Best Of Turkey

Anatolia is the birthplace of many historic figures and legends such as the poet Homer, King Midas, Herodotus (the father of history), and St.Paul the Apostle.
In this tour you will be visiting Ephesus, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Bursa, and Istanbul with your experienced tour guide and learn the history of ancient Asia Minor.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul!! Make your own way to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL [B]
Today, after breakfast, we start the day by visiting the impressive Topkapi Palace, which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the XVI and XIX centuries. It has a magnificent location overlooking the Bosphorus. We also visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia (Basilica of Hagia Sophia) built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the VI century. It is one of the greatest architectural wonders in the world. After lunch, we will visit the enchanting and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble cages. Next, visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, the center of 1000 years of Byzantine life, where chariot races and competitive athletic events take place. We will also visit the Basilica Cistern. Then, we will end the day by visiting the Grand Bazaar, the world's largest and oldest shopping venue. We will be back to the hotel in the afternoon. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL / GELIBOLU / CANAKKALE [B, D]
After breakfast, move to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Bay, Lone Pine Cemetery, Conkbayırı and Gabatepe War Museum. Operation Gallipoli caused 141,113 casualties to the Allies and 195,000 to the Turks. Gallipoli proved to be the biggest victory of the Turks in the war. In London, the failure of the campaign brought Winston Churchill's rank down and contributed to the collapse of the government of Prime Minister HH Asquith. The conflict at Gallipoli proved to be an exciting national experience for Australia and New Zealand who had not fought in a major conflict before. As a result, April 25, the anniversary of the landings, is celebrated as ANZAC Day and is the most important military commemoration day of both countries. Overnight in Çanakkale.

DAY 4: ÇANAKKALE / TROY / KUŞADASI [B, D]
After breakfast, we set out for the legendary city of Troy and see the ancient city, whose history dates back to prehistoric times. See Helen's Trojan horse, Hellenic-Roman ruins, dreaming of Helen's romantic love story with Paris and the famous Trojan War. This is where we literally step back in time throughout history. The stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris, and the beautiful Helen immortalized this city. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine different settlement periods, as well as ruins of city walls, house foundations, temple and theater ruins. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. The Battle of the Granikus River also took place near Troy in May 334 BC, the first of three great battles between Alexander the Great and the Persian Empire. He fought in northwest Anatolia, near the Trojan region. Here Alexander defeated the forces of the Persian satraps of Asia Minor, including a large force of Greek mercenaries led by Rhodes Memnon. The battle took place at the crossing of the Granicus River (present-day Biga River) on the road from Abydos to Dasclium (near today's Ergili). Later, to visit the ancient kingdom of Pergamum, one of the Pergamon most beautiful places in Turkey, the city, the Red Hall and the Acropolis before remotely without seeing the ruins of Asklepion medical center, the Temple of Athena and was one of the great cultural centers, we will also visit the famous library. Asklepion was a shelter dedicated to the god of health, Asklepios. It is famous for being the symbol of medicine where the snakes were born. It is home to the former physician Galenos, who contributed a lot to the medical literature and is also known as a medical center where psychotherapy was applied as psychological therapy for the first time in the world. Overnight in Kuşadası.

DAY 5: KUŞADASI / EPHESUS [B, D]
After breakfast this morning, we set out on our walking tour to the ancient city of Ephesus, where the Grand Theater, which was built by the Romans between AD 41-117 and is still used today. The Veduis Gymnasium houses many valuable items from the Roman Empire period, including the magnificent Celsius Library, the Temple of Hadrian guarded by the head of Medusa, the House of Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Archeology Museum in Selçuk, the mother Goddess statue. Artemis-Diana. Next, we will travel from the north of Ephesus to Sardis, where the Greco-Persian wars took place. The Persian King occupied the capital of Sardis, BC. In 546, he conquered the Lydian kingdom and built bridges and towers alongside the river until he was killed by Darius the Great. Darius ruled nearly 50 million people and the largest empire known to the ancient world. Darius has done a lot to support commerce and commerce. He developed the empire's infrastructure by building canals, underground waterways, and roads. He practiced religious tolerance, did not allow slavery, and, despite his occupation of Greece, supported the idea that the Greeks and Persians were members of kinship peoples. He employed some Greeks in senior positions. He listened to the ideas of the non-Persians, but depended heavily on the Persians to rule the Empire and was based on the work of Cyrus the Great. Overnight in Kuşadası. He did not allow slavery and supported the idea that the Greeks and Persians were members of kin peoples, although he invaded Greece. He employed some Greeks in senior positions. He listened to the ideas of the non-Persians, but depended heavily on the Persians to rule the Empire and was based on the work of Cyrus the Great. Overnight in Kuşadası. He did not allow slavery and supported the idea that the Greeks and Persians were members of kin peoples, although he invaded Greece. He employed some Greeks in senior positions. He listened to the ideas of the non-Persians, but depended heavily on the Persians to rule the Empire and was based on the work of Cyrus the Great. Overnight in Kuşadası.

DAY 6: KUŞADASI / PAMUKKALE [B, D]
After breakfast, we visit a Leather production center in Selçuk. Then, to Pamukkale, famous for its chalk-white natural limestone formations. Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the world-famous "Cotton Castle" Here mineral-rich hot springs bubbling to the surface and flow down a steep slope that forms the white limestone terraces that give Pamukkale its name. "The hot springs have served as a spa for centuries and attracted settlers as early as 190 BC. Beyond the Hierapolis walls is a vast necropolis containing more than 1200 tombs from ancient Greece to early Jewish and Christian times. We have the opportunity to swim in the Cleopatra Pool, also known as the Roman Ancient Pool.

DAY 7: PAMUKKALE / PERGE / ASPENDOS / ANTALYA [B, D]
After breakfast, we set out for Antalya and started in BC. We pass to Perge, the ancient city dating back to 1000s and the capital of ancient Pamphilia. Visit the magnificent Roman and Hellenistic Buildings in the ancient city. not far from the city center of Antalya, one of Turkey's two impressive classical Roman city. This morning you are visiting the ruins in Perge and Aspendos. In Perge, you visit an entire Roman town as you walk down the colonnaded street, next to the ruins of baths and temples towards a fortified acropolis; There are theater, stadium and many tombs outside the city walls. There is a huge Roman theater in Aspendos, still intact and one of the best preserved theaters in the Mediterranean. This amphitheater can accommodate 20,000 people and is still used for music and theater festivals. We will also see the famous aqueducts of Aspendos on our tour. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

DAY 8: ANTALYA [B, D]
Leisure and opportunities for specially designed on-demand tours offered by your guide. We will provide our guests with a cruise service to elite ancient cities such as Phaselis and the Gulf of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 9: ANTALYA / KONYA / CAPPADOCIA [B, D]
After breakfast, we move to Cappadocia via Konya to see Whirl. Dervish Sect Mevlana Museum is home to the philosopher's tomb and personal belongings. Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi was recently named "Mystic of the XIII Century" by Time Magazine. Here the mystical Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi Sect known in the West as Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana Museum, known for its mystical poems written in Persian and named after the famous poet of the middle age. Mevlana Celaleddin's Tomb was first opened as a museum in 1927. In the museum, Mevlevi instruments, calligraphy samples, fabrics and carpets belonging to the Mevlana and Mevlevi Order are exhibited. . Then, set off for Cappadocia, stopping at the magnificent Sultanhanı Caravanserai. Caravanserais were fortified inns, stopping on their journeys on trade routes built to house caravans. Sultan Hani was built in 1229 and has a large gated entrance, carefully decorated in the Seljuk Turkish style. The Seljuk Turks wreaked havoc in Central Anatolia in the 11th century, carrying Islam to Asia Minor and made Konya their capital for nearly 400 years. Continue to Cappadocia and take a few photo breaks in the area before sunset. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. Continue to Cappadocia and take a few photo breaks in the area before sunset. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. Continue to Cappadocia and take a few photo breaks in the area before sunset. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 10: CAPPADOCIA [B, D]
Its deep yellow-toned frescoes reflect the hues of the surrounding landscape. rock frescoed churches and chapels, a monastery complex consisting of Goreme Open Air Museum is one of Turkey's best known landmarks. Most of the chapels date from the Xth century to the XIII century. In Zelve, you can explore the cave houses and a rock mosque with a minaret made of volcanic tuff. There, we will walk along unusual rock formations carved into the characteristic tuff rock and rock-cut dwellings, hidden vineyards, orchards and small farmland. Visit the famous Underground City Kaymaklı or Serhatlı and see a Turkish Carpet production center. Overnight in Cappadocia. It is one of the best known sites in central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from the Xth century to the XIII century. In Zelve, you can explore the cave houses and a rock mosque with a minaret made of volcanic tuff. There, we will walk through unusual rock formations carved into the characteristic tuff rock and rock-cut dwellings, hidden vineyards, orchards and small farmland. Visit the famous Underground City Kaymaklı or Serhatlı and see a Turkish Carpet production center. Overnight in Cappadocia. It is one of the best known sites in central Turkey. Most of the chapels date from the Xth century to the XIII century. In Zelve, you can explore the cave houses and a rock mosque with a minaret made of volcanic tuff. There, we will walk along unusual rock formations carved into the characteristic tuff rock and rock-cut dwellings, hidden vineyards, orchards and small farmland. Visit the famous Underground City Kaymaklı or Serhatlı and see a Turkish Carpet production center. Overnight in Cappadocia. It was processed into characteristic tuff rock. Visit the famous Underground City Kaymaklı or Serhatlı and see a Turkish Carpet production center. Overnight in Cappadocia. It was processed into characteristic tuff rock. Visit the famous Underground City Kaymaklı or Serhatlı and see a Turkish Carpet production center. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 11: CAPPADOCIA / ANKARA [B, D]
After breakfast, we move to Ankara and visit the imposing limestone tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk and the Atatürk Museum. Then, from a close distance to the museum, see the ancient castle and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, one of the world's most beautiful antique museums, where many artifacts from prehistoric times to Roman civilizations, as well as Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittite remains are displayed. , Urartians, Phrygians and others. This museum of Anatolian civilizations will take you into mysteries up to the Paleolithic age. Its exhibits include wooden furniture that has been miraculously preserved from the tomb of the Phrygian king Midas. Dinner and overnight in Ankara.

DAY 12: ANKARA-ISTANBUL: BY METRO FROM EUROPE TO ASIA [B]
Today we are going to Istanbul for an exciting "discover the city by metro" program. You will get on the metro and go to the Golden Horn Metro Bridge, Galata Tower, Topkapi Palace with breathtaking views of the Golden Horn. Walk on our bus to explore the magnificent and the historical Orient Express Station of Asia's Süleymani Mosque and take the Cross-Continental Metro, also called Marmaray, to cross the Bosphorus and reach Asia, built in a lower tunnel along the Bosphorus. Tonight, we will take you to Taksim Square, the fun-filled district of the city, which is a big square and we will have some free time.

DAY 13: DEPARTURE FROM ISTANBUL [B]
Arrange your own transfer to the airport.

INCLUDED FEATURES:

*Superior first-class hotel accommodations

* All meals (total of 38 including 13 buffet breakfasts, 12 lunches, and 13 dinners)

*All entrance fees to the sites included in the itinerary

*Services of an experienced FLO USA tour guide

*Land transportation by air-conditioned motor coach

*FLO USA Travel Protection Plan (over $200 value)

*FLO USA Travel documents kit (luggage tags, travel bag, neck-rest pillow, luggage strap, etc.)