village Asia Minor, tours and travel services in Turkey by srm travel

day 1 - Istanbul --- Welcome get together. Dinner will follow the tour briefing.

day 2 - Istanbul --- Today we will visit the old town Istanbul. Topkapi was the administrative palace for the Ottoman dynasty for over 400 years. Our tour includes the Harem, private apartments of the royal family. We will then visit the Blue Mosque, known for its outstanding 17. century tiles. Next stop will be the Hippodrome, the center of political and sportive activities in the capital city of the Byzantine Empire. We will continue on to the 6. century Hagia Sophia, the masterpiece of the Byzantine art and architecture. Orientation and free time in the Grand Bazaar.

day 3 - Cumalikizik --- We will discover Istanbul beyond the boundries of the old city. We will start the day walking the colorful and busy streets in Pera district. Istiklal street will lead us to Taksim square, which is the center of daily activities in European Istanbul. Later in the day we will drive to Cumalikizik, Bursa.

day 4 - Ankara --- Cumalikizik is an authentic village where the stately Ottoman houses are lined along the cobblestone streets. More then 200 houses witnessed the proud living of the well to do families in the Ottoman times, now they are sharing their secrets with the very few people that know the existence of the village. We will take a walk in the village to take a close look at some of these houses, and learn more about life in the village. In the afternoon, we are driving to Ankara via Gordion, that was the capital city of the Phrygian Kingdom. We will visit the interior of the “tumulus”, monumental burial for King Midas.

day 5 - Hattushas --- Hattusas was the capital city of the Hittite Empire, here we will explore ruins from the 2nd millennium BC. We will see the incredible 200 feet tunnel beneath the walls, take a close look at the monumental gates of the city, and walk around the great Temple of Storm God Teshup. Alacahoyuk and the Hittite temple 'Yazilikaya'· are also included on tour.

day 6 - Cappadocia --- After Alacahoyuk we are driving south to Cappadocia region, known for its unusual landscape, and volcanic rock formations. We will take a walk along the fairy chimneys in the Red Valley before sunset. The village we are staying for the next three nights is currently under preservation in order to protect the historical heritage.

day 7 - Cappadocia --- In the morning we will visit Goreme Open Air Museum with striking rock cut churches of Byzantine era. En route we will see the Valley of Pigeons and Avcilar, a perfect location to get a general view of central Cappadocia. We will also stop by the Byzantine military fortification known as Uchisar, built in a massive tufa rock.

day 8 - Cappadocia --- Today we are going to the village of Guzelyurt. En route we will visit the underground city of Kaymakli, to learn how the people of Cappadocia found shelter during the never ending wars of the past. Upon arrival in Guzelyurt, we will take a walk in the old part of village, meet with the locals, and enjoy a talk with the elders of the community.

day 9 - Konya --- On the road to Konya, we will visit a 13. century Caravanserai which was built as a shelter for the merchants, and a center for trade on the famous Silk Road. As we arrive in the city, we will visit the Museum of the Whirling Dervishes, to learn more about Rumi, and his teachings.

day 10 - Antalya --- On this day we are driving to Antalya, a very attractive town on the Mediterranean, over the picturesque Taurus mountains. Not very far from Antalya is ancient Termessos, a prominent Lycian city that controlled one of the few mountain passes leading to the Mediterranean. This was the only city that could stand against Alexander the Great on his campaign. Late afternoon will be free of group activity.

day 11 - Antalya --- Day to explore ancient Myra, hometown of St. Nicholas, and Arykanda with a great setting high on a mountain top. The city has one of the best preserved Hellenistic theatre buildings of Asia Minor. We will also take a boat ride for the sunken city in Kekova.

day 12 - Istanbul --- Today we fly back to Istanbul. As we arrive in the city, we will be driving straight to the renowned Spice Market. We will then take a cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the two continents, and the only water pass to the Black Sea. Farewell dinner will conclude the day.

day 13 --- Tour is over after breakfast.

Individual pre- & post- tour extensions are available to alternative destinations
This tour is physically demanding

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