TURKEY: HISTORY, FOLK LIFE and CULTURE
October 31 thru November 12, 2008
Friday, October 31 - Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel where a light lunch buffet will be served.
Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax from your flight or explore Istanbul.
Dinner in an enjoyable setting. Overnight in Istanbul.(L,D)
Saturday, November 1 - Istanbul
Full day of touring within Istanbul, exploring the many sites that make this ancient
city at the crossroads of Europe and Asia so fascinating. Dinner boat cruise on the
Bosphorus, weather permitting. Overnight in Istanbul.(B,L,D)
|
Sunday, November 2 - Istanbul
Full day of touring within Istanbul continues, including a visit to the Turkish Islamic Art Museum.
You will also visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace. Dinner tonight will be independent, giving
you the opportunity to explore the many dining options in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)
|
Monday, November 3- Cappadocia
Following breakfast, you depart to the airport for a morning flight to Kayseri, from where you then
drive to Cappadocia, a region of unusual landscapes integrated with a distinctive architecture of
troglodyte housing. Your touring in Cappadocia will include the Goreme rock-hewn churches richly
decorated with natural dyed frescoes, Uchisar Hill for the panorama of the whole region, Zelve valley
with missile-like fairy chimneys, Kaymakli the underground city where the early Christians sheltered
when they were under the threat of the pagans. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D)
|
Tuesday, November 4 - Cappadocia
You continue exploring the region of Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, November 5 - Konya
Following breakfast, you depart westwards towards the central Anatolia region with stops on the way,
including a visit to a town where the restoration of antique rugs has been a mainstay of the economy.
You eventually reach Konya by mid to late afternoon. Afternoon visit to the Mevlana Museum. Dinner and
overnight in Konya.(B,L,D)
Thursday, November 6 - Central Anatolia
Morning departure through the lake region and the beautiful scenery of the Taurus mountains, with stops
for lunch and sightseeing along the way. Late afternoon arrival in Denizli. Dinner and overnight in
Denizli.. (B,L,D)
Friday, November 7 - Pamukkale/Aphrodisias
Morning visit to Pamukkale, the salt encrusted falls, after which you drive westward through Aphrodisias,
the ruins of which are only second to Ephesus in their expansiveness. Lunch will be en route. Mid to
late afternoon arrival in Seljuk, a town in the western portion of Turkey. Dinner and overnight in
Seljuk. (B,L,D)
|
Saturday, November 8 - Ephesus
Today you start with a visit to Ephesus, the most expansive of ruins in Turkey and one of the largest in
the world. Following Ephesus, we visit what is believed to be the house of Mary, the mother of Jesus. You
then drive to the coast where you can explore the character of a coastal town. You are on your own for
lunch in Kusadasi, where you can choose among the many nice locations available for either indoor or
outdoor dining. Dinner and overnight in Seljuk. (B,D)
|
Sunday, November 9 - Pergamun/Assos
Drive north in the morning stopping in Pergamun (Bergama), another of of Turkey's ancient cities and one
that was a producer of rugs during much of the 18th, 19th and 20th century. The day’s touring continues
with a drive to Assos, a coastal town that remains relatively undeveloped, where we will see the ruins.
Dinner and overnight in Assos. (B,L,D)
|
Monday, November 10 - Troy/Canakkale/Bursa
Today you continue our ride northwards, with our first stop being Troy, the site of the Trojan Way. After
touring Troy, we continue on to Canakkale. Lunch will be in the Canakkale region, followed by your
continued drive to Bursa. Once you arrive in Bursa, you will begin touring this ancient city. The late
afternoon will be free for you to explore the town on your own. Dinner and overnight in Bursa. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, November 11 - Bursa/Istanbul
This morning you depart Bursa for the drive along the Marmara with a late morning arrival in Istanbul.
Once you arrive in Istanbul, you will be on your own for lunch, as well as having time to explore more of
Istanbul's historic sites, wander the covered bazaar at leisure, visit museums or simply wander through
the city. Your farewell dinner will be in a festive setting. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,D)
Wednesday, November 12 - Istanbul departure
Following breakfast, you depart for the airport for our return flight to the US. (B)
- All touring, entrance fees, baggage handling and most meals, as indicated on the itinerary.
- Price is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels
Cost per person: $4,695. Single supplement is $495.