Day 1 : Ankara
Meet the group at the airport and transfer to the hotel.
Day 2 : Ankara - Cappadocia
First, we can visit citadel of the city, it is the oldest part of the city has many examples of traditional architecture. After visit we walk down to Anatolian civilisation Museum an old bedesten has been beautifully restored and now house of marvellous and unique collection of many civilisation. Early afternoon we drive to Cappadocia region that lies on a wide plateau, formed by the lava flows and ash from the eruptions of the extinct volcanoes Erciyes, Melendiz and Hasan Mountains in the region. When we arrive to Cappadocia Region we will walk through Paºabagları, known as the valley of the Priests. Many of the chimneys here are only partially divided, showing us the continuous erosion process. Interestingly too there is a small minaret transformed from a church belfry indicating that this place was inhabited by Moslems after the Christians. Overnight hotel in Cappadocia. (2 hours walking)
Day 3 : Capadoce
We trek thorough the Akvadi (white valley) eroded so perfectly by time, rain and wind during centuries. On our way following a seasonal river, many strange curious rock formations and fairy chimneys round us. If we are lucky we can also see some wild birds (like hoopoe) and some wild animals (like fox). In 3h walk our way gets us up to Uchisar village where we have lunch break in a restaurant. Uchisar village is settled around a high promoter, which is called citadel. We visit it walking to the top where we have rewarding panoramic view on all the surrealist cappadocia area. In the afternoon we visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the first settlements in the area were founded after the missionary journeys of St. Paul in the year AD 53. The soft rocks were hollowed out for different purposes. Overnight in Goreme (3 hours walking).
Day 4 : Cappadocia – Ihlara valley - Konya
In the morning we drive to Ihlara valley , was once the favourite retreat of Byzantine monks. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes and the was once rushing river is now a quiet stream. There are many rock-cut churches is with well preserved frescos dating from the 9th century. We walk through Ihlara Valley. Drive to visit 13th century Agzikarahan caravanserai , The gate is a fine example of Selcuk architecture and is a reminder that we are travelling one of the ancient caravan routes linking Asia to Europe. We continue the transfer to Konya was capital of Seljuk empire from 12th to 13th centuries. Konya is a city for its works of Seljuk art and architecture and for its tomb of 13th century poet and philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi , founded a Sufi order known in the west as the Whirling Dervishes. After visiting of Mevlana we can visit Alaeddin Mosque was built the great Seljuk sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Overnight at hotel. (3-4 hours walking)
Day 5 : Konya - Antalya
In the morning drive to Antalya. On the way we stop to visit Aspendos theatre ,the ruins of this city are Roman, with the exception of the bridge over the river Eurymedon which dates from the Selçuk period. Arrive to Antalya principal holiday resort of Turkey at the Mediterranean sea , is an attractive city with shady palm-lined boulevards. Kaleici where we will stay is narrow, winding streets and old wooded houses abut the ancient city walls. We visit Yivli minaret (fluted minaret) located in centre of Antalya,, is minaret of Alaadin mosque converted from a church in 7230 by Seljuk Sultan alaadin Keykubat. Rising like a monument is symbol of Antalya. Overnight hotel
Day 6 : Antalya – Kayakoy (ghost town)- Fethiye
we drive to Kayakoy to explore the uninhabited town of Kaya, the largest Greek ghost town in Asia Minor. After the foundation of Turkish republic, the governments of Turkey and Greece chanced the population. After visiting of the monuments And then we arrive to Oludeniz, its beach takes its eerie name from the secluded lagoon at the beach's western end. Protected by hills and entered by a narrow channel, the lagoon is calm during even the worst storms. From here transfer to Fethiye, some 2400 years ago, Fethiye (FET-hee-yeh) was the prominent town of Telmessos, but earthquakes have left only a few Lycian stone sarcophagi from the old town, along with the dramatic Tomb of Amyntas carved into the sheer rock cliff high above the town. Overnight hotel
Day 7 : Fethiye – Oludeniz walk.-Dalyan
In the morning we will walk from Kayakoy to Oludeniz. We will pass through the forest. drive to Dalyan, a small canoe will take us other side of the river where the ancient civilisations of Caunus were known for their sickness and poor health. Despite its unhealthy reputation, Caunus went through a long series of different cultures. The extensive ruins include a huge Roman Bath, Persian City walks, a Carian fortress, a Greek theatre and a Byzantine basilica. After visit Caunus city we board our river boat and sail to the hot spring by waterway, opportunity to swim in the amenaged natural swimming pools (hot spring) and opportunity for mud bath. Overnight hotel in Dalyan (3 hours walking)
Day 8 : Dalyan - Pamukkale
In the morning we will drive to Pamukkale that known ancient Hierapolis. We visit Pamukkale travertines that the formations look almost unreal. The rich calcium content of the mineral water from the nearby thermal springs. In other words, the lime residue, after the carbon gas evaporates, create the visual miracles, the travertines and the pools on the top of each other. We may walk on the travertine with barefoot. Overnight hotel
Day 9 : Pamukkale – Aphrodisiaa – Ephese
In the morning we visit Aphrodisiacs that developed during the period of the Romans. Aphrodisias is unquestionably one of the most impressing ancient cities of Anatolia with its well-preserved buildings and numbers of magnificent sculptures from the Roman period. Being built near a marble quarry, the city was also an important center in the past with its famous sculpture school and for being one of the several cities that was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love.. Overnight hotel.
Day 10: Ephese
In the morning we visit Ephese was an important port city until with passing of time and erosion. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. We also visit house of Mary (meryem ana evi), we know that St. John spent the last years of his life in Epheus and wrote his Gospel here. Jesus left his mother with John, therefore, it is believed that Mother Mary came to Epheus and lived here until the end of her life
Day 11 : Ephese – Pergamum
In the morning we will drive to Pergamum, is once great centre of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trijan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on the terrace and Agora. Overnight hotel
Day 12 : Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale
In the morning we drive to Canakkale. we visit Troy, Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlement including ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. After visiting we drive to Canakkale lies at the narrow 1200 m. Entrance to the Strait of Dardanelles that connects the sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Overnight at hotel.
Day 13 : Canakkale – Istanbul
In the morning we will boars one of the ferryboat and pass through Dardanelles. Arriving to Istanbul is the only city in the world which embraces two continents, one arm reaching out into Asia, the other into Europe. Considered as a leading metropolis in the world, for culture, arts, history, trade and business. Overnight hotel
Day 14 : Istanbul
After we have our breakfast we will visit historical sites of the city. Our first stop is Sultanahmet Mosque known as Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of blue. After visiting we stroll around Ancient Hippodrome the scene of chariot races and the centre of Byzantine civil life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. We will see tree charming monuments. Then we pass to St. Sophia now called Ayasofya Museum. built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in 6th century. We will absorb the building’s majestic serenity and admire the fine Byzantine mosaics. After our lunch we will visit Topkapı Palace, amaze of buildings at the centre of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In these opulent surroundings, the sultans and their court lived and governed. After visiting we will have free time to enjoy in the city. .Overnight in hotel.
Day 15 : Istanbul – home
In the morning transfer to the airport and fly home.
