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Since the dawn of
time Turkey has been the bridge between East
and West, a point where European and Asian
cultures have clashed or combined. It
was the centre of the Byzantine Empire, and
later, of the great Islamic Ottoman Empire.
The legacy of Greek, Roman, Byzantine,
Ottoman and other civilisations has made
Turkey a vast open air museum with
amphitheatres, baths, colonnaded streets,
rock-dwellings, forts, castles, tombs and
temples dotted all over the country.
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The
oldest crossroads in the world, Istanbul spans not
only the Bosphorus but two continents. Today it is a bustling and
exhilarating city, a colourful blend of cultures, where ancient mosques
and minarets jostle with the modern office buildings, the frantic
trading of the enormous Grand Bazaar contrasts with the new, calm,
air-conditioned shopping complexes and where the Blue Mosque dominates
the skyline in the time honoured fashion. Visit Topkapi Palace
which houses the famous jewels of the imperial Treasury and boasts the
extravagance of luxuriously restored harems. From the
balcony, there is a breathtaking view over the Bosphorus and Golden
Horn. Take a boat trip up the beautiful Bosphorus river commencing
in Europe then crossing into Asia. Along the way you will see old
wooden villas, Ottoman palaces, castles and quaint fishing villages.
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Whether you are
an art and history buff, an archaeology or
nature lover, enjoy browsing through markets
or going diving, the different regions of
Turkey offer endless possibilities.
Surrounded by four different seas, Turkey is
also a beach paradise with over 8000 km of
sunny coastline. |
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Antalya, where
the mountains meet the sea, is a lively
holiday destination suitable for all the
family. The Taurus Mountains rise
about the coastline providing a glorious
backdrop to the miles of sandy beaches.
It is an attractive city with sandy
palm-lined boulevards, a magnificent marina,
fine restaurants and lively nightlife.
Its history dates back to the 2nd century
and in Kaleici, the old citadel, there are
the traditional narrow streets and wooden
houses. |
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| A
typical 7 night / 8 day escorted tour of
Turkey could include: |
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the top |
| Day 1
Arrive in Istanbul, take the rest of the day
at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2
Take a full day tour of Istanbul, include;
the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles
and unique six minarets; the Hippodrome,
where chariot races used to take place often
to settle the Emperor's fate; St. Sophia
Church filled with fine mosaics and topped
by a magnificent dome; Topkapi Palace, once
the residence of the Ottoman sultans and
famous for its Imperial Chinese porcelain
collections and finally, the Grand Bazaar, a
shoppers paradise. Overnight in
Istanbul.
Day 3
Take an early morning flight to Ankara.
Visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum
before continuing to Cappadocia. In
the afternoon visit the natural citadel of Uçhisar.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4
Today visit the Valleys of Göreme, explore
the unusual troglodyte dwelling, remains of
early churches some decorated with frescoes,
and rooms hollowed out of volcanic ash.
Drive through the lovely Zelve Valley and
discover the underground city of Kaymakli
before continuing to Ortahisar and Avanos.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5
Take an early morning drive to Konya where,
during a period of cultural, political and
religious growth, the mystic Mevlana
Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi order known
in the west of the 'Whirling Dervishes' and
visit the striking green tiled Mausoleum of
Meylana. After lunch travel to
Pamukkale fomous for its unusual and
beautiful landscape consisting of white
washed calcified rocks. Overnight in
Pamukkale.
Day 6
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis,
established by King Eumenes 11 and visited
by people wishing to use the thermal springs
known for their curing properties.
After lunch continue to Kusadasi.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 7
In the morning visit the house of Virgin
Mary then continue to the Ionian city of
Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor,
followed by the Basilica of St. John.
After lunch in Selçuk
drive to Izmir airport for the flight back
to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 8 Depart Istanbul. |
Prices on request
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Local Information |
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Time Difference |
Local Currency |
Local Language |
Average flying time |
Weather |
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GMT / UTC + 2 DST
applies |
Turkish Lira |
Turkish |
3 hours 50 mins |
Click here for
details |
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