The route of ‘Authentic Turkey’ covers what is probably the most beautiful regions of the Turkish Mediterranean coast, exploring classic sites and seascapes on easy walks. A relaxing and enjoyable holiday in quaint and historical towns with carefully selected, restored local architecture hotels where available. Shopping options include carpet weaving cooperatives, potteries, vineyards and onyx workshops. Interaction with local, friendly Turkish people is assured. On this tour we avoid over-nighting in the touristy regions and, instead, seek out the quaint villages and small, informal hotels.

ITINERARY

Day 1 Thu : Istanbul
You will be met at the airport and transferred to a historical hotel in the old part of Istanbul. Welcome briefing.

Day 2 Sat : Istanbul   [B]
Full day tour to Topkapi Palace, St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, and Grand Bazaar

Optional: Tonight join our Turkish dinner and enjoy Turkish belly dancing and folk dancing entertainment

Day 3 Sun : Gallipoli & Troy – Assos   [BD]
Morning departure for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Gabatepe War Museum then across the Dardanelles to Canakkale. We visit Troy and it’s famous wooden horse then continue to Assos for overnight

Day 4 Mon : Selcuk via Pergamum   [BD]
Morning drive through the olive forests and stop by an olive museum. Then we visit an ethnographical museum in Tahta kuslar (wooden birds) village. The last stop of day will be the Pergamum Acropolis. Overnight in Selcuk

Day 5 Tue : Ephesus & St. Mary’s House   [BD]
Morning tour of glorious ruins at Ephesus, explore 2,000-year-old marble streets, a theatre, the library of Celsius, a gymnasium and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary's stone cottage, where she stayed later in life accompanied by St. John. Also visit the traditional village of Sirince. Overnight in Selcuk

Day 6 Wed : Aphrodisias – Hierapolis   [BD]
Morning drive to the ruins of Aphrodisias (you know what this is about) set against the foot of a picturesque mountain. Then continue east to visit the calcium springs,  the so-called Coten Fortress (Pamukkale), visit the ancient Spa Centre of Hierapolis and enjoy the Thermal Pools of the hotel

Day 7 Thu: Patara – Saklikent – Kalkan   [BD]
Morning drive to Saklikent Canyon, afternoon visit to the Roman ruins and huge beach at Patara . We drive along the unique Mediterranean coast line to Kalkan for overnight.

Day 8 Fri : Myra – Finike – Antalya   [BD]
Morning drive to Myra to visit the home church of St. Nicholas (the authentic and original Santa Claus). After a short stop in Finike, we continue to Antalya, arriving early afternoon with time to discover the old town harbour.

Day 9 Sat : Aspendos – Konya – Cappadocia   [BD]
Morning drive to Aspendos the roman city on the foot of the Taurus mountains, then continue to Konya and tour Mevlana’s Mausoleum, founder of the Whirling Dervishes, finally arrival to the “moon-like“ landscape of Cappadocia.
Tonight Optional: Whirling Dervishes performance in a 13th century Caravan inn.

Day 10 Sun : Cappadocia   [BD]
Early Morning Optional: Balloon Tour. Experience of floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves with the sunrise of Cappadocia.
After breakfast visit the Byzantine frescoed chapels at Goreme then continue to Ozkonak, the eight-story underground city, and a local pottery making village, Avanos. Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 11 Mon : Ankara – Istanbul – Return   [B]
Early morning drive to Ankara, afternoon tour of the Ataturk Mausoleum and Anatolian Civilizations Museum then transfer to airport or hotels as appropriate and end of services

Please note: the return flight to Istanbul or overnight in Ankara is NOT INCLUDED but can be arranged if required