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, Gulet Cruise Today, depart for Fethiye, the “traveler’s paradise” by the Mediterranean coast. Board a Gulet waiting at the Fethiye harbor. Before noon, start cruising in the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean Sea. You’ll first sail to Butterfly Valley where we’ll have a swimming and lunch break. Then, cruise to the peaceful lagoon of Oludeniz where you can also join adventure activities like paragliding and microlighting. St. Nicholas Island will be the last stop of the day. Day 6: Gulet Cruise Early in the morning, depart for the famous Aquarium Bay near the sympatic village of Kalkan for breakfast and swimming break. Then cruise to the fishing village of Kas where you’ll stop for shopping and lunch. After breakfast, cruise to one of the relaxing bays near Kekova. (B/L/D) Day 7: Gulet Cruise Visit the Sunken City of Kekova and the traditional fishing village of Simena famous for its Byzantine and Ottoman castle. Trek to the castle with a fantastic view of Kekova Bay. Then cruise to Gokkaya Bay where you’ll overnight. (B/L/D)
Day 8: Gulet Cruise, Olympos After breakfast, take a break at the Pirates Cave before embarking a cruise boat in Demre. Then 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. |