TURKEY: Boutique Small Group Turkish Delights Tour - 15 days

Tour Commences In:  Istanbul

Tour Concludes in:  Istanbul

Number of Days: 15 days / 14 nights

Tour Style:  Private Escorted Small Group Tour (groups, couples & solo travellers)

Accommodation: Boutique Hotels

Meals: Breakfasts; 19: Lunches; 10: Dinners; 7:

Leaders: Professional private guide

Transportation: Pprivate chauffeur driven air-conditioned vehicles & boats

Tour Grading: MODERATE: Suitable for travellers with an average level of fitness and mobility

•  Experience all the cosmopolitan delights of Istanbul 

•  Explore the Ottoman treasures in this magnificent city

•  Shop in ancient bazaars that sell spices, clothing, jewellery, textiles etc

•  Cruise the Bosphorus that divides Europe & Asia & admire its glorious shoreline views

•  Experience the nightlife of belly dancing and a whirling dervish performance of traditional Islamic dancing

•  Pay your respects at Gallipoli; a time for reflection

•  Explore the legendary, World Heritage-listed city of Troy, famous in Greek and Roman mythology

•  Discover the Hellenistic city of Pergamon & the Altar of Zeus

•  Explore the ancient city of Ephesus; the Greco-Roman ruins and large ancient cities, one of the world’s best   preserved archaeological sites on the Aegean Sea

•  Marvel at Pamukkale’s chalky travertine pools & soak in the age old hot springs

•  Explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis with its basilica theatre and Roman Baths

•  Enjoy leisure time & sail around the bays & islands of the Aegean Sea at Fethiye

•  Wonder at the amazing geological formations of ‘fairy chimneys’ in Cappadocia

•  Explore underground cities in Cappadocia

•  Take a balloon ride at sunrise over the amazing landscape

•  Learn all about carpets and ceramics

•  Enjoy a variety of delicious cuisine and regional delicacies

•  And much, much more

DAY 1:     Wednesday:    Arrive Istanbul:                  (B/SD)
A very warm welcome to the exciting city of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. You will transferred from one of the international airports by our driver to your hotel in Sultanahmet.

Later this afternoon we will rendezvous in our hotel Lobby and meet fellow travellers before departing on our tour of the Old City to orientate you to the Grand Bazaar. It is still the commercial centre of the old city is the Grand Bazaar and it is Turkey’s largest covered market offering excellent shopping. It has about 4000 shops. It has a fabulous selection for every taste and budget: Turkish crafts, jewellery, brilliant hand-painted ceramics, copper and brassware, meerschaum pipes and excellent quality leather and suede products, and of course a rich collection of world-renowned carpets.  Continue on to a wonderful local restaurant for our delicious ‘welcome dinner’

We suggest you arrive a day earlier to get your bearings and recover from any jet lag you may have. If you do choose to arrive early, we can extend your hotel bookings and provide any information or advice you may need in order to make the most of your time and get yourself familiar with this exciting city. If you require a guide, please inform us asap to assist you with arrangements.

SUGGESTED OPTIONS: (Not Included in cost of tour)
Perhaps enjoy a Turkish Hammam, attend the Belly Dancing Academy and learn to Belly Dance! Attend a cooking class or spend the day discovering textiles with a specialist.

DAY 2:    Thursday:      Istanbul:                    (B/L)
This morning, walk to the pearl of Byzance, Hagia Sofia, a 6th century masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, built as a Christian church, converted to a mosque in 1453, and made into a museum in the middle of the 20th century.
See also the grand Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, called the ‘Blue Mosque’ because of its interior tiles, with its six minarets and a great cascade of domes.
Explore around the Hippodrome; this was the heart of Constantinople’s political and sporting life. Then continue to the Topkapi Palace, which was the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans, from 1465 to 1853. The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armour, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewellery. This evening is at your leisure.

DAY 3:     Friday:        Istanbul:                   (B/L)
Begin today’s tour visiting the 6th Century Yerebatan Saray Sarniçi, called the Basilica Cistern (or Sunken Palace) this reservoir is the grandest of all. You will be amazed by its size, it’s capacity, and its 336 marble columns. It was notable filmed in a scene from the James Bond movie ‘From Russia With Love’.
Then continue walking to the Church of SS Sergius and Bacchus (537 AD), built during the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian the Great. The church is dedicated to Roman soldiers Sergius and Bacchus, who were martyred during the reign of Emperor Maximian around 300 AD.
Then its onto the fabulous the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colourful and bustling markets. It’s filled with the fragrance of the exotic East, enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint and thyme fill the air, perhaps purchase some spices, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and lokum, and do taste-test the sweet candy called Turkish Delight. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

DAY 4:    Saturday:          Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale:                       (B/L/D)
This morning drive to the province of Canakkale and the Strait of Dardanelles which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea. Its shores touch both Europe and Asia. This is a historical and mythological-rich area-homeland of many widely known legends. 
The province has witnessed two very important battles in history. One of them is the mythological war of Troy and the other battle is the Battle of Canakkale. 
We stop at Gallipoli and with our specialist private guide and visit the sites of the Gallipoli battlefields including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, The Neck, Plugges Plateau and Chanuk Bair. Lest We Forget. if time permits visit the Turkish gravesite.
Later this afternoon, take our ferry to the seaside village of Canakkale. Canakkale is a delightful example of a typical Turkish town on the Marmara.

DAY 5:    Sunday:          Canakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Kusadasi:                     (B/L/D)
Today, explore the ancient and legendary and fascinating archaeological site of Troy, scene of the Trojan War, immortalized by Homer in the stories of King Primus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. This UNESCO World Heritage site includes the archaeological excavations that have been revealing separate periods of settlement and the ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. You’ll also see the symbolic Trojan horse that commemorates the epic war machine that was constructed in the 6th century BC.
In the afternoon, visit the fabulous Hellenistic city of Pergamon. Pergamon is one of Turkey’s oldest inhabited sites from pre-historic times through the Ionic, Roman and Byzantine civilisations. It was famous city of learning, medicine and arts in ancient times, once a powerful and cultured kingdom. Several important remains have survived there: the Red Hall, a Roman Bridge and tunnel. The library was believed to contain 200,000 volumes, which Mark Antony later gave to Cleopatra as a wedding present. Pergamon was cited in the book of Revelations one of the seven churches of Asia. The ‘Alter of Zeus’ is in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. It is said that the Theatre in the acropolis of Pergamon is the steepest raked Hellenistic theatre in the world. The cavea of the theatre which consists of 80 rows of seats is divided into three sections by two diazomas. The capacity was 10,000 people. The road in front of the theatre leads to the Temple of Dionysos. The Asklepieion, one of the major healing centres of antiquity is three kilometres south of the Acropolis, down in the valley, there was the Sanctuary of Asclepius, also known as the Asclepieion, the god of healing. In this place people with health problems could bathe in the water of the sacred spring, and in the patients' dreams Asclepius would appear in a vision to tell them how to cure their illness.

DAY 6:    Monday       Kusadasi – Ephesus  – Selçuk – Sirince – Kusadasi:        (B/L)
Today, is a full day of wonderful site seeing including Ephesus, the best-preserved and restored ancient city in Turkey. Ephesus contains one of the largest collections of Roman ruins even if only an estimated 15% has been . The ruins that are visible give some idea of the city’s original splendour, and the names associated with the ruins are evocative of its former life. Because the terraced houses here were buried after an earthquake, the intricate mosaic floors remained well-preserved for centuries. Highlights of our visit include The Great Theatre, which was built by the Romans between 41 and 117 AD and is still used today. See the magnificent Library of Celsus, which has double walls to keep out the damp and to moderate the extremes of temperature.
Then drive to the new Ephesus Archaeological Museum (Efes Museum) It houses finds from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. It’s best site. It’s-known exhibit is the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess in Ephesus.
In Selçuk, visit St. John’s Basilica. The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Raised by two steps and covered with marble, the tomb of St John was under the central dome, is marked with a plaque. St John or the Apostle John was the writer of the Fourth Gospel and the book of Revelation. The accounts of the Gospels agree that he is the son of Zebedee; together with his brother James, began to follow Jesus while fishing in the Lake Galilee. He became one of the Christ’s closest disciples and was with him on various significant events such as the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion. Continue onto the Virgin Mary’s house where she is known to have spent her last days. Visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Another important ruin that has remained from Byzantine are the aqueducts in Selcuk. You can see the ruins of the Byzantin aqueduct in the town extending from the eastern hills to the Ayasuluk Hill passing by the current train station and on both sides of the railway. These restored aqueducts’ peak parts serve for storks nests, which are a symbol of the town.

DAY 7:    Tuesday:                     Kusadasi – Pamukkale:                  (B/L/D)
This morning, depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale. Along the way stop and visit Aphrodisias one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess and then the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a renowned school of marble sculpture. The Temple of Aphrodite later became a Christian Basilica through an impressive swapping of columns.
Pamukkale is world famous for its volcanic spring water that cascades over steep, natural terraces to form pools, channels and stalactites which give rise to Pamukkale’s modern name ‘Cotton -castle’. One of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts. Perhaps take a moment to walk within them.
Briefly explore the fascinating ancient city of Hierapolis, a remarkable archaeological site. Be in awe of impressive amphitheatre with seats still in perfect condition, the gates of Domitian (83 AD) and column-lined streets and arches which have stood through time including earthquakes. The Martyrium of St. Philip where the apostle is said to be buried in a worship chamber surrounded by eight chapels.
Nearby lies the Ancient Pool, also known as Cleopatra’s Pool, naturally heated by hot springs and filled with submerged marble columns from ancient times. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

DAY 8:    Wednesday:      Pamukkale – Fethiye:                 (B/L/D)
Later this morning, drive to the delightful seaside resort of Fethiye, situated between Antalya and Marmaris and is considered one of Turkey’s most picturesque and popular seaside resorts. Located on the Turquoise Coast, Fethiye is in a protected bay with the majestic Taurus Mountains in the background. The city is famous for its beautiful marina, which is one of the largest in Turkey. On arrival, check into our hotel and the afternoon is at your leisure.
Perhaps visit the ancient Crusader fortress built by the Knights of St John. The remains of a Roman theatre can be seen behind the harbor. Behind Fethiye you can visit the Tomb of Amyntas, an Ionic temple façade carved in the sheer rock face dating back to 350 BC – there is free time this afternoon to go exploring this site, it’s quite a steep climb to get there but it’s worth it for the views. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

DAY 9:    Thursday:             Fethiye – Blue Cruise:                       (B/L)
Today, embark on our private ‘Blue Cruise’ with lunch included. Departing from Fethiye Harbour, enjoy a leisurely cruise along the picturesque coastline, drifting past hidden coves and serene bays. Relax on deck, perhaps take a ‘plunge’ and swim in the crystal-clear turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. We later return to Fethiye Harbour, and the remainder of the day is free for you to enjoy at your leisure.

DAY 10:    Friday:                      Fethiye – Antalya:                (B/L/D)
Depart Fethiye after breakfast and drive the picturesque Mediterranean coastline, and part of the region of Lycia to Antalya, with its pine covered hillside landscapes that drop unceremoniously from the Taurus Mountain Range into a sea.
Stop along the way at the Hellenistic city of Olympos which was once a thriving port city. It is now famed for its unique combination of history and natural beauty, The entrance to the old city is covered in woodland and oleanders and the ruins are separated by a river  Follow our guide walking footpaths into the woods where you can find a houses with mosaics, the remains of temples and tombs, it’s a captivating destination for history enthusiasts.

DAY 11:   Saturday:        Antalya – Konya – Cappadocia:               (B/L/D)
Today we drive along the ‘Silk Road’, part of the ancient trading route from China to Western Europe! We stop and explore Aspendos Theatre, which is one of the best-preserved Rome theatre in Asia Minor. In fact, it seems to be almost completely intact. Still able to seat up to 15,000 people, this Roman amphitheatre was once part of the city of Aspendos, which was founded by Ancient Greeks from Argos and was first written about by the Hittites in 800 B.C. Under the Romans, the city grew even more prosperous and was probably built there sometime during the second century AD. Meander around the Theatre which plays host to an annual summer festival. Nearby, are also the remains of an Ancient Roman aqueduct.
Continue travelling northeast to Konya and visit the Museum of Sufi Leader of Mevlana, home of the Whirling Dervishes and site of the tomb of the Mevlana or Rumi, an important place of pilgrimage.  Continue driving on to Cappadocia.
In Cappadocia, you will find unusual lunar-likegeographic formations sprinkled amongst green vineyards, fruit orchards and frescoed churches. Wind and rain have eroded the brittle volcanic rock to form rock cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines in colours that range from warm reds and golds to cool greens and greys. This is truly a surreal landscape. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 12:     Sunday:        Cappadocia:              (B/L)
The most magical way to experience Cappadocia’s otherworldly landscape is from above, drifting silently in a hot air balloon at sunrise. For those wishing to witness this dramatic and breathtaking scenery from the sky, an optional flight is available before breakfast. (Weather permitting)
After breakfast, drive to the amazing Göreme Open Air Museum. It’s the most famous attraction, and for good reason, this complex of several painted cave-churches was carved out by Orthodox monks between 900 and 1200 AD including the fabulous ‘Dark Church’, famous for its remarkably well persevered frescoes. Then visit the site of the Uchisar Castle, the natural rock citadel of Uçhisar, it is the tallest point in Cappadocia, visible for a great distance from the region’s other towns such as Urgup and Avanos.
Avanos on the banks of the Red River in Cappadocia is all about pottery-making. You can see pottery being made, and you may also take a pottery-making class and make some yourself. After the tour, drive to a special café where you can relax and take in the stunning views of Cappadocia’s unique landscape while tasting their famous coffee — a local specialty and guest favourite.
Continue to Ürgüp and visit Ebru Art House to witness a live demonstration of the traditional Turkish marbling art. Guests may also try creating their own Ebru artwork before enjoying free time to explore Ürgüp’s charming streets and local shops.
Explore the ruins at ‘Imagination Valley’, is a beautiful valley full of unique rock formations, many of which are said to resemble animal shapes.
This evening witness a Whirling Dervishes spiritual ceremony in an ancient Silk Road caravanserai, which was a temporary home for traders and their camels while on route to and from Europe.

DAY 13:     Monday:    Cappadocia:                                (B/L/D)
After having breakfast at the Hotel, our first stop is the Soganli valley, which was one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia. After this, we drive to Urgup through the unspoiled villages of Cappadocia, surrounded by the “table-top” mountains. On the way there we will visit the Medrese in Taskinpasa, a Theological School of the Seljuk Turks. After that we continue towards Mustafapaşa (Sinassos), an ancient Greek town with spectacular old Greek houses: a very fine example of late Greek settlement and architecture. Today, you’ll learn about the traditional Turkish craft of carpet weaving, from silkworm cultivation to spinning, dyeing, and patterning techniques at Punto Carpet. Visit of incredible Underground City of Özkonak, where early Christians lived secretly to survive and keep their faith.
First opened to tourists in 1972. The houses in the village are constructed around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the underground city. Each space is organized around ventilation shafts. The tunnels and underground rooms are still used today as storage areas, stables, wine cellars, living areas, and cave churches. Drive to Pigeon valley for the view. Pigeon Valley in Cappadocia consists of plenty of pigeon houses. The pigeon droppings were also used as fuel and fertilizers. Travellers come to this place to see a wide variety of architectural structures. The pigeon houses are carved in rock. The wonderful architecture constructed amidst the idyllic landscape makes it a magnificent sight. Chimneys have been craved in the rocks. The chimneys consist of caves which were used as hiding places for Christians who escaped from the Romans.
The afternoon is free to shop, play backgammon and drink tea with the locals, or indulge in a luxurious Hamam, a Turkish bath.

DAY 14:        Tuesday:         Cappadocia – Istanbul:                             (B/L/D)
Following breakfast, we fly to Istanbul. Then we embark on our private ferry for an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus, the strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and dividing Europe and Asia and admire its glorious views. We disembark at Anadolu Kavagi, a fishing village near the Black Sea and enjoy lunch in one of the authentic Turkish fish restaurants. Following lunch, we drive to Kanlica and enjoy the delicious local yogurt. We then reboard the cruise and return to Istanbul.
This afternoon we visit Dolmabahce Palace, one of the world’s most opulent palaces and the largest in Turkey. It was the royal residence of the last 6 sultans of the Ottoman Empire and famous for its great collection of European antiquity, furniture and one of the world’s largest crystal chandeliers.
This evening enjoy our farewell Dinner.

DAY 15:   Wednesday:              Depart Istanbul:         (B)
This morning our small group tour concludes. It is time to say farewell to acquaintances, new-found friends and Turkey. 
At your leisure before transferring to the airport for your onward or homebound journey.

Depending on your departure itinerary, you may have time for some last-minute sight-seeing and shopping. We are able to organise a private guide to accompany you. Some guests may wish to stay another day or more in this amazing country; please don’t hesitate to contact Boutique Tours & Travel for further travel arrangements.

Our specially curated itineraries are carefully planned and well thought out to ensure you are rewarded with the best experiences in Turkey. The magic of travelling in such a small group allows us to cater for spontaneity and sometimes we often find some wonderful surprises along the way, it can be these unplanned occurrences that are the most memorable. The rich tapestry of experiences and the characters you meet along the way will make this guided small group tour something special and one you will remember for a lifetime.

Flexibility:
The itinerary can be flexible, sometimes due to weather or on-going events which guests may want to see. If there is something else you’d like to do or see on your trip please contact us and we’ll try our best to ensure it can be done.

·     A specially curated itinerary for Boutique Tours & Travel

·     A Small Group Tour (2 - 12 Guests)

·     Private international airport arrival transfers (1 - 2 days Pre Tour- to Tour Hotel)

·     Private international airport departure transfers for all guests (1 – 2 days  Post Tour- from Tour Hotel)

·     Internal Airfare – Economy Class – Kayseri / Istanbul (Price and availability for upgrade available on request)

·     Luxury private air-conditioned vehicles for all our transportation

·     Hand-picked centrally located  4  & 5 star hotel accommodation

·     WIFI where available

·     Daily buffet breakfast "B" "L" for Lunch and "D" for Dinner

·     Private services of one or more international bilingual tour guides

·     Admission fees to all activities, tours, excursions and entrance site fees as noted in the program

·     An exclusive BT&T Information Travel App

·     Bottled water when in vehicle

Not included:

·     International air or train fares

·     Arrival / Departure Taxes, levies and other charges

·     Passport and visa fees

·     Organising of any ‘luggage delivery’ via FedEx or postal service

·     Excess baggage charges

·     Personal travel insurance

·     Tips for guide, driver & porterage

·     Alcoholic beverages

·     Personal expenses