Tour Details - Best of Turkey 2012

Welcome to one of the most interesting and dynamic cities in the world! On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Relax after your journey and in the evening attend a Welcome Reception with your Travel Director and meet your fellow travellers.(Welcome Reception)

Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and see Anzac Cove, the site of a bitter battle in WWI. Visit Lone Pine Cemetery, the final resting place of many allied soldiers. See the Dardanelles and stay overnight in Çanakkale.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the ruins of Troy, the site of the Trojan War, to see the famous Wooden Horse. Explore the ancient Asclepion Medical Centre at the ancient city of Pergamon. Dine at your hotel in Izmir this evening.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the excavations at Ephesus including the Temple of Hadrian, Great Theatre and Library of Celsius. Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos en route to the hot springs at Pamukkale.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the Cotton Castle springs at Pamukkale and the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis. Spend the afternoon exploring the narrow streets of Antalya.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Visit the impressive Antalya Archaeological Museum and the Roman cities of Perge and Aspendos. Here see one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, built during the rule of Marcus Aurelius.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

This morning travel inland and enjoy a Be My Guest lunch in a 100 year old traditional Ottoman-style house hosted by a local family. Visit the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum, the final resting place for members of the Whirling Dervish mystic sect. You will also see the final resting place of Mevlana, the founder of this unique movement. Then continue on to the Karatay Tile Museum.(Buffet Breakfast / Be My Guest dinner / Dinner)

Visit the well preserved Sultanhan Caravansary. Journey on to biblical Cappadocia. Here you visit the underground city of Sarhatli on the ancient Silk Road just outside Konya and see the cone of Uchisar. This evening, dine at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Spend the day exploring the volcanic landscape in and around Urgup, dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. Visit the Goreme Open-air Museum and learn about pottery making in Avanos.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Your expert Local Guide takes you on a tour of the capital Ankara. Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisation and Ataturk’s Mausoleum. Enjoy dinner at your hotel this evening.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Hear the fascinating legend of King Midas at Gordion, and see the Great Tumulus, the city’s largest burial mound. Explore the Green Ottoman Complex and Grand Mosque at Bursa. Spend the afternoon seeing the sights of your choice. Finish the day with dinner at your hotel.(Buffet Breakfast / Dinner)

Cross the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul by ferry. Plan your day as you wish. Enjoy the exotic atmosphere and shop for souvenirs at the bustling Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest markets.(Buffet Breakfast)

Gain an insight into the Ottoman Empire’s power and influence during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace. Explore the Hagia Sophia, a former Orthodox patriarchal basilica. Visit the wonderful Blue Mosque built in the 17th century. Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Dinner with your Travel Director and travelling companions.(Buffet Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

This morning after breakfast, it is time to bid farewell to this fascinating city which lies on both the European and Asian sides of the Bosphorus. Return home with many special memories. Transfers are available, conditions apply.(Buffet Breakfast)