Visiting the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Sunday, July 7 – 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)

Beautiful scenes along the Bosphorus in Istanbul

Monday, July 8 – 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 in a nice setting. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, D)

The dome of Haigha Sophia in Istanbul

Hasankeyf

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, D)

A colorful display of Turkish hats

Wednesday, July 10 – 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.

Halil Rahman in Sanliurfa, also known as Urfa

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, D)

Harran's unique beehive like architecture.

Thursday, July 11 – 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.

St. Peter's Church in Antakya

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.  (B)

Unique, indigenous architecture of Cappadocia region

Saturday, July 13 – 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)

Turkish cuisine is one of the highlights of TunisUSA programs.

Sunday, July 14 – Konya
Following breakfast, you depart westwards towards the central Anatolia region with stops on the way to visit a Silk Route caravanserai. 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, D)

Mevlana Mosque in Konya

Monday, July 15 Anatolia
Morning departure through the lake region and the beautiful scenery of the Taurus mountains.

Beautiful views while traveling through 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.

The theater at Aspendos

Tuesday, July 16 – Perge/Antalya
Morning visit to Perge and Antalya’s Archaeological museum.

The ruins of Perge

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 17 – 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)

The library at Ephesus

Thursday, July 18 – 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 19 – 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)

Assos along the water...

Saturday, July 20 – 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)

Turkey and Istanbul...a shopper's paradise!

Sunday, July 21 – Istanbul
More sightseeing in Istanbul. The remainder of your afternoon is free for shopping or exploring, as well as lunch.

The "Egyptian Market", also known as the Spice Market, in Istanbul

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

Monday, July 22 – departure
Departures arranged for the airport.

HOTELS

Istanbul: Arcadia Hotel 
Nicely located in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, the Arcadia has spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. The rooftop restaurant, where breakfast is served, provides a wonderful view of Istanbul. Dinner can also be ordered there, as well.
http://www.hotelarcadiaistanbul.com/eng/index.html
Diyarbakir: Malabadi 
Business type hotel with amenities such as Turkish bath, fitness center and outdoor pool.
http://www.malabadihotel.com/

Adana: Zaimoglu Hotel 
Centrally located, this hotel caters to both a business and tourist clientele, offering spacious, comfortable rooms, nice service and providing a welcoming atmosphere in southern Turkey.
http://www.zaimoglu.com.tr/eng/hotel.htm

Sanliurfa (Urfa): Harran Hotel 
In a part of the country where special hotels are scarce to non-existent, the Harran Hotel is a rather typical business type hotel. Perfectly nice, very friendly staff, comfortable rooms, but nothing that will win marks for imaginative décor or architecture.
http://www.hotelharran.com/en/index.html 

Cappadocia: Nevsehir: Dinler Hotel 
A relatively new hotel situated in the Cappadocia area. Spacious grounds with pleasant rooms.
http://www.dinlernevsehir.com/

Konya: Dundar Konya 
This is a business type hotel. In Konya, most of the architecture seems to have the inspiration of Soviet or East German architecture of twenty years ago. As Konya is a conservative, commercial city, the hotels reflect this. The Dundar is perfectly nice for one night. Imagine a typical business style hotel in a U.S. city.
http://www.dundarhotel.com

Antalya: Marina Residence 
A 19th century Ottoman house that has been beautifully renovated. Located in the historic harbor section of Antalya, the hotel’s interiors are very tasteful, with hotel amenities including a Roman style swimming pool, sauna and fitness center.
http://www.marinaresidence.net/tr/index.html

Seljuk: Hotel Kalehan 
Family style hotel in Ottoman style. Individually designed rooms, Turkish crafts and rugs provide the interiors in the pleasant town of Seljuk, a short drive from Ephesus.
http://www.kalehan.com/

Izmir: Anemon Hotel
This very attractive hotel is centrally located, spacious rooms each designed with very soothing colors. Full service hotel with well managed, friendly staff.
http://www.anemonhotels.com/en-Us/AnemonIzmir/Sayfalar/Overview.aspx

Assos: Kervansaray
Lots of character in this small hotel situated in the small, charming seaside village of Assos. A rustic charm is complemented by comfortable rooms, swimming pool and sauna facilities.
http://www.assoskervansaray.com/res.htm

Cost: This deluxe  land tour is only $4,600., per person, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is: $575.

What is included

• All ground transportation and transfers as per itinerary or similar
• All accommodations as specified in this itinerary or similar, (including first day early morning arrival)
• All meals as specified within the budget as outlined in itinerary by B, L, or D
• Entrance fees for all tours and excursions specified in the itinerary or similar
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Baggage handling

What is NOT  included

• International flights
• Regional Flights, unless described in the itinerary.
• Excess baggage charges
• Passport and visa fees. Turkish visas are issued at the airport at passport control. Cost of US = $20.
  
• Meals not specified in this itinerary
• All drinks except bottled water or soda with meals
• Personal items such as laundry, email, fax, telephone, souvenirs, etc.
• Gratuities for tour and site guides and drivers
• Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage insurance (Note: This optional coverage is highly recommended and can be purchased through your local insurance company)

Friday, January 18 – Arrival in Turkey
Upon your arrival in Istanbul’s airport, you will be met by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in central Istanbul. Dining suggestions to be provided. Overnight in Istanbul.

Saturday, January 19 – Istanbul touring
Today’s touring of Istanbul will the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque Haigha Sophia. Following lunch, your touring continues with Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Sunday, January 20 – Ankara/Cappadocia
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Ankara, capital of Turkey. Upon arrival, your touring of Ankara will include the Anatolian Civilization Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Following lunch, you depart by road to Cappadocia. En route, you will visit a 13th century Caravanserai. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.   (B, L, D)

Cappadocia “fairy chimney” architecture

Monday, January 21 – Cappadocia
Today will include a full day of touring this interesting region of central Turkey. Your touring will include the Valleys of Göreme and Zelve, the underground city of Kaymaklı and Avanos.  Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, January 22 – Anatolia heartland
You have an early morning departure taking you west across the heartland of Turkey, known as Anatolia. During your drive, you will stop in Sultanhan to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a wonderful example of Seljuk architecture. Afternoon arrival in Konya, a rather provincial city in central Turkey. You will have an opportunity to visit the mosque and tomb of Mevlana, the world-wide famous Sufi mystic. From Konya, you continue west with a late day arrival to Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.   (B, L, D)

Pamukkale

Wednesday, January 23 – Hierapolis/Aphrodisias/Kusadasi
After breakfast, your touring takes you to the ancient city of Hierapolis with the theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis burial grounds. From Hierapolis, you drive to Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite, with wonderful Roman ruins, as well as a nice museum. From Aphrodisias, you continue west to the charming coastal town of Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kuşadası.    (B, L, D)

Aphrodisias

Thursday, January 24 – Ephesus
Following breakfast, you drive to Ephesus, where you will have a full day of touring this most expansive site in western Turkey. Today’s touring will include what is reputed to have been the house of the Virgin Mary, the Selçuk Ephesus Museum, St. John Church, Artemis Temple, the Grand Theatre, Marble road, Hadrian’s Temple and more. Late day return to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kuşadası. (B, L, D)

The Library at Ephesus

Friday, January 25 – Pergaman/Assos
Early departure for Bergam, known during Hellenistic times as the city of Pergamon. Touring will include  Asclepion and the ruins of Acropolis. Late afternoon drive through beautiful country side to the charming seaside village of Assos, your base for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Assos. (B, L, D)

Saturday, January 26 – Troy/Dardanelles/Istanbul
After breakfast drive to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as mentioned in the ‘Illiad’ of Homeros. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale and Gallipoli, the site of the famous World War II battle which cost so many lives. Shortly thereafter, you board the ferry for a ride across the Dardaenelles, taking you back to Istanbul and to your hotel. Dining tonight is independent with a variety of restaurants available at all different price levels. Suggestions will be provided. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Sunday, January 27 – Bosphorus
Today you have a tour of Istanbul from the vantage point of the Bosphorus, a most pleasant way to enjoy the views. You will have lunch on the Asian side of Istanbul including lunch in a sea-food restaurant. For your final night in Istanbul, dining is again independent, with many options available. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Monday, January 28 – Departure
A transfer will be arranged to take you from your hotel to the airport for your departure. (B)

HOTELS

Istanbul: Amiral Palace or similar
Pleasant hotel in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, within a short walk of many historic sights and dining options.
http://www.amiralpalacehotel.com/en.aspx#!/splash

Cappadocia: Peri Tower Hotel or similar
Located in Nevshehir area within Cappadocia, the Peri Tower Hotel’s most distinctive physical feature is its architecture, which is designed to capture the image of the region. Well managed hotel.
http://www.peritower.com/index.asp

Pamukkale: Tripolis Hotel  or similar
Like most hotels near the site of Pammukale, they are large hotels catering to the one night stands of groups coming to visit the site. Well managed with spacious rooms.
http://www.tripolishotel.com/?mn=1&lng=eng

Kusadasi: Palmin Hotel  or similar
Conveniently located to walking or taxi to the center of town and the beaches, the Palmin has spacious rooms and resort type facilities.
http://www.palminhotel.com/home.html

Cannakale: Iris Hotel or similar
One does not come to Cannakale for the beaches or for hotels. The Iris Hotels is well managed, catering to one night groups.
http://www.irisotel.com/english/default.html

Cost  $1,925 per person, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is: $595.
Cost includes:

• Price is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels, all touring, baggage handling, domestic flights, airport transfers, and all meals indicated by either  B, L, or D. Any other references to meals are for logistical reference, only

What is included

• Meals included as indicated by B, L, D. Any other references to meals are for logistical purposes, only.
• Bottled water at group, sit down meals…Not at Half Board buffets!
• Itinerary as shown, including domestic air
• Hotels as described or comparable properties
• English speaking guide

What is not included

• International air travel.

• Any purchases of a personal nature, hotel expenditures such as laundry, mini-bar, business center related expenses and spa expenses. All expenses in addition to included room and breakfast.
• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Alcoholic drinks not included during group meals.

NOTE:

• Itinerary aspects may be subject to change.
• Hotel star ratings are based on Ministry of Tourism in Turkey. These may not be commensurate with international standards.

Friday, February 15 – Arrival in Turkey
Upon your arrival in Istanbul’s airport, you will be met by a driver who will transfer you to your hotel in central Istanbul. Dining suggestions to be provided. Overnight in Istanbul.

Saturday, February 16 – Istanbul touring
Today’s touring of Istanbul will the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque Haigha Sophia. Following lunch, your touring continues with Topkapı Palace and the Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Sunday, February 17 – Ankara/Cappadocia
After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your flight to Ankara, capital of Turkey. Upon arrival, your touring of Ankara will include the Anatolian Civilization Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk. Following lunch, you depart by road to Cappadocia. En route, you will visit a 13th century Caravanserai. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.   (B, L, D)

Cappadocia “fairy chimney” architecture

Monday, February 18 – Cappadocia
Today will include a full day of touring this interesting region of central Turkey. Your touring will include the Valleys of Göreme and Zelve, the underground city of Kaymaklı and Avanos.  Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

Tuesday, February 19 – Anatolia heartland
You have an early morning departure taking you west across the heartland of Turkey, known as Anatolia. During your drive, you will stop in Sultanhan to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a wonderful example of Seljuk architecture. Afternoon arrival in Konya, a rather provincial city in central Turkey. You will have an opportunity to visit the mosque and tomb of Mevlana, the world-wide famous Sufi mystic. From Konya, you continue west with a late day arrival to Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.   (B, L, D)

Pamukkale

Wednesday, February 20 – Hierapolis/Aphrodisias/Kusadasi
After breakfast, your touring takes you to the ancient city of Hierapolis with the theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis burial grounds. From Hierapolis, you drive to Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite, with wonderful Roman ruins, as well as a nice museum. From Aphrodisias, you continue west to the charming coastal town of Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kuşadası.    (B, L, D)

Aphrodisias

Thursday, February 21 – Ephesus
Following breakfast, you drive to Ephesus, where you will have a full day of touring this most expansive site in western Turkey. Today’s touring will include what is reputed to have been the house of the Virgin Mary, the Selçuk Ephesus Museum, St. John Church, Artemis Temple, the Grand Theatre, Marble road, Hadrian’s Temple and more. Late day return to Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kuşadası. (B, L, D)

The Library at Ephesus

Friday, February 22 – Pergaman/Assos
Early departure for Bergam, known during Hellenistic times as the city of Pergamon. Touring will include  Asclepion and the ruins of Acropolis. Late afternoon drive through beautiful country side to the charming seaside village of Assos, your base for the evening. Dinner and overnight in Assos. (B, L, D)

Saturday, February 23 – Troy/Dardanelles/Istanbul
After breakfast drive to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as mentioned in the ‘Illiad’ of Homeros. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale and Gallipoli, the site of the famous World War II battle which cost so many lives. Shortly thereafter, you board the ferry for a ride across the Dardaenelles, taking you back to Istanbul and to your hotel. Dining tonight is independent with a variety of restaurants available at all different price levels. Suggestions will be provided. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Sunday, February 24 – Bosphorus
Today you have a tour of Istanbul from the vantage point of the Bosphorus, a most pleasant way to enjoy the views. You will have lunch on the Asian side of Istanbul including lunch in a sea-food restaurant. For your final night in Istanbul, dining is again independent, with many options available. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L)

Monday, February 25 – Departure
A transfer will be arranged to take you from your hotel to the airport for your departure. (B)

HOTELS

Istanbul: Amiral Palace or similar
Pleasant hotel in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, within a short walk of many historic sights and dining options.
http://www.amiralpalacehotel.com/en.aspx#!/splash

Cappadocia: Peri Tower Hotel or similar
Located in Nevshehir area within Cappadocia, the Peri Tower Hotel’s most distinctive physical feature is its architecture, which is designed to capture the image of the region. Well managed hotel.
http://www.peritower.com/index.asp

Pamukkale: Tripolis Hotel  or similar
Like most hotels near the site of Pammukale, they are large hotels catering to the one night stands of groups coming to visit the site. Well managed with spacious rooms.
http://www.tripolishotel.com/?mn=1&lng=eng

Kusadasi: Palmin Hotel  or similar
Conveniently located to walking or taxi to the center of town and the beaches, the Palmin has spacious rooms and resort type facilities.
http://www.palminhotel.com/home.html

Cannakale: Iris Hotel or similar
One does not come to Cannakale for the beaches or for hotels. The Iris Hotels is well managed, catering to one night groups.
http://www.irisotel.com/english/default.html

Cost  $1,925 per person, based on double occupancy.
Single supplement is: $595.
Cost includes:

• Price is based on double occupancy in deluxe/first class hotels, all touring, baggage handling, domestic flights, airport transfers, and all meals indicated by either  B, L, or D. Any other references to meals are for logistical reference, only

What is included

• Meals included as indicated by B, L, D. Any other references to meals are for logistical purposes, only.
• Bottled water at group, sit down meals…Not at Half Board buffets!
• Itinerary as shown, including domestic air
• Hotels as described or comparable properties
• English speaking guide

What is not included

• International air travel.

• Any purchases of a personal nature, hotel expenditures such as laundry, mini-bar, business center related expenses and spa expenses. All expenses in addition to included room and breakfast.
• Gratuities to guide and driver
• Alcoholic drinks not included during group meals.

NOTE:

• Itinerary aspects may be subject to change.
• Hotel star ratings are based on Ministry of Tourism in Turkey. These may not be commensurate with international standards.

June 8 – 16, 2012

Turkey by Land and Sea provides participants with an opportunity to experience Turkey’s diversity; from Istanbul, to Cappadocia and the Anatolian heartland, to the Roman remains of Western Turkey. Traditionally enjoyed by land, this tour provides the additional opportunity of enjoying the Turkish coast from the leisure comfort of a gulet, a Turkish sailing ship. A wonderful way to enjoy Turkey…

A view of the dome within Haigha Sophia in Istanbul

Friday, June 8 – Istanbul arrival

Upon arrival in Istanbul, your group will be met by your English speaking guide. You will be transferred to your hotel in the historic Sultanahmet district, where the rest of the afternoon is for you to relax from your flight. Your guide will return to pick you up for dinner and an introductory orientation to your upcoming days of touring and to Turkish cuisine. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)

Saturday, June 9 – Istanbul

This morning begins your full day of touring Istanbul and will include Haigha Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi, the underground cistern, the covered bazaar and more… You may want to take a boat with your guide along the Bosphorus provides another vantage point in which to see the city. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L, D)

Sunday, June 10 – Istanbul/Ankara

Touring within Istanbul continues, including a visit to the Turkish Islamic Art Museum, Kucuk Aya Sofya, and the the Kariye Church. You have an afternoon flight to Ankara. Upon arrival in Ankara, you will be transferred to your hotel. Dinner will be as a group. (B, D)

For your tour in Ankara, you will have an opportunity to visit the tomb of Ataturk, the founder of the modern, secular state of Turkey, as well as visiting the archaeological museum of Ankara, a treasure trove of remains from various parts of Turkey. You then depart Ankara for your ride to Hattusas, a commercial center dating back to the 2nd century, BC, Hattusas eventually became the capital of the Hittite empire, which stretched from the Aegean Sea, to the Armenian mountains and north to the Black Sea. Following your touring of Hattusas, you continue on to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Tuesday, June 12 – Cappadocia

You depart your hotel at 9AM to explore Cappadocia. 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,)

Wednesday, June 13 – Central Anatolia/Konya

Following breakfast, you depart westwards towards the central Anatolia region with stops on the way, including a visit to Sultanhan, where you can visit a caravanserai from the early trading days along the Silk Route. You eventually reach Konya by mid to late afternoon. Afternoon visit to the Mevlana Museum. Dinner and overnight in Konya. (B, D)

Thursday,  June 14 – Central Anatolia/Pamukkale

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. Depending upon your arrival time, your visit to the salt-encrusted falls of Pamukkale will be late afternoon, or tomorrow morning. Dinner and overnight in Denizli.. (B, D)

Friday, June 15  – Aphrodisias/Bodrum/ gulet

This morning depart westward through beautiful rural scenery to Aphrodisias, the ruins of which are only second to Ephesus in their expansiveness. After touring the site, drive west to the coastal town of Bodrum, now a resort town that has been dubbed St. Tropez of Turkey. You will have an opportunity to explore a bit of Bodrum before you drive to the dock where you board your gulet. On board your gulet, enjoy a welcome drink and information about the tour. Overnight (depending on the arrival time) in the harbour or in a bay near to Bodrum (B, D)

Saturday, June 16 – Gulet

Departure after breakfast and harbour formailities. You will cruise about three hours to cross the mouth of the Gokova Gulf and reach Knidos. This city, moved to this strategic important point in the 4th century BC, was one of six cities forming a league called the Dorian Hexapolis. Knidos can be considered as the point which seperates the Aegean from the Mediterranean coast of Turkey.It has two ancient harbours and we will drop anchor in the bigger eastern harbour from where we can see the ruins. The harbour is unfortunately, relatively unprotected from the wind so the captains often decide to overnight in Mersincik. Overnight on gulet. (B, L, D)

Sunday, June 17 – Gulet

Departure to Orak island. You will have time for swimming and lunch. Second stop will be in ciftlik. Late in the afternoon you arrive back to Bodrum Harbour. Last dinner on board. Overnight on gulet. (B, L, D)

Monday, June 18 – Ephesus

This morning you disembark from the boat and then drive to Ephesus 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 the charming village of Sirince. (B,D)

The library at Ephesus

Tuesday, June 19 – return to Istanbul

You take a mid-morning flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Sultanahmet, with the remainder of your afternoon free to be independent, allowing you to do any additional shopping or exploring. You rendezvous in the evening with your guide for your farewell dinner in an interesting environment.  (B, D)

Wednesday, June 20 – departure

Morning transfer to the airport for your return flights to the US.

HOTELS

Istanbul: Arcadia Hotel 
Nicely located in the heart of the historic Sultanahmet district, the Arcadia has spacious and tastefully decorated rooms. The rooftop restaurant, where breakfast is served, provides a wonderful view of Istanbul. Dinner can also be ordered there, as well.
http://www.hotelarcadiaistanbul.com/eng/index.html

Ankara: Gurkent Hotel 
A business type hotel in a city that is primarily a business city, being the capital of Turkey. Comfortable rooms, good location, friendly staff with full amenities one would expect from an urban, business type hotel.
http://www.gurkenthotel.com/

Konya: Dundar Konya 
This is a business type hotel. In Konya, most of the architecture seems to have the inspiration of Soviet or East German architecture of twenty years ago. As Konya is a conservative, commercial city, the hotels reflect this. The Dundar is perfectly nice for one night. Imagine a typical business style hotel in a U.S. city.
http://www.dundarhotel.com

Pamukkale: Richmond
One of the few hotel options in a region where most people stay for at most, one night…  The Richmond is a reliable company providing a large resort like setting.
http://www.richmondhotels.com.tr/eng/pamukkalethermal.asp

Seljuk: Hotel Kalehan
Family style hotel in Ottoman style. Individually designed rooms, Turkish crafts and rugs provide the interiors in the pleasant town of Seljuk, a short drive from Ephesus.
http://www.kalehan.com/

Cost This deluxe, all inclusive land tour is only $4,295.
Single supplement is: $895.
Cost includes: 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, domestic flights, airport transfers, gulet and all meals indicated by either B, L, or D. Any other references to meals are for logistical reference, only
• Round-trip airfare from the US to Turkey is additional.

Saturday, November 3 – 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. Dining suggestions to be provided. Istanbul is filled with interesting places at all different price ranges! Overnight in Istanbul.(B)

The Ortakoy area of Istanbul

Sunday, November 4 – 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)

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Monday, November 5 – 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. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

Unique architecture in the Zelve valley

Tuesday, November 6 – Cappadocia
You continue exploring the region of Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Wednesday, November 7 – 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. Dining suggestions to be provided. Overnight in Konya.(B)

Thursday, November 8 – 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,D)

Friday, November 9 – 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,D)

Aphrodisias

Saturday, November 10 – 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)

The library at Ephesus

Sunday, November 11 – 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,D)

Assos harbour

Monday, November 12 – 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,D)

Tuesday, November 13 – 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 14 – Istanbul departure
Following breakfast, you depart for the airport for our return flight to the US. (B)

TunisUSA’s experts will take the time to learn about your special interests, as well as your preferences regarding pace and mode of travel. TunisUSA has arranged customized tours for groups as diverse as financial executives, political organizations, school groups and journalists, to name but a few.

TunisUSA will design an itinerary that will make your travels to Turkey enriching and rewarding.

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