Highlights
Istanbul old city, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamum, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Christmas Day in Demre, Perge, Aspendos, Konya, Cappadocia, Underground city, Goreme

Day 1 Saturday 19th December Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel and the remainder of the day
is yours free to explore this exotic city. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 Sunday 20th December Istanbul old city
Tour the city that spans both Europe and Asia visiting the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, Topkapi and the
Hippodrome. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 . 21st December Gallipoli battlefields
One of the most emotionally touching places in Turkey, today we visit the WWI Battlefields of
Gallipoli including Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, ANZAC Cove, Johnstons Jolly, original
trenches and tunnels and the Nek. Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4 . 22nd December Troy, Pergamum
Step back in time today as we visit Troy and its famed Trojan Horse, followed by a tour of the
magnificent acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities made the
city a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5. 23rd December Ephesus, Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of
Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the
former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in
Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines
their value. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6 . 24th December Pamukkale, Hierapolis
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the
magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the
ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in
Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7. 25th December Christmas Day in Demre
Morning departure to Kemer. En-route we visit Demre, home of the original St. Nicholas (i.e. Santa
Claus), where he lived as the Bishop of the area. We visit his church and tomb before heading to
Finike for Christmas Day dinner. Overnight in Kemer.

Day 8. 26th December Perge, Aspendos, Konya
Tour the ancient ruins of Perge with its impressive stadium walls and Aspendos, known for one of the
best preserved theatres of Asia Minor, still used today. Overnight in Konya.

Day 9. 27th December Konya, Cappadocia
Today we visit Konya and the Mevlana Museum before heading to the lunar landscape of
Cappadocia. En-route, we stop at an ancient Silk Road Caravansary, before we trek through
the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Tonight, dont miss the optional traditional Turkish folklore evening.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10. 28th December Underground city, Goreme
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia with a fully guided tour of Goreme Valley, the fairy
chimneys, Uchisar castle, an Underground City and more. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 11.29th December Nations Capital Ankara
Today we visit the nations capital – Ankara, with a tour of the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Overnight in
Istanbul.

Day 12. 30th December Istanbul
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the
airport for your onward flight.

INCLUDING

Inbound Airport Transfer – Istanbul – Atatürk Airport (IST)
OR Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Outbound Airport Transfer – Istanbul – Atatürk Airport (IST)
OR Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Car ferry fees between Canakkale and Eceabat
Tips except driver and guide
11 Nights accommodation as follows:
Çanakkale Buyuk Truva Hotel
Cappadocia Burcu Kaya Hotel
Istanbul Nidya Hotel Galataport
Kemer Crystal De Luxe
Konya Anemon Hotel
Kuşadası Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Pamukkale Colossae Thermal Hotel
11 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners

EXCLUDING

Suggested optional activities
Tips – driver and guide

19 DECEMBER 2017 / 30 DECEMBER 2017