Asia Minor
We will start our tour with a visit to the capital of Turkey, Ankara, first and foremost. Then we move to the Cappadocia region, with remarkable rock formations and churches carved into the rocks with interesting decorations, which is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. There are over 360 churches, most of which are located in the Cappadocia area. After the program in Cappadocia, we move to the Aegean region, the coasts of which are among the most beautiful landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, washed by the clear waters of the Aegean Sea, is rich with extensive and untouched beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky shores, and pine forests. Next, we visit the travertine pools of Pamukkale, the archaeological ruins of Ephesus, continue heading north of Turkey, visit ancient Troy, with a legend spanning 5000 years of history. We then move to the Marmara Region and visit Istanbul - the only city in the world that is located on two continents, with one arm reaching into Asia and the other into Europe. Museums, churches, monuments, mosques, bazaars, and natural scenic beauty seem inexhaustible. When you find yourself on the Bosphorus shores at sunset, admiring the red evening light reflected in the windows, and the slender minarets on the opposite shore, you suddenly realize why settlers decided to build in this remarkable place so many centuries ago.
Main visits in the tour framework: * Museum of Anatolian Civilizations * Cappadocia * Pamukkale * Mevlana (Dervishes) * Ephesus * Kaunos * Göreme Museum * Pergamon * Troy * Topkapi Palace.
Itinerary
Day 1: Ankara. Group meeting at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Ankara. Distance: 80 km.
Day 2: Ankara – Cappadocia. First, we can visit the city's fortress, the oldest part of the city, showcasing many examples of traditional architecture. After visiting it, we descend into the Museum of Anatolian Civilization. The old Bedesten (market) has been beautifully restored and now houses an amazing and unique collection of many civilizations. In the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, commander of the army for national independence and founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Then, we move to the Cappadocia region, which lies on a vast plateau formed by lava flows and ash from extinct volcanoes Erciyes, Melendiz, and Hasan in this region. Overnight in a hotel in Cappadocia. Distance: 295 km.
Day 3: Cappadocia. Early morning, if desired, you can take a ‘Balloon Ride’ excursion (optional service). The balloon ride is organized from 05:00 to 08:00 in the morning. The excursion day with a guide begins at 09:00. We visit the Göreme Open Air Museum. The first settlements in this area were founded after the missionary trips of St. Paul in 53 AD. The soft stones were carved out for various purposes. In the afternoon we arrive in the small village of Çavuşin, located on the top of the ruined part of the early Christian cave city. The wealth and variety of these frescoes have made it one of the best works of early Christian iconography. Here we visit the Church of St. John the Baptist. Then we move to the Avanos area and visit a pottery workshop in Cappadocia. After this, we head to the village of Uçhisar and visit the densely populated citadel of Uçhisar. From the top opens a magnificent panoramic view of the surreal district. Overnight in a hotel in Cappadocia. Distance: 90 km.
Day 4: Ihlara Valley – Konya. Today after breakfast, we leave our hotel with belongings and the day starts with a visit to the underground city of Kaymaklı. Then a trip to the Ihlara Gorge, which once was a favorite place of Byzantine period hermits. This valley was formed by primeval earthquakes, and the once raging river has turned into a quiet stream. There are many rock-carved churches with well-preserved frescoes dating from the 9th-12th centuries. A 4 km walk along the Ihlara Valley will follow. After a lunch stop near the restaurants along the Melendiz River, we continue further to the 13th-century caravanserai Ağzıkarahan. The gates of the Caravanserai are a fine example of Seljuk architecture and remind us that we are traveling along one of the ancient caravan routes linking Asia with Europe. We continue moving to Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Empire from the 12th to 13th centuries. Konya is a city enriched with works of Seljuk art and architecture, as well as the tomb of the 13th-century poet and philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who founded the Sufi order known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. After visiting Mevlana, we can visit the Alaeddin Mosque, built by the great Seljuk Sultan Alaeddin Keykubat. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 220 km.
Day 5: Konya – Antalya. Morning transfer to Antalya. On the way, we stop to visit the Aspendos theatre, these are the ruins of a Roman city, except for the bridge over the Eurymedon River, which dates from the Seljuk period. Arrival in Antalya, the main resort of Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea, is an attractive city with shady palm boulevards. Kaleiçi (old town), where we will stay, is narrow winding streets and old houses adjacent to the ancient city walls. We will visit the Yivli Minaret, located in the center of Antalya, the minaret of the Alaaddin Mosque, converted from a church in 1230 by Seljuk Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat, standing still as a symbol of Antalya. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 300 km.
Day 6: Antalya - Kayaköy (ghost town) – Fethiye. We head to Kayaköy to explore the uninhabited city of Kaya, the largest Greek ghost town (abandoned city) in Asia Minor. After the creation of the Turkish Republic, the governments of Turkey and Greece exchanged populations. After visiting the monument, we arrive at Ölüdeniz, its beach takes its eerie name, "Dead Sea," from the secluded lagoon on the western part of the beach. Protected by hills and entering through a narrow channel, the lagoon is calm even during the strongest storms. From here transfer to Fethiye. About 2400 years ago, Fethiye was a prominent city of Telmessos, but earthquakes left only a few Lycian rock sarcophagi from the old city, along with the dramatic tomb of Amyntas, carved into a sheer rock cliff high above the city. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 195 km.
Day 7: Fethiye – Dalyan. In the morning by bus we drive to Dalyan and then a small boat will take us across the river, where the ancient civilizations of Caunus were known for their disease and poor health. Despite its unhealthy reputation, Caunus has gone through many different cultures. Extensive ruins include a huge Roman bath, walks around the Persian city, Carian fortress, Greek theatre, and Byzantine basilica. After visiting the city of Caunus, we take a boat and sail to a hot spring, you will have the opportunity to swim in controlled natural pools (hot springs) and take a mud bath (optional - for a fee). Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 100 km.
Day 8: Dalyan – Pamukkale. In the morning we set off for Pamukkale, which is known for the ancient city of Hierapolis. We visit the travertines of Pamukkale, which look almost unreal. The high calcium content in the mineral water from nearby hot springs. In other words, the lime deposits left after the evaporation of carbonic gas create visual wonders, travertines, and pools on top of each other. We will be able to walk barefoot on the travertines. At Pamukkale, we visit not only the travertines, but you will also have time to swim in the antique pool (Cleopatra’s Pool). Historical and archaeological program awaits you - the ruins of the old city of Hierapolis, which preserves an antique theatre and the mausoleum of St. Philip. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 190 km.
Day 9: Pamukkale - Aphrodisias – Ephesus. After breakfast at the hotel, departure with belongings and transfer to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, which thrived during the Roman period. Aphrodisias is undoubtedly one of the most impressive ancient cities of Anatolia with its well-preserved buildings and numerous magnificent sculptures from the Roman period. Built near a marble quarry, the city was also an important center with its famous sculpture school and one of the few cities dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love. After visiting the ruins of the old city, we transfer to the city of Selçuk. Not far from modern Selçuk and next to the old Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is preserved. We know that St. John spent the last years of his life in Ephesus and wrote his Gospel here. Jesus left his mother with John, so it is believed that Mother Mary came to Ephesus and lived here until the end of her life. At the end of the day, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 190 km.
Day 10: Ephesus. In the morning we will visit Ephesus, which was an important port city, until time elapsed and erosion. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its magnificent architecture, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora, and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. After lunch, you will be able to see and buy Turkish products such as souvenirs, sweets, etc. We end the day by visiting the Greek village of Sirince. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 50 km.
Day 11: Ephesus – Pergamon. In the morning we head to Pergamon, a city that was once a great cultural center, preserved as one of Turkey's best archaeological sites. In the Acropolis above the modern city, are remains of the famous library, impressive theatre, temples of Trajan and Dionysus, monumental Altar of Zeus, Sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on terraces, and the Agora. After visiting Pergamon, we transfer to Ayvalik. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 230 km.
Day 12: Ayvalik - Troy – Çanakkale. In the morning we head to Çanakkale. On the way, visit Troy. Archaeological excavations have identified nine separate periods of occupation, including the ruins of city walls, house foundations, temple, and theatre. The symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. After visiting we proceed to Çanakkale, lying on the narrow 1200 m entry to the Dardanelles Strait, connecting the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea. We will embark on one of the ferries and cross the Dardanelles. Arrival in Istanbul – the only city in the world that spans two continents, one arm reaching into Asia, and the other into Europe. It is considered a leading metropolis in the world for culture, art, history, trade, and business. Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 480 km.
Day 13: Istanbul. After breakfast, we visit the city's historical sites. Our first stop is the Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque because its interior is dazzling with superb blue tiles. After the visit, we walk around the Ancient Hippodrome, where chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life were held in the open area in front of the Blue Mosque. We will see many fascinating monuments. Then we move to the Hagia Sophia, now called the Ayasofya Museum, built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century. We will absorb the majestic serenity of the building and admire the beautiful Byzantine mosaics. After our lunch, we visit the Topkapi Palace, the most amazing building at the heart of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In this opulent setting, sultans and their court lived and governed. After the visit, we will have some free time, optionally you can watch the sunset on a boat, sailing along the Bosphorus (optional service). Overnight in the hotel. Distance: 30 km.
Day 14: Istanbul. Program end. After breakfast transfer to the airport and flight home. Distance: 70 km.
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