Celebrate the real culture of Turkey & its natural wonders. Ephesus Grand Theatre with Istanbul Mosque silhouette, gulet voyage in Fethiye and Pergamon. Turkey is home to more Roman ruins than Italy and more Greek ruins than Greece...

       

 
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; the magnificent beaches of the Aegean & Mediterranean with signs of ancient civilizations at every turn & so much more...
 
   
     
 
  Introduction
 Best of Turkey
 Wonders of Turkey
 Fascinating Turkey
 Anatolian Crossroads
 Ancient Aegean
 The Turquoise Coast
 Grand Tour Turkey
 Cradle of Civilizations
 Turkish Delight
 Gateway to Mesopotamia
 Kusadasi & Izmir Shore Trips
 The Black Sea
 The Odyssey / Turkey & Greece
 Turkey, Jordan & Egypt
 Istanbul to Damascus
 Tailor Made
 		   The Black Sea                                                                         

Day 1  Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. Today is your arrival day. Airport transfers are available from Ataturk International Airport around the clock.


Day 2  Istanbul
We start our sightseeing with the Topkapi Palace. Exhibiting the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, & the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next on the list is the Blue Mosque 'Sultanahmet'. Built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet,  well known for its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. We walk across to the Ancient Hippodrome which was the scene of chariot races & entertainment. After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the Egyptian Bazaar the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme & every other conceivable herb & spice.


Day 3  Safranbolu
We depart for Safranbolu on a scenic route. From the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an important caravan station on the main East–West trade route. The Old Mosque, the Old Bath House & Suleiman Pasha Medrese were built in 1322. During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire. On arrival we will walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar, continuing on to Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath House, Kaymakamlar House Museum. Overnight stay in Safranbolu.


Day 4  Safranbolu – Ankara
After breakfast we depart Safranbolu for Ankara (4hr). On arrival we will have time for lunch before taking the city tour of Ankara which is the 2nd biggest city & the capital of Turkey. On the tour you will visit Ataturk's Mausoleum & Museum, the founder of modern Turkey. Overnight in Ankara.


Day 5  Ankara - Amasya
After breakfast drive to Amasya. Amasya is one of the provinces which is distinct both with its natural setup & historical values it holds. It was the homeland of the famous geographer Strabo. Located in a narrow cleft of the Yesilirmak (Iris) river, it has a past of 3000 years during which many civilizations left priceless remains of their times. The ruins of the citadel on the rock face of the cleft shelters 2000 year old water-channels, 1000 year old bridges, a mental hospital, an Ottoman Palace & a secret underground passageway. Overnight in Amasya.


Day 6  Amasya - Trabzon
After breakfast we depart for Trabzon. When the Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine Empire. When relations & wars between the Byzantines & the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the Roman Sovereignty as Rum, & the areas under the Roman sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums). Overnight in Trabzon.


Day 7  Trabzon
Depart for Trabzon St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church & study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes, then on to Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle & Ataturk's Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Akcaabat. Afternoon we explore the cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city. Overnight stay in Trabzon.


Day 8  Sumela Monastery - Zigana - Karaca Cave
Depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to Karaca Cave, considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey for its colors & formations. Overnight in Trabzon.


Day 9  Trabzon – Istanbul
Check out from hotel & transfer to Trabzon Airport for Istanbul flight. Transfer to hotel upon arrival. Overnight Istanbul. End of services. 		 
 
Duration:
8nights/9days
Transport:
Flight & coach
Highlights:
Istanbul, Safranbolu, Amasya, Trabzon
Sightseeing:
Small group &/or private option
Stay:
Budget/Comfort/Deluxe or combination
Operates:
All year-round
Rates:
Please tell us your dates & choice of hotels
 
Optional:
Thermal Baths in Amasya
Visiting local villages
Additional Istanbul tours
Side trip to Erzurum
 




 
   
     

 
     

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