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Itinerary: |
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15 Day
Itinerary “Simply the treasure of culture” Explore the cradle of
civilization by Turkish Travel Get the cream of the crop by Deren
Koray
DAY 1 ISTANBUL
God & man, nature &
art all together created a place in earth that worth seeing. The
capital of all empires. Deren Koray (In short DK) staff will meet
you at the airport, arrive at hotel, Welcome to
Istanbul, get acquaintance to
this big big city, check-in and just relax. Welcome cocktail & brief
information about Turkish culture and some dos & don’ts for entire
tour will be your first activities. Tonight we’ll invite you to a
welcome dinner at one of the famous Turkish Restaurants. Rest of the
night is your perfunctory exploration around the hotel located in
the heart of city. [D]
DAY 2 ISTANBUL
Get your breakfast
strong since the most important landmarks await our exploration.
We’d like to state that even 7 days are insufficient to see the all
details of the places of interest in
Sultanahmet District however
we’ll offer the major places. The first place is The Blue Mosque
which is famous for blue and white
Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll proceed for the
ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of
Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next, we’ll pass
Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum that reflects the lifestyle of Turks
of every society from the 8th century to the present. Lunch at
Konyali one of the well known restaurants in Topkapi. Time to visit
Topkapi Palace having the
galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal,
silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting Harem, the
secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the
sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by
the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury
and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts.
Hagia Sophia, one of the
finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now Fatih
Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring the majestic serenity and the fine
Byzantine mosaics of the building. After St. Sophia we’ll proceed
for Sunken Palace also known as Basilica Cistern from Justinian era
with its 336 marble columns. Finally, we’ll depart for gorgeous
Grand Bazaar having over
4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then. Egyptian Bazaar is
another paradise for the shop-lovers. At night we’ll take you a
special restaurant for dinner as again you won’t be able to resist
the world famous
cuisine.
Late at night we’ll join informative light & sound show in the front
of Blue Mosque (if available) [B] [L] [D]
DAY 3 ISTANBUL
Today we’ll
introduce another Istanbul that you’ll admire. First we’ll take you
to Kariye Museum that was
built in 5th century. Here you’ll be the witness of one of the
finest Byzantine works in the world. Mosaics, frescoes, the Biblical
composition of the artwork are impeccable. Next we’ll pass the City
Walls of Constantine built by Emperor Theodosius the Second in 413
for defense. Lunch time! After having our meal we’d like to
introduce the cruise of your life. Bosphorus Ferry Tour is such a
wonderful experience in Istanbul. Welcome aboard. Get ready to see
the parade of the imperial
palaces. The ferry will take us along the
Bosphorus passing under 2
bridges linking Asia & Europe continents. Kiz Kulesi (Maiden's Tower),
Çiragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kirmizi Yali, Küçüksu Kasri,
Rumeli Hisari, Anadolu Hisari, Kanlica (famous with honey on creamy
yoghurt for 300 years), Beykoz, Tarabya, are important places you’ll
observe from the sea. The cruise terminates at Anadolu Kavagi in
Asia Continent. We’ll climb Genoese Castle where you can observe the
Black Sea joins Bosphorus so-called
Clashing Rocks associated with Jason & Argonaut had to navigate on
their search of Golden Fleece. Anadolu Kavagi is famous for its fish
restaurants. We’ll set you free for an hour for your perfunctory
exploration. The breathtaking view of Bosphorus, charcoal fish &
raki are the main triplet that all tourists & Turkish people adore
having this experience. Here is the difference of Turkish travel.
We’ll invite you to a dinner with Turkish folk songs. The rest of
the night is all ours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 4 ANKARA
Today we'll drive
for the capital. Welcome to the capital of Turkey that history and
that of the surrounding area dates back to the Bronze Age and the
Hatti civilization. After check-in at the hotel, the first visit of
today is the impressive modern form of
Ataturk's Mausoleum where
ancient and modern architectural concepts testifies to the power and
grace of Turkish architecture took place.
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
with its priceless collection of Paleolithic, Neolithic, Hatti,
Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman artifacts, For lunch we’ll
pass to Byzantine Ankara Castle for traditional Zenger Pasha
Restaurant. Then we’ll proceed for Roman Baths with its Roman
structure remain. Temple of Augustus and Rome await your exploration.
Ethnographical Museum which
houses magnificent Seljuk doors of carved wood, is our next stop.
The Sculpture and Painting Museum illustrates the history of the
Turkish fine arts. Then we’ll turn back to the hotel located in the
city center. Dinner at Haci Arif Bey Restaurant specialized in
Eastern Cuisine. The rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 5 CAPPADOCIA
Today we’ll take
you to the future, the moonscape region by bus instead of spaceship.
Our journey is straight to
Cappadocia where the works of man blend unobtrusively into the
natural moonscape surroundings. In the afternoon visit Agzikarahan
and the skirt of the natural citadel of Uchisar, an informative
quick local tour for this region and a small lecture about forming
the natural fairy chimneys will be given here, then arrive at hotel
and check-in. Dinner will be served at hotel. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 6 CAPPADOCIA
Today we’ll start
to explore Goreme with
Derinkuyu Underground City.
Ready to get lost in 8 layer of this hidden city? You’ll see miles
of tunnels and grape-treading areas in this lighted city. See the
deceitful pathways and hidden corners to fail the enemy of this city
that were used by the early Christians in order to defend themselves
from the persecution. Next stop will be Göreme Valley where you’ll
walk thru the pathways and tunnels among the fairy chimneys and
visit the churches having gorgeous frescoes dated back 11th to 12th
century and many more. Zelve Open Air Museum offers the visitors
just a culture & nature parade, then we’ll proceed
Avanos where the most
popular handicraft is made, have the chance to try your hand at
making a pot in one of the many studios as well as weaving and
knotting. Lunch at one of the restaurants at (don’t be surprised by
the new name of the area) Bill Clinton’s Valley and after the
president’s place we’ll proceed for Uchisar Castle and we’ll visit a
local Doyurgan winery. Dinner at in the middle of cones and fairy
chimneys at Karakus Restaurant in a very traditional with its
unlimited entertainment and splendid regional cultural show
including Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Turkish folk dance with
banquet with the traditional way in
Urgup.
Join one of the folk-animation in here! [B] [L] [D]
DAY 7 KONYA –
ANTALYA
Depart for Konya in
the morning en route Ihlara
Valley where Byzantine rock chapels covered with frescoes pierce the
canyon walls. Some of the best known are the Agacalti (Daniel)
Church, the Yilanli (Apocalypse) Church and the SumbulIu (Hyacinth)
Church. Proceed to Konya one
of Turkey's oldest continuously inhabited cities was known as
Iconium in Roman times and the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the
12th to the 13th century. Visit the mausoleum of Mevlana, Konya's
most famous building, Karatay Medrese (College) displays bold and
striking Seljuk ceramics, whirling Dervishes monastry of 13th
century, Progressing to Antalya. Dinner will be served in one of the
restaurant en route. Welcome to The Turkish Riviera and Turkey's
tourism capital. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 8 ANTALYA
It is imposible to
see all historical sites within 2 days around
Antalya however we'll
choose the majority. We'll start to explore Antalya from the city
center. We'll park the cars and we'll walk in
Kaleici District to see
the Hadrian Gate (constructed in 117-138 AD) which was considered as
the entrance of Antalya, Hidirlik Tower, a typical Seljuk
architecture Truncated
Minaret which is the symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and
typical narrow Mediterranean style streets with its historical
houses. Antique harbor is another main site to see for our strolling.
Now we'd like to invite you a "grand falls cruise" from here in
order to see the marvellious scenery of the falls from the sea. Time
to have our lunch. Now we'll pass
Antalya Museum that was
awarded by the European Council in 1988 as the best museum of the
year. Here you'll see an exhibit starting with the natural history
section proceeding chronologically through the Stone and Bronze Ages
and following classical and Hellenistic periods till the Ottoman Era.
After museum we'll set free for your own exploration. Those who'd
like to enjoy the crystal clear water why not going to Konyaalti
Beach for the tepidity of Mediterranean? You can also get the
advantage of shopping in Antalya for your souvenir. At night we'll
have a dinner at Konyaalti District with unlimited entertainment.
Dancing with belly dancer is compulsory tonight (We're joking)..
[B] [L] [D]
DAY 9 ANTALYA
Full day excursion,
here, important historical sites await your discovery, amid a
landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado
and banana plantations in Antalya.
Side an ancient Pamphilian
City dated back 7th century B.C. with its stunning amphitheater,
Aspendos dated back 5th
century B.C. with its best preserved 30000 spectator capacity
theater which is still being used for the concert and festivals,
another Pamphilian City Perge
dated back 12th century B.C. and the magnificent ruins of these
cities are the major places for our visit. A detailed and the
interesting information will be given here by our professional
guides in these cities. You’ll admire what you’ll see and what
you’ll here today. Here is another difference of D&K. Dinner at old
port (Kaleiçi) with its lively Mediterranean style streets. Join
Turkish night till midnight in here. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 10 PAMUKKALE
In the morning
we’ll depart from Antalya to
Pamukkale the magical and spectacular natural site, unique in
the world, that declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, just
before Pamukkale stopping over for Aphrodisias, dedicated to
Aphrodite, the goddess of love, explore the theater & stadium still
remain. Lunch in here in a very traditional way, then we’ll arrive
at Pamukkale (Hierapolis) which is a fairyland of dazzling white,
petrified castles. Thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts
running off the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation
of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used
since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Dinner at the hotel
in Pamukkale. Here is a small tip: Take the advantage of this magic
water for your body. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 11 EPHESUS -
IZMIR
Today we’ll explore
the ancient city Hierapolis with its theater and with other ruins.
St Apostle Philip was killed and the St. Philip Church was built
inhere. Just join us for the others. After having lunch at Kelleci
Kardesler or Mantar House, we’ll proceed
Ephesus, once the commercial
center of the ancient world and one of the highlights of Turkey. The
city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once
considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt
several times. Did you know? St. Paul Preached here!. Heracletes
Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic Baths, Celcus Library, Marble Road,
Great Theater, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street), The Basilica of St.
John, Virgin Mary’s House which
was visited by Paul, Pope the 6th and Pope Jean Paul are other major
points for our visit. After Ephesus, we’ll depart for the typical
Turkish Village Sirince taste the vine & gozleme cooked by wooden
flame then we’ll arrive in Izmir.
Dinner at Selcuk in Ipekyolu Restaurant [B] [L] [D]
DAY 12 IZMIR – CITY
TOUR
Today we’ll explore
the pearl of Aegean Region. Starting to visit Velvet Castle & Agora,
watch the spectacular view from here for Izmir Bay. Time to visit
Bayrakli where the original city
was established in the 3rd millennium B.C. and one of the Seven
Churches mentioned as Smyrna in the book of Revelation. Proceed for
ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir clock tower which is the symbol of
Izmir, walking towards to Ethnography Museum in Varyant, visiting
the museum and Kemeralti Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani where the
traditional “Tiredness Coffee” will be served, and Hisaronu. Get
ready your life’s night out! At night we’ll invite you to a dinner
in a very traditional way at Authentic Middle Asia Restaurant in
Kemalpasa & Turkish night, explore the real culture of the Turks.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY 13 IZMIR –
PERGAMON – ASSOS
Today we’ll depart
for Pergamon once a great
center of culture, survives as one of Turkey's finest archaeological
sites. On the Acropolis, a hill above the modern town, are the
remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre,
the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus,
the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and
the Agora. The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city,
was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. Did you
know that the symbol of modern medical came from here? The rest of
the information will be given here by the professional guides. In
town Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum is in our list for
visiting, arrive at Assos at
night. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 14 TROY –
CANAKKALE – ISTANBUL
Start the day in
picturesque fishing town Assos visit the ruins of
Troy dated back to 3rd
century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan
people for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of
Wooden Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll reach
honored Dardanelles (Canakkale) that connects the Sea of Marmara and
the Aegean. Since Canakkale
has a strategically importance, the castles in here barely visible
at both Asian and European sides. Cross the Gallipolli by car-ferry,
here you can take the picture of World War I Memorial of Dardanelles,
along the Thrace & Marmara Sea and passing thru Saroz Bay, en route
Tekirdag famous for it’s Raki
(traditional anise spirit alcohol drink) and meatball. In the
afternoon we’ll arrive in Istanbul and at the hotel close to the
airport.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY 15 END OF OUR
SERVICE
After breakfast,
depart for your hometown to say home sweet home. Transfer to Ataturk
Airport via special bus service. Time to have your present in order
to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to host you in Turkey
again as there are so many things to see. Thanks for choosing the
right agency and have a safe journey home. [B] |
