Day 1: Istanbul Welcome to Istanbul, the only city in the world connecting two continents: Asia and Europe. Transfer from the Ataturk International Airport to your hotel. Free day in Istanbul, so you can shop for souvenirs in the old town, visit the Ottoman palaces or the world famous mosques. This evening, your tour leader will also brief you about the next days of the journey. Day 2: Gallipoli Depart Istanbul for Gallipoli. Discover all the important memorial sites in the region including the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine. Day 3: Troy, Pergamum, Selcuk After breakfast, head to the ancient city of Troy, the setting of Homer's epic, Iliad, involving a giant wooden horse. Then continue to Pergamum, and the remains of the Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, library and theatre cut into the hillside. In the evening, arrive in Selcuk. Day 4: Ephesus, Pamukkale The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus, will be your first stop. In the afternoon, depart for Pamukkale and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which was the cure center founded about 160 BC by the king of Pergamum. The day will continue with the discovery of Pamukkale (the Cotton Castle) with its unusual and beautiful landscape. Day 5: Pamukkale, Fethiye, Oludeniz, Kas Today, depart for Fethiye, the “traveler’s paradise” by the Mediterranean coast. Besides its magnificent and unspoiled beaches, spectacular nature, Fethiye also covers the site of ancient Telmassus. Then head to the peaceful Lagoon of Oludeniz where you can relax at the magnificent beach or join one of the adventure activities including paragliding, microlighting and loads more. Late in the afternoon, depart for Kas where you will stay overnight. Day 6: Kas Free day in this charming fishing village by the Mediterranean Sea. Today you can relax at the silent beaches or join the optional scuba diving in the magnificent Mediterranean sea. Day 7: Sea Kayaking Another magnificent day is waiting! After breakfast, depart for Ucagiz and sea kayak on the sunken city of Kekova. Kekova was once joined to the mainland but it suffered a series of earthquakes and these geological influences rendered it a city six meters below the sea. The area is off-limits to swimmers and divers so kayaking is the closest you can get to the underwater foundations, walls and mosaics dating back 2000 years. Day 8: Kas, Olympos Depart for Olympos, the relaxing valley ideal to chill out at the unspoiled beaches or below the huge pine trees. Olympos is also famous for its tree houses and trekking and walking activities. In the afternoon, return to the hotel in Kas. Day 9: Jeep Safari The mountains behind Kas are some of the most beautiful anywhere in Lykia. The scenery is dramatic: extensive pine and cedar forest, outcrops of juniper and plane and varied maquis are topped by the impressive Ak Mountains; snowcapped until July, thereafter turning a light red until the Autumn snow. Today, safari on this magnificent route and discover the impressive beauties of the Taurus Mountain. Day 10: Trekking Trekking at the Lykian way is an unforgetable experience. Today, walk out of the beaten track, between the villages, gorges, passes and witness the impressive view and scenery at Taurus. Day 11: Canyoning, Pamukkale Canyoning is one of the most interesting activities in the Mediterranean. Jumping into clear cool pools of water, abseiling down waterfalls, sometimes swimming through narrow passages, sometimes climbing boulders... a hectic day in Saklikent Gorge awaits. In the evening, you’ll arrive in Pamukkale where you’ll stay overnight. Day 12: Pamukkale, Cappadocia Today, depart for Cappadocia where you’ll stay overnight. Visit the world famous Underground City before checking into the hotel. Day 13: Cappadocia After breakfast, start discovering all the important sights in Cappadocia including the Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin, Uchisar, Pigeon Valley... You'll also visit local handicraft manufacturers (traditional pottery and carpet house) and learn about traditional art. Day 14: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Istanbul Today you'll first visit the Ihlara Valley on the way to Istanbul. Late in the evening, arrive in Istanbul. Day 15: Istanbul City Tour Discover the magnificent sights of this fantastic city. Visit the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia Museum. Please remember to arrange your flight according to the city tour as it will finish in the afternoon. |