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THE HEART OF THE SOUTH EAST
Day 1 London to Istanbul
Today fly from London to Istanbul with British Airways and on your
arrival you will be met and transferred to the Ottoman Imperial Hotel
for two nights.
Picturesquely situated on the hills overlooking the Bosphorus and with a stunning skyline of domes and minarets, Istanbul is truly one of the great romantic cities in the world. (N)
Day 2 Istanbul
Visit Topkapi Palace, for 400 years the Ottomans ruled their empire
from this beautiful palace. Explore the vast underground Basilica water
cistern with its 336 columns it is a masterpiece of Byzantine engineering.
Visit the Hagia Sophia, the “Church of the Holy Wisdom”, it was once
Christendom’s greatest church and over 1400 years old it is one
of the world’s finest architectural and religious monuments.
Enter the Blue Mosque, so called due to its sparkling Iznik blue tiles
that adorn the interior walls. Finally, visit the labyrinthine of the
medieval Grand Bazaar, where your senses will be assailed by over 4000
shops! (B)
Day 3 Istanbul to Malatya – by air
Malatya to Kahta – 90 kms
Very early morning transfer to Istanbul airport for Turkish Airlines flight
to Malatya. You will be met and then driven to Kahta. Stay one night at the Zeus Hotel. (B)
Day 4 Kahta to Sanliurfa – 148 kms
Early morning departure for the spectacular sunrise over the stone heads and god
statues of the pre Roman king Antiochus on Mount Nemrut. Continue to the 14th Century
castle at Eski Kale and a magnificent 3rd Century Roman bridge. Pass through the plains
of Mesopotamia and the giant Ataturk Dam that tames the Euphrates River and enter the
biblical town of Sanliurfa. Stay two nights at Cevahir Konukevi.
Day 5 Sanliurfa
Travel in the morning to the beehive houses of Harran; reputed to be the oldest
continually inhabited community in the world. Continue to visit Gobekli Tepe,
reputedly the oldest temple in the world. Later return to Sanliurfa and explore
the fascinating sites of this Old Testament town, the Sacred Carp Pools of Abraham,
his birth cave and then the exquisite mosque complex, the fortress and the most
traditional covered bazaar. Afternoon is free to explore Sanliurfa at leisure.
Day 6 Sanliurfa to Antakya – 349 kms
Follow ancient historic trade routes to the Ottoman City of Gaziantep. Visit the
Emperor Justinian citadel, the mosaic museum and walk amongst the bustling
neighbourhoods featuring local traditional old wooden houses. Continue along
the ancient silk route to Antakya or Antioch of biblical times. Stay two nights
at the Antik Beyazit Hotel.
Day 7 Antakya
Antakya is believed to be the place where the word ’Christian’ was first
pronounced by St. Peter in the famous cave church. This town is now a rich blend
of Arabic and Turkish cultures. Visit the Mosaic Museum, reputed to house the finest
collection of Roman Mosaics in the world. Then continue to the coastal ruins of
Seleucra and Piera, once the holiday retreat of Roman Emperors.
Day 8 Antakya to Tarsus – 239 kms
Then we continue our journey and crossing the scenic Taurus Mountains we arrive
in Tarsus, the birthplace of St Paul and then we drive through the Cilician gates.
Among the monuments of interest are St Paul’s Well and the Cleopatra Gate,
through which Mark Anthony and Cleopatra passed when they had their famous meeting
in Tarsus. Stay one night at the Selale Hotel.
Day 9 Tarsus to Adana – 51 kms
Adana to Istanbul – by air
Istanbul to London
In the morning drive to Adana airport for Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul and
connect with the British Airways flight to London, arriving London in the evening.
STAYING ON
Return to Western Turkey along the serpentine Mediterranean coastal road and enjoy the beautiful bays around Kas and Kalkan for a while before returning to Istanbul by air from Antalya.
Head East to explore the cities of Van, Dogubayazit and Kars. Visit the Sumela monastery near Trabzon and fly back to Istanbul.
Continue to experience the history and culture of the Middle East by crossing the border into Syria and visiting the citadel at Aleppo, the roman ruins at Palmyra and the evocative, ancient city of Damascus.
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 HEART OF THE SOUTH EAST
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,320. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. 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
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