TURKEY

MEDITERRANEAN SEA

Day 1-6 SITE SEEING

May 9 : Istanbul Arrive at Istanbul and are transferred to our hotel. Overnight in Istanbul at Divas Hotel. May 10: Istanbul Guide to meet you in your hotel at 9:30. Full day with the guide. Itinerary to be determined. Entrance fees and transport not included. Overnight in Istanbul at the Divas Hotel. May 11: Istanbul (Guide) On your own in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul at the Divas Hotel. May 12: Istanbul - Flight to Izmir - Kusadasi Morning transfer to the airport for flight to Izmir. Transfer on to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi at the Villa Konak Hotel. May 13: Ephesus (Guide) Guide and driver to arrive to your hotel by 9:30. We start early in the morning to beat the crowds and first drive to the Virgin Mary's House; afterwards, we visit Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we see the Fountain of Traian, the temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus to name a few. We also visit the Terrace Houses: A number of living units where the rich and the dignitary of Ephesus with the most beautiful ground mosaics, frescoes, terra cotta pipe lines and private baths. Later in the afternoon we will visit St John's Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ's beloved disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, then we head back to Kusadasi for a well-earned rest. Overnight in Kusadasi at the Villa Konak Hotel. May 14: Aphrodisias - Pamukkale As we check out, the driver will meet you for your drive to Pamukkale. Visit on arrival, then have time to stroll over the calcareous terraces of Pamukkale, or to enjoy the thermal facilities. Overnight in Pamukkale at the Haltur Hotel.

CULTURE

• East meets West - Europe meets Asia

• Old World meets New World

• Soccer is favorite sport

HISTORY

• Birthplace of civilization

• Many wars and many rulers in history covering Alexander the Great, Byzantine Era, Ottoman Empire

• We’ll visit ruins of ancient civilizations

ARCHITECTURE

• Thousands of years old

• Mosques, Temples and Castles are some of the oldest and most beautiful in the world

• Most building are from the Ottoman period (1437-1703

POLITICS

• Prime Minister Erdogan is currently in scandal trouble

• Changing laws to give government more control

• People are protesting

• Neighbouring country Syria under evil dictator resulting in millions of refugees fleeing to Turkey.

SAFETY

• 6th most visited country in the world

• Threats of protestors and demonstrations

• Be alert and careful

• Hand hands

• Pickpocketing is popular

FOOD

• Described as fusion and refinement of central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines

• Fresh vegetables, fish, kebabs, hummus, spices and lamb are all natives

• Sweet doughs

PEOPLE & SHOPPING

• 75 Million people in Turkey

• 97% Muslim

• Very welcoming to tourists

• Vibrant and crowded markets and Bazaars

NATURAL WONDERS

• Diverse landscape

• Mountains and canyons

• Seas and Rivers

• Hot Springs and Mud baths

Day 7-11 SAILING

May 16: Marmaris Overnight on Oceanis 343 – Pelagos Sail May 17: Ciflik What we’ll do: Swim, Snorkle, Beach, Sun, Read and Relax May 19-20: Antalya Long drive (rental) to Antalya with possible stops in Phaselis, Kas. On your own in Antalya. Overnight in the My House Hotel.

http://vimeo.com/67200685

DAY 12-15 ADVENTURE AND SITESEEING

May 21: To Konya An early departure after breakfast and a scenic route through Burdur takes us to the beautiful site of Sagalassos. This is one of the very few ancient cities where we can witness how sacred fountains function. After lunch at the town of Aglasun, we continue our drive to the town of Beysehir to visit Esrefoglu Mosque. We arrive at Konya in the late afternoon hours to visit the world famous Mevlana Museum, formerly the place where the mystic philosophy of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was taught. Overnight in Konya. May 22: Konya/Cappadocia Today, we drive to Cappadocia, with an en-route visit to Sultanhan Caravanserai, where the medieval merchants used to stay overnight. After this, we arrive in Ihlara Valley and have our lunch at a local restaurant by the river. After the lunch, we walk through the canyon via the Steps of Anatolia to Belisirma village, the ancient Peristrema. Set by the Melendiz River this is known as the Valley of the Sky . Churches carved from the rocks form a gallery of early paintings that are remarkable for their accuracy. Overnight in Cappadocia at the Melis Hotel. May 23: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon at dawn. After breakfast meet your guide. Group Tour to include the main sites of Cappadocia. Today we introduce you to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia at Dervent Valley, then we head on to Zelve Open Air Museum, which is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements of Cappadocia. Seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos, where we have lunch at a local restaurant. Goreme Open Air Museum is where we visit the rock carved churches and colorful frescoes. We end the day hiking up to the top of Uchisar Castle, which is the highest and the most dominant point, giving us a breathtaking panorama view. Overnight in Cappadocia. May 24: Cappadocia-depart Transfer to the airport in time for the 6:00 flight to Istanbul. In Istanbul, transfer on to your international flight - HOME.

CAPPADOCIA

WHAT TO PACK

Phases

• Hello – Merhaba

• Have a nice Day - İyi günler!

• Goodbye - Hoşçakal

• Thank you - Teşekkür ederim

• How much is this? - Ne kadar?

• I’m from Canada - Canada lıyım

RULES

• Listen to your Mom and Dad

• Be good, be smart, be co-operative and positive

• Everything is going to be different – enjoy it!