This 2 week holiday will provide you with a comprehensive historical and cultural experience, highlighting the breathtaking diversity of this magnificent country. This English only tour provides excellent quality superior hotel accommodations that will ensure you are met with high standards of quality and comfort. The tour itself will transport you through the diverse regions of Turkey and back in time to discover its unique history, culture and landscapes. If you are looking to take one tour of Turkey in your life, the Grand Anatolian is the perfect tour to provide you with a lifetime of memories of this beautiful country.
Tour Includes
Accommodation in select hotels as per itinerary
All hotel taxes and service charges
English speaking professional tour guide
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Porterage at hotels
Sightseeing tours as indicated in the itinerary
Transfers on tour arrival & departure days
Transportation in deluxe air-conditioned motorcoach
Tour Does Not Include
Gratuities of any type
Optional excursions during your tour
Personal expenses
Hotel Package :
Day
1
Istanbul Arrival
Location:
Istanbul, Turkey
Meeting Time
Meeting Location
Description:
Upon arrival in Istanbul you will be greeted by an OTI representative and transferred to your select hotel. There will be a welcome briefing this afternoon. The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
2
Istanbul Full Day Sightseeing
B
Location:
Istanbul, Turkey
Description:
After breakfast you will be greeted in the lobby of your hotel to start your full day historical Istanbul tour. Sites visited today include the Hagia Sophia (built in the 6th century, once the largest Christian church in the world), Topkapi Palace (Imperial Residence of Ottoman Sultans with displays of priceless collections of artifacts, jewelry, and rare porcelain), the Blue Mosque (unique with its 6 minarets and famous for its blue Iznik tiles), the Hippodrome Square (where ancient chariot races were held), and then a visit to the world famous Grand Covered Bazaar. The remainder of the day is to be spent at your leisure. You may join an optional dinner with belly dancing tonight.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
3
Istanbul - Gallipoli - Dardanelles - Canakkale
B D
Location:
Gallipoli, Turkey
Canakkale, Turkey
Description:
This morning we will depart from Istanbul for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair before crossing the Dardanelles to Canakkale.
Overnight in Canakkale.
Day
4
Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi
B L D
Location:
Troy, Turkey
Pergamum, Turkey
Kusadasi, Turkey
Description:
Today we will visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting for the Trojan War. Before arriving into Asclepion, we will enjoy lunch with locals in a traditional local village. We will continue to Pergamum to visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion and continue to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day
5
Kusadasi - Ephesus & the Virgin Mary's House Full Day Sightseeing
B D
Location:
Kusadasi, Turkey
Description:
After breakfast, we will depart for Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world. You will explore 2,000 year old marble streets, a theatre, the Library of Celsus, a gymnasium, and Hadrian's Temple. We will then take a short drive to see the stone cottage where it is believed the Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. We will continue to a regional rug production center to have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. You may join an optional afternoon tour of Sirince.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day
6
Kusadasi - Pamukkale
B D
Location:
Kusadasi, Turkey
Pamukkale, Turkey
Description:
Today we will drive through the lush seaside valleys to Pamukkale, famous for its limestone covered cascading thermal pools. We will also pay a visit to Hierapolis before retiring for the day to enjoy the thermal pools and spa facilities of your hotel.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day
7
Pamukkale - Perge - Antalya
B D
Location:
Antalya, Turkey
Description:
Today will begin with a morning drive to Antalya, arriving at mid-noon. We will visit the ancient Greek city of Perge, famous for its Temple of Artemis. Also located there is an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age. It is also notable for being the home of the renowned ancient Greek mathematician, Apollonius. Afterwards, enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the Mediterranean Coast. Overnight in Antalya.
Day
8
Antalya at Leisure
B D
Location:
Antalya, Turkey
Description:
Today is to be spent at your leisure enjoying this seaside resort destination. You can also choose to book an optional excursion to Phaselis, an ancient coastal city, or embark on a full day yacht cruise along the Turquoise Coast. Dinner is at a special local restaurant.
Overnight in Antalya.
Day
9
Antalya - Aspendos - Konya
B D
Location:
Konya, Turkey
Description:
After breakfast we will depart for Konya with a visit to the stunning ancient theatre in Aspendos en-route. After a beautiful drive through the coastal mountain range we will arrive in Konya. We will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana who was a Sufi philosopher. This was also the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order, better known as the Whirling Dervishes. We will continue to the Karatay Koran School, an 800 year-old building, once a Selcuk Islamic theological seminary, which houses an outstanding collection of ceramics and tiles.
Overnight in Konya.
Day
10
Konya - Cappadocia
B D
Location:
Cappadocia, Turkey
Description:
This morning we depart for Cappadocia, famous for its fairy chimneys and unique landscape. En-route we will visit a 13th century caravanserai. We will also pay a visit to the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Tonight, enjoy a dinner at a local restaurant and enjoy an optional Whirling Dervishes performance.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
11
Cappadocia Full Day Sightseeing
B D
Location:
Cappadocia, Turkey
Description:
Today you have the opportunity to take an optional early morning hot air balloon excursion over volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise. This ride is bound to be the highlight of your trip and is a must for any avid photographer. After breakfast, the group will visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among the rock formations. We will continue to Avanos, renowned for its high quality earthenware, as well as Pasabag and Red Valley. We will take part in a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave.
Afternoon return to your hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day
12
Cappadocia - Ankara
B D
Location:
Ankara, Turkey
Description:
This morning we depart for Ankara, Turkey's capital city, to enjoy an afternoon tour of the Ataturk Mausoleum and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world.
Overnight in Ankara.
Day
13
Ankara - Istanbul
B D
Location:
Istanbul, Turkey
Description:
After breakfast we will depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Arriving in the early afternoon, you may join an optional half-day Spice Market visit and Bosphorus Cruise enjoying the strait that separates Asia and Europe. Its shores are lined with fine neighbourhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks, gardens, restaurants, and cafes. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day
14
Istanbul Departure
B
Location:
Istanbul, Turkey
Description:
An escorted transfer will take you to Istanbul's airport for your flight home. End of services.
Superior & Luxury Package
Istanbul
Crowne Plaza Harbiye Istanbul
Rating :
5 Star Luxury
Located in the heart of Turkey's largest city, the Crowne Plaza Harbiye Istanbul is a 5 star luxury hotel offering all of the amenities and high quality service to ensure that guests have a wonderful experience in Istanbul.
Located in Canakkale with views of the famous Dardanelles, the Hotel Kolin Canakkale is a luxury hotel offering guests spectacular service and endless options for dining, entertainment, and relaxation.
Welcome to Charisma De Luxe Hotel Kusadası, where luxury and comfort meet to provide guests with a memorable, outstanding experience. Towering over the Aegean Sea and centrally located, guests will have an array of activities whether at the hotel, on the beach, or exploring Kusadasi.
Featuring thermal pools, an outdoor swimming pool, and a spa center, the Colossae Thermal Spa Hotel is the perfect escape for guests wanting a relaxing, peaceful stay near the beautiful region of Pamukkale.
This luxurious 5 star hotel is located in Antalya and features an array of amenities and services for guests to enjoy along with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Hilton Garden Inn Konya, situated in the heart of the historic city of Konya, features the contemporary conveniences of home and is situated within walking distance of Konya’s shopping and business district, as well as the city's local and cultural attractions.
Located in Cappadocia, Lykia Lodge is the perfect gateway to exploring this magical region. Inspired by the natural architecture of the surrounding landscapes, Lykia Lodge provides guests with a combination of modern comforts and history in a unique setting.
Located in the heart of Ankara, the Crowne Plaza Ankara is a 5 star hotel offering a wide range of amenities and relaxation while being situated near the historic monuments, attractions, and city life that Ankara has to offer.
Radisson Blu Hotel is a stylish, modern hotel located in the Sisli area of Istanbul. It offers a wide variety of amenities and services including indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a gym, and a variety of dining options.
This land, teeming with rich history and archeological treasures, is one of the most tantalizing and rewarding destinations anywhere on this planet. The sheer depth of cultural richness is a result of the many civilizations that have called this land home over the centuries and millennia. The Assyrians, Hittites, ancient Greeks, Byzantine Christians and Ottoman Turks have all made an indelible mark on this land. Everywhere you visit, there are reminders of eras that contributed to the enrichment of both western and near eastern civilizations. From soaking in an Ottoman hamam, watching the fishermen on the Galata Bridge, tasting the delicacy called loukoum or visiting a fair trade kilim shop in Cappadocia, the way of life that has permeated this land for centuries is still on offer to those willing to explore this incredible country.
Nowhere in the western world can one experience the crossroads of cultures was as much vigor and awe as in Istanbul. The true crossroads between Europe & Asia, the largest city in Turkey is soaked in old world ambiance and new world energy. Even today, one is taken aback by the constant reminder that multiple empires have called this city its capital. The Byzantine church of Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome all present us with tangible evidence that the ancient Romans, Byzantine Christians and Ottoman Turks once ruled this city. The fact that these 3 sites are within a 10-minute walk of each other is proof positive of the importance of this city in European history
One of the more surprising facts about Turkey is how vast it is. This is one of the reasons why the dominant form of travel for holiday is escorted luxury motorcoach tours. These tours visits Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamum, Troy, and Gallipoli providing a holiday that is cost effective and stress free. For those wanting a more adventurous holiday, Turkey offers some of the most relaxing motor yacht and sailing itineraries in the Mediterranean. The crystal clear waters of the Aegean coast are teeming with marine life and the pace is perfect for catching up on long forgotten literature or decompressing from the wired world of our daily life. This magnificent country is bound to leave you enchanted and enriched
City
Istanbul
Please contact us today by either phone or email for pricing and we will be happy to assist you in achieving the best possible pricing for this package!