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Itinerary: |
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This
is a health treatment program for anyone. Take the advantage of the
health coming from underground ! Get the essential minerals by your
skin, recharge the battery of your life. Soothe your tired bones
with 10000 bubbles from the magic recipe of the spring water and
explore the cradle of civilization at the same time. Get the
treatment of each different chemical characteristic spas all around
Turkey. Say goodbye to your pains...
DAY 1 ISTANBUL
Welcome to
Istanbul. The capital of all
empires, Deren Koray Tourism staff will be waiting for your transfer
to your hotel situated in the heart of Istanbul. It will be pleasure
to remind you that you’ll gain your health from the secret power of
underground. A brief information, some dos and don’ts will be given
at the lobby. Please take your time and rest. The perfunctory
exploration around hotel is at your leisure. [D]
DAY
2 ISTANBUL
Today is dedicated
to find out the landmarks of
Istanbul. We’ll start with the magnificent
Blue Mosque famous for blue
and white Iznik tiles built between 1609-1616. We’ll proceed for the
ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of
Byzantine civic life, stood in the open space.
Hagia Sophia, one of the
finest buildings of all time built by Justinianus the Great
exploring the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of
the building. Lunch at Konyali one of the well-known restaurants in
Istanbul. Time to visit Topkapi
Palace having the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections
of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain in Ottoman era.
Visit Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and
children of the sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial
costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels
of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from
medieval manuscripts. Finally we’ll depart for gorgeous
Grand Bazaar having
over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then. Late at night
we’ll join informative light & sound show in the front of Blue
Mosque. For those willing to have the real experience of the
Traditional Turkish Bath, we’ll have a special arrangements at
Cagaloglu Hamami. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
3 BURSA
This morning after
breakfast we’ll pass thru the
Bosphorus
Bridge linking two continents. You’ll be in the Eurosia. Later we’ll
arrive at Darica for car-ferry. Later we’ll arrive in Green
Bursa,
the first capital of the Ottoman Empire having many important
Ottoman buildings remain. Bursa was, and is still, famous for its
silk trade, towel manufacture and thermal
springs. Check-in at the hotel desk, and after lunch (famous
regional dish doner kebab consist of dish of bread, tomato sauce,
strips of grilled meat, melted butter and yogurt) at Kebapci
Iskender who is professional about his cooking style since 1867.
Then we’ll have city tour. Yesil Turbe the Green Tomb, Emir Sultan
Hazretleri, proceed to the covered bazaar area, with its narrow
streets caravanserais, bedesten and silk products then we’ll visit
Ulu Mosque where 3 religious perfectly blended onto building. Later
we’ll be served traditional charcoal semaver tea at Yildiz Park. At
night after dinner, you’ll relax at Traditional Turkish Bath in a
very healthy way since the chemical composition of the water is
something so special for your body. Here is a small tip. Get one of
the masseurs in the bath for a deep massage. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
4 BURSA
Today you’ll feel
yourself more healthy. We’ll take you to the Teferruc for Ulu
Mountain. You’ll admire the scenery from the cable car.
Uludag is the largest winter-sports
center in Turkey and offers a variety of activities, accommodation
and entertainment 36 kilometers from Bursa. Uludag is also a
national park is well worth a visit at any time of the year for the
lovely views and wonderful fresh air. At lunch we’ll have a barbecue
in Sarialan. The fresh food and air will make your day trip pleasant
one. Late in the afternoon we’ll turn back to the hotel for your
thermal treatment and dinner. The rest of the night is at your
leisure. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
5 IZMIR
In the morning
we’ll depart for Izmir one of the important thermal sites in Turkey.
En route we’ll give a lunch break and pop-in Akhisar (Thyatira) one
of the Seven Churches mentioned
in the Book of Revelation. Thru
Manisa that having splendid examples of Seljuk and Ottoman
architecture, we’ll arrive Izmir.
Check-in at hotel and relax till dusk in your special thermal pool
as ancient people did. At night we’ll take you to very special fish
restaurant. Late at night enjoy your entertainment program at hotel.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY 6
IZMIR – CITY TOUR
Today we’ll explore
the pearl of Aegean Region.
Starting to visit Velvet Castle & Agora, watch the spectacular view
from here for Izmir Bay. Time to visit
Bayrakli where the original city
was established in the 3rd millennium B.C. and one of the Seven
Churches mentioned as Smyrna in the book of Revelation. Proceed for
ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir clock tower which is the symbol of
Izmir, walking towards to Ethnography Museum in Varyant, visiting
the museum and Kemeralti Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani where the
traditional “Tiredness Coffee” will be served, and Hisaronu. Get
ready your life’s night out! At night we’ll invite you to a dinner
in a very traditional way at Authentic Middle Asia Restaurant in
Kemalpasa & Turkish night, explore the real culture of the Turks.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY
7 IZMIR –
EPHESUS
In the morning
we’ll depart for Ephesus where
St. Paul Preached, Heracletes Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic Baths,
Celcus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian way, (Harbor
Street), The Basilica of St. John,
Virgin Mary’s House
which was visited by Paul, Pope the 6th and Pope Jean Paul. After
Ephesus, we’ll depart for Selcuk and typical Turkish Village Sirince.
Taste the vine & gozleme cooked in wooden stove. We’ll drive to
Kusadasi, or Bird Island is a
lovely port built along the shores of a glittering bay with amazing
shopping, jewelry, leather and souvenir facilities, visiting the
castle at Guvercin ada, having a traditional Turkish coffee under
the authentic Turkish marquee, shopping from grand bazaar. Late at
night we’ll turn back to the hotel. Just rest at your thermal pool
since your body needs this. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
8 AFYON
Today we’ll depart
one of the best thermal resorts in Turkey named
Afyon. After lunch we’ll arrive
Orucoglu Thermal Resort boasts the health sections such as Mud-therapy,
slimming center, beauty center, aroma-therapy, solarium, physical
treatment and rehabilitation center. The 49C degree spring water is
ideally suitable for rheumatism, lumbago, hernia, nephritis, all
treatment related to bones, the rehabilitation of the children once
had the cerebral palsy and polio, skin diseases, stomach, intestine,
gall bladder, kidneys, urethra, some women diseases, some physical
inability, maintaining the ferric-level of the body, the strength of
the body, seizure, regulating the sexual impedance, sterility
treatment of the males, the diseases related to stress, neurotic,
insomnia, physical and psychic tiredness, obliviousness, the hair
treatment, the regeneration of the battered cells on the skin, the
inhibition of the weariness of the cells and the prevention of the
cell aging. The composition of the thermal water is reported by
Istanbul Medical Ecology and Hydro-climatology Exploration and
Application Center in 27th of October 1991, numbered 157/9. The rest
of the day is yours since your body will be built up again with the
magical composition of this thermal spa in this health complex. (Ladies!
Don’t miss this chance) [B] [L] [D]
DAY
9 AFYON
Today’s half day
excursion will be in the center of
Afyon since an inaccessible and imposing citadel dating to
Byzantine times awaits our exploration. Did you know that the Seljuk
Emperor Alaaddin Keykubat hide the treasure in this citadel Later
we’ll proceed for The Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum. The
War of Independence Memorial reveal Afyon's place in history
Monumental bas-reliefs, a legacy of the Phrygian Kingdom, are carved
into rock faces on hills north of the city. Afyon is famous for its
delicious Turkish Delight and many Turkish desserts, especially the
sugary and non-sugary cream of Afyon is widely known in Turkey. Why
not to taste these in the manufacturers shop. At night enjoy your
thermal spa at Orucoglu Complex. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
10 ANKARA
Welcome to the
capital of Turkey (Ankara). As
Turkey is the center of the health in underground, Kizilcahamam
offers another special chemical structure for the body. First We’ll
visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum
of Kemal Ataturk. Completed in 1953, this fusion of ancient and
modern architectural concepts testifies to the power and grace of
Turkish architecture. After Anitkabir we’ll have our lunch at Haci
Arif Bey specialized in Eastern Cuisine. Arrive at Ab-i Hayat
Thermal Resort one of the best thermal therapy centers in Turkey.
The baths are still being used since Roman times. The features are
almost the same offered in Afyon. Rest of the day is for your
relaxation in this sanatorium. [B] [L] [D]
DAY 11 ANKARA
Today is dedicated
for your personal leisure. Just relax and take the advantage of this
spa situated at 975 m above sea level. The water (37'-47'C) contain
sodium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate and chlorine. Not only good
for drinking and bathing but also it’s good for the cures of
rheumatism, neuralgia, gynecologic and digestive disorders. Get the
health coming from underground. The hotel is well equipped for your
entertainment and fitness. Those who’d like to join our Soguksu
National Park tour are all welcomed. Get the fresh air in the middle
of rich flora. We’ll make a picnic here. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
12 CAPPADOCIA
Although there is
no thermal spa resources around
Cappadocia we wanted to
add some spice by visiting this moonscape environs since we believe
it’s a must to see. Today we invite you to explore
Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations with its priceless collection of Paleolithic,
Neolithic, Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian and Roman artifacts,
For lunch we’ll pass to Byzantine Ankara Castle for traditional
Zenger Pasha Restaurant. Then we’ll proceed for Roman Baths with its
Roman structure remain. Temple of Augustus and Rome await your
exploration. Time to proceed to moonscape
Cappadocia where the works
of man blend unobtrusively into the natural moonscape surroundings.
In the afternoon visit Agzikarahan and the skirt of the natural
citadel of Uchisar, an informative quick local tour for this region
and a small lecture about forming the natural fairy chimneys will be
given here, then arrive at hotel and check-in. Dinner will be served
at hotel. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
13 CAPPADOCIA – KONYA
Today we’ll visit
Goreme Open Air Museum, Avanos
where the most popular handicraft is made, have the chance to try
your hand at making a pot in one of the many studios as well as
weaving and knotting. Lunch in one of the restaurants. Time to
explore Derinkuyu Underground
City. Ready to get lost in 8 layer of this hidden city? You’ll
see miles of tunnels and grape-treading areas in this lighted city.
See the deceitful pathways and hidden corners to fail the enemy of
this city that were used by the early Christians in order to defend
themselves from the persecution. After Derinkuyu we’ll proceed for
Konya. Overnight at Konya. [B]
[L] [D]
DAY
14 PAMUKKALE
In the morning
we’ll visit Mausoleum of Mevlana founder of Whirling Dervishes.
Today’s route is Pamukkale,
magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, that
declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Arriving Pamukkale (Hierapolis)
is a fairyland of dazzling white, petrified castles. Thermal spring
waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau's edge
have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and
basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their
therapeutic powers. Arrive at hotel. Rest of the night is for your
entertainment. [B] [L] [D]
DAY
15 PAMUKKALE
Today we’ll visit
Hierapolis with its best-preserved baths. The Basilica (dated back
6th Century AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater
that can cater 14.000 spectator at a time. The church was devoted to
St. Philip and the Domitian Arch, the Necropolis, Because of the
healthy water of Pamukkale this city once was called as a Sacred
city. Time to have lunch and rest a bit. Yörük restaurant is the
best place for your entertainment and animation with delicious
Turkish food. After lunch, we’ll enter Aphrodisias, one of the
important religious sites dated back to 2800 BC. The temple of
Aphrodisias, the city walls, The ruins of Sebasteion; the theater
established in late Hellenistic period; the sculptures (mostly
displayed in the museum), the ruins of the baths (not for swimming
for today, sorry!), the gymnasium, the Byzantium Stavropolis are the
major sights. Along the Acropolis we’ll examine the baths with
carved gates devoted both Aphrodite and Hadrian; the big pool which
was excavated by the archaeologists in the recent years, the most
beautiful marble construction the Odeon. The Temple of Aphrodite,
the Bishop’s church, the two columned Tetraphylon and well-preserved
stadium for 30000 spectator. Later we’ll turn back to hotel. We know
you’re anxious about swimming in the thermal baths of Pamukkale.
[B] [L] [D]
DAY
16 IZMIR -
ISTANBUL
Today
we’ll provide all your transfers. In the morning we’ll depart for
Izmir Adnan Menderes airport for Istanbul. Time to have your present
in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to host you
in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Thanks for
choosing the right agency. [B] (An overnight stay may be arranged in
Izmir or
Istanbul)
By
D&K, what you see is what you get Enjoy your stay ! |
