Home > Destinations > Turkey > Treasures of Anatolia
TREASURES OF ANATOLIA
Day 1 London to Istanbul
Fly non-stop with British Airways to Istanbul. On arrival you will be met
and transferred to the Ottoman Imperial Hotel for four nights. (N)
Day 2 Istanbul
&
Day 3 Istanbul
At leisure to relax and explore the city. During your stay you will receive
a one-day private tour of the old city. Visit the renowned Topkapi Palace
and the beautiful Hagia Sophia, see the Blue Mosque and enter the labyrinthine
of the medieval Grand Bazaar. (B)
Day 4 Istanbul to Trabzon – by air
Trabzon to Rize – 74 kms
In the morning fly to Trabzon. Drive south to visit the Sumela Monastery,
a spectacular monument clinging to the cliffs of Mt Mela, before continuing
to Rize to stay at the Dedeman Hotel. (B)
Day 5 Rize to Barhal – 177 kms
Head inland towards Ispir and the Kackar Mountains, dense forest covers the
lower valleys and the ranges are studded with lakes and alpine summer villages.
From Ispir follow the Coruh River, to Yusufeli and Barhal a remote and beautiful
village in mountains. Stay for two nights at Karahan’s Pansiyon. (B/L/D)
Day 6 Barhal
At leisure in the countryside around Barhal which offers some of the most
beautiful and rugged scenery in Turkey. (B/L/D)
Day 7 Barhal to Kars – 263 kms
Another scenic journey through dramatic countryside to Kars. On the way see
the lovely alpine village of Savsat. Stay overnight at the Sim-er Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Kars to Dogubayazit – 180 kms
In the morning visit the abandoned 10th century city of Ani. Then continue
to Dogubayazit, close to the Iranian border and Mount Ararat, 5,165 metres,
the legendary resting-place of Noah's Ark. Visit Ishak Pasha Palace dating
from the 18th century. Stay overnight at the Sim-er Hotel. (B/L)
Day 9 Dogubayazit to Van – 165 kms
On to Van, capital of the Urartu Empire to visit Van Castle, one of the world’s
oldest surviving fortresses. Stay for two nights at the Merit Sahmaran Hotel.
(B/L/D)
Day 10 Van
Take a boat to Akdamar Island to see the marvellous 10th Century Armenian
Church of the Holy Cross. (B/L/D
Day 11Van to Diyarbakir – 362 kms
Travel along the south of Lake Van via Malabadi Bridge to Diyarbakir. See
the magnificent ancient city walls built from black basalt and the Ulu Cami,
Great Mosque, built in 1091. Stay overnight at Buyuk Kervansary. (B/L/D)
Day 12 Diyarbakir to Mardin – 126 kms
Leave this morning for the beautiful and ancient town of Mardin. On the way
visit Hasankeyf, an ancient village clinging to the rocks of a gorge above
the Tigris River. Stay for two nights in Mardin at Erdoba Konaklari. (B/L/D
Day 13 Mardin
Explore this fascinating town which is full of secrets and surprises.
(B/D)
Day 14 Mardin to Urfa – 246 kms
Today drive to towards Urfa. Before reaching the city turn south to visit
the ancient village of Harran with its strange beehive–style mud built
dwellings. Visit the bazaar and the Pool of Abraham at Urfa. Stay overnight
at Gulizar Konukevi. (B/L/D)
Day 15 Urfa to Kahta – 161 kms
This morning take a boat cruise on the Euphrates River from Halfeti. Then
continue to Kahta where you will stay overnight at the Zeus Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 16 Kahta to Malatya – 90 kms
Malatya to Istanbul – by air
Around 0300 hours ascend Mount Nemrut. 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. Proceed to Malatya
and fly to Istanbul. Stay at the Ottoman Imperial Hotel for one night. (B)
Day 17 Istanbul to London
Morning fly back to London. (B)
STAYING ON
Extend your stay with a visit to Cappadocia in central Turkey, only a short flight from Istanbul. 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 – TREASURES OF ANATOLIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is available on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.