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Highlights in a nutshell
Istanbul, Old City Gallipoli Battle Fields Worlds steepest theater, Pergamon Roman city of Ephesus Walk on the street that Cleopatra and Marc Antony met Şirince and its wines Myra and St.Nicholas Turquoise waters of Kekova Bay Sultanhan Caravanserai Göreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia Underground Cities of Cappadocia Optional hot air balloon ride Grand Mosque of Bursa, 13th C. Cruise along the Bosporus with private boat UNVEIL TURKEY EXPEDITION
Day 1)
Meet your guide in Istanbul Airport who will welcome you with a name board. Transfer to your hotel with your private van, orientation and free time
Day 2)
Byzantium Istanbul We'll start with Hagia Sophia, served Christian faith for a thousand years, Islam for five hundred years, and has been open to visitors as a museum for 75 years... Afterwords, we'll proceed to 6th C. Basilica cistern. This magnificent water reservoir houses columns from antiquity. Local lunch will be followed by Chora Church. This small church in this tranquil neighborhood of Edirnekapı, houses one of the most beautiful examples of a Byzantine mosaics.
Day 3)
Ottoman Heritage We'll start our day with Blue Mosque and explore its 17th C. Iznik tiles. This mosque with its 6 minaret is one of the best examples of Islamic Architecture.Mozart was inspired by the Topkapi Palace and composed "The Abduction From the Seraglio", Italian word for Topkapi. Millions watched Melina Mercouri in the film "Topkapi" and learned about the famous dagger. We'll also wonder through the maze of Harem, learn stories of concubines.Our lunch will be in the palace gardens overlooking the Bosporus. In the afternoon, we'll wonder through the Grand Bazaar, world largest and oldest shopping mall.
We'll take a public ferry along the Bosporus, cruise till the very end of it closer to the Black Sea, explore an old fishing village where we also have lunch, and cruise back to the old city. PS: We can add Asian side or contemporary Istanbul.
Day 5) In the morning, we'll leave Istanbul early and drive to Gallipoli. After having lunch by the Dardanelles Strait, we'll learn about the fierce WWI battle which gave birth to three nations. Then we’ll cross the Dardanelles from Europe to Asia and overnight in Çanakkale.
Day 6) After breakfast, we'll drive to Pergamon and the ancient healing center,Asklepius. If we have enough time, we can stop by Ayvalık, olive oil capital of Turkey. We'll arrive Kuşadası, where we'll stay for 2 nights and watch one of the best sunsets in the world.
Day 7) We'll depart ealy to Ephesus (the best Greek-Roman ruins of the Mediterranean) to get rid of the the crowd of the curise ships. Afterwards, we can visit the Virgin Mary's house, where she is believed to spend her last years. Then, we'll drive up to the tiny village of Şirince. We can have some wine tasting over there. Overnight in Kuşadası
Day 8) Visit Aphrodisias or Pamukkale en route Antalya. We'll then check in to our 5* beach resort, all inclusive ( including Scotch) Overnight in Antalya
Day 9) We'll visit the ancient city of Myra, where St.Nicholas was born, and talk about rock-cut tombs and ancient theaters. In the afternoon, we can have a boat trip in turquoise waters of Kekova Bay and explore the sunken city of Simena. Another option is to visit Perge and Aspendos (instead of Myra and cruise). Overnight in Antalya
Day 10) Driving through the Taurus Mountains, we'll arrive the central Anatolian Plateau. Before Cappadocai, we'll stop by Caravanserai, a 13th-century luxury hotel and talk about Silk Road. Tonight, we will experience a whirligh dervish ceremony in a 13th-Centruy Caravanserai. Overnight in Cappadocia
Day 11) Optional balloon ride early in the morning. Then, valley hikes and underground city visits. Also, we'll learn about the life style of Central Turkey. We'll have a lunch in a typical village house, and have a two-hour village walk in Sinasos.
Day 12) Drive 8 hours to Bursa! We'll drive via Ankara, the capital city. If we have enought time, we can stop by to visit Mausoleum of Atatürk that houses a great display of War Of Independence. Overnight in Bursa
Day 13) Discover the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Grand Mosque of Bursa, Grand bazaar, Silk Markets and Green Mosque. After having Iskender Kebap, indigenous to Bursa, we'll drive back to Istanbul and get ready for the special night! Overnight in Istanbul
Day 14) Cruise along the Bosporus with our private boat at noon. Your guide will explain the historical monuments along the strait that divides the two continents. In the afternoon, if you want, wonder around Spice Market and explore the Tahtakale district. Visit Rustem Paşa Mosque, built by the Architect Sinan in 16th C, famous for its tiles. Overnight in Istanbul
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