ISTANBUL
East meets West

ISTANBUL A full day guided sightseeing includes visits to the
Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and visit the
underground Basilica Cistern.

LOCAL FAVORITE

HISTORIC SPOT The Basilica Cistern, also known locally as “the sunken palace,” is the
underground cistern built during the Byzantine Empire to supply water to parts of the then
city of Constantinople. An incredible structure with 336 pillars holding up a magnificent
vaulted ceiling over an artificial freshwater lake. It can be classed as an early example of
recycling as the builders made use of stone structures from earlier temples – one of the
most famous “recycled stones”, that can still be seen, is the upside down head of Medusa.

ISTANBUL–ANKARA

Heart of Turkey

ISTANBUL Visit the Grand Bazaar. Enjoy a
traditional Turkish coffee experience at an historical coffee roaster.
ANKARA Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

CULTURE & TRADITIONS Founded by the Greeks as Byzantium more than 2,500 years
ago, and finally called Istanbul after the Ottoman conquest in the 15th century, the city on
the Bosporus remains one of the most exciting places in the world. Its strategic location as
a gateway between Orient and Occident, the Islamic and the Christian worlds, and the
Black Sea and the Mediterranean predestined it for a turbulent yet exciting history

ANKARA–OZKONAK–CAPPADOCIA

Going Underground

ANKARA Visit the Museum of
Anatolian Civilisations
OZKONAK Guided visit of the underground city.
CAPPADOCIA Free-time this evening.

LOCAL FAVORITE

ARCHITECTURAL FEATS In 1972 a local farmer was curious as to why the excess crop
water disappeared so fast – it was the start of the discovery of Ozkonak underground city.
Carved into the volcanic rock around the 4th century BC, this city was formed of 10 levels
and built to protect about 60 000 people from religious persecution and war. To ensure they
could all survive for up to 3 months the city had its own ventilation system, water supply and
moving stone doors with a hot oil defence system. Any attackers trying to enter the city
would be stopped in their tracks by the hot oil being poured over their heads!

CAPPADOCIA: EXCURSION TO GOREME, PIGEON VALLEY & RED VALLEY
Rock of
Ages GOREME

Visit the open-air museum to see the rock-cut chapels and monasteries.

PASABAG VALLEY

See the earth pillars in the middle of a vineyard.

PIGEON VALLEY

Enjoy views of this distinctive landscape.

RED VALLEY

Admire the beautiful valley with its rose-hued rock. Later stop to take photos
of Uchisar Castle.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

NATURAL WONDER Set on a high dry plateau in Central Turkey, the surreal landscape of
Cappadocia looks like it comes straight from a Hollywood sci fi movie. Instead lava, volcanic
ash and natural erosion caused by wind and rain have been forming it for millions of years –
sculpting the famous fairy chimneys, the pigeon houses, the tabletop mountains and the
badlands with the weaving rock formations.

CAPPADOCIA–SULTANHANI–KONYA

The Silk Road

SULTANHANI

Visit the Caravanserai,
an historic stopover on the Silk Road.

KONYA

Visit Karatay Medrese and Mevlana Monastery of the Dervishes which is now a
5/11
museum.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

MUSIC & MEDITATION

Originating from Sufis, a mystical branch of Islam, Whirling
Dervishes date back to the 13th century when they were founded by the mystic Persian
poet Rumi, the Mevlana Monastery Museum was one of their original lodges. Instantly
recognisable in their white gowns, they spin around with their right hand reaching for
heaven. A form of active meditation this ritual allows them to abandon their ego, listen to
music and focus on God.

KONYA–ANTALYA

Pearl of the Mediterranean

ANTALYA – Stop at Upper Duden Falls and
guided walk of the Old Town

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

CULTURAL GEM Founded by the Greeks, and later an important Roman port, Antalya
today is a popular resort, the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, known for its sunny weather,
stunning coastline and beaches, and crystal blue waters from which it gains the nickname
the “Turquoise Coast.” There are also plenty of cultural sites to visit such as Hadrians Gate
and the Old Town.

ANTALYA

An Architectural Love Duel ANTALYA Free day to explore on your own.

ENHANCED FREE TIME

EXPLORE MORE The day is yours to do as you choose – discover more of Antalya, have a
lazy day on the coast or why not take advantage of an excursion to Aspendos to see some
fantastic examples of Roman architecture. Legend says it was founded by refugees from
Troy and that two of its most prominent structures were built by two love rivals. The King
announced that he who built the structure most useful to Aspendos could marry his
daughter. One built the aqueduct and the other the theater, both are still standing today.

Whilst the aqueduct was the most useful, the King was amazed that from the back of the
theater he could hear the architect whisper, “You should let your daughter marry me,” and
he did.

ANTALYA–PAMUKKALE

The Cotton Castle PAMUKKALE – Visit the ancient city of
Hieropolis founded as a thermal resort around 190 BC. See the stunning travertine terraces
with the thermal water pools.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

NATURAL WONDER When the mineral rich thermal waters that flowed down the valley
side, cooled, and hardened, a series of bright white travertine terraces were formed, each
containing a thermal pool. This incredible sight gave the area its name – Pamukkale “Cotton
Castle.” The Romans also took advantage of the thermal springs and founded the spa town
of Hieropolis close by.

PAMUKKALE–EPHESUS–IZMIR

Ancient Civilization Preserved EPHESUS Follow your
Guide for a walk through the ancient ruins and the archaeological museum. Enjoy lunch at a
local restaurant.
IZMIR Orientation tour upon arrival

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

HISTORIC SPOTS Ephesus was one of the most famous cities of the ancient
Mediterranean. It was the second biggest city of the Roman Empire and today it is one of
the largest Roman archaeological sites in the eastern Mediterranean.

IZMIR

Elevated Views IZMIR Free day to explore on your own.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT
CULTURAL GEM Considered one of Turkey’s hidden gems, Izmir is a cultural hub located
on the Aegean Sea. It offers lots of cultural and historical sites to visit such as the Agora,
the Hisar Mosque, the clock tower and Konak Square. Take a ride up the historical elevator
to its terrace for a stunning view of the city and the coastline, do some shopping at the
Bazaar or try out some of the local seafood specialities.

IZMIR–PERGAMUM–TROY
AREA

A Gift Horse & A God of Healing PERGAMUM Guided
visit of the Asklepion, a shrine to the Greek God of medicine.
TROY Guided visit of the excavations and see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse that
commemorates the Trojan War.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

HEALING THE BODY &THE SOUL Nestled between hills, the Asklepion retains a sense of
serenity and history. The sick approached the temple via the Sacred Way, a path that
started their journey to health determined according to what dreams the patience
experienced and which also included theatre shows. All of this was done in the belief that
healing was a sacred art and that people’s souls needed to be mended as well as their
bodies.

TROY AREA–GALLIPOLI–ISTANBUL
Bravery on the Beach GALLIPOLI Visit the WWI
battlefields on the Gallipoli peninsula, the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone Pine Memorial
before crossing the Dardanelless by ferry.
ISTANBUL Free time this afternoon. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

TOUR HIGHLIGHT

HISTORY & HERITAGE Visit the moving and inspirational sites, where Allied troops, mainly
Australians and New Zealanders, suffered heavy casualties in a disastrous campaign. Pay
tribute to the heroes of those tragic months of 1915 at the Anzac Cemetery and the Lone
Pine Memorial.

ISTANBUL

Safe travels until we meet again! Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.