Day 01 - Istanbul
You arrive in Istanbul and are transferred to your hotel. A relaxed briefing followed by a short orientation stroll to soak up the atmosphere of the orient. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 02 - Istanbul - The Classics
A guided walking tour of old Istanbul exploring its Byzantine and Ottoman treasures. Visit the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome and the magnificent Topkapi Palace, offering a true insight into the secret life of the Ottoman Empire. Try a Turkish bath in the evening. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 03 - Istanbul to Assos
Set course for the enchanting hilltop village of Assos. En route there is an opportunity to visit Gallipoli / Anzac Cove. Lunch in Tekirdag, home to the best meatballs in Turkey. Arrive in Assos and watch the sunset at the magical temple of Athena. Overnight in Assos.
Day 04 - Assos to Pamukkale
Set course for Pamukkale. Lunch in Bergama and time to explore it's impressive ruins. Arrive in Pamukkale and explore the calcium pools and Roman ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale. Note: Some clients prefer to visit Ephesus instead of Bergama.
Day 05 - Pamukkale to Kas
Drive to Kas via Saklikent Gorge and Patara Beach. Stop for lunch in Saklikent and a trek along the awesome gorge. If time allows we then explore the beach and ruins of Patara, the longest sandy beach in Turkey. Continue to Kas. Dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants. Overnight in Kas.
Day 06 - Kas
Free day in Kas. Explore this wonderful little harbour town, with its narrow cobbled streets and charming cafes at your own pace. Kas is an excellent base for optional activities such as scuba diving, kayaking, paragliding, or boat tours. Overnight in Kas.
Day 07 - Kas to Olimpos / Çirali
Drive to Olimpos. In the morning we suggest a boat trip to Kekova island, exploring the sunken city and the picturesque village of Simena. (Option) A short stop in Demre / Myra to visit the church of St. Nicholas (the original Santa Claus), the impressive Lycian Rock tombs and Roman theatre. Overnight in Olimpos / Çirali.
Day 08 - Olimpos / Çirali
A free day in Olimpos. The beach here is simply magical so you may want to just hang out and relax. There are also great walks in the forests and mountains overlooking the beach. You may want to explore the ruins of Olimpos hidden away in the forest. At night a visit to Chimaera (The Eternal Flame). Overnight in Olimpos / Çirali.
Day 9 - Olimpos to Konya
Drive to Konya. Dramatic mountain scenery into the heart of Turkey. A brief stop in Aspendos to visit the Roman theatre. Konya is the spiritual home of Whirling Dervishes and of the great mystic philosopher Rumi. Visit the Mevlana Museum. Overnight in Konya.
Day 10 - Konya to Cappadocia
Set course for Cappadocia along the vast central plains. Visit Sultanhani Caravanserai. Continue to Cappadocia and visit Ihlara Valley. Descend into Ihlara canyon and hike along the river. A day of truly stunning landscapes! Overnight in the beautiful town of Goreme.
Day 11 - Cappadocia - The Highlights
Visit the Open Air Museum at Zelve, see the famous pottery of Avanos, climb the Citadel of Uchisar, explore mind blowing lunar landscapes, rock formations, caves and fairy chimneys. Overnight in Goreme.
Day 12 - Cappadocia
A free day in Goreme. Explore this amazing village and its surroundings at your own pace. Be sure to have plenty of film in your camera. You may want to try Hot Air Ballooning. Overnight in Goreme.
Day 13 - Cappadocia to Safranbolu
Set course for the charming town of Safranbolu passing the great Salt Lake. See the old Ottoman houses tucked away in the hills, wonder through the cobbled streets and delight in the centuries old crafts of the region. Overnight in Safranbolu.
Day 14 - Safranbolu to Istanbul
Set a leisurely course back to Istanbul along scenic mountain routes. There is an opportunity to have lunch in the charming old village of Yörük Köy. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 15 - Istanbul
Free day. Lose yourself in the grand bazaar, a maze of over 4000 shops. Immerse yourself in the smells and tastes of the Spice bazaar. A relaxed boat tour of the Bosphorus in the afternoon, then an evening at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 16
Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to airport.
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