TravelShop Turkey Eco tours will introduce the raw environment that has moulded the Turkish people, their culture, religious views, & shaped their daily lives, as well as allowing travellers to experience this. Real life, real people, A real country! Starting at
$500 per week
As part of the growing cultural awareness the fondness of differences and respect for the environment our Eco Tours through Turkey will give experiences never seen before in Turkey to foreign visitors.
Away from the tourist traps and commercialisation that most of us have experienced.
Please ask for our FREE Eco Tours DVD and tour documentary at info @ travelshopturkey com
Our Eco tours will introduce the raw environment that has moulded the Turkish people, their culture, religious views, and shaped their daily lives, as well as allowing travellers to experience this.
Local communities are given a chance to mix it with different cultures of the world and show just how unique Turkish life is from the norm.
Communities also benefit from both the financial but also opens more employment opportunities, accommodation is generally local or historical buildings more often than not families welcome the opportunity to entertain guests in their own homes.
After all Turkey is famous for its hospitality and in the heart land is where it is born. Eco tours in Turkey are an experience as well as a holiday.
Real life, real people, A real country!
Please ask for our FREE Eco Tours DVD and tour documentary at info @ travelshopturkey com
Day 1 - Istanbul Welcome to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul meet with TravelShop Turke team at the Airport. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour After breakfast, we depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul city tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet Mosque across from the St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop, which is the famous Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by Constantine the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, it is one of the architectural marvels of all time. After the tour you have the option to experience The Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of Bosphorus, which connects Asia to Europe. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour Visiting 7 lakes which are found to be different altitudes from each other and at the same time connected with each other on foot. You find seven small lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Büyükgöl (Big Lake), Seringöl (Cool Lake), Deringöl (Deep Lake), Nazlıgöl (Elegant Lake), Küçükgöl (Small Lake), İncegöl (Thin Lake) and Sazlıgöl (Reedy Lake). The lakes are on an area of 550 hectares, while the National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area is among the best-known trekking destinations in the region. There are only small bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, fire pits and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available in Yedigöller between April 1st and September 1st. We will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30 kilometres away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of a 22-kilometer drive. The seven-kilometre walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don't wish to walk can ride by horseback or complete the tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Later, we will have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the village. Spend your overnight stay near Abant in a traditional village house.
Day 4 Safranbolu After breakfast, We have a walk to the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. We then visit Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (Museum), Izzet Mehmet Pashamosque and more. Continue to Kastamonu, we visit government house, Kaya tomb, Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum, Nasrullah Seyh Mosque and more historical sites. Overnight in authentic wooden houses in Safronbolu.
Day 5 Ilgarini Cave Pinarbasi Today we will depart for Ilgarini Cave, which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu), it is one of the largest naturally formed caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful place for trekking and exploration off the beaten path. The cave had been composed by two sections. The cave is an active one and the stalactite and stalagmite volcanic activity still continues. A chapel and a burial ground were found in this cave. Ilgarini Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world. There are no roads to IIgarini Cave so we will be trekking to the Cave so make sure you bring suitable footwear. Overnight in Pinarbasi.
Day 6 Ilısu Waterfall & Varla Canyon. After breakfast we will visit Ilısu Waterfall which is at Küre national Park, near Pınarbaşı, which is in the town and district of the Kastamonu Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey. After lunch you can either relax in the surroundings of this beautiful natural Turkish village or you can take a walk to the Varla Canyon. The walk to the Canyon is about 4km. Overnight in Pinarbasi.
Day 7 Comlekciler Village Horse Riding After breakfast depart for Comlekciler Koyu this village has fantastic horse riding facilities which you can do as an optional activity. Horse riding is not only for the advanced riders they have lessons and treks for beginners also. This village is rich in natural beauty. All meals are home made the farm produce all their own vegetables, butter and milk. If you are interested in doing a week’s horse riding adventure then this can also be arranged. Overnight in Comlekciler Village.
Day 8 Halacoglu Valley Tour After breakfast we depart for Halacoglu Valley. We will visit this valley by different methods of transport such a horses or tractors and a little bit of walking. This is one of the best valleys in this area. You can smell and breathe in the fresh mountain air. We will have a fantastic traditional Turkish BBQ lunch set in luscious green surroundings. On the way you will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in this area. You will see how friendly everyone is in this area. Overnight in Comlekciler Village.
Day 9 Kastamonu After breakfast we depart for Kastamonu. Kastamonu which is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests in Anatolia. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one of the most elegant wood carvings of Turkey, on the Mahmut Bey Mosque. Have lunch in City and after lunch depart for Hattusa. Hattusas (Hattusa) which was the capital of Hitites. Hititians were indo-germen semi European people who originally arrived via the black sea to north of Anatolia at the beginning of 18 th century BC. They met here with local people of Hatti and formed large sized civilisations in Anatolia. They were also here during the bronze age and ruled between 18th and 12th century BC. War vehicles included horse carts which they used during their attack of Ramses the 2nd and later, in their war with the Egyptians. The famous peace treaty was signed and written by two women, marking the first peace treaty in history ever to be participated in by women. Overnight in Hattusa.
Day 10 - Hattusa Tour to Cappadocia After Breakfast we will visit Yazilikaya the ancient ruins of an open air temple of the Hitites where there are ancient rock carvings of the Hitites god and Goddes. We then go to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including Gates of Lion and king. We will then visit the summer palace of Hitites and drive on to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hitites and Hatti civilisations. After Hattusa Tour depart for Cappadocia. The strange but beautiful formation of Cappadocia has had this appearance for millions of years. When the volcanoes in the region were active, the lava which poured out covered all previously formed hills and valleys forming a high plateau. It is estimated that there are more than 600 rock-cut churches in Cappadocia. Walls were covered with beautiful frescoes and they were also influenced by the Iconoclast period in the 8th and 9th Century. The underground cities in Cappadocia are unique too. No one knows when the underground cities of Cappadocia were built, perhaps in Hittite times or as late as the 6Century. Another region worth visiting in the area is the famous Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley (Canyon) is a deep, narrow river gorge cut through the tufa by the Melendiz River. The canyon runs for 20 km / 12 miles offering one of the most enjoyable trekking routes to those people who can spare the minimum of half a day. In the canyon there are about 60 churches, monasteries and cells of anchorites. There are also loads of activities available in Cappadicia: sunrise hot-air ballooning, horse and camel riding, trekking, the list goes on. Overnight in authentic Cappadocia Cave Hotel.
Day 11 - Cappadocia Tour by Jeep Safari The full day Cappadocian Jeep Safari begins in the deeply set valley town of Urgup and will then drive through to the Uzengi River. The drive will take you through scenery that includes pigeon houses, the grape growing district and the nearby wineries of Ortahisar. The jeep tour will then take passengers off the beaten track with a visit to the picturesque caves of the Red Valley. The jeep safari provides the perfect opportunity to take a rest and soak up the natural beauty of the Cappadocian scenery. Overnight in authentic Cappadocia Cave Hotel.
Day 12 – Cappadocia Tour We'll pick you up in your hotel and depart at 09:00 o'clock to drive to Ihlara Valley. There, we'll walk nearly 4 km and visit the frescoed churches before it gets hot. Lunch is in Ihlara Valley, at bank of Melendiz River, which is flowing in the valley. After lunch, we'll visit Selime Cathedral and return back to Derinkuyu Underground City. On the way, we'll visit the Nar Crater Lake. Whilst all other tour groups are at Ihlara Valley, we will be in an underground city where temperature is 12-13 C afternoon!!!. After we visit the biggest underground city of Cappadocia, we'll drive to the Pigeons Valley to see pigeon houses, which were made to collect guano in. Overnight in authentic Cappadocia Cave Hotel.
Day 13 - Cappadocia to Konya and Ergidir This morning we drive to Konya and see the imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana & museum, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes). Stop in Egirdir on the southern tip of the most beautiful of the Pisidian lakes. Egirdir is a fine place to stop in the midst of your journey for two days of quiet rest and contemplation. Overnight in Egirdir.
Day 14 - Egirdir Free Day Egirdir is beautiful and shows another side of Turkey all together. Swimming, boating and hiking can fill a few days if you want to be active. You can also swim in the beautiful natural lake that lies at Ergidir. There are famous fish to be caught here that seem to have no bones… The fish are extremely delicious don’t miss out on the traditional meal of Balik ‘’Fish ‘’ and the famous Turkish drink Raki. There are a number of small farms located in this area where you can see the workers using traditional methods of farming. You will be welcomed by all people in this region. Overnight in Egirdir.
Day 15 - Egirdir to Pamukkale After breakfast at 08:30 we depart for Pamukkale. We shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, walking around this natural phenomenon gives you the option of lying in the waters of the natural healing thermal springs that flow down the calcium terraces. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 16 - Pamukkale to Ephesus After breakfast we depart for Ephesus (2.5 Hour drive) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - it is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour, you will avoid the haggling associated with all local markets in Turkey, enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight in Sirince.
Day 17 - Tour of Village Sirince After breakfast at 08:30 we will depart for the traditional and famous Sirince Village. Visit the beautiful village of Sirince and the ruins of 42 churches, the suggested birth place of the Virgin Mary. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. Sirince's construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slopes are all original with their white paint. There is a good view at the entrance of the village and its streets are also wonderful. Sirince is very popular for its building style, house, streets and apple wine made by the villagers. In 1922 the Anatolian Greeks immigrated back to Greece and Turks coming from Greece settled there. After the Sirince tour we will visit Mount Ida, Turkish Kazdağı, with a meaning of "Goose Mountain" it is a mountain in north-western Turkey, and lies southeast of the ruins of Troy, along the north coast of the Gulf of Edremit. The name, Mount Ida, is an ancient one. Overnight in traditional Kazdagi Village houses.
Day 18 - Kazdagları (Mount Ida) Situated in the West of the province of Balikesir, the Mount Ida of classical mythology retains something of its ancient magic in its delightful trails and waterfalls, its rural charm and scenic views. This mountain has the second best natural Oxygen levels in the world. Today it is a haven for climbers and trekkers. The mountain's healthy climate is also home to a range of arts and crafts, including some which date back to nomadic Turkish tribes. The steep and level tracks, asphalted lanes and gardens of Zeytinli afford the walker a constant permutation of surface and vista. In the Village of the Wooden Birds (Tahtakuşlar Köyü), just a few kilometres from Akçay, stands Turkey’s first private ethnographical museum and first village art gallery. The legends of the Kaz mountains are told here and the medicinal plants which grow on them can be purchased along with local handicrafts.A kilometre to the Southeast is Şarlak, with its commanding view of Çamlibel and the Gulf. Its picnic area and tea garden, containing a pool in the shape of the Sea of Marmara, are an ideal place to gather breath. Mount Ida defined with various names in the Iliada Legend of Homeros have comprised many legends throughout the history with its natural-cultural assets and unique beauties. Besides it’s an important attraction center considering the recreation and tourism activities. Overnight Kazdagi Village houses
Day 19 - Assos & Troy Tour Assos lies within the village of Behremkale. It is believed that the civilisation of Assos was founded by the people of Methymna in the 7th century B.C. a town on the island of Lesbos. Walls surround the Acropolis, built on a hill dominating both sea and land, about 3 km. in length. These walls were distinctively built at the time expressing different style and workmanship. Try the local restaurants and the cafes in the village and also at the harbour. Enjoy the small cobbled beach next to the harbour, swim over the huge remnants of ancient harbour ruins, lying just under the surface of the gentle sea. or walk down the cobbled road to the harbour (iskele) and admire the mosaics of a partly excavated byzantine church, as well as the marvellous view on the Greek island of Lesbos and the gulf of Edremit. After lunch depart for Troy where you can explore the site of the legendary town, made famous by Homer and visit the Temple of Athena. Overnight in Eceabat.
Day 20 Gallipoli Tour – İstanbul After breakfast visit the sites that have made Gallipoli a landmark and the memorial for all those that fell during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War 1. Gallipoli also stands as the birth place for the foundation of modern Turkey as we know it today. The rise of Turkey’s founder Ataturk and the friendships formed between several nations during the battle for the Dardanels were two veryimportant milestones for modern Turkey. After the Tour, depart for Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 21 Istanbul Tour The End We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. After breakfast check out from the hotel. We make your return airport transfer services. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
Per Person Shared Double Single Travellers Min. 4 pax Euro: € 2244.00 Euro: € 2805.00 4 to 8 pax Euro: € 1870.00 Euro: € 2338.00 8 to 12 and More Euro: € 1683.00 Euro: € 2104.00
TRAVELSHOP TURKEY EARLY BIRD DISCOUNTS: Early birds discounts are available on some scheduled guided group tours, for prices listed on our website:
Experience the 4 corners of Turkey and the different cultures and peoples that make up this great and vast country, from the Agricultural farmers in the north to the arid regions of the east, the historical sites of the south give depth and age to the local environment and the varied people that will entertain and accommodate you through this wonderful journey.
TOUR INCLUDES: 3, 4 Star, Village Houses, Bungalows and Boutique Hotels in each area 3 nights hotel in Istanbul with breakfast and dinner 1 night hotel in Abant with breakfast and dinner 1 night hotel in Safranbolu with breakfast and dinner 2 nights hotel in Pinarpasi with breakfast and dinner 2 nights hotel in Comlekciler with breakfast and dinner 1 night hotel in Hattusa with breakfast and dinner 3 nights hotel in Cappadocia with breakfast and dinner 2 nights hotel in Egirdir with breakfast and dinner 1 night hotel in Pamukkale with breakfast and dinner 2 nights hotel in Sirince with breakfast and dinner 2 nights hotel in Kazdaglari (Mount Ida) with breakfast and dinner 1 night hotel in Eceabat with breakfast and dinner Guided tour in Istanbul Guided tour in Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour Guided tour in Safranbolu Guided tour in Ilgarini Cave, Guided tour in Ilısu Waterfall, Guided tour in Varla Canyon Guided tour in Pinarbasi Guided tour in Comlekciler Village Guided tour in Halacoglu Valley Guided tour in Kastamonu Guided tour in Hattusa Guided tour in Cappadocia Guided tour in Egirdir Guided tour in Pamukkale Guided tour in Ephesus Guided tour in Sirince Village Guided tour in Kazdaglari (Mount Ida) Guided tour in Asos Guided tour in Troy Guided tour in Gallipoli Private Air-conditioned busses Private Professional English speaking tour guide All entrance fees mentioned in the Itinerary Private airport transfers
NOTE: The above tour is based on a private tour. If you would like to visit any other Eco Touristic places not mentioned on this itinerary we are happy to make a tailored made ECO Tourism holiday to suit whatever you wish to do. Just let us know by email how long you would like to stay and which places you are interested in visiting.
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