Turkey by Land and Sea:
From Hittites, Romans, Islam to the Contemporary

June 11 - 23, 2010

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...

Friday, June 11 - 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 12 - 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 13 - 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)

Monday, June 14 - Ankara/Hattusas/Cappadocia

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, L, D)

Tuesday, June 15 - 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, L, D)

Wednesday, June 16 - 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 17 - 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, L, D)

Friday, June 18 - 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 19 - 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 20 - 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 21 - 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)

Tuesday, June 22 - 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.

Wednesday, June 23 - departure

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