Asia Minor, Travelling Along The Time History Tour in Turkey

15 Days Itinerary, Explore the Cradle of Civilization by Turkish Travel, Find the original and unique in Turkey, Just see why the people call Anatolia as Asia Minor

DAY 1 ISTANBUL God & man, nature & art all together created a place in earth that worth seeing. The capital of all empires. Deren Koray (In short DK) staff will meet you at the airport, arrive at hotel, Welcome to Istanbul, get acquaintance to this big big city, check-in and just relax. Welcome cocktail & brief information about Turkish culture and some dos & don’ts for entire tour will be your first activities. Tonight we’ll invite you to a welcome dinner at one of the famous Turkish Restaurants. Rest of the night is your perfunctory exploration around the hotel located in the heart of city. [D]

DAY 2 ISTANBUL Get your breakfast strong since the most important landmarks await our exploration. We’d like to state that even 7 days are insufficient to see the all details of the places of interest in Sultanahmet District however we’ll offer the major places. The first place is The Blue Mosque which is famous for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616. We’ll proceed for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next, we’ll pass Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum that reflects the lifestyle of Turks of every society from the 8th century to the present. Lunch at Konyali one of the well known restaurants in Topkapi. Time to visit Topkapi Palace having the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting 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. Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. After St. Sophia we’ll proceed for Sunken Palace also known as Basilica Cistern from Justinian era with its 336 marble columns. Finally, we’ll depart for gorgeous Grand Bazaar having over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then. Egyptian Bazaar is another paradise for the shop-lovers. At night we’ll take you a special restaurant for dinner as again you won’t be able to resist the world famous cuisine. Late at night we’ll join informative light & sound show in the front of Blue Mosque (if available) [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 BURSA Today we’ll depart for Green 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 in order to reach Yalova. Then we’ll arrive 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) we’ll have city tour. Yesil Turbe, Emir Sultan Hazretleri, proceed to the covered bazaar area, with its narrow streets caravanserais, bedesten and silk products then we’ll visit Ulu Cami. Later we’ll be served traditional charcoal semaver tea at Yildiz Park. Here is a small tip. Do not miss the most famous hot spring in traditional Turkish Bath in Bursa. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 4 ESKISEHIR – ANKARA Today we’ll depart for Ankara. En route Yassihoyuk (Gordion) was the capital of Phrygia and the place were Alexander the Great cut the Gordion Knot to gain the key to Asia. The tumulus of King Midas, who turned whatever he touched to gold. Next we’ll pass the remains of the ancient city Gordion. It’s still under excavation now. Time to visit a small museum for our quick tour. Welcome to the capital of Turkey (Ankara) that history and that of the surrounding area dates back to the Bronze Age and the Hatti civilization. After check-in at the hotel, the first visit of today is the impressive modern form of Ataturk’s Mausoleum where ancient and modern architectural concepts testifies to the power and grace of Turkish architecture took place. 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. Ethnographical Museum which houses magnificent Seljuk doors of carved wood, is our next stop. The Sculpture and Painting Museum illustrates the history of the Turkish fine arts. Then we’ll turn back to the hotel located in the city center. Dinner at hotel. The rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 5 CAPPADOCIA Today we’ll take you to the future, the moonscape region by bus instead of spaceship. Our journey is straight to 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 6 CAPPADOCIA Today we’ll start to explore Goreme with 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. Next stop will be Göreme Valley where you’ll walk thru the pathways and tunnels among the fairy chimneys and visit the churches having gorgeous frescoes dated back 11th to 12th century and many more. Zelve Open Air Museum offers the visitors just a culture & nature parade, then we’ll proceed 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 at one of the restaurants at (don’t be surprised by the new name of the area) Bill Clinton’s Valley and after the president’s place we’ll proceed for Uchisar Castle and we’ll visit a local Doyurgan winery. Dinner at in the middle of cones and fairy chimneys at Karakus Restaurant in a very traditional with its unlimited entertainment and splendid regional cultural show including Whirling Dervishes Ceremony and Turkish folk dance with banquet with the traditional way in Urgup. Join one of the folk-animation in here! [B] [L] [D]

DAY 7 KONYA – ANTALYA Depart for Konya in the morning en route Ihlara Valley where Byzantine rock chapels covered with frescoes pierce the canyon walls. Some of the best known are the Agacalti (Daniel) Church, the Yilanli (Apocalypse) Church and the SumbulIu (Hyacinth) Church. Proceed to Konya one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited cities was known as Iconium in Roman times and the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th century. Visit the mausoleum of Mevlana, Konya’s most famous building, Karatay Medrese (College) displays bold and striking Seljuk ceramics, whirling Dervishes monastry of 13th century, Progressing to Antalya. Dinner will be served in one of the restaurant en route. Welcome to The Turkish Riviera as Turkey’s tourism capital. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 8 ANTALYA It is imposible to see all historical sites within 2 days around Antalya however we’ll choose the majority. We’ll start to explore Antalya from the city center. We’ll park the cars and we’ll walk in Kaleiçi District to see the Hadrian Gate (constructed in 117-138 AD) which was considered as the entrance of Antalya, Hidirlik Tower, a typical Seljuk architecture Truncated Minaret which is the symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and typical narrow Mediterranean style streets with its historical houses. Antique harbor is another main site to see for our strolling. Now we’d like to invite you a “grand falls cruise” from here in order to see the marvellious scenery of the falls from the sea. Time to have our lunch. Now we’ll pass Antalya Museum that was awarded by the European Council in 1988 as the best museum of the year. Here you’ll see an exhibit starting with the natural history section proceeding chronologically through the Stone and Bronze Ages and following classical and Hellenistic periods till the Ottoman Era. After museum we’ll set free for your own exploration. Those who’d like to enjoy the crystal clear water why not going to Konyaalti Beach for the tepidity of Mediterranean? You can also get the advantage of shopping in Antalya for your souvenir. At night we’ll have a dinner at Konyaalti District with unlimited entertainment. Dancing with belly dancer is compulsory tonight (We’re joking).. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 9 ANTALYA Full day excursion, here, important historical sites await your discovery, amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations in Antalya. Side an ancient Pamphilian City dated back 7th century B.C. with its stunning amphitheater, Aspendos dated back 5th century B.C. with its best preserved 30000 spectator capacity theater which is still being used for the concert and festivals, another Pamphilian City Perge dated back 12th century B.C. and the magnificent ruins of these cities are the major places for our visit. A detailed and the interesting information will be given here by our professional guides in these cities. You’ll admire what you’ll see and what you’ll here today. Here is another difference of D&K. Dinner at old port (Kaleici) with its lively Mediterranean style streets. Join Turkish night till midnight in here. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 10 PAMUKKALE In the morning we’ll depart from Antalya to Pamukkale the magical and spectacular natural site, unique in the world, that declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, just before Pamukkale stopping over for Aphrodisias, dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love, explore the theater & stadium still remain. Lunch in here in a very traditional way, then we’ll arrive at Pamukkale (Hierapolis) which 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. Dinner at the hotel in Pamukkale. Here is a small tip: Take the advantage of this magic water for your body. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 11 EPHESUS – IZMIR Today we’ll explore the ancient city Hierapolis with its theater and with other ruins. St Apostle Philip was killed and the St. Philip Church was built inhere. Just join us for the others. After lunch, we’ll proceed Ephesus, once the commercial center of the ancient world and one of the highlights of Turkey. The city was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times. Did you know? St. Paul Preached here!. 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 are other major points for our visit. After Ephesus, we’ll depart for the typical Turkish Village Sirince taste the vine & gozleme cooked by wooden flame then we’ll arrive in Izmir. Dinner at Selcuk in Ipekyolu Restaurant [B] [L] [D]

DAY 12 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 13 IZMIR – PERGAMON – ASSOS Today we’ll depart for Pergamon once a great center of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. On the Acropolis, a hill above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora. The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. Did you know that the symbol of modern medical came from here? The rest of the information will be given here by the professional guides. In town Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum is in our list for visiting, arrive at Assos at night. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 14 TROY – CANAKKALE – ISTANBUL Start the day in picturesque fishing town Assos visit the ruins of Troy dated back to 3rd century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan people for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of Wooden Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll reach honored Dardanelles (Canakkale) that connects the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean. Since Canakkale has a strategically importance, the castles in here barely visible at both Asian and European sides. Cross the Gallipolli by car-ferry, here you can take the picture of World War I Memorial of Dardanelles, along the Thrace & Marmara Sea and passing thru Saroz Bay, en route Tekirdag famous for it’s Raki (traditional anise spirit alcohol drink) and meatball. In the afternoon we’ll arrive in Istanbul and at the hotel close to the airport. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 15 END OF OUR SERVICE After breakfast, depart for your hometown to say home sweet home. Transfer to Ataturk Airport via special bus service. 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 and have a safe journey home. [B]

Tour Code: DKC002