ISTANBUL
We spend the day with our specialist guide exploring Istanbul's Sultanahmet District including visits to Aya Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cisterns, Blue Mosque, Roman Hippodrome, the spice market and the Grand Bazaar. As the sun sets, we hop on a commuter ferry joining local Istanbulis' returning home from work. Crossing the Bospherous we are exactly where Europe and Asia meet. On both sides of the river are lavish palaces, restored antique homes and various embassies; all indicative of the city's centuries of international commerce and political prominence. This evening we take dinner at a traditional Turkish fish restaurant with a creative menu and lively gypsy Roma music. Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar). [BLD]
DAY 3 : IZMIR AND SIRINCE VILLAGE
This morning we transfer to the airport for the flight to Izmir. We visit Ephesus Museum then drive up into the hills to Sirince Village and check in to our beautiful historic hotel. Sirince has a truly spectacular location overlooking verdant vineyards and olive groves that sweep down to the sea. A walk through the town reveals exquisite architecture, tea gardens, vibrant cottage industries and local handicraft shops. There is time set aside to absorb the ambiance of village life. Overnight at Nisanyan Evleri village guest houses. [BLD]
DAY 4 : EPHESUS AND TIRE VILLAGE
Today we rise early and spend the morning exploring the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the most impressive ruins of the ancient world. Ephesus is truly unforgettable. From these Greco-Roman and early Christian remains we travel forward in time to the secluded medieval village of Tire. Wandering the quiet streets it is entirely natural for the proud artisans to invite us into their homes to share their hospitality, and we learn of their now unique traditional skills. Tires craftsmen have a very special claim; they employ techniques that have been almost universally lost over the centuries. Only in Tire have these skills been preserved for posterity, passed from father to son intact. Overnight at Nisanyan Evleri village guest houses. [BLD]
DAY 5 : KAYSERI CAPPADOCIA
Today we transfer to Izmir airport for our flight to Kayseri, then drive to Urgup in Cappadocia (1.5hrs). After check-in to our boutique hotel, time permitting, we begin our exploration of Cappadocias spectacular landscape and history. Overnight at the Elkep Evi (or similar), a restored cave boutique hotel. [BLD]
Optional schedule for day 5: Flight schedule between Izmir and Kayseri (Cappadocia) vary. Also, ask for optional flight via Ankara to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilization which houses an impressive display of Hittite treasures, and the Mausoleum of Ataturk the father of modern Turkey. From Ankara we then drive to Urgup (4 hours). There is an additional cost for this option.
DAYS 6-7 : CAPPADOCIA
We spend two full days exploring Cappadocia with our expert guide, either on foot or by private vehicle. We can choose to walk short distances or hike for several hours in the remote valleys, exploring the strange fairy-chimney landscape. We visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, and descend into the honeycombed Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground Cities. During our stay we have an opportunity to visit pottery and weaving workshops employing some of the finest Capaddocian artisans, including the well-known pottery studio of Chez Galip. In his workshop we may watch the ancient process of kiln-firing clay artifacts. Galips mother is a skilled carpet weaver and is often present to instruct visitors in traditional weaving processes. Our itinerary is deliberately flexible and our guide will cater to our particular interests. Locally, villages specialize in various handicrafts, including pottery, onyx stone, doll making, carpet weaving, jewelry, winemaking, and copper crafting. Optional activities (not included; to be booked locally) may include hot air balloon rides, horseback riding, mountain biking, and a visit to a Turkish bath. Overnight at the Elkep Evi (or similar), a restored cave boutique hotel. [BLD]
DAY 8 : ISTANBUL
Transfer to Kayseri airport (1 hr) for a morning flight to Istanbul. Transfer to hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to further explore the city or revisit sites of interest. (Optional half-day guided tour of Istanbul is available, based on time available and your interests.) Overnight Sultanhan Hotel (or similar). [B]
DAY 9 : DEPART
Extend your stay or transfer to the airport for outbound flight. [B]
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 9 | Grade: I (click for grades definition) | 2008 Price: From $3190 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 2 | 3-6 | 7-10 | Land Cost per person | $3995 | $3545 | $3190 | Turkish flights | $490 | $490 | $490 | Extra day in Istanbul | $435 | $315 | $275 |
|
| Single Supplement: $495 (click for info) | *Optional extra day in Istanbul includes, hotel, breakfast, guide and sightseeing transport.
Optional route deviation on Day 5 -fly Izmir to Ankara to see Ankara museum and Attaturk Masouleum then drive to Cappadocia. Please request on booking. Extra costs apply. | | | 2009 Price: From $4195 per person. Land cost based on Group Size | Group Size | 2 | 3-6 | 7-10 | Land cost per/person | $4195 | $3695 | $3365 | Turkish flights | $490 | $490 | $490 | Extra day Istanbul | $435 | $315 | $275 |
|
| Single Supplement: $495 (click for info) | *Optional extra day in Istanbul includes, hotel, breakfast, guide and sightseeing transport.
Optional route deviation on Day 5 -fly Izmir to Ankara to see Ankara museum and Attaturk Masouleum then drive to Cappadocia. Please request on booking. Extra costs apply. | | | | | 2008 Departure Dates | 2009 Departure Dates | | | (Please call for availability) | (Please call for availability) |
|
| | | Included: Airport transfers as noted (Istanbul airport transfers included for more than 4 persons--see note below); accommodations as noted; tours with private local guides; entrance fees for sites included; meals as indicated [B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner]; pre-departure services of Wildland Adventures. | | | Not Included: International airfare and local flights in Turkey (approx $150 each); departure taxes; visa for Turkey ($45 per person to be paid in USD cash upon arrival); tips and gratuities; alcoholic beverages and bottled drinks; meals not indicated above; extra costs for optional excursions; travel insurance; airport transfers in Istanbul airport are included for more than 4 persons without supplement, otherwise is it easy and more reasonable cost to take a taxi and pay direct. Extra costs due to unanticipated changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control are not included. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. | | | Trip Notes: Optional Day / Days in Istanbul
For those with the time, we recommend an additional day (or more) in Istanbul. Itineraries and sightseeing can be designed specifically to fit your interests. Such activities may include guided walks through the Asian and European neighborhoods on both sides of the Bosphorus; riding the commuter ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian district of Kadikoy to explore the outdoor markets famed for their antiques, nuts, dried fruits and patisseries, and to lunch at the famous Ciya Restaurant, featuring an exotic and extensive menu of Turkish regional dishes. Return to the heart of the city to explore the Beyoglu Quarter by walking the pedestrian promenade of Istiklal Caddesi through the grand 19th century Europeanized center. This walk is an example of the contrasts of composition that define Istanbul; amongst the ancient and medieval history are modern fashion shops, bookshops, cinemas, markets and restaurants, but the traditional hand-carts still sell trinkets and the local delicacy simit (sesame bread snacks). Among the winding, narrow streets of Cukurcuma, we discover the citys funky antiques barrio and the lively restored French Quarter. Another option could be a guided walking tour of Fener and Balat, two historic neighborhoods midway up the Golden Horn surrounded by the outer walls of the ancient city. The walls themselves still shelter Byzantine elephant stables and dungeons, and there remain entire streets of old wooden houses, churches, and synagogues dating from Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Also ask about our Jewish Heritage Tour of Istanbul. | |
|
