Day 01 (Sun):

In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 02 (Mon):

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 03 (Tue):

Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to Konya to visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure. Then continue on to Pamukkale and overnight (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Wed):

Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. In the afternoon tour Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi for overnight (B, D-BB only at Kismet Hotel).

 

Day 05 (Thu):

Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. In the afternoon Selcuk Ephesus Museum or St. John Church. Time for shopping and drive to Izmir and transfer to the hotel or airport. End of our services (B).

 

Departure Days	Sundays (Except between Jan 11-Feb 21) / Minimum 2 participants
	Lunches are inclusive to our “Regular” tours
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Value Rates / pp	495	2.495	1.245	905	815	745	140
Superior Rates /pp	745	2.655	1.405	1.070	975	905	220

 

·         Value Hotels: Dinler Hotel, Lycus River, Pine Marina Hotel (Tatlises Hotel)

·         Superior Hotels: Yunak Evleri (BB Only), Lycus River (Villa Lycus), Korumar Hotel (Land View Only) Kismet Hotel (BB Only). No-show is charged forYunak Evleri-Cappadocia if cancelled 45 days prior to the check-in date)

·         No dinner on superior category hotels in Cappadocia

·         If a hotel is preferred in Sirince instead of the one in Kusadasi a surcharge of $50 p.p. will be added on to the prices.

·         If your choice of the hotels - apart from those quoted above - is required on the regular tours, the discrepancy between the hotels plus a transfer fee of $10pp for each different hotel ($20 for the hotels to be stayed for 2 nights) will be added on to the total tour fee.

·         The same tour can be joined in Cappadocia as well in the evening on Sundays or in the morning on Mondays. However, the prices remain the same while pick-up transfer from Kayseri Airport is inclusive to our rates. Ankara portion will also be waived on such a case.

 

PRS 210 / SEVEN DAY TASTE OF TURKEY TOUR ending in Istanbul 

 

Day 01 (Sun):

In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 02 (Mon):

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 03 (Tue):

Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to Konya to visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure. Then continue on to Pamukkale and overnight (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Wed):

Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. In the afternoon tour Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi for overnight (B, D-BB only at Kismet Hotel).

 

Day 05 (Thu):

Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. Selcuk Ephesus Museum or St. John Church. Time for shopping. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D-BB only at Kismet Hotel).

 

Day 06 (Fri):

Early departure for Bergama and visit to the Asclepion and Acropol with the well preserved remains. In the afternoon continue on to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as described in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale for overnight (Due to the limited hotel availability we also keep the right to stay in the surroundings of Canakkale) (B, D).

 

Day 07 (Sat):

After breakfast sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Arrive in Istanbul late afternoon (Due to the possibility of some participants might have scheduled flights in the evening) and transfer to the hotel or airport (B).

 

·         Our drop-off service is available only for the hotels near Ataturk Airport and in Sultanahmet and Taksim areas.  Those who will be staying at the other locations will be dropped-off at Taksim.

·         If a hotel is preferred in Sirince instead of the one in Kusadasi a surcharge of $75 p.p. will be added on to the prices.

·         Overnight in Assos can be preferred on private tours.

 

Departure Days	Sundays (Except between Jan 11-Feb 21) / Minimum 2 participants
	Lunches are inclusive to our “Regular” tours
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Value Rates / pp	655	3.440	1.745	1.280	1.155	1.045	220
Superior Rates /pp	870	3.625	1.930	1.470	1.345	1.230	315

 

·         Value Hotels: Dinler Hotel, Lycus River, Pine Marina Hotel (Tatlises Hotel), Iris Hotel (Akol Hotel)

·         Superior Hotels: Yunak Evleri (BB Only), Lycus River (Villa Lycus), Korumar Hotel (Land View Only) Kismet Hotel (BB Only), Akol Hotel (Kolin Hotel)

·          If your choice of the hotels - apart from those quoted above - is required on the regular tours, the discrepancy between the hotels plus a transfer fee of $10pp for each different hotel ($20 for the hotels to be stayed for 2 nights) will be added on to the total tour fee.

·          The same tour can be joined in Cappadocia as well in the evening on Sundays or in the morning on Mondays. However, the prices remain the same while pick-up transfer from Kayseri Airport is inclusive to our rates. Ankara portion will also be waived on such a case.

 

PRS 212 / FOUR DAY ANKARA-CAPPADOCIA TOUR (Ex-Ankara ending in Kayseri)

 

Day 01 (Sun):

In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 02 (Mon):

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 03 (Tue)

Tour with Ihlara Canyon, a "mirage" in the steps of Anatolia near Belisirma Village, the ancient Peristrema: "Valley of the Sky" along the Melendiz River. Rock-cut churches, spread across a wild plantation, surprise you with their successfully painted representations from the Bible. Lunch in Belisirma, a local restaurant by the river. Stop by Selime, a village with cave houses at  the end of the canyon and a "star wars” like landscape. Return to your hotel.

 

Day 04 (Wed)

After breakfast transfer to the airport in Kayseri (Only for the morning flights) (B). 

 

Departure Days	Sundays
	Lunches are not inclusive to “Private” tours
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Value Rates / pp	345	1.145	620	545	495	445	95
Superior Rates /pp	540	1.440	815	720	670	580	225

 

·         Value Hotels: Dinler Hotel

·         Superior Hotels: Yunak Evleri (No-show is charged if cancelled 45 days prior to the check-in date)

·         No dinner on superior category hotels in Cappadocia

·         The same tour may commence in Kayseri either. Then only Kaymakli Underground City will be visited on Day 1 while the prices remain the same.
 

PRS 215 / SPLENDOURS OF TURKEY ending in Istanbul

 

Day 01

In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 02

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 03

Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to Konya to visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure. Then drive to Antalya for overnight (B, D).

 

Day 04

Departure in the morning and and visit to Perge, the place where most of the statues that are on display in Antalya Museum were unearthed and then proceed to Aspendos that bears one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Anatolia. After visiting Manavgat Waterfalls return to Antalya (B, D).

 

Day 05

Free morning. In the afternoon departure for Pamukkale. Arrive in Pamukkale and check in to the hotel to enjoy the healing waters of the thermal center of the Roman times (B, D).

 

Day 06

Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. In the afternoon tour Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi for overnight (B, D-BB only at Kismet Hotel).

 

Day 07

Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. Selcuk Ephesus Museum or St. John Church. Time for shopping. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, D-BB only at Kismet Hotel).

 

Day 08

Early departure for Bergama and visit to the Asclepion and Acropol with the well preserved remains. In the afternoon continue on to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as described in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale for overnight (Due to the limited hotel availability we also keep the right to stay in the surroundings of Canakkale) (B, D).

 

Day 09

After breakfast sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles - particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. Arrive in Istanbul early afternoon (Due to the possibility of some participants might have scheduled flights in the afternoon) and transfer to the hotel or airport (B).

 

·         Our drop-off service is available only for the hotels near Ataturk Airport and in Sultanahmet and Taksim areas.  Those who will be staying at the other locations will be dropped-off at Taksim.

·         If a hotel is preferred in Sirince instead of the one in Kusadasi a surcharge of $75 p.p. will be added on to the prices.

·         Overnight in Assos can be preferred on private tours.

 

Departure Days	Only on private basis
	Lunches are not inclusive to “Private” tours
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Value Rates / pp	-	4.705	2.440	1.745	1.565	1.440	305
Superior Rates /pp	-	5.095	2.690	2.065	1.675	1.705	405

 

     Value Hotels: Dinler Hotel, Antalya Hotel, Lycus River, Pine Marina Hotel (Tatlises Hotel), Akol Hotel)

·         Superior Hotels: Yunak Evleri (BB Only), Dedeman Antalya, Lycus River (Villa Lycus), Korumar Hotel (Land View Only) Kismet Hotel (BB Only), Akol Hotel (Kolin Hotel)

·         If your choice of the hotels - apart from those quoted above - is required on the regular tours, the discrepancy between the hotels plus a transfer fee of $15pp for each different hotel ($30 for the hotels to be stayed for 2 nights) will be added on to the total tour fee.

·         The same tour can be joined in Cappadocia as well in the evening on Sundays or in the morning on Mondays. However, the prices remain the same while pick-up transfer from Kayseri Airport is inclusive to our rates. Ankara portion will also be waived on such a case.

 

PRS 216 / BLACK SEA HIGHLIGHTS TOUR (EX-TRABZON)

 

Day 01 (Tuesday)                                Sumela Monastery-Trabzon-Rize

You will be met on arrival in Trabzon on the early morning flight. The highlight of the day today will be the 14th century Sumela Monastery, built high on a steep cliff above a gorge in the Altindere National Park - its setting makes it look more Tibetan than Turkish. Surrounded by the ruins of the monks’ quarter, is a church covered inside and out with brilliant frescoes. In the afternoon visit the 13th century St. Sophia Church, which is now a museum and some of the finest examples of Eastern Roman paintings are displayed in its frescoes. Drive to Rize for overnight (D).

 

Day 02 (Wednesday)          Rize-Camlihemsin-Ayder-Rize

Drive through tea plantation areas and drive inland through Camlihemsin with its picturesque arched stone bridges, and wonderful mountain plateaux of Ayder. Overnight in Rize (B, D). 

 

Day 03(Thursday)               Rize-Erzurum

A spectacular drive through mountains, valleys and gorges, and along the Tortum Lake to Erzurum, an important city on the famous Silk Road during the Middle Ages. On the way visit the stunningly beautiful 10^th century Georgian churches of Haho, Osk Van and Ishan (These are subject to road conditions, as continuous wet weather can deteriorate the roads badly). If time permits on arrival in Erzurum, you will be able to wander in the Rustem Pasa Carsisi (Covered Bazaar) in an old many-chimneyed caravanserai with an inner courtyard.  Overnight in Erzurum (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Friday)                    Erzurum

Visit the magnificent Seljukian monuments of Erzurum in the morning including the Cifte Minare (Twin Minaret Mosque), the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque) the Uc Kumbetter, a wonderful complex of three Seljuk tombs, and the most spectacular building in Erzurum, the Yakutiye Medresesi, built in 1310 by the Mongol rulers of Persia, with its splendid turquoise tiled minaret. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, where an informative display (in English and Turkish) on ancient cultures and civilisations has been prepared by the University of Melbourne. Transfer to the airport in Erzurum and end of our services (B).

 

Hotels (All subject to change depending on availability)

Dedeman Hotel (Rize), Oral Hotel (Erzurum) - or similar hotels.

 

Please be advised that accommodation conditions and standards are poorer in these regions of Turkey when compared to the western sectors of the country and therefore guests should be well aware of these prior to the booking for this tour.  Some of the hotels in this tour are simple ones due to the lack of better ones.

 

 

-Airfares are exclusive

 

PRS 217 / BLACK SEA & THE UNTOUCHED EAST (EX-TRABZON)

 

Day 01 (Tuesday)                                Sumela Monastery-Trabzon-Rize

You will be met on arrival in Trabzon on the early morning flight. The highlight of the day today will be the 14th century Sumela Monastery, built high on a steep cliff above a gorge in the Altindere National Park - its setting makes it look more Tibetan than Turkish. Surrounded by the ruins of the monks’ quarter, is a church covered inside and out with brilliant frescoes. In the afternoon visit the 13th century St. Sophia Church, which is now a museum and some of the finest examples of Eastern Roman paintings are displayed in its frescoes. Drive to Rize for overnight (D).

 

Day 02 (Wednesday)          Rize-Camlihemsin-Ayder-Rize

Drive through tea plantation areas and drive inland through Camlihemsin with its picturesque arched stone bridges, and wonderful mountain plateaux of Ayder. Overnight in Rize (B, D). 

 

Day 03 (Thursday)              Rize-Erzurum

A spectacular drive through mountains, valleys and gorges, and along the Tortum Lake to Erzurum, an important city on the famous Silk Road during the Middle Ages. On the way visit the stunningly beautiful 10^th century Georgian churches of Haho, Osk Van and Ishan (These are subject to road conditions, as continuous wet weather can deteriorate the roads badly). If time permits on arrival in Erzurum, you will be able to wander in the Rustem Pasa Carsisi (covered Bazaar) in an old many-chimneyed caravanserai with an inner courtyard.  Overnight in Erzurum (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Friday)                    Erzurum-Kars

Visit the magnificent Seljukian monuments of Erzurum in the morning including the Cifte Minare (Twin Minaret Mosque), the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque) the Uc Kumbetter, a wonderful complex of three Seljuk tombs, and the most spectacular building in Erzurum, the Yakutiye Madrasa, built in 1310 by the Mongol rulers of Persia, with its splendid turquoise tiled minaret. Also visit the Archaeological Museum, where an informative display (in English and Turkish) on ancient cultures and civilisations has been prepared by the University of Melbourne.  Drive to Kars for overnight (B, D).

 

Day 05 (Saturday)               Kars-Dogu Beyazit

Early start this morning, visiting Ani, the ruined Armenian city of a hundred gates and a thousand churches, and its great walls over a kilometre in length.  No city in Europe in the mid 10^th century could rival the magnificence and size of Ani, and in the East only Constantinople, Baghdad and Cairo could match it. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravanserais. Ani was  the centre of the Armenian Kingdom until the 11^th century Byzantine conquest. Natural disasters and invasions by Tamerlane of Mongols destroyed much of Ani.

 

Return to Kars for lunch then drive on to Dogu Beyazit, to visit the superb Ishak Pasa Sarayi, an indulgent 17^th-18^th century palace - intended as the most beautiful dwelling in the world, with its mixture of Seljuk, Persian, Georgian, Armenian and baroque Ottoman architecture. Nearby is the scenic 5,165 metre Mount Ararat, believed to be where Noah’s Ark landed.  Overnight Dogubeyazit (B, D).

 

Day 06 (Sunday)                 Dogu Beyazit-Van

After breakfast drive to Van, the capital of the Urartu Kingdom that dominated this region from the 13^th to 7^th centuries BC. Overnight Van (B, D).

 

Day 07 (Monday)                 Van          

Tour Cavustepe, the 8^th century B.C. Urartian Citadel, and then the 17^th century Hosap Castle, followed by a boat trip to visit the 10^th century Armenian Church on the Akdamar Island. Dinner and overnight in Van (B, D).

 

Day 08 (Tuesday)                Van

Transfer to the airport and end of our services.

 

Hotels (All subject to change depending on availability)

Dedeman Hotel (Rize), Oral Hotel (Erzurum), Sim-Er Hotel (Kars), Sim-Er Hotel (Dogu Bayezit), Merit Sahmaran Hotel (Van) - or similar hotels.

 

Please be advised that accommodation conditions and standards are poorer in these regions of Turkey when compared to the western sectors of the country and therefore guests should be well aware of these prior to the booking for this tour.  Some of the hotels in this tour are simple ones due to the lack of better ones.

 

 

- If the tour is taken as far as Sanliurfa  below is the additional program and the rates.

 

Day 08 (Tuesday)                                Van-Tatvan-Diyarbakir

Early morning drive to Diyarbakir via Tatvan, located on the western shore of magnificent Lake Van, the largest lake of Turkey. Visit the Malabadi Bridge before arriving into Diyarbakir. On arrival to the city visit the Grand Mosque and the famous city walls. Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakir (B, D).

 

Day 09 (Wednesday)          Diyarbakir-Mardin-Sanliurfa

Early morning drive to Mardin to visit the ancient town with its famous Monastery. In the afternoon continue on to Sanliurfa for dinner and overnight (B, D).

 

Day 10 (Thursday)              Sanliurfa-Harran

In the morning drive to Harran, lying on the Mesopotamian plain and one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth, and visit the beehive-shaped mud-brick houses dating back to biblical times and a form of architecture which has not changed since then. The prophet Abraham lived here for some time.

 

The ruins of the world’s largest ancient Islamic University will also be seen here. Then drive back to Sanliurfa, the birth place of Abraham, before being taken on a tour including the old bazaar, the magnificent Holy City complex including the cave where Abraham was reputedly born, and the Pool of Abraham full of sacred carp, and surrounded by exquisite 17th century architecture. Overnight Sanliurfa (B, D).

 

Day 11 (Friday)

Transfer to the airport  and end of the services (B).

 

 

PRS 218 / EASTERN & SOUTH EASTERN TURKEY (EX-VAN / Ending in Adana)

 

Day 01 (Sunday)                 Van

Arrive in Van and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight Van (D). 

 

Day 02 (Monday)                 Van          

Tour Cavustepe, the 8^th century B.C. Urartian Citadel, and then the 17^th century Hosap Castle, followed by a boat trip to visit the 10^th century Armenian Church on the Akdamar Island. Dinner and overnight in Van (B, D).

 

Day 03 (Tuesday)                Van-Tatvan-Diyarbakir

Early morning drive to Diyarbakir via Tatvan, located on the western shore of magnificent Lake Van, the largest lake of Turkey. Visit the Malabadi Bridge before arriving into Diyarbakir. On arrival to the city visit the Grand Mosque and the famous city walls. Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakir (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Wednesday)          Diyarbakir-Mardin-Sanliurfa

Early morning drive to Mardin to visit the ancient town with its famous Monastery. In the afternoon continue on to Sanliurfa for dinner and overnight (B, D).

 

Day 05 (Thursday)              Sanliurfa-Harran

In the morning drive to Harran, lying on the Mesopotamian plain and one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth, and visit the beehive-shaped mud-brick houses dating back to biblical times and a form of architecture which has not changed since then. The prophet Abraham lived here for some time.

 

The ruins of the world’s largest ancient Islamic University will also be seen here. Then drive back to Sanliurfa, the birth place of Abraham, before being taken on a tour including the old bazaar, the magnificent Holy City complex including the cave where Abraham was reputedly born, and the Pool of Abraham full of sacred carp, and surrounded by exquisite 17th century architecture. Overnight Sanliurfa (B, D).

 

Day 06 (Friday)                    Sanliurfa

Free day (B, D).

 

Day 07 (Saturday)               Sanliurfa-Nemrut Dagi-Adiyaman

Drive to Adiyaman via the huge Ataturk Dam. Late afternoon climb up the Nemrut Mountain to view the stupendous colossal statues, lions and eagles on top of the Nemrut Mountain (2.150 metres) at sunset. Antiochus I, the Kommagene king, believed himself to be a descendant of Apollo, so he built a colossal statue of himself along with those of other Gods like Zeus and Apollo. Dinner and overnight in Adiyaman or Kahta (B, D).

 

Remember to take warm clothing, (warm hat, scarf and jacket) as when the sun sets the temperature drops rapidly.  It is also very windy on top of the mountain. 

 

Day 08 (Sunday)                 Adiyaman-Yesemek-Antakya

Drive south through the mountains to Antakya, ancient Antioch, declared as a holy site by the Vatican in 1983, with a visit to Yesemek on the way to wander through the fascinating open air museum of Hittite sculptures. On arrival to Antakya visit the Antakya Mosaic Museum which houses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics in the world; and St. Peter’s Grotto, the earliest Christian church ever built.  Dinner and overnight  at Antakya (B, D).

 

Day 09 (Monday)                 Antakya-Adana

Drive to Adana Airport and end of our services (B).

 

Hotels (All subject to change depending on availability)

Merit Sahmaran Hotel (Van), Buyuk Kervansaray Hotel (Diyarbakir), Edessa Hotel (Sanliurfa), Bozdogan Hotel (Adiyaman), Antik Beyazit Hotel (Antakya) - or similar hotels.

 

Please be advised that accommodation conditions and standards are poorer in these regions of Turkey when compared to the western sectors of the country and therefore guests should be well aware of these prior to the booking for this tour.  Some of the hotels in this tour are simple ones due to the lack of better ones.

 

PRS 219 / EASTERN & SOUTH EASTERN TURKEY (EX-VAN / Ending in Antalya)

 

Day 01 (Sunday)                 Van

Arrive in Van and transfer to the hotel. Free afternoon. Overnight Van (D).

 

Day 02 (Monday)                 Van          

Tour Cavustepe, the 8^th century B.C. Urartian Citadel, and then the 17^th century Hosap Castle, followed by a boat trip to visit the 10^th century Armenian Church on the Akdamar Island. Dinner and overnight in Van (B, D).

 

Day 03 (Tuesday)                Van-Tatvan-Diyarbakir

Early morning drive to Diyarbakir via Tatvan, located on the western shore of magnificent Lake Van, the largest lake of Turkey. Visit the Malabadi Bridge before arriving into Diyarbakir. On arrival to the city visit the Grand Mosque and the famous city walls. Dinner and overnight in Diyarbakir (B, D).

 

Day 04 (Wednesday)          Diyarbakir-Mardin-Sanliurfa

Early morning drive to Mardin to visit the ancient town with its famous Monastery. In the afternoon continue on to Sanliurfa for dinner and overnight (B, D).

 

Day 05 (Thursday)              Sanliurfa-Harran

In the morning drive to Harran, lying on the Mesopotamian plain and one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth, and visit the beehive-shaped mud-brick houses dating back to biblical times and a form of architecture which has not changed since then. The ruins of the world’s largest ancient Islamic University will also be seen here. Then drive back to Sanliurfa, the birth place of Abraham, before being taken on a tour including the old bazaar, the magnificent Holy City complex including the cave where Abraham was reputedly born, and the Pool of Abraham full of sacred carp, and surrounded by exquisite 17th century architecture. Overnight Sanliurfa (B, D).

 

Day 06 (Friday)                    Sanliurfa

Free day (B, D).

 

Day 07 (Saturday)               Sanliurfa-Nemrut Dagi-Adiyaman

Drive to Adiyaman via the huge Ataturk Dam. Late afternoon climb up the Nemrut Mountain to view the stupendous colossal statues, lions and eagles on top of the Nemrut Mountain (2.150 metres) at sunset. Antiochus I, the Kommagene king, believed himself to be a descendant of Apollo, so he built a colossal statue of himself along with those of other Gods like Zeus and Apollo. Dinner and overnight in Adiyaman or Kahta (B, D).

 

Remember to take warm clothing, (warm hat, scarf and jacket) as when the sun sets the temperature drops rapidly.  It is also very windy on top of the mountain. 

 

Day 08 (Sunday)                 Adiyaman-Yesemek-Antakya

Drive south through the mountains to Antakya, ancient Antioch, declared as a holy site by the Vatican in 1983, with a visit to Yesemek on the way to wander through the fascinating open air museum of Hittite sculptures. On arrival to Antakya visit the Antakya Mosaic Museum which houses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics in the world; and St. Peter’s Grotto, the earliest Christian church ever built.  Dinner and overnight  at Antakya (B, D).

 

Day 09 (Monday)                 Antakya-Tarsus-Kiz Kalesi

Drive to Tarsus, the birth place of St. Paul. It was also here where Marcus Anthony reputedly met Cleopatra. Visit St. Paul’s Well and Cleopatra Gate before continuing a short distance along the coast to Kiz Kalesi.

 

Just west of Mersin, a row of Corinthian columns that once lined the main street, remain at Viransehir (ancient Pompeiopolis), founded in 70 B.C. by Rhodians.  Spend time wandering around the Byzantine Castle of Korykos, right on the sea-front facing the romantic Kiz Kalesi (Maiden's Castle) on a tiny island 200 metres offshore.  Formerly a sea wall joined the two fortresses. Also visit the fascinating Necropolis in the corn fields opposite.  Overnight Kiz Kalesi (B, D).

 

Day 10 (Tuesday)                Kiz Kalesi-Caves of Heaven & Hell-Anamur-Bozyazi

This is a very interesting region of Turkey, along the South Eastern Mediterranean Coast. Today you will visit:

The ruins of ancient Kanytelis, with tombs resembling small temples, churches and sarcophagi dating from Roman and Byzantine times.  The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a deep chasm.

Uzuncaburc (ancient Diocaesarea) at 1200 metres. The drive up the mountain road to this magnificent ancient site is lined with large tombs.  The remains of the impressive Temple of Zeus Olbius, the Temple of Tyche, a monument arch, theatre, Byzantine church, and tower, are outstanding.

Olba (Ura) to see the Roman aquaducts, theatre and fountain

the Caves of Heaven and Hell.  The Cave of Hell can be seen from the top, but it is not possible to descend into the Cave.  A 5th century Byzantine chapel at the bottom of the Cave of Heaven is worth a visit. However with 452 steps down to it, it is not for the frail.

the tiny museum of Narlikuyu, which has an attractive 4^th century AD mosaic of the Three Graces.  Lunch here at a charming little restaurant, where the waves wash over your feet at high tide.

Continue along the coast to Bozyazi.  The shore road that clings to the pine-clad mountain slopes, which plunge steeply down to the sea, offers spectacular views of cliffs, coves, the occasional Roman ruin, and the brilliant turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. Overnight Bozyazi (B, D).

 

Day  11 (Wednesday)         Bozyazi-Anamur-Alanya-Antalya (250kms)

Two of the highlights today will be:

The mediaeval castle of Anamur, the largest and best preserved on the southern coast of Turkey, with all its walls and 36 towers still intact, situated right on the water’s edge.

Ancient Anamurium, a Byzantine city deserted in the 7^th century when the Arab armies stormed and pillaged the area.  Today it is an authentic Byzantine ghost town, with houses, churches, aqueducts, baths, a necropolis, and the city walls still standing largely intact.

About halfway between Bozyazi and Antalya is Alanya, which has sadly become an unattractive ‘concrete jungle’. However crowning the headland in the centre of the city is a 13^th century Seljuk fortress, one of the most magnificent sights on the coast.  About 150 towers punctuate the walls of the well-preserved, double-walled citadel.  Within the outer walls are ruins of mosques, a caravanserai and a covered bazaar; in the inner walls are a ruined cistern and a Byzantine church.  The surviving buildings reflect the importance of the city in Selcuk times.  You will also see the octagonal Kizil Kule (Red Tower) right on the water.  Continue on to overnight in Antalya (B).

 

Day 12 (Thursday)              Antalya

Tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to the airport or extend your stay (B).

 

Hotels (All subject to change depending on availability)

Merit Sahmaran Hotel (Van), Buyuk Kervansaray Hotel (Diyarbakir), Edessa Hotel (Sanliurfa), Bozdogan Hotel (Adiyaman), Antik Beyazit Hotel (Antakya), Altinorfoz Hotel (Kiz Kalesi),  Anamurium Hotel (Anamur), Marina Residence (Antalya) - or similar hotels.

 

Please be advised that accommodation conditions and standards are poorer in these regions of Turkey when compared to the western sectors of the country and therefore guests should be well aware of these prior to the booking for this tour.  Some of the hotels in this tour are simple ones due to the lack of better ones.

 

Departure Days	Departures on 27 June and 26 Sep (Min. 6 pax)
	Lunches are inclusive to our “Regular” tours (except on the half-day tours and free days)
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Rates in USD / pp	1.975	7.900	4.580	3.445	2.835	2.495	415

 

PRS 220 / CAPPADOCIA & THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST TOUR

 

Day 01:

In the morning visit to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake pass by the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel in Cappadocia for overnight (D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 02:

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, D - BB only at “special category” hotels).

 

Day 03 :

Departure for Antalya. On the way visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrival in Konya. Konya is one of Turkey’s oldest continually inhabited sites, and was known, biblically and historically, as Iconium. In the afternoon visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-famous mystic figure and instigator of the “whirling dervishes”, drive on to Antalya through the picturesque Taurus Mountains and end of our services. Overnight Antalya (B).

 

Day 04:

In the morning drive up Termessos with its the impressive ruins - including an amphitheater and a gymnasium, perched at an altitude of over 1000 meters up a mountainside. The mountain vistas from here are spectacular. Drive back to Antalya to visit Antalya Museum, which houses most of the findings of the Mediterranean coast. Then free afternoon to wander through the picturesque city of Antalya with its ancient Roman walled port, and the lovely 'old town', Marina, with its beautifully restored Ottoman mansions and Hadrian's Gate. Kaleici (Marina) and the port abound with little cafes, restaurants and boutiques. Overnight Antalya (B)

 

Day 05 :

Departure in the morning and visit to Perge with its well preserved theater and stadium, the place where most of the statues that are on display in Antalya Museum were unearthed and then proceed to Aspendos that bears one of the best preserved Roman theaters in Anatolia. Side - a well-known classical site in Turkey, now a popular resort town - with Amphitheatre & Temple of Apollo. Continue to Manavgat Waterfalls before returning to Antalya (B).

 

Day 06 :

A drive along the spectacular Mediterranean Coast, with visits en route to Phaselis with its ruins and 3 harbors set amidst pine trees, Demre, with the Church of St. Nicholas - Santa Claus, and its splendidly carved Lycian Rock Tombs dating back to 600 B.C. In the afternoon cruise to Kekova, a peaceful group of picturesque islands well scattered with very distinct rock sarcophagi and ancient houses submerged under the clear water. The cruise also includes the “picture-postcard” village of Simena with its stone houses covered in bougainvillea, and the Castle. Overnight in Kas or Kalkan. (B, D).

 

Day 07:

Drive to Marmaris with visits to Patara, Xanthos and with cruise in the Dalyan Delta. The real highlight in Dalyan is to take a small craft through a maze of reeds in the Dalyan Delta. The delta, with a long, golden sandy beach at its mouth, is a nature-conversation area, and a refuge for large sea turtles (caretta caretta) and blue crabs. A stop will be made at Kaunos which was an important city and port on the Mediterranean from 400 B.C. until the harbour silted up and the sea retreated 5km to the south. Drive on to Marmaris for the hotel or the boat for boarding (No accommodation is included) (B).

 

Departure Days	Only on private basis
	Lunches are not inclusive to our rates on private tours
Pax No	Regular	01 Pax	02 pax	03 pax	04 pax	5-9 pax	S. Supp
Rates in USD / pp	-	3.430	2.310	1.845	1.680	1.530	295

 

ALL OF OUR TOURS AT A GLANCE

 

HOME