At the Crossroads of Ancient History / Anatolia (12 Days)
Visit Turkey’s most famous scenic and historical highlights, where you spend three days exploring the monuments of a city whose history is crowded with splendor, intrigue, and battle, founded on two continents, served as capital for three big empires, then fly to Cappadocia (via Kayseri) to visit the intriguing underground cities, rock churches made possible by a unique volcanic terrain, travel to Ankara, capital of modern Republic Of Turkey. Continue to Izmir for a visit to the wonders of ancient world Temple of Artemis and Ephesus which is one of Turkey’s great archeological sites.
Arrangements include:
- Hotel accommodation as indicated in the itinerary or similar
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- All sightseeing as shown
- Private round-trip airport transfers and all land transportation by Luxurious vehicles
- Service of a professional English speaking guide
- Baggage handling service during tour only
- Porterage at hotels of 2 bags per person
- All gratuities except to your guide and driver
- Local guide only on optional Antalya and Bodrum extensions.
Not included:
Travel insurance; any airfare; excess bug gage fees; cost of obtaining entrance or visa; communication charges; laundry: gratuities to local guides on Antalya and Bodrum extensions.
ITINERARY
Day1: USA or Canada or Europe-Istanbul, Turkey
Depart from USA or Canada on overnight flight to Istanbul.
Day2: Istanbul
On arrival in Istanbul, you will be met by Esendal Travel’s guide or representative to transfer to your luxurious hotel, once a sultan’s palace. Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski
Day3: Istanbul
After a morning briefing , we explore this ancient city , visiting the Saderk Hanim Musuem of Turkish arts and archeology. Then cruise along the Bosphorus the winding straight that stretches between Europe and Asia. Later visit the Dolmabahce Palace ,the second largest glamorous Ottoman Palace on the shore of Bosphorus. Tonight we enjoy a welcome dinner party.
Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski B, L, D
Day 4: Istanbul
This morning we visit the Topkapi Palace and world –renown Sancta Sophia(Hagia Sophia).After Lunch, visit the Sunken Palace(actually a huge 6th-century Byzantine cistern), and after Blue Mosque we stop at the grand Bazaar-3000 shops on 60 streets.
Ciragan Palace Hotel Kempinski B, L, D
Day 5: Istanbul-Kayseri-Cappadocia
After an early flight to Kaysei, we drive to Cappadocia, known for bizarre landscape and underground subterranean cities created/ built from the soft volcanic rock, to visit the underground city of Kaymakli.
Cappadocia Cave Resort Hotel or similar. B, L, D
Day 6: Cappadocia
After breakfast, we visit the ancient monastic site of Goreme, with hundred of hidden churches built between 6th and 12th centuries. Continue Zelve Valley, Pashabag Valley known for their fascinating rock formations, after lunch break visit the potter’s town Avanos. Then to Uchisar , whose citadel commands a breathtaking view of the Goreme Valley.
Cappadocia Cave Resort Hotel or similar. B, L, D
Day 7: Cappadocia-Ankara
Relax this morning before heading to Ankara, on the way to Ankara visit the early 13th century Seljuk Caravanserai on old silk route.
Ankara Hilton Hotel B, L, D
Day 8: Ankara-Izmir
We visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and its collection of artifacts from the world’s old city (Catalhoyuk) and from different civilizations lived in Anatolia. Later take short flight to Izmir, where the evening is at leisure.
Izmir Swissotel Grand Efes B, L, D
Day 9: Izmir
Today we visit ancient Pergamum which is one of the major sites of antiquity in Turkey. Pergamum was the capital of rich Pergamum Kingdom and a center for artistic and scientific studies during 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. Visit the ruins of the Acropolis, Aesclepion, the Archeological Museum and the Red Court.
Izmir Swissotel Grand Efes B,L,D
Day10: Izmir-Ephesus-Izmir
We drive to Ephesus the best archaeological site in Turkey and is one the greatest ruined cities in the western world.in Ephesus we see the state two agoras(state and public),two theaters(Odeon and great theater), the Arcadian way, the library of Celsus, the rich people Houses( Roman Terrace Houses), and the Ephesus Museum. After lunch, we return to Izmir for overnight. Our farwell dinned will be held this evening.
Izmir Swissotel Grand Efes B, L, D
Day11: Izmir-Istanbul
Today after leisurely morning and breakfast at hotel, we fly to Istanbul where the day is free for exploration, shopping or relaxation.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel B
Day 12: Istanbul-USA or Canada or Europe
We transfer you to the airport for your return flight to the USA or Canada or Europe
Departure limited to 24 passengers. This tour requires a minimum of 6 passengers to operate the tour. The booking suite upgrade is not available on this tour
OPTIONAL POST –TOUR ANTALYA EXTENSION
Day 11: Izmir-Istanbul-Antalya
Today we fly to Antalya via Istanbul and after transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Talya Divan Hotel or Similar B
Day12: Anatalya
We visit the ancient cities of southern Turkey on Mediterranean Coast : Perge , colonized after the Trojan War, and Aspendos the best preserved Roman Theater from Roman period, and the Antalya Museums houses excellent collection of artifacts and founding from the neighboring ancient cities .
Talya Divan Hotel or Similar B
Day 13: Antalya –Istanbul
Fly to Istanbul today where the balance of the day is at leisure.
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel B
Day14: Istanbul- USA or Canada or Europe
Transfer to the airport for your flight home
OPTIONAL POST –TOUR BODRUM EXTENSION
Day 11: I zmir-Bodrum
We drive to Bodrum on the way to Bodrum visit the two Ionian ancient sites Miletus the rival city to Ephesus and Didyma for its third largest temple of ancient world ’the Temple of Apollo built in the 7th century BC to honor of the god of prophecy and oracles. Transfer to our hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure.
Kempinksi Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum B
Day 12:Bodrum
In Bodrum we visit the colossal Mausoleum of Mausolus(ruler of ancient Caria) in Halicarnassus was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and world –known Bodrum’s Museum of Underwater Archeology in the Castle of ST Peter, the castle is the most distinctive landmark of Bodrum built by the nights of St Peter in the 15th century. The balance of the day is at leisure or explore the charming streets of Bodrum and opportunity for some shopping.
Kempinksi Hotel Barbaros Bay Bodrum B
Day 13: Bodrum-Istanbul
Fly to Istanbul today where the balance of the day is at leisure
Ciragan Palace Kempinski Hotel B
Day14: Istanbul- USA or Canada or Europe
Transfer to the airport for your flight home
Please contact us for further information
