Turkey in Depth Inclusions

Travel

• Return economy class flights from Australia to Istanbul
• Full day cruise on board a traditional Turkish sailing gulet along the beautiful Mediterranean coast
• Airport transfers on the first and last day of tour (at set times)
• All touring conducted in air-conditioned coach

Accommodation & Meals

• 16 nights accommodation in good quality hotels with private facilities (3½-4 star)
• 16 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 9 dinners, including group welcome and farewell dinners

Sightseeing

• English-speaking, locally based tour director

Istanbul, metropolis of East and West

• Enjoy comprehensive sightseeing tours of Istanbul visiting the magnificent Topkapi Palace, Chora Church, Basilica Cistern, the unique Blue Mosque, Spice Bazaar, the famous Hippodrome and the domed Basilica of Hagia Sophia. Built in 326AD by Constantine the Great, the Basilica has been a cathedral, a mosque and is now a museum.
• Bargain at the Grand Bazaar as you shop for an array of tasty treats and sparkling jewellery

Surreal landscapes and underground cities

• Visit the Goreme Valley, entirely sculpted by erosion over thousands of years. The strange rock formations are known as 'fairy chimneys'.
• Explore one of Cappadocia’s amazing underground cities. These cities were carved into the soft volcanic rock in the 6th century by Christians fleeing persecution.
• Visit the typical Turkish village of Avanos and see the techniques of ceramic art dating from 12th century BC

Experience local culture and traditions in Konya and Kas

• Explore Mevlana Museum and learn about the mystical religious sect known as the Whirling Dervishes. They utilise music and dance to induce themselves into a mystical state.
• Visit Aspendos where we find the world’s best-preserved Roman theatre
• Spend a day on a Turkish gulet discovering hidden bays and beaches. You'll have the chance to swim in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean.

Ancient history and artisanry of Pamukkale, Aphrodisias and Bodrum

• Visit the unique hot springs and limestone formations of Pamukkale, a World Heritage-listed site
• Visit Aphrodisias, home of a famous Roman sculpture school
• Visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology in Bodrum, home of the remains of the oldest known sunken ship in the world

Travel back to antiquity

• Visit Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered and once home to 300,000 people. See its famous library and the enormous amphitheatre, which can still hold 24,000 spectators!
• Visit ancient Pergamum, once ruled by Alexander the Great and famous for the invention of parchment paper. Pergamum had a library containing 200,000 books!
• Visit Troy to see the symbolic wooden Trojan Horse commemorating one of the most important events in Greek mythology

Pay homage to the Anzac legend in Gallipoli

• Our tour includes Anzac Cove, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, the Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand National Memorial

Turkey in Depth

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