ITINERARY - 17 DAY GRAND SULTAN TOUR
Day 9, Dalaman - Kas
Today we leave Dalaman town and drive to the abandoned Greek village of Kayaköy that inspired the best selling novel ‘Birds Without Wings’ by Louis de Berniere. After a lunch stop at ‘Hisaronu’ near Fethiye, we continue on to the breath taking Saklikent Gorge. The last leg of our drive takes us to the charming seaside town of Kaş via spectacular bays and fishing towns. Most visitors fall in love with this town, so we suggest you make the most it. Remainder of the day is free. In the evening you may enjoy the culinary delights this coastal town has to offer, including fresh seafood, at one of the many exquisite local restaurants.(B)
Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Kaş
Day 10, Kaş - Antalya
This morning, we drive the short distance to the fishing village of Uçagiz where we embark on a spectacular boat cruise to explore wonderful island studded bays, the sunken city of Kekovaand the nearby Simena village (pictured at right) and castle and to swim in some of the secluded bays. We have lunch at a seaside restaurant in Simena before returning to Uçagiz.
In the afternoon, we visit ancient Myra, home town of St Nicholas (Santa Clause) and St Nicholas’s Church before we travel along the coastal road to the cliff top city of Antalya. Dinner is at the hotel restaurant. (B/L/D).
Overnight in a restored boutique style hotel in the old city - Antalya.
Day 11, In Antalya
Today we have a leisurely morning to explore the ancient city of Perge and the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos. We then visit the spectacular Düden waterfalls where we have lunch before returning to Antalya. The rest of the day is free to do as you please. You may visit the archaeological museum housing exquisite artefacts from Perge and other places, explore the meandering streets and shops of the old city or just relax and enjoy the views and traditional restaurants in this vibrant and scenic city. (B/L)
Overnight in a restored boutique style hotel in the old city - Antalya.
Day 12, Antalya - Konya - Cappadocia
This morning, we leave the Mediterranean coast early and cross the soaring majesty of the Taurus Mountains. We arrive in Konya, the religious city and home of the Whirling Dervishes, where we have lunch. We then visit the Mevlana Museum before departing for the eerie lunar landscapes of Cappadocia. We travel through the vast steppes of central Anatolia along the legendary 'Silk Road' dating from the Middle Ages. On the way, we visit the famous Sultanhani Caravanserai, one of the many “Luxury Motels of the 13th Century” along the ancient Silk Road. (B/L/D)
Overnight in a special “Cave House” hotel – Cappadocia (typical room pictured at right).
Day 13, In Cappadocia
Two full days to explore this fascinating troglodyte landscape with its amazing rock formations, cave churches and rock carved village homes. On the first day, we visit Uçhisar castle and Goreme Open Air Museum with frescoed churches. In the afternoon, we visit a carpet centre for a demonstration of traditional carpet making and to learn about the centuries old art of hand-made carpets. In the evening we have a special dinner.
Well, no trip to Cappadocia is complete without a spectacular hot air balloon flight over the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys of this fairyland. So, you will have the opportunity to do just that early this morning. This is an optional extra. We recommend the deluxe flight which is dearer but well worth the extra. (B/D)
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 14, In Cappadocia
Today’s program includes visits to Kaymakli underground city dating back to the 6th Century, where Christians took refuge from the advancing Persians and Arabs. We also see the fairy chimneys of Pasabag, Devrent Valleyand other notable sites of this fairy landscape. After lunch, we visit a traditional ceramics workshop for a demonstration of hand-painted Iznik tiles as well as porcelain and clay pottery. Our organised activities finish by mid afternoon and the rest of the day and evening are free. (B/L)
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 15, Cappadocia - Ankara - Istanbul
Early departure for Ankara, the modern capital. After a lunch stop at modern shopping centre, we visit Ataturk’s Mausoleum with its excellent collection of Ataturk’s personal possessions and impressive audio-visual displays of battle scenes of Gallipoli and the national liberation wars. We then visit the award winning Museum of Anatolian Civilisations containing the finest Hittite collections in the world before setting off to the airport to board our flight to Istanbul. (B).
Overnight in our boutique style hotel in Istanbul
Day 16, In Istanbul
Our only organized visit today is to the splendid Topkapi Palace from where the Ottoman Sultans ruled the empire for over 400 years. The visit takes about four hours with a half hour break about half way through.
At the Topkapi Palace, we will see all the main attractions, including the Harem Quarters (the Sultan’s Private Apartments), the Treasury, the Council Chambers, various pavilions, the palace kitchens and more. While in the Topkapi Palace grounds, we will also admire the magnificent views of the Bosphorus, the channel that separates the continents of Europe and Asia.
Merter (Ottoman military band) at the Topkapi Palace -->
The rest of the day is free. You may visit a Turkish bath or relax in one of numerous cafes and restaurants. An extensive list of suggested places to see and things to do are given at the end of the itinerary. In the evening, we have a special farewell dinner. (B/D).
Overnight in boutique style hotel in the old part of Istanbul
<-- 15th Century Iznik tiles in the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Day 17, Istanbul
Well all good things come to an end and our tour ends after breakfast. Those with late departures can spend the day in Istanbul as they please. Those with earlier departures will need to be ready to transfer to the airport at the appointed time. All departure transfers today are included in the tour price. Those with departures after today will need to make their own arrangements for departure transfers. Those participating in any “Add-on Packages” such as our Best of the Black Sea tour will be advised of travel arrangements. (B)
The Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops -->
TOUR DETAILS
17 day Grand Sultan tour 2011
(This tour starts and finishes in Istanbul, Turkey)
Tour Dates: |
Tuesday 10 May to Thursday 26 May 2011 Tuesday 31 May to Thursday 16 May 2011 Saturday 17 September to Monday 3 October 2011 |
Tour duration: |
17 days / 16 nights |
Tour price: |
$4,750 per person twin share. (Includes domestic flight in Turkey but NOT international flights - See Notes 1, 2 and 5) Single Supplement $750 |
Group Size |
Minimum: 12, Maximum: 25 (See Note 2) |
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The tour price includes:
- Accommodation in special category boutique style establishments and four-star hotels.
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) plus a special welcome dinner on Day 2 and a farewell dinner on Day 16.
- One domestic airfare from Ankara to Istanbul on Day 15.
- Arrival transfers on Day 1 and departure transfers on Day 17. (See Note 3)
- Modern air-conditioned coach with plenty spare seats. (See Note 4)
- Three half day cruises (Bosphorus, Dalyan River, Kekova Bay)
- All entrance fees, all tipping (including the guide and the driver) and other charges
- Services of bilingual Turkish born Australian tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
- Services of professional, English speaking tour guide
- Drinking water on the coach.
The tour price does NOT include:
- International airfares (See Note 5).
- Departure taxes, levies and other charges.
- Passport and visa charges.
- Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, minibar, phone calls, etc.
- Beverages at meal times.
IMPORTANT NOTES
- The tour price may change, depending on amongst other things movements in exchange rates, without notice until paid in full.
- Stipulated group size for this tour is 12 to 25. If the group size is 6 to 11, then the tour may operate. However, in such an event inclusions may be revised AND/OR a surcharge may be payable OR the tour may be cancelled. The tour will not operate with fewer than 6 people.
- Transfers on dates other than Day 1 and Day 17 of the tour are client’s own responsibility. We can arrange private transfers or you may use the airport taxi service which is economical and reliable.
- A full size coach is used for groups of 14 or more. A midibus (20-30 seater) or a minibus (11-16 seater) may be used if the group size is 13 or less.
- If domestic flights in Turkey are included in the international airfare then the tour price will be reduced by an equivalent amount.
- Shorter “Add-on” tours and other travel packages are available within Turkey, to Silk Road countries in Central Asia, Russia, Ukraine and other countries in the region. See the latest issue of “OzTours News”, our Newsletter OR visit our website (www.ozturktours.com) OR contact us for details.
- There will be a discount of 4% on the lower priced tour, if participating in two or more tours.
- We can make all your travel arrangements including flights with all airlines at competitive rates, travel insurance, third party tours, etc., through Timeless Tours (our travel agent partner in Sydney).
- This itinerary, which is current as at 20 August 2010, is subject to change without notice.