Gateway to the Southeast

Walk in the gardens of the Topkapi Palace and explore its secret corners, old intrigues and the spirit of a unique and bygone culture; experience the daily life and hospitality of the Turkish people on your journey to southeastern Anatolia and taste the mouthwatering cuisine of the region; visit Antakya, the home of the church of St. Peter, the first known Christian church, experience the sensation of traveling through history. Climb Nemrut Mountain and view the unparalleled statues that dominate the landscape.

Welcome to the heart of modern Turkey, the capital Ankara. We will transfer you to your hotel on the first day of your journey in Turkey. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (-/-/D)

Today, we get to know the Turkish capital. We start with the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, The Citadel and the Mausoleum of AtatUrk. The drive to Cappadocia begins after lunch. (B/L/D)

Uçhisar, which has been described as an Eden-like "moonscape", and the troglodyte life style are first sights in this unique region. The other places of interest to explore during the day are the GOreme Open Air Museum which was the religious center of the early Christians with its painted monasteries hewn out of the rock, and the Zelve Valley. Our last stop is the underground city of Kaymakli. (B/L/D)

 

We start the day with a drive to Antakya. En route we visit another rock carved monastery called Eskigumus with it's incomparable smiling Virgin Mary fresco. Overnight in Antakya. (B/L/D)

The tour of the city starts with St. Peter's Grotto known as the first church of Christianity. Next is the Mosaic Museum where we will explore it's priceless collection of mosaics from the Roman period. We continue onto Urfa, the city of prophets. (B/L/D)

Our drive to Nemrut begins after a short tour of the city. Climb up the hill to the breathtaking view of the world famous mountain, with its statues of the Gods of the Commagene civilization. Overnight in Adiyaman. (B/L/D)

 

In the morning we go to DiyarbakIr for a tour of this ancient walled city known for watermelons. We fly to Istanbul. (B/L/D)

A day to discover the treasures of the city from the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. We begin our exploration of the city at the Hippodrome, moving onto the Blue mosque and Saint Sophia church. Both buildings are masterpieces of their time. Next on the agenda is Topkapi Palace, the remarkable residence of the Ottoman Sultans. (B/L/D)

We take a boat ride along the Bosphorus in the morning. We continue our visits with the SUleymaniye Mosque and finish the day with 4000 historical shops that the Covered Bazaar and the Spice Market offer. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, a short drive takes us to the airport for the return flight. (B/-/-)