Turkey in Style Tour

Few countries are blessed with as intoxicating a combination of scenery, culture and history as Turkey. Istanbul has majestic architecture is teeming bazaars and superb sea views, you will be captivated! You will experience the historical delights of Ephesus and Mt Nemrut, the scenic wonders of Cappadocia and the Turquoise Coast and spend your nights in comfort at a range of well-appointed hotels, many of which are crammed full of character.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Maximum Group Size: 12
Transfers: Airport transfer to hotel on day 1 and from hotel to airport on day 15
Fully Escorted: By Imaginative Traveller tour leader
Transport: Private air-conditioned coach, domestic flights
Flights: Istanbul - Izmir and Malatya - Istanbul
Activities: Extensive walking at sites, hiking in Cappadocia, swimming
Accommodation: 14 nights special category or 4 star hotels
Meals: As per itinerary. B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Entrance Fees: Included for all sites visited as part of the itinerary
Local Payment: Must be paid in cash on day 1 of your tour
Single Supplement: Single travellers and those occupying a single room must pay this supplement.

COMPULSORY SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: Single supplements on this tour are compulsory for individual travellers or odd-numbered groups. Groups with an odd number of travellers will incur one single supplement charge for the whole group.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

• Step back in time on the streets of Ephesus
• Picturesque Antalya and stunning south coast
• Istanbul, an amazing fusion of east and west

BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 2, ISTANBUL: Morning visit to the Blue Mosque and an afternoon boat cruise to the picturesque Princes’ Islands, named after the princes who were exiled there in times gone by. (BD)

Day 3, ISTANBUL - SELCUK: This morning we enjoy a guided tour of the Aya Sophia, the Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome before taking a short flight to Izmir. On arrival we transfer to Selcuk where we stay for two nights in an Ottoman-style hotel beautifully furnished with antiques. (BD)

Day 4, SELCUK: A full morning guided tour of the ancient Ionian city of Ephesus, still brilliantly preserved. Free afternoon to explore further. In the evening we have dinner in Sirince which used to be a Greek village. (BD)

Day 5, PAMUKKALE: A short drive takes us to Pamukkale, famous for its calcified falls and hot springs. We visit the falls in the late afternoon to avoid the crowds, and also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. (BD)

Day 6, ANTALYA: Travelling through the beautiful scenery of the Taurus Mountains we visit the spectacular hilltop fortress of Termessos. We spend the night in an Ottoman Mansion in the old harbour of Antalya. (BD)

Day 7, ANTALYA: Morning tour of the well preserved theatre of Aspendos. The afternoon is free to explore Antalya and its picturesque harbour. (BD)

Day 8, KONYA: A spectacular drive today as we pass through the Taurus Mountains and Turkey’s Lake District before arriving in Konya. This was the capital of the Selcuk Empire and is famous for its Whirling Dervishes. We visit the local museum. (BD)

Day 9, CAPPADOCIA: Continue through the Anatolian steppe to Cappadocia, a volcanic region of outstanding natural beauty. We spend three nights in a beautifully restored Cappadocian villa with traditional Turkish furnishings. (BD)

Day 10, CAPPADOCIA: A full day to explore the region. We visit the world famous underground cities and open air museums by bus and on foot. Tonight we visit a local caravanserai to see the Whirling Dervishes. (BD)

Day 11, CAPPADOCIA: In the early morning there is an opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the amazing landscape. Later we visit Goreme open air museum and Uchisar ‘castle’. Tonight we visit a restaurant in one of the ancient caves for an evening of folk entertainment. (BD)

Day 12, MALATYA: Drive eastwards to Malatya which was the capital of the late Hittite Empire. The landscape changes as we ascend the high plateau of Eastern Turkey. (BD)

Day 13, MT NEMRUT: A morning tour of Malatya with its exotic apricot bazaar. In the afternoon we drive to Mt Nemrut and walk up to the summit where we see the massive Commagene stone heads. The views from here are spectacular, stretching out over a lake towards high mountains. (BD)

Day 14, ISTANBUL: Morning flight to Istanbul and free afternoon for some last minute shopping in the bazaars. Later we meet for a farewell dinner. (BD)

Day 15, ISTANBUL: Tour ends. (B)

DEPARTURE DATES

TRAVEL STYLE

You're drawn to exotic destinations but want to appreciate them in style. These trips stay in the finest accommodation with a high level of comfort.

Maximum Group Size - 12: You've travelled a fair bit but you are still looking for rewarding experiences. Price is not quite as important as it used to be and comfort is a little bit more important. You don't like throwing your money away but you do appreciate quality. Maybe you'd like the opportunity to revisit some favourite places or maybe you'd like to see somewhere new. Welcome to the next level.
Single Supplement: Compulsory for all single travellers.
Please Note: Single supplements do not apply on any overnight boats and trains. [Read more about Imaginative Traveller travel styles]