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ANATOLIA TOURS
GRAND
ANATOLIA
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14 NIGHTS / 15 DAYS
TOUR CODE :
0100
Tour
Map
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Day
1 : Istanbul
Your
representative awaits to greet you as you land in Istanbul. After
transferring to your hotel, the remainder of the day is free. Tonight
meet your tour companions at a welcome cocktail hosted by your tour
director. |
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Day
2 : Istanbul
Morning,
board a ferry boat for a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus waterway.
Afternoon is yours to explore the city, or you can join optional tour of
Dolmabahce Palace. (B) |
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Day
3 : Istanbul - Bursa
In
the morning
we
cross
the
Bosphorus
waterway
that
separates
Europe and Asia and drive to Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire,
at the foot of Mt. Olympus of Asia Minor. In the afternoon visit the
lovely Green Ottoman complex and the Grand Mosque, you might like to
spend the remainder of the day shopping Bursa`s colorful Covered Bazaar.
Tonight you have an excellent oppurtunity to take a “Turkish Bath”
at your hotel`s hot spring baths. (B,L,D)
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Day
4 : Gordion - Ankara
After
breakfast, we depart on a scenic ride to the heart of the Anatolian
Highland toward Turkey`s capital, Ankara. En route, we stop for a visit
at Gordion, where according to legend Alexander the Great cut the
Gordion Knot thus opened the way to Asia. Overnight in Ankara. (B,L,D) |
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Day
5 : Ankara – Cappadocia
This
morning we visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the
modern Turkish Republic and then the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
with it`s display of Hittite Treasures and artifacts from the world`s
oldest city, Catalhoyuk. After lunch we drive to Biblical Cappadocia,
famous for unique landscapes, underground cities as well as towns carved
from region`s soft volcanic rock. En route we visit the 13th century
Seljuk Caravan Inn of Agzikarahan. (B,L,D) |
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Day
6 : Cappadocia
A
full day touring the “moon – like”
topography of Cappadocia: Goreme, with it`s 6th to the
10 th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes is an
unforgettable experience. You tour the under–ground city of Kaymakli
an eight story complex of subterranean dwellings. In the afternoon, we
visit the pottery making village of Avanos and the Byzantine Monastic
complex of Zelve before returning to our hotel to enjoy the picturesque
views of this ancient, historic land. (B,L,D)
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Day
7 : Cappadocia - Konya –
Antalya
You
cross the rolling steppe of central Anatolia to Konya for a tour of the
Mevlana Mausoleum, founder of the Order of Whirling Dervishes (an
ecstatic Muslim sect,) and continue to beautiful Karatay Koran school,
now a museum of richly colored Turkish tiles. Then transit the Taurus
Mountains to arrive in Antalya on the Mediterranean Sea, an area often
called the Turquoise Coast due to it`s exquisite clear blue waters.
(B,L,D) |
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Day
8 : Perge & Aspendos
A
full day touring begins with the Antalya Archaeological Museum and its
numerous artifacts and statues from nearby ancient sites. Then we tour
ancient Pamphylian, Hellenistic and Roman cities: The unspoiled ruins of
Perge with its colonnade street, and Aspendos with its huge theater, the
best preserved Mediterranean theater with a capacity of 15.000
spectators still used for special events. (B,L,D)
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Day
9 :Antalya – Pamukkale
We
drive north through the mountains to Pamukkale, in Turkish the name
refers to the “Cotton Castle” appearance of the spectacular white
lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. Then visit the vast ruins
of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis. Enjoy a leisurely bath in the
pool of your hotel’s hotmineral spring water. (B,L,D)
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Day
10 : Ephesus & St. Mary`s House – Izmir
This
morning we head across the fertile Menderes Valley to glorious Ephesus,
capital of Roman Asia Minor, to see extensive ruins which include 2.000
year old marble streets, a huge theater, the library of Celsius, a
gymnasium and the temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon, visit to Virgin
Mary`s stone cottage. Overnight in Izmir, Homer`s birth-palace on the
Aegean Coast. (B,L,D) |
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Day
11 : Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale (Dardanelles)
The
first stop on your northbound journey is the acropolis of ancient
Pergamum, famous for work done by the great Roman physician, Galen,
Sights include the Altar of Zeus, and the Asklepion, a famous Roman
Medical Center. Continuing north, we visit the ruins of Troy where Greek
and Trojan heroes fought the Trojan War for the honor of beautiful
Helen. Also, visit its legendary walls, buildings and a replica of the
famous wooden horse. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,L,D) |
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Day
12 : Dardanelles – Gallipoli – Istanbul
After
breakfast we cross the Dardanelles waterway to the Gallipoli Peninsula,
see Anzac cove, and visit Lone pine cemetery before continuing, along
the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we visit the adjacent Blue
Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I built in 1616, famous for unequaled ceramis
tiles. Then Byzantine Hippodrome which was used chariot races. For the
taste of Turkish night life, join optional dinner and enjoy an evening
of Turkish belly dancing entertainment. (B,L) |
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Day
13 : Istanbul
A guided tour explores ancient city highlights including Topkapi Palace
(main residence of Ottoman sultans) and the Old City`s unusual and large
underground cistern. Visit to Saint Sophia Basilica, built in 537 AD as
the Byzantine Church`s seat, now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass
windows and decorated domes are breath–taking: finally the Grand
Bazaar with 3.000 exotic shops along covered lanes and alleyways.
Tonight enjoy a farewell dinner with your companions. (B,L,D) |
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Day
14 : Istanbul
Your
representative escorts you to the airport for the flight home. (B) |
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