TURKEY by Irfan Biyik Discovery Tours
Specializing in Turkey and World's Top Destinations
Usd 4,500
HIGHLIGHTS
Istanbul
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi palace
The Bosphorus
Pamukkale
Hierapolis
The White Travertines
Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum
Underground City
Fairy Chimneys
Cave Dwellings
Bodrum
The Castle of the Knights
Antalya
Aspendos Theatre
Ephesus
The Antique UNESCO City
Antakya
Archaeological Museum
Adiyaman
Mt Nemrut
Urfa
Gobeklitepe, Harran
APRIL 02 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul. Check in the hotel and relax until welcome dinner in town
APRIL 03 ISTANBUL / IZMIR ( Approx. 1 hour flight )
Today we get over jet lag by spending an exciting day seeing the many sites of the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. Highlights will include the iconic Hagia Sophia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century and converted to a mosque some 900 years later; and the Hippodrome, which was the former center of coronations and chariot races in what was then Constantinople. Late in the afternoon, we are off to the airport for our an hour flight to Izmir.
APRIL 04 EPHESUS - BODRUM
This morning, we are departing to visit Ephesus, the largest archeological site in Turkey. First founded around 2000 BC, Ephesus was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities with its Great Theater, Terrace Houses, elaborate water systems and beautiful mosaics. Following lunch, we are departing for Bodrum, located on the spectacular Aegean coast.
APRIL 05 BODRUM
This morning, we'll enjoy strolling along the beautiful town of Bodrum and visit the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th century crusader fortress that now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology to see its impressive collection of items excavated from ancient shipwrecks most found in the Aegean and Mediterranean.
APRIL 06 BODRUM - PAMUKKALE
Today, our departure is for the UNESCO spa town of Pamukkale best known for its healing waters since Roman times. The white terraces formed by its mineral waters attract visitors from all corners of the world. Here, enjoy walking barefoot in the warm waters like once Cleopatra did !
APRIL 07 PAMUKKALE - ANTALYA
Today, we’re driving to Antalya to discover its little, winding streets which house some great Roman and Selcuk Empire buildings. The city is the provincial capital of the Mediterranean region and due to its great climate and crystal clear waters, it is one of the top destinations in the world and rightfully deserves to be one! In the afternoon, we are back to the hotel to enjoy swimming in the Mediterranean sea.
APRIL 08 ANTALYA - KONYA
Being one of the most historic and picturesque cities, Antalya features a 2nd century Roman Theatre that’s considered to be the best preserved in the world. Having a capacity of some 12 thousand people, it is still used for performances leaving its visitors jaw dropped. After our visit at the theatre, we continue on to Konya to spend the night.
APRIL 09 KONYA - CAPPADOCIA
Today, we depart our hotel for Cappadocia. En route, we'll visit the 13th century roadside inn, SULTANHAN, where once traders traveling on camel back used to be accommodated and then in the afternoon, discover Cappadocia's surreal volcanic moonscape, whittled into unique formations by wind and rain over millions of years. In the third century, Christians fleeing Roman persecution carved churches and entire villages into niches in the volcanic tuff.
APRIL 10 CAPPADOCIA
This morning, we will tour the Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex of frescoed medieval cave churches cut into the tuff and the four-story deep underground city of Kaymakli, dating back to the era of the Hittites. Here, as the region offers a lot to its visitors, enjoy taking pictures and walking in the whimsical land…
APRIL 11 CAPPADOCIA - ANTAKYA
This morning, depart for Antakya, the melting pot of people from many religions and cultures. This is where the first christians such as St Peter, St Paul and St Barnabas preached. Here, we visit the Mosaic and Archaeology Museum, the highlight of the town
APRIL 12 ANTAKYA - ADIYAMAN
Today, we’re driving to Adıyaman, one of the most striking and historical cities, where the Mt Nemrut rests at an elevation of about 7000 ft with all the colossal marble heads of the ancient deities. When you’re at the peak, you’ll know why it’s in the UNESCO World Heritage List and visited by the history lovers from all corners of the world
APRIL 13 ADIYAMAN - URFA
This morning, we will drive to Urfa where, according to the Bible, prophet Abraham spent a few years with his family before moving on to Palestine. During our tour here, we visit Harran to see the beehive houses. Also, It is here in this city that you will see Gobeklitepe, the mesmerizing hilltop sanctuary. Distinctive T-shaped pillars carved with images of wild animals provide insight into the way of life and beliefs of people living in this part of the world some 12,000 years ago
APRIL 14 URFA - ISTANBUL
Today, we’re flying back to Istanbul to enjoy the cruise along the Bosphorus running between Europe and Asia. The water front mansions by the water are on the list of the most impressive houses in the world. During the cruise, we see some amazing structures such as palaces, fortresses and mosques from the Ottoman Era.
APRIL 15 ISTANBUL
Departure
Includes : Private guiding & transportation, museum fees, breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday,,domestic flights
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Excludes : International flights, drinks, hot air balloon...
IRFAN BIYIK STYLE OF TRAVEL
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Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
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Accommodation in the very best luxury hotels
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Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations
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Tailor made itineraries that perfectly fit your preferences, interests and schedule
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Upgrades
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VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations, performance tickets, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, top restaurant reservations, private airport transfers, internal transportation
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Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
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Unique, insider travel experiences and access to Irfan Biyik network of experts around the world