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The legacies
of the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Christian apostles, Byzantines,
Ottoman Turks, & the other civilizations that have called this
land home have made Turkey into a vast outdoor museum full of
beautiful, intriguing sites. Highlights of Turkey's many
treasures include the spectacular Byzantine churches & beautiful
mosques of Istanbul; the ruins of the fabled city of
Pergamum on its windswept hilltop; the holy city of Konya where
Dervishes still whirl; the extraordinary landscape & cave
dwellings of Cappadocia; the great theatre of ancient Ephesus;
endless beaches which were offered as a gift to Cleopatra; & so
much more.... |
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 Best of Turkey
Wonders
of Turkey
Fascinating Turkey
Turkish
Delight
Ancient Aegean
Grand Tour Turkey
Cradle of
Civilizations
Kusadasi
& Izmir Shore Trips
Favourites
of Turkey
The Odyssey
/ Turkey & Greece
Biblical Asia Minor
7 Churches of
Revelation
Jewish Heritage
Footsteps of St. Paul
Tailor
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Cradle of Civilizations
Day 1 Istanbul - Arrival
Arrival transfer. Depending on your arrival time you may consider an orientation walk with one of our staff. Welcome briefing. Rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 2 Istanbul
Full day tour to include some of the most famous tourist sites: the Topkapi Palace (excluding harem), the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia and the colourful Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi).
Optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment. (B)
Day 3 Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
Morning flight to Ankara. There we visit the world famous Anatolian Civilization Museum and the Ataturk Mausoleum, the burial place of the Turkish hero. After a picturesque drive along Salt Lake, visit the 13th century Agzikarahan caravanserai. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L)
Day 4 Cappadocia
After breakfast, visit the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar, then proceed to the open air museum of Goreme where you will see early Christian churches with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Visit Kaymakli - underground city where early Christians hid from prosecutors. Chance for shopping for handcrafts in the famous pottery making village, Avanos. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L)
Day 5 Cappadocia - Tarsus - Adana
After breakfast, drive through Tarsus Mountains to Adana. En route we visit St. Paul's house and well and Cleopatra's Triumphal Arc in the famous city of St. Paul, Tarsus. Overnight in Adana. (B,L)
Day 6 Adana - Antakya
Today, we make our way to the lovely town of Antakya. In the afternoon we visit the second largest Museum of Mosaics in the world. Visit the 1st century A.D. Church of St. Peter. Overnight in Antakya. (B,L)
Day 7 Antakya - Kahta
After a scenic drive to Kahta, check-into the hotel and in the afternoon, climb up to the mountain to see colossal statues of pagan gods and goddesses. Enjoy the breathtaking sunset. (B,L)
Day 8 Kahta - Ataturk Dam - Harran - Sunliurfa
Today we travel to Ataturk Dam which is the 4th largest project in the world. In the afternoon we continue to Harran, the place where God talked to Abraham. Also we visit Sunliurfa Balikli Gol. (B,L)
Day 9 Sunliurfa - Mardin
Drive to Mardin and visit Deyr-ul Zaferan Monastery. We return to Mardin for a walking tour, including Kadim Kirklar Monastery and the famous Archeological and Ethnographical Open Air Museum under the protection of UNESCO. (B,L)
Day 10 Mardin - Hasan Kehf - Akdamar Island - Van
In the morning we drive to Hasan Kehf. Then we take a small boat trip to Akdamar Island in lake Van. There we visit Akdamar Church on which facade is carved one of the most complete collection of Old Testament scenes. Late afternoon tour of Van. (B,L)
Day 11 Van - Mt. Ararat - Kars - Van
Our first sightseeing is at Dogu Beyazit. We will observe the beauty of Mt. Ararat from a distance. Then we continue to Ishak Pasa Palace which is one of the oldest and most complete palace complexes in the world. At sunset, enjoy the view of Van Lake from the prehistoric Urartian Castle. We drive back to Van for a flight back to Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul. (B,L)
Day 12 Istanbul
After breakfast check out and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your homebound flight home. Additional night(s) can be added in Istanbul. (B)
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