Colours of Anatolia

Day 1 –Istanbul – Canakkale

Upon arrival, proceed to Istanbul city tour. Visit the Blue Mosque, also known as Mosque of Sultan Ahmet, which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. View its glorious interiors and distinctive blue tiles. Next, view the only remains of Hippodrome of Constantinople, which consists 3 monumental columns and a fountain. This is where chariot races took place in the past. Then, visit St Sophia Church (Hagia Sophia), is a former Eastern Orthodox Church converted to a mosque and must see attraction because of its religious and architectural significance. Next, visit Topkapi Palace, once the seat of the Ottoman Empire. Presently, it is a museum palace with a wide collection of porcelain, antiques, holy relics and other treasures. Today, a ferry ride cross Marmara Sea. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale. (Lunch and Dinner)

Day 2 – Canakkale – Pergamom – Kusadasi

Drive to the ancient city of Troy. We will visit this ancient city and the infamous wooden horse. Continue to Pergamon and along the way, feast your eyes on the beautiful Agean Sea view with lush olive trees and some Greek and Turkish islands. Upon arrival visit Pergamon Ancient Asklepion, the Asklepion is a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asklepios, the god of healing. It was also the world’s first psychiatric hospital. After lunch, drive to Kusadasi. We may stop over at a Turkish Delight and Apple Tea Outlet in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Day 3 – Kusadasi – Ephesus – Pamukkale

After breakfast, set off for Selcuk Village and explore Ephesus Ancient City, one of the world’s most outstanding archaeological sites. You will find awesome structures such as the Library of Celsius, Hadrian Temple, Marble Street and Agora. Ephesus is also one of the 7 Churches of Revelation. After lunch, visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – Artemis Temple. Continue to Pamukkale and visit the ruins Ancient City of Hierapolis and explore Cotton Castle, a World Heritage site, made of fascinating white terraces and pools created by calcareous hot spring waters flowing down the mountain. (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Today, travel to Konya. Photo stop in a 700 year old ancient caravanserai (a ‘hotel’ for ancient traders and travelers on silk road). Next, visit the museum of 13th century Philosopher Melvana Celaleddin-i Rumi, which used to be the cloister for Mevlevi Dervishes. Mevlana was a philosopher and mystic of Islam, but not a Muslim of the orthodox type. His doctrine advocates unlimited tolerance, positive reasoning, goodness, charity and awareness through love. To him and to his disciples all religions are more or less truth. Looking with the same eye on Muslim, Jew and Christian alike, his peaceful and tolerant teaching has appealed to men of all sects and creeds. Continue to Capaddocia. Overnight at Cappadocia (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Day 5 – Cappadocia

Hot air ballooning over the charming landscape during sun rise is optional this morning time. Today, be enchanted by the Underground City and Next, get the rare chance to experience the beauty and work of Turkey’s handmade crafts through a Turkish carpet weaving course. Following this, a visit to the Pigeon Valley and Pigeon Valley Photo stops will be made at Uchisar “castle” village, a fantasy-land of strange and wonderful works of man and nature. Then, proceed to Avanos Pottery Village, set on the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River). Finally, a chance to view Turkish semi precious Turkish turquoise ( the name given by Marco Polo which means color of Turks). Overnight in Cappadocia (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Day 6 – Cappadocia – Ankara – Bolu

This morning, drive pass picturesque Salt Lake and arrive into Ankara – capital of Turkey. Our Ankara sightseeing highlights include the magnificent Ataturk Mausoleum and Museum, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, who was regarded as the father of modern Turkey. The mausoleum features a mix of different architectural styles from various Anatolian civilizations museum. Overnight in Bolu (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Day 7 – Bolu – Istanbul

After breakfast in Bolu hotel drive to Istanbul and start the Istanbul full day city tour covers 500-year-old Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 4,000 stalls and shops selling leather goods, jewelers, handicrafts, ceramics, Turkish coffee and other local products. Next, start Bosphorous Cruise trip, Here, you will be able to soak in the sights and sounds of Turkey’s Asia and Europe sector as you cruise through this water channel that is the very beat of life in Istanbul. Witness the magnificent architecture of the buildings along the river and the interesting activities of our local people. We will get very chance of taking photo of Rumeli Castle and Anatolia Castle build by the conquerer of Istanbul in 1453. Overnight in Istanbul (Breakfast , Lunch and Dinner)

Day 8 – Istanbul Departure

You will have free and Easy day before you return back to your home. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home, bringing back wonderful memories and superb souvenirs from your Turkish vacation. (Breakfast )