Although known throughout the world for its many ancient remains, Turkey's Ottoman heritage is just as rich.
Istanbul was at the centre of the Ottoman Empire for centuries with the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar testament to this creative period of rule. From Istanbul continue to picturesque Amasya, an ancient city dramatically located in the Yesilirmak Valley home to fine mosques and wonderful Ottoman half-timbered houses before ending your journey in Safranbolu by the Black Sea, a UNESCO protected town of magnificent 18th and 19th century Ottoman architecture.
Istanbul – Amasya – Kastamonu – Safranbolu – Istanbul
Trip Highlights
- Pretty Safranbolu it known throughout Turkey for its well-preserved Ottoman homes
- Explore Amasya, set along a river valley in the mountains above the Black Sea coast
- See authentic bazaars, hammans and a host of historic buildings in Kastamonu
- Discover the Hittite ruins of Hattusa and Yazsilikata – both UNESCO protected sites
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Istanbul
Today fly from London to Istanbul with British Airways and on your arrival you will be met and transferred to your accommodation.
Ottoman Imperial Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Day 2-3
Istanbul
The next two days you are at leisure to relax and discover eclectic Istanbul. Take a private tour of the old city in the company of an English speaking local guide on either day. Discover where the Ottomans Empire was ruled at the Topkapi Palace and visit 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 filled with fragrant spices, colourful pottery and enticing food stalls.
Ottoman Imperial Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Day 4
Istanbul to Ankara – by air/ Ankara to Amasya – 335kms
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.
- Breakfast
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.
- Breakfast
Day 6
Amasya to Kastamonu – 253kms
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.
- Breakfast
Day 7
Kastamonu to Safranbolu – 108kms
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.
- Breakfast
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.
- Breakfast
Havuzlu Asmazlar Konagi
Day 9
Safranbolu – 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.
- Breakfast
Havuzlu Asmazlar Konagi
Day 10
Safranbolu to Istanbul – 409kms
This morning, after breakfast, drive back to Istanbul and stay overnight at your hotel.
- Breakfast
Ottoman Imperial Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet
Day 11
Istanbul to the UK
Transfer to Istanbul airport in good time to catch your British Airways flight back to London.
- Breakfast
Extending your stay...
Extraordinary Cappadocia is renowned for its unique, rugged and wind sculpted landscapes, incredible subterranean cities originally excavated to provide refuge and protection and rock-hewn churches, many with frescoes. Cappadocia is around a six-hour drive from Safranbolu.
Ephesus is arguably Turkey’s finest ancient site. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre which had a capacity of 25,000 and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Fly from Kayseri to Izmir with Ephesus a short drive south of the city.
Pergamon has one of the finest settings of any of Turkey’s Classical remains, clinging to a hillside with far reaching views of the plains below. Explore the site where key features include the Acropolis with its temples dedicated to Athena and Trajan and the nearby large theatre.
Discover the three ancient cities of Didyma, Miletus and Priene. In Didyma see the Temple of Apollo, site for an important ancient oracle, in Miletus explore the well-preserved theatre and in Priene highlights include the Bouleuterion which housed the council of the citizens.
Guide to Price
11 days from £3850 per person
What's Included
- International flights
- Hotel accommodation and taxes
- Private car and driver
- Sightseeing with local English speaking guides
What's Not Included
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Meals unless specified
from £3850
Travel Information
Getting There
There is a wide range of flight options available between the UK and Turkey. British Airways, Turkish Airlines and EasyJet all offer direct services to Istanbul and Turkish Airlines have excellent connections on to other main cities including Izmir, Ankara and Antalya. The Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, are well served by the airports at Dalaman and Bodrum.
Flying Times From UK
Flights from the UK to Istanbul take around three hours and to the Mediterranean Coast close to four hours.
Time Zone
Istanbul is +2 hours ahead of GMT.
Visa Requirements
British Citizens travelling to Turkey for tourism can travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180 day period.
Do’s & Don’ts
If visiting a mosque you should always remove your shoes and ensure that legs and shoulders are covered.
When taking photographs, permission should always be asked before taking someone’s picture.
If you manage to learn a few words in Turkish it will be greatly appreciated.
Money
The Turkish currency is the Lira which comes in denominations of between 1 and 200. Changing foreign currency is an easy process, possible at banks, hotels and post office branches marked PTT but if you need to spend Euros, many places will accept these too. ATMs are readily available in cities, towns and resorts and are a reliable way to access money. All major credit cards are accepted in Turkey although in smaller restaurants and in bazaars cash is preferred.
Tipping
As in many countries there are no hard and fast rules on tipping in Turkey although waiters will always appreciate a gratuity of around 10% of the meal price. Taxi drivers will generally expect to be tipped. A guideline for tipping your drivers and guides will be advised prior to travel.
Food & Drink
Turkish food is one of the glories of Mediterranean cuisine, prepared using the freshest products and with infinite skill and knowledge of flavours. Whether you are dining out in the heart of Istanbul or grabbing a quick snack, the eating experience is unique. People in Turkey enjoy meat and kebab dishes like doner, shish and bursa are popular and insist on the most delicate cuts of lamb. With its long coastline Turkey also has excellent seafood – with the small restaurants of Aegean and Mediterranean coastal towns offering simple but delicious fare. Most dishes use spices, fruits and vegetables including exotic fruits like quince or pomegranate. Alcoholic drinks are widely available with raki, an aniseed-based beverage, a traditional and popular drink. The local beer is Efes and common non-alcoholic options are ayran – a yoghurt-based drink – or freshly squeezed juice.
Accommodation
There is an excellent wide range of hotel accommodation in Turkey from luxurious heritage properties and modern international resorts to quaint homestays and boutique hotels. Sultanahmet, the ancient and cultural heart of Istanbul, is home to some of the city’s finest properties, many of which are historic, whilst in the areas of Beyoglu, Taksim and Ortakoy there are many international luxury hotels. South of Istanbul, the beautiful Aegean coastline shelters a number of charming small hotels and characterful homestays with the amount of luxury resorts increasing as you reach the Mediterranean. With its ethereal landscape, Cappadocia has its own unique accommodation and it is possible to stay in a ‘cave hotel’ making for a unique and memorable experience.
Shopping
Shopping in Turkey is unrivalled. Istanbul's historic Grand Bazaar is a superb, and atmospheric, place to spend an afternoon, whether looking for carpets and jewellery or t-shirts and antiques. Outside the main towns and cities you will find leather goods, woven rugs, copperware, ceramics, embroidery and spices – indeed it is possible to buy almost anything you want in here.
Suggested Reading
The travel literature on Turkey is incredibly rich but a good place to start is with a guidebook with Lonely Planet, the Rough Guide and Frommer’s some of the best. Some fine writers have travelled through Turkey and captured its enigmatic history. They include Philip Glazebrook, Eric Newby and William Dalrymple. Rick Stein's ‘From Venice to Istanbul’ also offers a fascinating glimpse of Turkey as seen through its cuisine. Interesting books include:
‘Istanbul: Memories of a City’, by Orhan Pamuk
‘Turkey: A Short History’, by Norman Stone
‘Istanbul: The Imperial City’, by John Freely
‘Turkey Unveiled: A History of Modern Turkey’, by Hugh Pope
‘Ataturk: The Rebirth of a Nation’, by Patrick Kinross
‘Constantinople: City of the World's Desire’, by Philip Mansel
‘A Short History of Byzantium’, by John Julius Norwich
‘From the Holy Mountain: A Journey in the Shadow of Byzantium’, by William Dalrymple
‘Birds without Wings’, by Louis de Bernieres
Health
Your doctor is the best person to advise you on staying healthy whilst abroad but current recommended vaccinations are Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus and Diphtheria. Yellow Fever is compulsory, but only if you have visited an affected Yellow Fever area within 5 days prior to your arrival. In some instances anti-malarial tablets may also be needed. For current information on health advice you may wish to visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) website Travel Health Pro on https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/. The Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad (MASTA) website (www.masta.org) is also a useful resource.
Travel Advice
For current information on Turkey the best resource is the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice) which is a comprehensive resource and updated regularly. We would also recommend visiting the Safer Tourism Foundation website (safertourism.org.uk) before you travel and will be happy to address any questions or concerns you may have.
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