Istanbul | Cappadocia | Pamukkale | Kusadasi | Pergamon | Troy | Canakkale
Highlights:
A country of almost unparalleled diversity, Turkey is the epitome of that overused phrase ‘east-meets-west’. Literally spanning the two continents of Europe and Asia, its turbulent and fascinating history unfolded as a succession of powerful empires sought control. And as each empire gained the upper hand, so the cultural and artistic heritage of this great country developed and grew. Today, its rich past provides the bedrock of the country’s new dynamic contemporary focus.
Turkey has it all…
Tour Includes:
1 night in Pamukkale (HB), 2 nights in Kusadasi (BB), 1 night in Canakkale (HB),
Tour does not include:
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Day 2: Istanbul
Start your day with a tour of Istanbul’s old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Tour the 6th-century Hagia Sophia, once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum. Continue to the magnificent Blue Mosque renowned for its exquisite blue tiles; Hippodrome, the former sporting and social center of Constantinople; and Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch, visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul’s largest mosque. (B)
Day 3: Istanbul | Kayseri | Cappadocia
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, marvel at the region’s majestic nature. Visit all the sites, including; Soganli Valley, an abandoned village with old churches; Sobesos Excavation Site, an ancient Roman site with mosaic pavement; Taskinpasa Medresesi, an Ottoman theological school; Keslik Monastery, used in Byzantine Era until end of Ottoman Empire; and the village of Sinasos, know for its medieval rock-carved churches. (B,D)
Day 4: Cappadocia
Start the day with a visit to the Devrent Valley to see its fairy chimneys, continue to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see its natural wonders. Afterwards visit Avanos, an area renowned for its red clay since the biblical era. In the afternoon tour the Goreme Open Air Museum and stop at many breathtaking panoramic viewpoints. Wrap-up the day’s touring with a visit to the Kaymakli Ozkonak Underground City, where 4 of the 8 floors are open to the public. (B,D)
Day 5: Cappadocia | Konya | Pamukkale
Drive to Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-famous mystic figure. (B,D)
Day 6: Pamukkale | Kusadasi
Tour the ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The hot springs in the ancient city were used as a spa over 2,000 years ago. Later visit Aphrodisias, another UNESCO site, which a small ancient Greek Hellenistic city.(B,D)
Day 7: Kusadasi
Tour the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus. An ancient city with many monumental structures, such as the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John. (B,D)
Day 8: Kusadasi | Canakkale
Visit two ancient cities that are now UNESCO World Heritage sites. Pergamon was an ancient Greek city and one of the major cultural centers of the Greek world. Visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius and the Acropolis with their well-preserved remains. In the afternoon continue on to Troy, where the legendary Trojan War took place as described in the historical work of Homer. (B,D)
Day 9: Canakkale | Istanbul
After breakfast, sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferry and visit Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles, particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. After arriving in Istanbul in the late afternoon, the rest of the day is yours. (B)
Day 10: Depart Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your return flight. (B)
Program Code
Tour Length
Tour Countries
Tour Regions
Tour Specialties
*Gelber’s Way is an Associate Member of the United States Tour Operators Association. However, Gelber’s Way is NOT a participant in the USTOA $1 Million Travelers Assistance Program and is not held by USTOA to certain standards required of Active Members.”
