Day 1 – Thursday 28 April
This morning travel to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey via the highway. Upon arrival enjoy a city tour, visiting the Anatolian Civilizations Museum (The Hittite Museum) and the Mausoleum of Ataturk.
Overnight: Hotel Atalay, ANKARA B D
Day 2 – Friday 29 April
After breakfast drive to Cappadocia, the land of the ‘Fairy Chimneys’. Tour the Goreme Open Air Museum with its wonderful rock-carved churches and ancient frescoes dating back to 11/12th centuries. Also see the beautiful underground city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, with the unique maze of caves and tunnels built in the 7th century for tens of thousands Christians fleeing persecution and undiscovered until the 1960’s.
Overnight: Hotel Avrasya, CAPPADOCIA B D
Day 3 – Saturday 30 April
Today enjoy a full day touring the villages among the unique volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia. Visit Avanos town famous for its colorful Turkish potteries and handmade original Turkish carpets. Tonight following dinner join an optional show, Cappadocia By Night in an underground cave with folklore shows and belly dancers.
Overnight: Hotel Avrasya, CAPPADOCIA B D
Day 4 – Sunday 1 May
This morning there will be an opportunity for you to join an optional sunrise balloon ride over the unique rock formations and valleys, a once in a lifetime experience. Then travel onto Konya, the first Turkish kingdom of Anatolia and visit Mevlana’s Mauselumn, the holiest shrine of the mystic sect of ‘whirling dervishes’
Overnight: Hilton Garden Inn, KONYA B D
Day 5 – Monday 2 May
Following breakfast depart for Pamukkale along a scenic mountain route. Upon arrival, check into hotel and spend the remainder of the afternoon relaxing in the thermal pool.
Overnight: Colossae Thermal Hotel & Spa, PAMUKKALE B D
Day 6 – Tuesday 3 May
This morning tour the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis and the world famous natural hot spring calcium cascading terraces, giving the name to the area as “Cotton Castle”. We will then depart for Kusadasi, stopping enroute to visit Aphrodisias the city of marble, with its ancient stadium and unique theatre of the world, the Temple Of Aphrodite.
Overnight: Marina Hotel, KUSADASI B D
Day 7 – Wednesday 4 May
Today enjoy a full day guided tour of the Roman ruins of Ephesus. See the Library of Celsus, the Gates of Augustus and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, wander along the ancient Marble Road and explore the Great Theatre. There will also be an opportunity to visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last days. Following the tour there will be time to wander along the waterfront and markets of Kusadasi before joining the group for dinner.
Overnight: Hotel Marina, KUSADASI B D
Day 8 – Thursday 5 May
After breakfast, check out and depart for Izmir airport for return flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel with the remainder of the day free for personal sightseeing and shopping. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner including a famous belly dancer show.
Overnight: Hotel Dosso Dossi, ISTANBUL B D
Day 9 – Friday 6 May
Tour ends with a transfer to the airport for return flight to Australia or onward flight to other destination.
Please Note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.
