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THE HIDDEN HERITAGE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
Day 1 London to Istanbul
Today fly from London to Istanbul with British Airways and on your
arrival you will be met and transferred by car to your Hotel for the
next three nights. Please click
here for our recommended hotels.
Day 2 Istanbul
&
Day 3 Istanbul
Over the next two days you are at leisure to relax and explore this remarkable
city. During your stay you will receive a one day private tour of the old
city in the company of an English speaking local guide. Places of interest
include Topkapi Palace where for 400 years the Ottomans Empire was ruled,
the vast underground basilica water cistern with its 336 columns and masterful
Byzantine engineering and the Hagia Sophia – the ‘Church of the
Holy Wisdom’. Once Christendom’s greatest church, the Hagia Sofia
is over 1,400 years old and today is considered one of the world’s finest
architectural and religious monuments. Also visit the Blue Mosque, so called
for its sparkling Iznik blue tiles which adorn the interior walls as well
as the labyrinthine medieval Grand Bazaar where your senses will be assailed
by over 4,000 shops.
Day 4 Istanbul to Ankara – by air
This morning fly to Ankara where you will be met by your driver-guide and
proceed to Amasya. On the way you will have the opportunity to stop at the
ancient Hittite ruins of Hattusa and Yazsilikata which are both designated
UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In the late afternoon arrive in Amasya and stay
for two nights at Grand Pasha Hotel.
Day 5 Amasya
Today you are at leisure to explore attractive Amasya which lies in a gorge
of the Yesilirmak River hemmed in by limestone cliffs. The left bank of the
river forms a narrow ledge on which a row of timber Ottoman houses stand with
their upper balconies jutting out over the river whilst in the cliffs above
hang the rock cut tombs of Pontic Kings.
Day 6 Amasya to Kastamonu
Leave Amasya and drive to the city of Kastamonu – a treasure trove of
bazaars, old hammans, fountains and many historic buildings. In the nearby
village of Kasaba is one Turkey’s finest wooden mosques where, for a
small donation, the Imam will open the mosque which is beautifully decorated
with a wooden gallery and painted wooden columns. Stay overnight at Osmanli
Sarayi.
Day 7 Kastamonu to Safranbolu
This morning continue onto the beautifully preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu
– a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This remarkable old town boasts a glorious
collection of around 800 half-timbered Ottoman houses dating from the 19th
Century. Stay for three nights in at the Havuzlu Asmazlar Konagi.
Day 8 Safranbolu
In Ottoman times the town of Safranbolu was located on a major trade route,
the riches of which can still be seen today with the many three storey stone
and timber mansions that were built by wealthy merchants and craftsmen. Today
enjoy exploring the cobbled streets of Safranbolu. Places of interest include
Market Street, with its old houses, Shoemakers Street and the 350 year old
Cinci Han which was a resting house for travelling merchants.
Day 9 Visit Amasra
Today drive out to Amasra, 90km north of Safranbolu, and considered to be
one of the most picturesque towns on the Black Sea coast. Visit the ruins
of the citadel, wander through the cobbled streets and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere
of the town.
Day 10 Safranbolu to Istanbul
This morning, after breakfast, drive back to Istanbul and stay overnight at
your Hotel.
Day 11 Istanbul to London
Transfer to Istanbul airport in good time to catch your British Airways flight
back to London.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay with a visit to Cappadocia in central Turkey, only a short drive from Safranbolu to Ankara where there is a regular air service to Kayseri. Perfect to visit in spring, summer or autumn, Cappadocia is a region of wonderful mountain scenery, rock-cut churches and underground cities. Your stay here will be in a unique ‘cave’ hotel.
Meander along the Aegean coastline exploring the wealth of archaeological sites. Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus are all easily reached by car from Istanbul. Alternatively relax at a peaceful Mediterranean hotel or take a short cruise along the beautiful coast in a traditional motor yacht. Please click here for further details.
Cruise up the Bosphorus and enjoy a break from the bustle of Istanbul. This romantic stretch of water divides Europe from Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Turkish Maritime Lines (TDI) operates the best official cruise and the five hour round trip costs approximately £2. The TDI ferry makes the trip to the upper Bosphorus two or three times daily and stops at six piers along the way. Included is a leisurely stop at Anadolu Kavagi where you can have lunch at one of the many waterside fish restaurants.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE HIDDEN HERITAGE OF THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, therefore, please us for a quotation for your selected hotel or riad. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.