Pastoral Symphony : Central and Western Anatolia

Experience a golden past; visit the museum where Anatolian archeology is displayed in the pleasant ambiance of Ottoman surroundings; walk among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia; enjoy the pastel sunset over the white travertines of Pamukkale; explore Ephesus, the site of one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis; enter the Bosphorus, the impressive waterway dividing the 2600 year old city of Istanbul.

 

Arrival in Ankara. You will be taken to your hotel. Then rest of the day is at leisure in Turkey's capital. (-/-/D)

 

Breakfast at the hotel. The tour begins with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and proceeds to the Citadel. The Mausoleum of AtatUrk, who was the founder of modern Turkey, is the next stop. The journey to Cappadocia begins after lunch. (B/L/D)

 

Full day of touring in Cappadocia starts with the visits to UChisar and Zelve valleys. Later you visit the GOreme Open Air Museum, the cradle of Christianity, descend to the underground city of Kaymakli carved by the early Christians as refuges. (B/L/D)

 

 

 

Early departure for Pamukkale. You will be visiting a 13th century caravanseray on the silk road to Konya, the city of Whirling Dervishes and also the capital of the Seljuk Turks. Arrival to Pamukkale will be late afternoon. (B/L/D)

 

 

Full day tour of Pamukkale featuring, the mineral spa of Hierapolis of ancient times and Aphrodisias, the antique city named after Aphrodite, goddess of love. Drive to Kusadasi in the afternoon. (B/L/D)

 

Ephesus, the most important sea port of antique times, is the first site to explore. The Basilica of St. John, House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Museum are other highlights of this tour through history. Early in the evening, we return to the izmir airport for our flight to Istanbul. (B/L/D)

 

Today, a history of 2600 years unfolds with our first steps in the city. First we visit the Hippodrome, the site of chariot races in the Byzantine era; nearby are the Blue Mosque, and St. Sophia church. Our last stop of the day is the incredible Topkapi Palace. (B/L/D)

 

 

In the morning, a boat ride on the Bosphorus takes us to both sides of the metropolis and enables us to visit two continents in the same day. In the afternoon, we visit the greatest mosque of Istanbul, the SUleymaniye Mosque. Continue on to the Covered Bazaar the huge covered historical market place with more than 4000 shops. We end our day with a visit to the Spice Market. (B/L/D)

 

 

After breakfast our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home. (B/-/-)