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THE LAST FRONTIER
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 four nights. Please click
here for our recommended hotels.
Day 2 Istanbul
to
Day 4 Istanbul
Over the next three 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 5 Istanbul to Diyarbakir – by air
Diyarbakir to Mardin
This morning leave Istanbul and fly to Diyarbakir and proceed with your driver-guide
for a short tour of the city. Situated on the banks of the Tigris River visit
the magnificent ancient city walls and Ulu Cami – Great Mosque –
built in 1091. Later leave for the beautiful and ancient town of Mardin and
on the way visit Hasankeyf, an ancient village with honey coloured houses
clinging to the rocks of a gorge above the Tigris River. Stay for two nights
in Mardin at Erdoba Konaklari.
Day 6 Mardin
Today explore this fascinating town which is crowned with a castle and overlooks
the vast Plains of Mesopotamia which stretch all the way to Syria. Walk through
the rambling bazaar to see the Ulu Camii Mosque and also visit the Kasimiye
Medresesi noted for its fine courtyard and arched colonnades. Also visit the
15th Century Forty Martyrs Church and the Deyr-az Zaferan Monastery which
was built in 493 AD and was the seat of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch from
the 12th Century until the 1920s.
Day 7 Mardin to Kahta
This morning drive to the pilgrimage city of Urfa to visit the stone covered
bazaar, the citadel and the Pool of Abraham which is said to be the site where
the biblical prophet was saved from Nimrod. A small cave nearby is said to
be the birthplace of Abraham. Continue on to Kahta to stay at the Nemrut Hotel.
Day 8 Kahta to Gaziantep
This morning it is a very early start, around 0300 hours, to ascend Mount
Nemrut and visit the tomb of Antiochos I, the ruler of the Commagene Kingdom.
See the colossal statues and the relief carvings on each side of the terraces.
After sunrise descend Mount Nemrut to visit the Roman sites at Karakus and
Cendre Bridge. Later leave for Halfeti and take a boat trip on Euphrates River
as well as visiting Rumkale, an impressive medieval fortress on the Euphrates.
From Rumkale drive onto Gaziantep where you will stay overnight at Belkis
Han.
Day 9 Gaziantep to London
via Istanbul
This morning transfer to Gaziantep Airport in good time to catch your return
flight to Istanbul. On your arrival connect onto the British Airways flight
from Istanbul to London.
STAYING ON
Extend your stay with a visit to Cappadocia in central Turkey which is only a short drive from Gaziantep 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.