Grand Turkey Tour -14 nights 15 days

Your representative awaits to greet you as you land in Istanbul. After transferring to your hotel, Upon arrival, we begin the sightseeing in historical part of Istanbul with  Byzantine Hippodrome which was used  for chariot races and then Blue Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I built in 1616 famous for unequaled ceramis tiles. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

A guided tour explores ancient city highlights including Topkapi Palace (main residence of Ottoman sultans) and the Old City`s unusual and large underground cistern. Visit to Saint Sophia Basilica, built in 537 AD as the Byzantine Church`s seat, now a museum whose mosaics, stained glass windows and decorated domes are breath–taking: finally the Grand Bazaar with 3.000 exotic shops along covered lanes and alleyways. Overnight in Istanbul (B,L)

In the morning we cross the Bosphorus waterway that separates Europe and Asia and drive to Bursa, first capital of the Ottoman Empire, at the foot of Mt. Olympus of Asia Minor. In the afternoon visit the lovely Green Ottoman complex and the Grand Mosque, you might like to spend the remainder of the day shopping in  Bursa`s colorful Covered Bazaar. Tonight you have an excellent oppurtunity to take a “Turkish Bath” at your hotel`s hot spring baths. Overnight in Bursa (B,L)

After breakfast, we depart on a scenic ride to the heart of the Anatolian Highland toward Turkey`s capital, Ankara. En route, we stop for a visit at Gordion, where according to legend Alexander the Great cut the Gordion Knot thus opened the way to Asia. Overnight in Ankara. (B,L)

This morning we visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of the modern Turkish Republic and then the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with it`s display of Hittite Treasures and artifacts from the world`s oldest city, Catalhoyuk. After lunch we drive to Biblical Cappadocia, famous for unique landscapes, underground cities as well as towns carved from region`s soft volcanic rock. En route we visit the 13th century Seljuk Caravan Inn of Agzikarahan. Overnight in Cappadocia (B,L)

A full day touring the “moon – like”  topography of Cappadocia: We begin our day with a great panorama of the region from Uchisar citadel which was a Roman watchtower and shelter. We drive to Goreme open-air museum via Avcilar Valley. Goreme with it`s rock hewn churches dating between  6th to the 13th century chapels decorated with Christian frescoes is an unforgettable experience.After lunch we drive via Urgup to Dervent Valley to view the  formations where your imagination takes you to the world of Wonders. Zelve Valley was inhabited until 1950`s and then to Pasabag Valley for the poetic Fairy Chimney formations where St. Simeon once seeked a shelter. We finished the day in Avanos, the pottery heaven of Turkey. Overnight in Cappadocia  (B,L)

Kaymakli underground city where early Christians refuged in times of danger. We drive to Soganli and then to Mustafapasa a Greek origin village with its beautiful typical houses and Churches.After lunch we explore the rest of the region for some great photo and bargain opportunities. Overnight in Cappadocia (B,L)

Early departure to Konya. You cross the rolling steppe of central Anatolia to Konya for a tour of the Mevlana Mausoleum, founder of the Order of Whirling Dervishes (an ecstatic Muslim sect,).After a delicious Konya lunch we continue driving to Pamukkale via the lake distric. Pamukkale is famous for it`s naturel hot-springs and Travertine terraces. Overnight in Pamukkale (B,L)

Drive to Aphrodissias one of the Aegean region’s most interesting archeological sites. Overnight in Kusadasi.  (B,L)

This morning drive to the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus and we head  to glorious Ephesus, capital of Roman Asia Minor, to see extensive ruins which include 2.000 year old marble streets, a huge theater, the library of Celsius, a gymnasium and the temple of Hadrian. In the afternoon,we visit the temple of Artemis one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and an active Selcuki mosque from 14th century named Isabey Mosque. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B,L)

Early departure via Izmir (ancient Symirna and the birth place of Homeros) The first stop on your northbound journey is the acropolis of ancient Pergamum, famous for work done by the great Roman physician, Galen, Sights include the Altar of Zeus, and the Asklepion, a famous Roman Medical Center. Continuing north, we visit the ruins of Troy where Greek and Trojan heroes fought the Trojan War for the honor of beautiful Helen. Also, visit its legendary walls, buildings and a replica of the famous Wooden Horse. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,L)

After breakfast we cross the Dardanelles waterway to the Gallipoli Peninsula, see Anzac cove,where the Gallipoli legend was created by Anzac and Turkish heros after fighting for over 280 days in the peninsula during the first world war. Along the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul.The reminder of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

Morning, board a ferry boat for a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus waterway. Afternoon is yours to explore the city, or you can join optional tour of Dolmabahce Palace. Overnight in Istanbul. (B,L)

Your driver transfer you to the airport for the flight home. (B)

(B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)

Grand Turkey tour takes approximately 14 nights – 15 days. As it is your private tour, duration of the tour depends on your interest. Your time frame will be organized by your guide as you wish.