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TURKEY: From Antiquity to Modernity

July 13-28, 2008

This special small group tour is an in-depth exploration of Turkey, from the dynamism of Istanbul, to the east and southern regions to central Anatolia and Cappadocia, to the Roman heartland of the western region. Deluxe hotels, wonderful Turkish cuisine and the personalized service of TunisUSA.

Sunday, July 13 - Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul. Transfer to hotel where a light lunch buffet will be served. Remainder of the afternoon is at leisure, with an early evening orientation with your travel companions and dinner in an enjoyable setting along the Bosphorus. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Monday, July 14 - 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.

View of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Dinner in a nice setting. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, July 15 - Diyarbakir
This morning you have an early morning flight to the southeastern portion of Turkey, arriving approximately two hours later in Diyarbakir. After having some time to visit Diyarbakir, you drive to Hasankeyf, a picturesque medieval city on the banks of the Tigris River. Founded by the Romans, the architecture remaining today is that remaining from the 12th century. Afternoon return to Diyarbakir. Formerly a caravan town, the historic part of Diyarbakir is surrounded by an ancient city wall from the 4th century. The city has some wonderful examples of Selcuk architecture. Previously, it had a large Armenian population, though today, the population is predominantly of Kurdish origin. Overnight in Diyarbakir. (B,L,D)

Wednesday, July 16 – Urfa/Harran
Morning drive to Urfa, known in ancient times as Edessa, the birthplace of Job and Abraham. The town’s history is said to date back some 3,700 years, at which time it was the capital of the Hurrian kingdom.

Hali Rahman in Sanliurfa

Within the area of Urfa, known in today’s Turkey as Sanliurfa, you will visit the sacred fish pond, the Sanliurfa Bazaar, as well as other sites in the area. From Urfa, you drive to Harran, some forty kilometers away. It is said that Abraham lived in Harran (known as Altinbasak in modern Turkey) while traveling from Ur to Canaan. You will see the interesting architecture with its bee-hive type housing, as well as remnants of a 11th century university and newly created oasis resulting from the GAP irrigation project. Overnight in Urfa. (B,L,D)

Beehive type architecture in Harran

Thursday, July 17 – Gazientep/Adana
Today you head west via Gaziantep and then southwest to the town of Antakya, formerly the capital of the Hayat province and a city that was founded in 300B.C. by the Seleucus Nicator as capital of the eastern Mediterranean kingdom that he carved from Alexander the Great’s empire. Also known in history as Antioch, it was a city of late pagan and early Christian thought. While today, the city has lost much of this past glory, it is still worth a minor stop. You will visit the Grotto of St. Peter, where the Apostle was said to establish the first Christian church. However, the most impressive site to visit will be that of the Mosaic Museum, which has one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics found anywhere. Following your visit and a late lunch, you continue north along the coast with a late day arrival in Adana. Overnight in Adana. Overnight in Adana. (B,L,D)

Indigenous architecture of Cappadocia

Friday, July 18 - Cappadocia
Today, you drive north to the region of Cappadocia, a region of unusual landscapes integrated with a distinctive architecture of troglodyte housing. You will have time to explore on your own, as well as choose your own place for lunch, en route. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Saturday, July 19 - Cappadocia
Today you continue your exploration of the region of Cappadocia. Additional time to explore on your own, as well as being independent for lunch. Tonight’s dinner will include a folklore show. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Sunday, July 20 - Konya
Following breakfast, you depart westwards towards the central Anatolia region with stops on the way to visit a caravanserai, as well as a workshop specializing in the restoration of antique carpets. You eventually reach Konya by mid to late afternoon. Afternoon visit to the Mevlana Museum, along with time to explore the town on your own. Dinner and overnight in Konya.(B,L,D)

Monday, July 21 - Anatolia
Morning departure through the lake region and the beautiful scenery of the Taurus mountains, with stops for lunch en route and sightseeing along the way, including Aspendos. Late afternoon arrival in the seaside town of Antalya.

Old town Antalya and harbor

You will have time to wander the streets of the town and have lunch on your own. You will rendezvous again in the evening at our hotel, a quaint location in the old town. Dinner will be in a nice venue. Overnight in Antalya. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, July 22 – Perge/Antalya
Morning visit to Perge and Antalya’s Archaeological museum. Upon your return to Antalya, the remainder of the after and the evening are independent. Your guide will be happy to suggest lunch and dinner options for you. Enjoy yourself in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya. (B)

Wednesday, July 23 – Aphrodisias/Kalehan
Drive to Selchuk, with a visit en route to Aphrodisias, the most expansive Roman site in Turkey. Eventual arrival in Kalehan, where your base for the night is a small hotel with character. Dinner and overnight in Kalehan. (B,L,D)

Thursday, July 24 - 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, you 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 in Izmir. Overnight in Izmir. (B,L,D)

Friday, July 25 – Pergaman/Assos
This morning your drive takes you north, with stops throughout the day at some of the interesting Hellenistic and Roman sites, including Bergama. Your day takes you through scenic countryside with a stop at a rural weaving village in the area near Ayvicik and a late day arrival to the charming coastal village of Assos. Your evening is independent. Assos is small and enchanting, with numerous options your independent dining. Overnight in Assos. (B,L)

Saturday, July 26 - Troy
Today you will make a morning stop in Troy, before heading back to Istanbul via bus and ferry boat. More sightseeing in Istanbul after lunch. Dinner will be on your own tonight, with Istanbul presenting many wonderful dining options. Your guide will be happy to provide suggestions. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

Sunday, July 27 - Istanbul
More sightseeing in Istanbul. The remainder of your afternoon is free for shopping or exploring, as well as lunch.

Old town Antalya and harbor

You regroup in the evening for a farewell dinner that promises to be delightful. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

Monday, July 28
Departures arranged for the airport.

Cost: This deluxe, all inclusive land tour is only $4,395.
Single supplement is: $495

Special airfares are available from many gateways.

Call TunisUSA at 1-800-474-5500, 484-754-0086 or e-mail: info@TunisUSA.com