Corendon Touristic offers something for everyone, whether your passions are sightseeing, attractions, music, history, culture, cuisine or sports. With our suggested itineraries , you won't be stuck for ideas.
Corendon Touristic offers something for everyone, whether your passions are sightseeing, attractions, music, history, culture, cuisine or sports. With our suggested itineraries , you won't be stuck for ideas.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
Diamonds of the Turkish Riviera
Day 1 - Antalya
You fly from your origin to Antalya. You are welcomed at the airport by your tourguide and will have
a transfer to your hotel at the Turkish Riviera.
Day 2: Pamukkale - Hierapolis
Crossing The Taurus Mountains, you go past Burdur and Dinar. Then, you arrive at the miracle of
nature, Pamukkale. The limewashing terraces, developed in centuries, were formed by high
calsiumcarbonated water. When the water comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves snowwhite
deposits along the way it flows. This water has healing effects on some diseases. So the terraces here
have been visited on purpose, since the antique times. The antique city Hierapolis nearby had
become famous for being a health center of this kind. The cemetery of the city with 1200
graves had been the largest one in Anatolia. Overnight accomodation is in the area of Pamukkale.
Day 3: Ephesus & Selçuk
After breakfast we depart to visit Ephesus, the antique city of Turkey which is visited the most. Since,
the excavations are being carried on in this area , lots of things have been brought to daylight. The
Agora, Hadrian's Temple, Odeon, The Theatre and the Celsus library are the examples of this
overwhelming antique city. In the city of Selçuk we’ll have visits to St. John Basilique and th hous of
Virgin Mary. The house was discovered in the 19th century by following the descriptions in the
reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich (1774–1824), a Roman Catholic nun and
visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after her death. The Catholic Church
has never pronounced in favour or against the authenticity of the house, but nevertheless maintains
a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery.Dinner and overnight accomdation in Kuşadası.
Day 4: Priene and Euromos
We leave after breakfast to Marmaris. Priene was an ancient Greek city of Ionia at the base of an
escarpment of Mycale. It was formerly on the sea coast, built overlooking the ocean on steep slopes
and terraces extending from sea level to a height of 380 metres (1,250 ft) above sea level at the top
of the escarpment. Today, after several centuries of changes in the landscape, it is an inland site.
Priene possessed a great deal of famous Hellenistic art and architecture. The city's original position
on Mount Mycale has never actually been discovered; however, it is believed that it was a peninsula
possessing two harbours. Priene never held a great deal of political importance due to the city's size,
as it is believed around 4 to 5 thousand inhabitants occupied the region. The city was arranged into
four districts, firstly the political district which consisted of the bouleuterion and the prytaneion, the
cultural district containing the theatre, the commercial where the agora was located and finally the
religious district which contained sanctuaries dedicated to Zeus and Demeter and most importantly
the Temple of Athena. We’ll overnight in Marmaris or Dalyan.
Day 5: Fethiye
Along the bautiful coastline we drive to Fethiye. Today we ‘ll visit the antique city of Kaunos. Kaunos
was an important sea port, the history of which is supposed to date back till the 10th century BC.
Because of the formation of İztuzu Beach and the silting of the former Bay of Dalyan, Kaunos is now
located about 8 km from the coast. The city had two ports, the southern port and the inner port. The
southern port was used from the foundation of the city till roughly the end of the Hellenistic era,
after which it became inaccessible due to its drying out. The inner or trade port could be closed by
chains. The latter was used till the late days of Kaunos,but due to the silting of the delta and the
ports, Kaunos had by then long lost its important function as a trade port. Depending on the wheater
we will have a boattrip. After visitng Kaunos we can maybe see Caretta Caretta’s during our visit to
Dalyan. In Fethiye we can see the rock-cut tombs of Lycia and Telemssos. Overnight is in Fethiye.
Day 6: Demre & Myra
We depart towards the antique city of Myra through the beautiful coastway. Myra was the most
important city of Lycia, for it was represented by three delegates in The Lycian Parliement. First, we
visit The Lycian rockgraves, and then the antique theatre of Myra, where different kinds of
demonstrations were held. Nearby this antique city where we can see The Nicholaous Church, an
example of Christian Architecture. The Holy Nicholaus, the lovely friend of our children, was the
bishop of the city. We’ll spent the next to evenings in Antalya.
Day 7: Perge / Aspendos & Antalya
After breakfast, we set out to Perge, which is one of the famous antique cities of Pamphilia. On our
way to Perge we’ll visit the waterfall of Kurşunşu first. The beatiful antique city of Perge has got lots
of ruins from Roman and Hellenistic times. The most important ones are The Roem,The Gate Agora,
The Stadium and The Stoa and Roem. Later, we drive to Aspendos. With a diameter of 100 meters,
The Theatre Aspendos can welcome 15.000 to 20.000 spectators at a time. The foundation stone was
put on by the legendary leader, Mapsos. However, the imaginery founder of The Theatre was
Aspendos. At the end of the afternoon you’ll have free time to spent in the city centre of Antalya.
Don’t forget to visit the beautiful marina or have a look at the museum. Overnight accomdation is in
Antalya.
Day 8: Antalya
Transfer to the airport for your returnflight or to your extension hotel.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
A Tasty Dish of Anatolia
Day 1 : Flight to Antalya
You fly from your origin to Antalya. You are welcomed at the airport by your tourguide and will have a transfer to
your hotel at the Turkish Riviera.
Day 2 : Antalya – Konya
Our journey starts after breakfast. Driving through the mountain landscape over The Taurus Mountains, we go
past several villages. When we arrive in Konya, formerly the capital city of Seljukians, we visit The Mevlana
Museum first. Mevlana is regarded as the greatest Islamic Philosopher, who had formerly created his religious
order in this city. Since the times of Seljukians, the order has had millions of members. However, just like the
other religious orders Mevlana's has also been forbidden since the establishment of Turkish Republic. On the
other hand,Mevlana's philosophy is still held in high respect, not only by moslems but also by lots of people all
over the World. Then , we visit The Karatay Medresesi, which was formerly a Moslem Theological School, but
today it is a museum of faiences. Overnight accomodation is in Konya.
Day 3 : Konya - Cappadocia
Today, we travel along the caravan route to the moon landscape Cappadocia. This route was called the Silk-
Route in history. It goes as far as to China, as a trade-route. There are numerous Caravanserais all along the
route. The largest one is called Sultanhanı. It was built by the Seljuki Sultan Alaaddin Keykubat in 13th.century.
This splendid building looks like a plant castle. Then, we drive via Aksaray to the fascinating moon landscape
Cappadocia and visit the underground city, Kaymaklı. Overnight accomodation is in Cappadocia.
Day 4 : Cappadocia
Today, our intensive day-trip begins in this beautiful landscape.The extinct volcanic mountains Erciyes and Hasan
Dağ are the creators of this fabulous landscape.The spray that came out of the lava and the erosions were the
causes of the natural deformations in the area. The figures which were formed in this way can be related with
some animals and other things with a little phantasie.Our sightseeing programme begins with Zelve, a valley
where people used to live in caves until 1960s. Further inspection takes place in Göreme, where there are a lot of
rock-churches, decorated with beautiful frescos. There, you feel as if you are on another planet. Overnight
accomodation is in Cappadocia.
Day 5 : Cappadocia - Ankara
Today, we leave the beautiful landscape and again along the formerly caravan route drive to Ankara, the capital
city of Modern Turkey. The first sight to be seen in Ankara is The Mauseleum of Ataturk. Ataturk was the founder
of Modern Turkey and the father of Turks. Then, we visit The Castle of Ankara before going to The Museum of
Anatolian Civilizations, where pieces belonging to all civilizations, especially to The Hittites, are being exibited.
Overnight accomodation is in Ankara.
Day 6 : Ankara - Pamukkale
After an early breakfast, we drive through the Anatolian highlands to Afyon.We go past this city, which is famous
with its castle.When we arrive in Pamukkale, our visits start with our admiration to the lime terraces, which had
developed in centuries. Then, we visit the antique city Hierapolis nearby, where people used to come for the
treatment of their illnesses, even in ancient times.Then, we visit the antique city Gordion. Overnight accomodation
is in Pamukkale.
Day 7 : Pamukkale - Antalya
Through The Taurus Mountains, passing by some different tectonic fresh water lakes, our route takes us back to
TheTurkish Riviera, Antalya. On the way, we visit a carpet store, which has been traditional in Turkey. Overnight
accomodation is in Antalya.
Day 8 : Departure
Departure to the airport for the return flight to Amsterdam or transfer to the booked extension hotel in The Turkish
Riviera.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
From North to South
Day 1:
You’ll have a flight from your origin to İstanbul. You are welcomed at the airport by your tourguide and will have a
transfer to your hotel in İstanbul and have additional information about the tour.
Day 2: Istanbul
Most of the sights to be inspected are on the European side of the city, formerly known as the old town. First, we
visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the headoffice of The Ottoman Sultans' family. The Empire, which was ruled
from this fantastic palace, was in the second rank in greatness, after The World's biggest Empire of Byzantians.
More than 100.000 pieces are being exhibited in the Palace. Then you are taken to Haghia Sophia which had been
the most important building of the Byzantian architecture since 6th century. It is located in the same area, not far
from the Palace. Opposite to " Haghia Sophia" stands the magnificient Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet). The famous "
Hipodrome" built in the 3rd century is next to the mosque. Dinner and accomodation in İstanbul
Day 3: Istanbul- Bursa
We drive over the suspension bridge, named The Bosphorus Bridge, to the Asian side of Istanbul. Further on in
Eskihisar, we take a ferry to cross the bay of Izmit to Yalova. The road from Yalova leads us to the first Ottoman
capital city, Bursa. The environment of the city is so green that people call the town " Green Bursa". The city is full
of beautiful examples of early Ottoman architecture. First we visit The Green Mosque and The Green Mausoleum.
Both inside and outside of these two buildings were decorated with beautiful faiences. Then we go on to see Ulu
Camii ( The Great Mosque) with its magnificient 20 domes and beautiful calligraphies. Finally we will visit the the silk
bazaar Kozahan. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Bursa.
Day 4: Bursa – Çanakkale - Ayvalık- Troy
The highlight of today's programme is the visit we pay to the most important excavation place of The World, Troy.
Heinrich Schlieman discovered this antique city, consisting of 9 main layers. The treasure
excavated here is thought to be the famous treasure belonging to the King Priamos. The journey then goes on to
Ayvalık. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Ayvalık or Burhaniye.
Day 5: Ayvalık - İzmir- Kuşadası
Along the west coast, we drive to Bergama, the antique Pergamon. The first place to be seen is The Akropolis. This
is the antique city, where grease proof paper was invented. Later, the libraries in the city were full of innumerable
books. They were all carried to Egypt by Cleopatra. Down below The Akropolis is situated The Temple of Asclepius.
Asclepius was a much-worshiped ancient Greek god of health and well-being,After having visited the welfare place,
we drive towards Izmir and Kuşadası. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Kusadasi – Ephesus - Pamukkale
After breakfast we set direction to Epheus. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550
BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 268 AD, the Temple was destroyed or damaged in a raid
by the Goths. It may have been rebuilt or repaired but this is uncertain, as its later history is not clear. Emperor
Constantine I rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. Following the Edict of Thessalonica from
emperor Theodosius I, what remained of the temple was destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John
Chrysostom. The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a commercial
center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River. The Agora,Hadrian's Temple, Odeon, The
Theatre and the Celsus library are the examples of this overwhelming antique city. During the Classical Greek era it
was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. According to estimates Ephesus had a population of 33,600 to
56,000 people in the Roman period, making it the third largest city of Roman Asia Minor after Sardis and Alexandria
Troas.After our sightseeing in Ephesus we’ll attend a leather show. Today we’ll overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale- Antalya
The limewashing terraces, developed in centuries, were formed by high calsiumcarbonated water. When the water
comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves snowwhite deposits along the way it flows. This water has healing
effects on some diseases. So the terraces here have been visited on purpose, since the antique times. The antique
city Hierapolis nearby had become famous for being a health- center of this kind. The cemetery of the city with 1200
graves had been the largest onein Anatolia. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Antalya.
Day 8:
After breakfast, you are transferred either to the airport for the return flight or to the booked hotel for the extension
week.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 14 days / 13 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
Day 1: Flight to Antalya
You fly from your origin to Antalya. You are welcomed at the airport by your tourguide and will have a transfer to
your hotel at the Turkish Riviera.
Day 2: Antalya - Pamukkale
Crossing The Taurus Mountains, you go past Burdur and Dinar. Then, you arrive at the miracle of nature,
Pamukkale. The limewashing terraces,developed in centuries, were formed by high calsiumcarbonated water.
When the water comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves snowwhite
deposits along the way it flows. This water has healing effects on some diseases. So the terraces here have been
visited on purpose, since the antique times. The antique city Hierapolis nearby had become famous for being a
health center of this kind. The cemetery of the city with 1200 graves had been the largest one in Anatolia. Overnight
accomodation is in the area of Pamukkale.
Day 3: Pamukkale - Kuşadası
After having breakfast together, we drive to Aphrodisias, where you can admire the statue of the Goddess of
beauty. The city was famous with its School of Sculptor and the numerous statues of The Gods of The Antique
World. Then we have the chance of admiring The Antique Stadium and The
Temple of Aphroditte. Then comes Ephesus, the capital city of antique loni Federation. The Theatre, The Odeon
and The Hadrian Temple are the other sights to be visited.
Overnight accomodation is in Kusadasi.
Day 4: Kuşadası – Burhaniye / Ayvalık
The first visit is paid to " Johannesbasilica", in Selcuk, today. Later on, we drive along the Aegean Coast to
Bergama, the old " Pergamon". A short travel, highly to Akrapolis gives us the opportunity to admire
this antique city. The famous Asklep on, the welfare place and health resort of that antique- time lies below down in
the valley. After this interesting visit, we drive further to the hotel in Ayvalik or Burhaniye.
Day 5: Burhaniye / Ayvalık - İstanbul
Driving along the westcoast, we go through lots of olivegardens. The road leads us to the famous antique city Troy.
Heinrich Shlieman, the German Archeologist, had searched the treasures of Priamos. And his excavations in the
area were the most important ones in the world. The greatest war in antique times between the Greeks and the
Troians took place here. The legendary heroes Achilleus and Hector fought against each other in this war. With the
help of a wooden horse The Greeks
conquered the city. And even today, the traces of different cultures can be seen in the city. After this visit we take a
ferry to cross The Strait of Çanakkale to The European Side of Turkey. The strait of Canakkale is also famous
because of the battles that took place in World War I. Our journey goes on via Tekirdağ to Istanbul. Overnight
accomodation is in Istanbul.
Day 6: Istanbul
Nearly all objects of interest are sitauted in the old part of the city, formerly known as " Stanbul". Our visits start with
" The Blue Mosque". It was built by Mehmet Aga and is given its name because of the blue fiances used for
decoration. Next to the mosque is situated the "Hipodrom" dated from the time of The Emperor Septimus Severus.
He was the Roman Emperor, in whose time the city was destroyed and reconstructed. Directly opposite " The Blue
Mosque", there stands the splendid building Haghia Sophia, which was built in 6th century. First it was a church.
When Fatih Sultan Mehmet conquered the city, it was converted into a mosque, but today it is only a museum .
Then we visit the " Topkapi Palace", the residence where the Ottoman Sultans had lived. More than 100.000 pieces
are exhibited in the museum. (Visiting the Harem part of The Palace is extra charged). Overnight accomodation is in
Istanbul.
Day 7: Istanbul
You are free today. You have the oppurtunity of visiting the new part of the city on your own. You can be
recommended to take a trip to Bosphorus. You can ask your tourguide for information.
Overnight accomodation is in Istanbul.
Day 8: Istanbul- Bursa
After breakfast, we cross The Bosphorus over The Suspension Bridge to The Asian side of the city. When we arrive
The Bay of Izmit, we take a ferry to Yalova. We drive on to Bursa, the first capital city
of The Ottamans. The valleys and fields in the surroundings are so green that the city was given the name "Green
Bursa". We will have visits to "The Green Mosque" and "The Green Mausoleum". Both of these monuments were
beautifully decorated with green faiences. Then we visit "Ulu Cami" (The Great Mosque), famous with its 20 domes
in The Silk-Bazaar called Kozahan. Overnight accomodation is in Bursa.
Day 9 : Bursa – Ankara
Through the highlands of Anatolia, we drive to Ankara. Along theway ,we go past Eskişehir and Gordion, the
antique town where Alexander The Great cut the Gordion knot with his sword. When we arrive in Ankara,we visit "
The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations". Overnight accomodation is in Ankara.
Day 10 : Ankara – Cappadocia
Early in the morning, we’ll have a visit to " The Mausoleum of Atatürk". Atatürk created today's Modern Turkey in
1923. He can also be accepted as the father of Turks. Then our journey follows towards Cappadocia. Driving past
Kırşehir, we find ourselves in a fantastic natural beauty. The first
sight to be seen is Avanos, situated at the foot of The Kızılırmak River. The town is famous with clay/tone potteries.
Overnight accomodation is in Cappadocia.
Day 11 : Cappadocia
Today , we have an intensive completedaytrip in Cappadocia. The lava and the ashes that had come out from the
volcanic mountains Erciyes and Hasan Dağ and the erosions in the area were the causes of the beautiful
deformations. In this unique nature, you feel as if you are on the moon or on some other planet. The other highlights
of the region are Göreme,famous with rockchurches and Zelve, the valley where people used to live in caves until
1960s. Overnight accomodation is in Cappadocia.
Day 12 : Cappadocia
Today , we enjoy the beauty of the landscape all day long. First, we visit the underground city "Kaymaklı". There are
hundreds of tunnels, some of which have 80 meters depth. They were built as places of refuge against hostile
attacks.After visiting "Soğanlı Valley", we take a look
at the workshops where carpets are weaved.This is a part of people's life and also an art, here. Overnight
accomodation is in Cappadocia.
Day 13 : Cappadocia – Konya
Today, we travel to Konya, former capital city of the Seljuckians. This city is the grain chamber of Turkey and it is as
large as Holland. The city is also famous with The Medal established by Mevlana and the dancing disciples of this
order.Just like the other Medals , Mevlana's was also forbidden after the establishment of Turkish Republic.The
head office of this religious order is now a museum.However, the philosophy of the order is still appreciated and
accepted by millions, both in Turkey and in other countries all around the World.Overnight accomodation is in
Konya.
Day 14: Konya- Antalya
Driving past Beysehir and Akseki on The Taurus Mountains, we head down to The Turkish Riviera. The route
enchants everybody with its beatiful nature. Our overnight accomodation is located in Antalya.
Day 15:Departure
Departure to the airport for the return flight to your origin or to the booked extension hotel in the Turkish Riviera.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
Day 1: Flight to Antalya
You fly from your origin to Antalya. You are welcomed at the airport by your tourguide and will have a transfer to
your hotel at the Turkish Riviera.
Day 2: Welcome meeting.
Today you’ll have additional information about the tour from your tourguide. You can spend the rest of the day at
your own possibility. In the evening we’ll have diner and overnight in Antalya.
Day 3: Antalya - Pamukkale
Crossing The Taurus Mountains, you go past Burdur and Dinar. Then, you arrive at the miracle of nature,
Pamukkale. The limewashing terraces, developed in centuries, were formed by high calsiumcarbonated water.
When the water comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves snowwhite deposits along the way it flows. This
water has healing effects on some diseases. So the terraces here have been visited on purpose, since theantique
times. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale
Day 4: Pamukkale - Antalya
After breakfast we’ll visit the city of Hierapolis. The antique city Hierapolis nearby had become famous for being a
health center of this kind. The cemetery of the city with 1200 graves had been the largest one in Anatolia. On our
way back to Antalya we’ll have a visit to a carpet weavery where you will get information about this art. Dinner and
overnight in the region of Antalya.
Day 5: Kurşunlu Waterfall
Today we have a visit to the Kurşunlu Waterfalls. The Waterfall is located 19 km from Antalya . It is reduced to a
mere trickle in the summer months. The waterfall is on one of the tributaries of the Aksu River, where the tributary
drops from Antalya's plateau to the coastal plain. It is situated in the midst of a pine forest of exceptional beauty,
and the environs provide a picnic and pleasure spot. After the visit you’ll have free time to spend in the citycentre
of Antalya.
Day 6: ALANYA or DEMRE
Depending on the location of the hotel we’ll have a visit to Alanya or Demre
Alanya: The castle of Alanya was built on the remnants of earlier Byzantine era and Roman era fortifications. After
the area was pacified under the Ottoman Empire, the castle ceased to be purely defensive, and numerous villas
were built inside the walls during the 19th century. Today the building is an open air museum. Access to the
seaward castle is ticketed, but much of the area inside the wall, including the landward castle is open to the
general public.
Demre: We depart towards the antique city of Myra. It was the most important city of Lycia, for it was represented
by three delegates in The Lycian Parliement. First, we visit The Lycian rockgraves, and then the antique theatre of
Myra, where different kinds of demonstrations were held. Nearby this antique city, there is The Nicholaous
Church, an example of Christian Architecture. The Holy Nicholaus was the bishop of the city.
Day 7: Leisure day
Today is for your own. You can relax in your hotel or visit the city for sightseeing
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
In the footsteps of Paulus
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival flight to the Turkish Riviera Antalya. You are welcomed and transferred by your tour guide to the hotel in
Antalya. Overnight accommodation and diner is also in Antalya.
Day 2: Afrodisias
After having breakfast together, we drive to Aphrodisias, where you can admire the statue of the Goddess of
beauty. The city was famous with its School of Sculptor and the numerous statues of The Gods of The Antique
World. Then we have the chance of admiring The Antique Stadium and The
Temple of Aphroditte. Overnight and diner in Kusadasi.
Day 3: Kuşadası
After breakfast we set direction to Epheus. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550
BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 268 AD, the Temple was destroyed or damaged in a raid
by the Goths. It may have been rebuilt or repaired but this is uncertain, as its later history is not clear. Emperor
Constantine I rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. Following the Edict of Thessalonica from
emperor Theodosius I, what remained of the temple was destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John
Chrysostom. The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a
commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River. The Agora,Hadrian's Temple,
Odeon, The Theatre and the Celsus library are the examples of this overwhelming antique city. During the
Classical Greek era it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. According to estimates Ephesus had a
population of 33,600 to 56,000 people in the Roman period, making it the third largest city of Roman Asia Minor
after Sardis and Alexandria Troas.
After our sightseeing in Ephesus we’ll visit Meryem Ana (House of the Virgin Mary). The house was discovered in
the 19th century by following the descriptions in the reported visions of Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich
(1774–1824), a Roman Catholic nun and visionary, which were published as a book by Clemens Brentano after
her death. The Catholic Church has never pronounced in favour or against the authenticity of the house, but
nevertheless maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery.
Today we’ll overnight and have a dinner in Kusadasi.
Day 4: Kuşadası- Pergamum
Today we drive to Bergama, the antique Pergamum. The first place to be seen is The Akropolis. This is the
antique city, where grease proof paper was invented. Later, the libraries in the city were full of innumerable books.
They were all carried to Egypt by Cleopatra. Down below The Akropolis is situated The Temple of Asclepius.
Asclepius was a much-worshiped ancient Greek god of health and well-being. After having visited the welfare
place, we drive towards Ayvalık. Diner and overnight accommodation near Ayvalık.
Day 5: Sardes – Pamukkale
Today we will visit Sardes. Sardes was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of
the Persian Empire, the seat of a proconsul under the Roman Empire, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in
later Roman and Byzantine times. Its importance was due, first to its military strength, secondly to its situation on
an important highway leading from the interior to the Aegean coast, and thirdly to it’s commanding the wide and
fertile plain of the Hermus. After the impressive Sardes we’ll ride to the miracle of nature, Pamukkale. The
limewashing terraces, developed in centuries, were formed by high calsiumcarbonated water. When the water
comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves snowwhite deposits along the way it flows. This water has healing
effects on some diseases. So the terraces here have been visited on purpose, since the antique times.
Day 6: Antalya
Today we will visit the antique city Hierapolis nearby had become famous for being a health- center of this kind.
The Christian apostle Philip spent the last years of his life here. The town's Martyrium was alleged to have been
built upon the spot where Philip was crucified in AD 80. The cemetery of the city with 1200 graves had been the
largest one in Anatolia. Dinner and overnight accommodation in Antalya.
Day 7: Antalya – Perge – Kursunlu
After breakfast, we set out to Perge, which is one of the famous antique cities of Pamphilia. The beatiful antique
city of Perge has got lots of ruins from Roman and Hellenistic times. The most important ones are The Roem,The
Gate Agora, The Stadium and The Stoa. Later we drive to Kursunlu waterfall. The Waterfall is located 19 km from
Antalya . It is reduced to a mere trickle in the summer months. The waterfall is on one of the tributaries of the
Aksu River, where the tributary drops from Antalya's plateau to the coastal plain. It is situated in the midst of a
pine forest of exceptional beauty, and the environs provide a picnic and pleasure spot.
Overnight and diner in Antalya.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 15 days / 14 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive to Istanbul Airport. Our representative will meet you after the customs and baggage claim. You will be
transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2: İstanbul
Most of the sights to be inspected are on the European side of the city, formerly known as the old town. First, we
visit the Topkapi Palace, which was the headoffice of The Ottoman Sultans' family. The Empire, which was ruled
from this fantastic palace, was in the second rank in greatness, after The World's biggest Empire of Byzantians.
More than 100.000 pieces are being exhibited in the Palace. Then you are taken to Haghia Sophia which had
been the most important building of the Byzantian architecture since 6th century. It is located in the same area,
not far from the Palace. Opposite to " Haghia Sophia" stands the magnificient Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet). The
famous " Hipodrome" built in the 3rd century is next to the mosque. Dinner and accomodation in İstanbul
Day 3: İstanbul - Bursa
We drive over the suspension bridge, named The Bosphorus Bridge, to the Asian side of Istanbul. Further on in
Eskihisar, we take a ferry to cross the bay of Izmit to Yalova. The road from Yalova leads us to the first Ottoman
capital city, Bursa. The environment of the city is so green that people call the town " Green Bursa". The city is full
of beautiful examples of early Ottoman architecture. First we visit The Green Mosque and The Green Mausoleum.
Both inside and outside of these two buildings were decorated with beautiful faiences. Then we go on to see Ulu
Camii ( The Great Mosque) with its magnificient 20 domes and beautiful calligraphies. Finally we will visit the the
silk bazaar Kozahan. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Bursa.
Day 4: Bursa – Çanakkale – Ayvalık - Troy
The highlight of today's programme is the visit we pay to the most important excavation place of The World, Troy.
Heinrich Schlieman discovered this antique city, consisting of 9 main layers. The treasure excavated here is
thought to be the famous treasure belonging to the King Priamos. The journey then goes on to Ayvalık. Dinner
and overnight accomodation in Ayvalık or Burhaniye.
Day 5: Ayvalık – İzmir - Kuşadası
Along the west coast, we drive to Bergama, the antique Pergamon. The first place to be seen is The Akropolis.
This is the antique city, where grease proof paper was invented. Later, the libraries in the city were full of
innumerable books. They were all carried to Egypt by Cleopatra. Down below The Akropolis is situated The
Temple of Asclepius. Asclepius was a much-worshiped ancient Greek god of health and well-being,After having
visited the welfare place, we drive towards Izmir and Kuşadası. Dinner and overnight accomodation in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Ephesus - Pamukkale
After breakfast we set direction to Epheus. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550
BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In 268 AD, the Temple was destroyed or damaged in a raid
by the Goths. It may have been rebuilt or repaired but this is uncertain, as its later history is not clear. Emperor
Constantine I rebuilt much of the city and erected new public baths. Following the Edict of Thessalonica from
emperor Theodosius I, what remained of the temple was destroyed in 401 AD by a mob led by St. John
Chrysostom. The town was partially destroyed by an earthquake in 614 AD. The city's importance as a
commercial center declined as the harbor was slowly silted up by the Cayster River. The Agora,Hadrian's Temple,
Odeon, The Theatre and the Celsus library are the examples of this overwhelming antique city. During the
Classical Greek era it was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League. According to estimates Ephesus had a
population of 33,600 to 56,000 people in the Roman period, making it the third largest city of Roman Asia Minor
after Sardis and Alexandria Troas.After our sightseeing in Ephesus we’ll attend a leather show. Today we’ll
overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7:Pamukkale - Antalya
We will spend the morning at Pamukkale and Hierapolis. The limewashing terraces, developed in centuries, were
formed by high calsiumcarbonated water. When the water comes onto the surface of the earth, it leaves
snowwhite deposits along the way it flows. This water has healing effects on some diseases. So the terraces here
have been visited on purpose, since theantique times. The antique city Hierapolis nearby. The cemetery of the
city with 1200 graves had been the largest one in Anatolia. Then we begin our trip to Antalya.Dinner and
overnight is in Antalya.
Day 8: Perge & Aspendos
After breakfast, we set out to Perge, which is one of the famous antique cities of Pamphilia. The beatiful antique
city of Perge has got lots of ruins from Roman and Hellenistic times. The most important ones are The Roem,The
Gate Agora, The Stadium and The Stoa. Later, we drive to Aspendos. With a diameter of 100 meters, The
Theatre Aspendos can welcome 15.000 to 20.000 spectators at a time. The foundation stone was put on by the
legendary leader, Mapsos. However, the imaginery founder of The Theatre was Aspendos. At the end of the
afternoon we set direction to Konya through th mountains of Taurus.
Day 9 : Konya & Sultanhanı
After enjoying our breakfast we’ll discover Konya, a city in the Central Anatolia Region of Turkey. Konya was
historically the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Sultanate and the Karamanids. Excavations have shown that the
region was inhabited during the Late Copper Age, around 3000 BC. The city came under the influence of the
Hittites around 1500 BC. These were overtaken by the Sea Peoples around 1200 BC. The Phrygians established
their kingdom in central Anatolia in the 8th century BC. Xenophon describes Iconium, as the city was called, as
the last city of Phrygia. Before we leave towards the Caravanserai in Aksaray, we’ll visit the mausoleum of Jalal
ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic also known as Mevlâna or Rumi. It was also the dervish lodge of
the Mevlevi order, better known as the whirling dervishes. The caravanserai is one of the most important stops in
caravan routes during the Middle Ages. The 4,866 square metres Seljuk han, which was commissioned by
Alaattin Keykubat is considered one of the best preserved hans of the Seljuk period. After the age of discovery,
like other caravan routes the Sultanhanı han became neglected.Before we arrive in Nevşehir for the diner and
overnight, we will visit the Underground City of Kaymaklı. The ancient name was Enegup. The houses in the
village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. The tunnels are still used
today as storage areas, stables, and cellars.
Day 10: Cappadocia
Today , we enjoy the beauty of the landscape of Cappadocia all day long. Sedimentary rocks formed in lakes and
streams and ignimbrite deposits that erupted from ancient volcanoes of Erciyes and Hasan Dağ approximately 3
to 9 million years ago, during the late Miocene to Pliocene epochs, underlie the Cappadocia region. The rocks of
Cappadocia near Göreme eroded into hundreds of spectacular pillars and minaret-like forms. People of the
villages at the heart of the Cappadocia Region carved out houses, churches and monasteries from the soft rocks
of volcanic deposits. We’ll visit the Open Air Museum of Göreme. In a spectacular landscape, entirely sculpted by
erosion, the Göreme valley and its surroundings contain rock-hewn sanctuaries that provide unique evidence of
Byzantine art in the post-Iconoclastic period. Dwellings, troglodyte villages and underground towns, the remains
of a traditional human habitat dating back to the 4th century can also be seen here. In the 4th century small
anchorite communities began to form in the region, acting on instruction of Saint Basil of Caesarea. They carved
cells in the soft rock. During the iconoclastic period (725-842) the decoration of the many sanctuaries in the region
was held to a minimum, usually symbols such as the depiction of the cross. After this period, new churches were
dug into the rocks and they were richly decorated with colourful frescoes.
Day 11: Monastery of Zelve
We advise you to have good shoes fort he walk in Zelve today. The Zelve Monastery is a Byzantine-era
monastery that was carved into the rock in pre-iconoclastic times. It is one of the Churches of Göreme, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Zelve is spread out over three valleys, of which two are connected by a tunnel. The complex contains
innumerable rooms and passages which also house many pointed fairy chimneys with large stems, at about 40
feet above the valley floor. Zelve, though recently uninhabited, was an important settlement and religious area
between the 9th and 13th centuries. Christians moved to Zelve during the Persian and Arab invasions. The area
was inhabited until 1952, when the last inhabitants moved to the new town Yeni Zelve ("New Zelve"), 2 km away.
In 1967, Zelve was turned into an open-air museum. At the end of the afternoon we will have a visit to a crocks
and pots studio.
Day 12: Ankara
After enjoying our breakfast we will begin our trip to Ankara. The oldest settlements in and around the city center
of Ankara belonged to the Hattic civilization which existed during the Bronze Age and was gradually absorbed ca.
2000–1700 BC by the Indo-European Hittites. The city grew significantly in size and importance under the
Phrygians starting around 1000 BC, and experienced a large expansion following the mass migration from
Gordion, (the capital of Phrygia), after an earthquake which severely damaged that city around that time. In
Phrygian tradition, King Midas was venerated as the founder of Ancyra, but Pausanias mentions that the city was
actually far older, which accords with present archaeological knowledge.Phrygian rule was succeeded first by
Lydian and later by Persian rule, though the strongly Phrygian character of the peasantry remained, as evidenced
by the gravestones of the much later Roman period. Persian sovereignty lasted until the Persians' defeat at the
hands of Alexander the Great who conquered the city in 333 BC. Alexander came from Gordion to Ankara and
stayed in the city for a short period. After his death at Babylon in 323 BC and the subsequent division of his
empire among his generals, Ankara and its environs fell into the share of Antigonus. Another important expansion
took place under the Greeks of Pontos who came there around 300 BC and developed the city as a trading center
for the commerce of goods between the Black Sea ports and Crimea to the north; Assyria, Cyprus, and Lebanon
to the south; and Georgia, Armenia and Persia to the east. By that time the city also took its name Áγκυρα
(Ànkyra, meaning Anchor in Greek) which, in slightly modified form, provides the modern name of Ankara. We will
visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to have a look to the history of this city. Anıtkabir (literally, "memorial
tomb") is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the father of the Turks The tomb was designed by architects
Professor Emin Onat and Assistant Professor Ahmet Orhan Arda, whose proposal beat 48 other entries from
several countries in a competition held by the Turkish Government in 1941 for a "monumental tomb" for Atatürk.
Day 13: İstanbul
On our way to İstanbul your tourguide will tell you stories about this beautiful city with 2500 years of history.
Day 14: İstanbul
Today you have the whole for your own. You can relax in your hotelroom or discover more beauties of Istanbul.
Ask your tourguide for more information.
Day 15: Returnflight
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Time : All year
Accommodation : Outstanding Hotels
Start Date : 8 days / 7 nights
Group Size : Min. 30
Day 1:
The tourguide will welcome you at Antalya airport and transport you to the hotel. This will be the overnight
accommodation where you can diner.
Day 2:
This morning we drive from Antalya to Kapadokya. You can enjoy the beautiful mountains they called Toros
Dağları (Taurus Mountains). This route will take us to Konya. In Konya we will visit Mevlana museum. The
Mevlana museum is the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic also known as
Mevlâna or Rumi. It was also the dervish lodge (tekke) of the Mevlevi order, better known as the whirling
dervishes. The decree of 6 April 1926 confirmed that the mausoleum and the dervish lodge (Dergah) were to be
turned into a museum. The museum opened on 2 March 1927. In 1954 it was renamed as "Mevlâna Museum".
Before Aksaray we will visit Sultan Han Kervansarayı. Sultan Han is a large Seljuk Caravanserai located in the
town of Sultanhanı, Aksaray Province, Turkey. It is one of the three monumental caravanserais in the
neighbourhood of Aksaray. This is the largest, but not the oldest, of the Sultan hans, and is perhaps the most
beautiful and impressive of all. It holds an important place in the history of Seljuk architecture. If a visitor to Turkey
can see only one han, this would be the one.
We will drive trough the countryside to Kapadokya, were we will enjoy the meal in the hotel for a overnight.
Day 3:
Today you will feel on another planet. First we will visit mount Erciyes en mount Hasan. You can partly see the
rock formation caused by erosion.
Mount Erciyes is a massive stratovolcano. Erciyes is the highest mountain in central Anatolia, located within the
ancient region of Cappadocia. Mount Hasan (Turkish: Hasan Dağı) is an inactive stratovolcano. It’s the second
highest mountain of central Anatolia.
After the Kaymaklı underground city. What means the houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one
hundred tunnels of the underground city. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars.
We will drive to Göreme to visit the churches. After Göreme we drive to the hotel where we stay for the night and
have a diner.
Day 4:
After breakfast we will visit Paşabağ. Highly remarkable earth pillars can be seen here, in the middle of a
vineyard, hence the name of the place which means: the Pacha's vineyard. It’s also called Monks Valley.
Hereafter we will walk to Zelve, it consist of three valleys. At least we will visit Beyaz Vadi. Hereafter we drive to
the hotel for diner and overnight.
Day 5:
Today we will return to the hotel for diner and overnight, driving past the fabulous nature of Turkish Riviera.
Day 6:
After breakfast, we set out to Perge, which is one of the famous antique cities of Pamphilia. The beatiful antique
city of Perge has got lots of ruins from Roman and Hellenistic times. The most important ones are The Roem,The
Gate Agora, The Stadium and The Stoa. After Perge we ride to the Turkish Bazaar where you can find various
spices, fruit and vegetables and maybe different gifts. After the colorful bazaar we will visit a waterfall. At least we
will visit a handmade jewelry and the jewelry center.
Day 7:
Today we visit the Roman Theatre Aspendos. After this visit we will participate in a leather fashion show.
Hereafter we have a fantastic boat trip on the river, ending at the delta facing The Mediterranean Sea. Lunch on
the boat, drinks are charged.
Day 8:
Departure or extension transfer to the airport for the return flight, or transfer to the booked extension hotel in the
Turkish Riviera.
