Turkey Discovery

 Day 1/ Thursday, 19th April 2012
Adelaide - Singapore
Depart Adelaide with Singapore Airlines at 12.40pm, arriving into Singapore at 5.35pm.  On arrival into Singapore you will be transferred to your hotel where you will stay for 1 night.

Day 2/ Friday, 20th April 2012
Singapore
Today is a free day to explore Singapore.  Peter will provide some orientation to this multi-cultural city, and escort you to see some of the local sights such as Little India, China Town and Marina Bay.  Late at night you will be transferred back to the airport for your flight to Istanbul.  Depart Singapore with Singapore Airlines at 11.20pm, arriving into Istanbul at 4.55am the following morning
(21 April).

Day 3/ Saturday, 21st April 2012
Istanbul
On arrival at Istanbul's Atakurk International Airport (IST) you will be met and transferred to your joining hotel. No activities are planned with your local guide.  After checking into your hotel, Peter will organize an orientation to some of the main points of interest, such as Basilica Cistern, Aya Sofia and Topkapi Palace.  In the evening there will be a Welcome Meeting held in the hotel, where you will meet your tour leader and be briefed on the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 4/ Sunday, 22nd April 2012
Istanbul - overnight train
This morning our guide introduces us to the treasure trove of the historic old town. We visit the iconic 17th century Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I and a unique piece of architecture because of its six minarets rather than the usual four found across the rest of the Muslim world. Another striking feature is its 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. The ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are also visited. We then have a free afternoon free time to further explore and do some optional sightseeing in this fascinating city. There is a lot to see! Across from the Blue Mosque is Aya Sofya – a former church built by the Emperor Justinian at a time when the city was ruled by the Romans. With commanding views over the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus, Topkapi Palace was the home of the Ottoman sultans and one of the most impressive palace complexes in the world, complete with a harem. The Grand Bazaar is an amazing labyrinth of 4500 stalls, but make sure to haggle if you intend to buy something. Late in the evening, we board the overnight train for Ankara in comfortable twin-bed sleeper compartments.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5/ Monday, 23rd April 2012
Ankara - Cappadocia - Göreme
After an early morning arrival to Ankara we spend the morning visiting the Anatolian Civilisation Museum of Ankara exhibiting a rich collection of archeological objects found during excavations in Anatolia. We then depart in our minibus for a four hour journey to Cappadocia. We travel through the Anatolian landscape via a salt lake (tuz gölü), one of the richest salt beds in the world. Approximately 300,000 tons of salt per year (60% of total salt production in Turkey) is produced by this lake. Before arriving to Göreme in the heart of Cappadocia we stop to visit 13th century Agzikarahan Caravanserai, which was built by the Seljuk sultan, Alaettin Keykubad I. 'Caravanserais,' were developed along old trade routes to provide shelters and protection to nomadic traders. These centuries-old buildings were built of stone and housed Caravaneers and their cargos plus their horses, donkeys and even camels as they made their way along the old Silk Road trading route that stretched all the way from China. We then drive to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu, with some dwellings containing rooms expanding seven levels beneath ground level! Cappadocia is an extraordinary region that has bewitched travellers' for centuries. It was formed a millennium ago as volcanic ash first settled, then hardened into soft rock, and finally eroded, forming the strange and fantastic spires, domes, pinnacles and gorges that we will discover during the few next days. Don't forget to pack sturdy, well worn in, walking shoes or boots and a comfy daypack. We end the day at our hotel in Göreme.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6/ Tuesday, 24th April 2012
Cappadocia - Göreme
This morning we visit the Göreme Open Air museum: The people of Göreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realised that the soft rocks of the area could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, monasteries. This Christian sanctuary contains many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. These frescoes are a unique artistic achievement from the 10th - 12th centuries. There are several fascinating Byzantine cave chapels to explore, most of them decorated with exquisite and colourful biblical frescoes. In the afternoon we discover the local handcraft of the region and visit a carpet workshop were we will be fascinated by the beauty of the carpets, a tradition that reveals the nomadic origins of the Turkish people. Later in the afternoon we embark on a short walk through the fascinating 'Love Valley' before heading back to our hotel in Göreme. There is the option of enjoying a traditional Turkish bath to unwind from the day's activities.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 7/ Wednesday, 25th April 2012
Cappadocia - Göreme
After a relaxing breakfast we take a walk toward Kizilcukur (Red Valley), where its magnificently sculptured, red rock formations have created arguably the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia. Small valleys, cones, peaks and fairy chimneys blend harmoniously with fascinating cave chapels that date back to the early Christian period. In the afternoon we drive to the unique Pasabaglari Valley, where multiple fairy chimneys hewn from the earth and shaped by centuries of erosion lend a moon-like landscape and atmosphere to the valley. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit's shelter are built into one of the fairy chimneys, which appears to have three heads! We walk today for a total of about three hours. In the afternoon we will take the opportunity to discover the local handcraft of pottery. Returning to Göreme, we have a night at leisure. We may have an opportunity to attend a folk dance show or witness an original Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 8/ Thursday, 26th April 2012
Ihlara - Konya
For early birds, there is the possibility of rising before dawn to take an awe-inspiring optional hot-air balloon ride over the 'other-worldly' Cappadocia landscape and witness an amazing sunrise in the process. Those preferring a more leisurely start to the day can relax over breakfast before leaving the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia behind and driving to the village of Belisirma in the Valley of Ihlara on the slopes of Mount Hasan, one of the volcanos responsible for the forming of Cappadocia. From here we embark on a wonderful walk along the Melendiz River and experience traditional village life, as we walk through the beautiful Ihlara Valley to Ihlara village. There are dozens of fascinating Byzantine cave chapels to explore along the way and most of them are decorated with exquisite biblical frescoes (1.5 hour walk). We then leave the area of Cappadocia behind and drive to Konya, our stop for the night. Please note that Konya is a very religious town, so it is best that we dress conservatively during our time here.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9/ Friday, 27th April 2012
Aspendos - Antalya
Konya, known as 'Iconium' in Roman times, was also the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to 13th Centuries and home of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, who founded a mystic Sufi order popularly known as the 'Whirling Dervishes'. We visit Mevlana's Mausoleum and the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect that he founded. We then take a five hour drive to the coastal city of Antalya one of the best-known classical sites in Turkey. A highlight here is the beautifully preserved theatre at Aspendos - one of the finest in the ancient world.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 10/ Saturday, 28th April 2012
Antalya - Phaselis - Kas
After breakfast we stop at the Lycian city of Phaselis, which was founded in the 7th Century BC and flourished as a commercial trading centre where anything could be bought and sold, including   citizenships for 100 drachmas! The Phaselians were more concerned about preserving the affluence of their commerce than with staking any political independence, so they pragmatically accepted any conquerors that came their way. The city thrived until the 12th Century when it was superceded in importance by the nearby ports of Antalya and Alanya. The beauty of Phaselis is in its picture postcard setting. It is built around three small bays, each with its own beach, surrounded by fragrant woods and mountains. We continue on to the beautiful seaside village of Kas (pronounced 'karsh'). This has charming whitewashed houses graced with bougainvilleas as well as an ancient Greek theatre. This fishing village is a wonderful place to sample the local cuisine and we have a two nights here to soak up the atmosphere in the quaint town centre.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 11/ Sunday, 29th April 2012
Kekova Boat Cruise
This morning we drive to Kekova, where we will board our local boat for a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful and picturesque islands, all with very distinctive rock formations. Look out for some ancient houses that are submerged under the clear water! Our cruise also takes us to the settlement of Ucagiz and also the quaint village of Simena, with its stone houses covered in bougainvilleas. We can enjoy a spectacular view from the castle. We also sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets, where we have the opportunity to enjoy swim off our boat. All in all it is a day of relaxation and beautiful vistas. We spend the night on board the gulet tonight.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 12/ Monday, 30th April 2012
Kokova Boat Cruise
We enjoy another day of sailing the Kekova area, and spend a second night onboard the gulet.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 13/ Tuesday, 1st May 2012
Oludeniz – Fethiye
We disembark the gulet this morning and continue by road to Fethiye. There is no other Lycian site quite like Xanthos, which was once the capital city of the Lycian Federation. It is home to some fascinating sarcophagi, as well as a Byzantine church with stunning mosaics. Because of its remoteness, Xanthos is usually not overcrowded with tourists and the place has retained a tranquil atmosphere. We continue from here through pine trees and over a mountain, which commands breathtaking views, before arriving at the Greek ghost town of Kayakoy. It was a thriving township with a population of 3,500 until 1923 when Ataturk instituted the exchange program with Greece, where itinerant Greek and Turkish populations were repatriated to country of origin. Kayakoy in seemingly an instant became a derelict town and was further destroyed by ensuing earthquakes. Today, only a few Turkish families inhabit houses at the bottom of the town's rolling hills and the whole place has a marvelously eerie feel. We have time to relax and enjoy the area before driving to the culturally rich town of Fethiye, situated on a bay surrounded by pine forests and full of islands. We have a free evening to enjoy a meal and the views from a waterfront restaurant.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 14/ Wednesday, 2nd May 2012
Pamukkale
After breakfast this morning we drive to Pamukkale, also known as 'Cotton Castle' and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person's circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. We spend our night in a hotel in Pamukkale.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 15/ Thursday, 3rd May 2012
Ephesus - Selçuk
After breakfast we make an early start for a drive of about four hours to Selçuk, which is our base for visiting Ephesus - one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and a great example of Roman architecture. We drive to Ephesus, possibly the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world and definitely a highlight of your trip! Always an important religious centre, Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th Century BC and flourished under Roman rule. The Greeks replaced the cult of the Anatolian fertility goddess Cybele with Artemis and built a fabulous temple in her honour. With the arrival of the Romans, it became the Temple of Diana and was one of the original seven wonders of the ancient world. We visit the vast amphitheatre, walk the marble street once trodden by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. An orientation tour familiarises us with Selçuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient fortress on Ayasoluk Hill. Those who wish can take an option visit to the last home of the Virgin Mary, who as legend states came here accompanied by St John and lived out her days in this beautiful spot. We spend the night in a hotel in Selçuk and have a chance to reflect and fully comprehend the history and splendour of our day’s discoveries.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 16/ Friday, 4th May 2012
Selçuk - Troy - Çanakkale
Early this morning, after breakfast we begin the drive to Çanakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula). On the way, we visit an important historical site near Çanakkale, Troy. Troy (Truva) was a city that existed over 4.000 years ago and was known as a major ancient civilization. For many years people believed that it was the city mentioned only in the tales and never truly existed, as the area had become known as Ilium, or New Ilium. Archaeological digs subsequently proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement. (3000 BC-AD 400) on what became accepted as the site of ancient Troy. Each successive period of habitation lies on top of its former incarnation. Here we can see the remnants of the ancient city walls in addition to a replica of the famous wooden horse. Historian's are still at odds as to whether or not this fable or indeed the battle itself is stuff of lore or reality. Arriving in Çanakkale where we have the remainder of the day free to wander around this vibrant waterfront town and perhaps view the Trojan horse used and subsequently gifted to the city by the producers of the movie Troy filmed in 2004.
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 17/ Saturday, 5th May 2012
Gallipoli - Istanbul
We cross the Dardanelles and return to 'Europe,' and visit the Gallipoli Peninsula - a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Located at Turkey's most westerly point this area is now serene, but the role it played in April 1915 during the First World War is now firmly etched on the psyche of the New Zealand and Australian nations. We visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove, then head up the hill to pay homage at the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. The latter the highest ground secured in the campaign on the 8th of August, 1915 (by New Zealand and British troops) before being beaten back due to lack of reinforcement. From the Ataturk Memorial at this spot we can view the Allied troops goal - the Dardenelles. We can look down upon the rough and barren hills and gulleys that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. Around this area we can find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. After touring the former battlefields we head back to where our adventure began - Istanbul. We will arrive back in Istanbul in the late afternoon or early evening and the remainder of the evening is free. This unique city that is built embracing two continents (Europe and Asia), is a great place to spend our final night together, indulging in a true feast for the senses!
Meals included: Breakfast

Day 18/ Sunday, 6th May 2012
Istanbul - Singapore
Our journey ends after breakfast, in Istanbul. For those wishing to further explore this intriguing city, additional nights' accommodation can be booked or you can continue your adventures and fly to various Euro destinations from Istanbul at an extra cost. (Departure transfer is not included)  Depart Istanbul with Singapore Airlines at 2.25pm, arriving into Singapore at 5.55am the following morning.  (7 May)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 19/ Monday, 7th May 2012
Singapore - Adelaide
Arrive into Singapore at 5.55am.  Depart Singapore with Singapore Airlines at 11.50pm, arriving into Adelaide at 9.10am the following morning (8May) 

Destination Information:

Antalya

On a spectacular stretch of Turkey’s Mediterranean Coast, Antalya’s roman harbour and tangle of old streets nestles in a postcard-pretty location, between the steep countenance of the Bey Mountains and the broad curve of the town’s beaches. From the busy narrow streets in the north, where old Ottoman houses have been converted into a shopper’s paradise, to the quiet residential backwaters further south, it’s the joy of accidental discovery that makes a wander around Antalya’s old town such a compulsively entertaining tour. Ancient roman remains mingle with abandoned mosques. Atmospherically crumbling homes line streets that bask in the late afternoon sun.  An alleyway unexpectedly leads out onto the cliffs, and the sea moodily darkening in the dying sun. Forget the map, and discover Antalya’s centuries-old charm.

Ephesus
Of all Turkey’s Lycian Coast’s many ancient marvels, Ephesus stakes a strong claim to be the most magnificent. Even Croesus was envious of this place, and touring the ruins, the glory of the ancient city remains evident. Once home to one of the World’s Seven Wonders – the Temple of Artemis – the finest remains are now the Great Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Sit high up in the theatre and look down at what is said to be the classical world’s largest outdoor theatre, an incredible sight, only rivalled by the library’s beautiful façade. The imposing, Corinthian-columned face is as fine an example of Roman public architecture as you’ll find anywhere.

Gallipoli
A narrow, beautiful strip of cliffs, gullies and forests, the Gallipoli Peninsula is synonymous with the military battles fought here during the First World War, and rightly a place of historical pilgrimage for many Australians and New Zealanders. Thousands upon thousands of young men perished here, and a tour of the Anzac sites is an emotional, sobering experience. The tombstone inscriptions at Lone Pine Cemetery are almost unbearably poignant – proud, sorrowful epitaphs written in stones that stand under the shelter of a single pine tree. Paying your respects at Anzac Day’s Dawn Service here is immensely moving, unforgettable.

Pamukkale
Pamukkale’ means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish, and it’s an apt name. Calcium oxide-rich thermal spring waters that flowed downhill here left deposits of white travertine. The result is a dramatic patchwork of calcium-formed shelves, basins, stalactites and petrified waterfalls, the whole area resembling a glacial ice floe marooned amidst Anatolia’s green hills. And the best bit: alongside Pamukkale’s white world are the ancient remains of Hierapolis. Mentioned in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians, Hierapolis features a superb Roman theatre and the impressive Temple of Apollo. But a highlight has to be the opportunity to swim here – paddling in thermal waters among ancient Roman remains is a decadent, unforgettable experience.

Cappadocia & Ilhara Valley
Resembling a Star Trek set designed by Salvador Dali, Cappadocia is a bizarre world of rainbow-striped cliff faces, armies of grand twisting stone pinnacles, giant mushrooms of rock and tortuous lunar-style gorges. Volcanoes did their work here a millennium ago, and a walk surrounds you with vivid examples of the earth’s creative power – one look at the frenzy of phallic rock sculptures in the appropriately named Love Valley, and you’ll swear they were the work of a lust-crazed artist, not formed by nature’s hand.  Underground, things get even more astounding. Walk through the Ilhara Valley, for example, and you’ll come across numerous churches carved into soft rock faces, many with elegant facades and beautiful frescoes. Elsewhere – most notably Derinkuyu – whole cities have been built underground, a warren of cave dwellings that extends far below the earth’s surface. Descending into the depths of this otherworldly place is a highlight of any Turkey tour.

Troy
Swot up on your Iliad then head over to Troy. The ruins of Ephesus may be more impressive, but nothing touches Troy as a place that mingles fact and legend. The ruins are a palimpsest; successive cities were built on this site – Homeric Troy, that of great wars, the myths of Helen and the Trojan horse, is thought to be Troy VI. Teasingly evocative remains sprout up here and there – some city walls, partial remains of the Temple of Athena. Excavations have also revealed the Skaean Gate – and it’s a thrill for history buffs and children, young and old, to be able to stand exactly where Hector and Achilles fought, some 3,000 years ago.

Istanbul
The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofya, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace...if you’ve only a day or two in Istanbul, you might want to buy a pair of jogging shoes to help you tour all the sights. And you can buy them – and just about everything else – at the Grand Bazaar. The centre of Istanbul’s daily rush and bustle, to explore the bazaar is to lose yourself within the walls of the great city’s mammoth beating heart. Shoulder-jostle your way through the crowds, negotiate with touts and salesmen, catch a carpet auction, walk along the glittering covered alleyways of the gold merchants’ quarter, refuel in the boisterous tea houses – the list goes on and on. The Grand Bazaar’s swallows  visitors, exhausts even hardy souls and leaves you wanting more. And those jogging shoes? They’re in the bazaar’s southeast, just between the gold and leather sellers.