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PACKAGE TOURS TURKEY-010
GRAND TOUR OF TURKEY (23 NIGHTS, 24 DAYS)
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| Day 1 |
ARRIVAL |
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Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport our transferman will be ready to meet and transfer you to your hotel. Time at leisure, stay overnight in Istanbul.
No meals
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| Day 2 |
FULL DAY OLD CITY TOUR |
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We begin our day with breakfast at the hotel and then depart for a full day tour of Istanbul visiting the majestic Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisks and Topkapi Palace. After lunch we will visit the magnificent Haghia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. After the tour you will be transferred back to your hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch
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| Day 3 |
PERGAMON & KUSADASI |
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After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport to take a flight to Izmir, the birthplace of Homer and the "Pearl of the Aegean." After your arrival, we will drive to Pergamon. Here you will be delighted to visit such sites as the Asclepion and Health Centre. As you make your way to the Acropolis, the Red Basilica originally a temple of Serapis, can be viewed. The most spectacular structure is certainly the theatre, a remarkable piece of engineering built into the steep hillside. After the tour we will drive to Kusadasi. Stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 4 |
EPHESUS |
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After having breakfast at the hotel we depart for a full day tour of Ephesus and the Virgin Mary's House. Firstly, we visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on the top of the mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. A visit to the Museum of Ephesus in also included in the tour. Dinner and stay overnight in Kusadasi.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 5 |
APHRODISIAS, HIERAPOLIS & PAMUKKALE |
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In the morning we depart the hotel and drive to Aphrodisias to explore the remains of the Ancient City of Aphrodite where there was a school of sculpture in ancient times. We will visit the stadium and the Temple of Aphrodite. Continuing onto Pamukkale, a spa well known throughout the ancient world. At first site you will see the Cotton Cliffs, one of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts. We will also visit the ancient ruins of the City of Hierapolis with its bascilica, theatre and Roman baths. After visits we will check into our hotel and stay overnight in Pamukkale.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 6 |
PERGE, ASPENDOS & ANTALYA |
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After breakfast we drive to Antalya along the "Turquoise Coast." On arrival we will take a visit to the Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos, famous with the well preserved theater of the ancient Roman world which is still used during annual festivals. After lunch you will have free time in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Antalya.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 7 |
KONYA |
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After breakfast we depart for Konya where we visit the Mevlana Museum and the tomb of Mevlana, the founder of the mystical Whirling Dervishes, Karatay Medrese and the Ince Minare, now a museum. After our visits enjoy free time to discover the local bazaars of the ciy. Stay overnight in Konya.
Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 8 |
CAPPADOCIA |
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A spectacular drive takes us to Cappadocia, "The Land of Beautiful Horses". Take an amazing walk through the Green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma and then to Selime for a wonderful panoramic view. A stop at the Agzikarahan Caravansarai is also included. Stay overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional: Dinner with spectacular shows and belly
dances.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 9 |
CAPPADOCIA |
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We begin our day touring the Open Air Museum of Goreme where you will visit the numerous churches and monasteries. Take in a panoramic view of Esentepe before a visit to the Underground City of Kaymakli, one of the many underground cities hewn from the tufa. Continue to Uchisar Castle, Devrent Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys and Avanos. Stay overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional: Balloon Ride Over Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 10 |
KAYSERI |
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After breakfast at the hotel we drive to Kayseri taking in the wonderful view of Mt Argaeus. After our arrival we will check in our hotel and have free time in the afternoon. Stay overnight in Kayseri.
Breakfast
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| Day 11 |
KAHRAMANMARAS, GAZIANTEP & KAHTA |
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After breakfast, drive through the Taurus Mountain chain, giving you the opportunity to observe the countryside and the daily life of rural Turkey which is completely different to that of the coastal cities. After having a short break in Kahramanmaras, famous for it’s ice cream, we arrive in Gaziantep where we will see the Archaeological Museum which has one of the richest collections of mosaics discovered during the last excavations in Zeugma. After our visits drive to Kahta and stay overnight.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 12 |
MT NEMRUT, HARRAN & URFA (EDESSA) |
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We deaprt our hotel early this morning for Mt Nemrut. See the Colossal God statues on three different terraces overlooking the whole plateau and Ataturk Dam. Visit Arsemia, which was once the capital of the Kommagene Kingdom, the old Roman Cendere Bridge over the Cendere Stream. We will also see the Karakus Tumulus where the royal family members were buried. We then drive to Sanliurfa, known in ancient times as Edessa, visiting the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham with its mosques, birth-cave of Abraham and the beautiful gardens. We then make a stop at another archaeological site, Harran, a mystical and ancient 'bee-hive' house village built of mud-brick, which is mentioned in Genesis as being a place where Abraham lived. In the same area we will visit the first Islamic university of the world. Ending the day with a coffe break in a cafe nearby the Sacred Pool. Stay overnight in Sanliurfa.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 13 |
MARDIN |
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After breakfast, depart for Mardin, the town which overlooks the Mesopotamian Plains and owes its incredible attractiveness to a cultural procession starting in 8,000 BC. You will witness how all these colours harmoniously melt into one yet appear individual in all their grandeur. You will be impressed by the mystery of the city while taking a visit to several of the town's architectural gems, including the Kasimiye Medresesi and Latifiye Mosque.The Kasimiye Medresesi building dates from the 14th Century and was formerly a university of astronomy. Lastly, a visit to the museum and covered bazaar. Stay overnight in Mardin.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 14 |
HASANKEYF & DIYARBAKIR |
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We begin the day visiting Hasankeyf, an untouched beauty founded on the side of the Tigris, which comes to end as the town disappears below the flood waters of the Ilisu dam. Visit the citadel, Ulu Mosque which is unique for its well designed slender minaret, the rare 15th Century mausoleum of Zeynel Bey decorated with intricate colored tiles and Arthukid Bridge standing forlornly beside the new one. Drive to Diyarbakir, famous with the city walls built by the Romans. Also, Ulu Camii, the first of Anatolia's great Seljuk Mosques. Stay overnight in Diyarbakir.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 15 |
BITLIS & VAN |
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After breakfast drive to Van via Bitlis. After lunch we will arrive and check-in to our hotel. In the afternoon we take a visit to Van Castle, which is 100m high and 300m wide at the base. It was just the sort of place that the Urartians favoured for their strongholds. It was the site of an Urartian temple of which only a few of the arched niches remain. Cuneiform inscriptions on a statue based in one of the niches document the life and works of Menua, an important Urartian King. After visiting Van castle we return to our hotel for dinner. Overnight in Van.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 16 |
CAVUSTEPE, LAKE VAN & AKDAMAR ISLAND |
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After breakfast, we take a visit to Cavustepe, the site of an Urartian Royal Palace, built between 764 and 735 BC by King Sardur II. Then drive to Lake Van, the largest in Turkey. After lunch we take a small boat ride to Akdamar Island on Lake Van. The church there has one of the most complete scene collections of the Old Testament carved on the facade of the church. Stay overnight in Van
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 17 |
MT ARARAT, DOGUBEYAZIT & KARS |
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Today we journey to Dogubeyazit. On the way taking in the unforgettable scenery of Mount Ararat. The Old Testament records that it was on this mountain that Noah's Ark came to rest after the great flood. Visit the magnificent palace of Ishak Pasha. Stay overnight in Kars.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 18 |
KARS, ANI & ERZURUM |
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We being the day with visits to the Ruins of Ani - the City of 1001 Churches and an Armenian City founded in the 11th Century. After visiting Ani, we head to Erzurum, the largest city in Eastern Turkey. Visit Cifte Minareli Medrese and Grand Mosque. Stay overnight in Erzurum.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 19 |
ARTVIN |
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After breakfast, a lovely drive will take us to Artvin, one of the most beautiful cities near the Georgian border. Visit some of the churches around the city. Stay overnight in Artvin.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 20 |
AYDER PLATEAU, CAMLIHEMSIN & RIZE |
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After breakfast we visit the Ayder Plateau, which still preserves the life style of the 18th Centuries. Then to Camlihemsin, a typical Kackar mountain village with untouched natural beauty. After our visits we will drive to Rize where we will visit a tea making factory. Stay overnight in Rize.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 21 |
UZUNGOL, SUMELA MONASTERY & TRABZON |
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Breakfast is served at the hotel. Today we drive to Uzungol, a secret paradise. You will be amazed by the wonderful view of the town reflecting off the lake. We then head inland to visit the mystical Sumela Monastery, dating back to early Christianity, built high into the side of the steep cliff face. Finally, the Hagia Sophia Museum with its spectacular frescoes. Stay overnight in Trabzon.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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| Day 22 |
TRABZON-ISTANBUL |
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After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. Time at leisure. In the evening we visit an exclusive nightclub for dinner. Enjoy authentic Turkish cuisine, including a delicious array of appetizers known as meze. The Turks are justly proud of their food. They are equally proud of their traditional music and after dinner folk musicians from different regions of Anatolia will perform for us. Of course, no night out in Istanbul would be complete without Turkish belly dancers. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Dinner
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| Day 23 |
FULL DAY CITY TOUR |
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Departing in the morning from the hotel, we will take a brief visit to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar which is the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul and then embark on a cruise along the brilliant Bosphorus. This legendary strait separates Europe and Asia. We cruise past the Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi Palaces, 19th Century wooden seafront mansions, picturesque villages and modern pleasure palaces. After lunch we enjoy a visit to Camlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, commanding a panoramic view of the city. We will also take a short drive to the 19th century summer palace of the Sultans in the Bosphorus village of Beylerbeyi (closed on Mondays and Thursdays).The Palace was completed in 1865 AD, has twenty four rooms and six large halls. After the tour we will transfer you back to your hotel. Stay overnight in Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch
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| Day 24 |
FLY HOME |
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According to your departure time, you will be transferred to the airport to take your departure flight. End of our services.
Breakfast
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This itinerary is subject to change without prior notice according to weather/daily events or other unforeseen circumstances outside the control of ATB Holidays.
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DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES - 2008 |
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| Departure Dates |
P.P. In
Double
Room
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P.P. In
Triple
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Single Room |
June 19th
August 07th
August 28th
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5750$ |
5600$ |
6500$ |
Prices are per person in USD and subject to availability.
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HOTELS OF THE PACKAGE |
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| ISTANBUL |
THE MARMARA PERA HOTEL ISTANBUL |
| KUŞADASI |
CHARISMA DELUXE HOTEL |
| PAMUKKALE |
PAM THERMAL HOTEL |
| ANTALYA |
SHERATON VOYAGER HOTEL |
| KONYA |
BERA HOTEL |
| CAPADOCIA |
BURCU KAYA HOTEL |
| KAYSERI |
HILTON HOTEL |
| KAHTA |
ZEUS HOTEL |
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URFA |
EL RUHA HOTEL |
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MARDIN |
ERDOBA KONAKLARI |
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DIYARBAKIR |
DEDEMAN |
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VAN |
MERIT SAHMARAN |
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KARS |
SIMER HOTEL |
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ERZURUM |
PALAN HOTEL |
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ARTVIN |
KARAHAN HOTEL |
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RIZE |
DEDEMAN HOTEL |
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TRABZON |
USTA HOTEL |
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INCLUDED
SERVICES |
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• 23 nights in tourist class hotel accommodation.
• All sightseeing tours as described in the itinerary including admission fees to the visited sites.
• Qualified English speaking guide.
• All meals stated in the itinerary.
• Domestic flight tickets from Istanbul to Izmir & Trabzon to Istanbul.
• Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure.
• Private transportation by comfortable, air-conditioned, non smoking vehicle.
• Opportunity to see the pottery and carpet production centers in Asia Minor.
• All taxes and service fees.
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DOES NOT INCLUDED |
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• International airfares.
• Airport taxes.
• Any VISA needed for Turkey.
• Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff etc.
• Optional tours.
• Items of a personal nature.
• Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services
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First
Hand, Local 
