Summary of Tours and Tour Dates

We have now completed the schedule our 2010 tours. As before, they are boutique tours aimed at discerning travellers. A great deal of thought has gone into designing each and every tour to ensure that travellers experience the essence of the country they visit, not just the glossy brochure hype.

The 17-Day Grand Sultan tour continues to be our most popular tour. However, the Black Sea and Eastern Turkey regions are very different from the rest of Turkey. Over the years, our "Best of the Black Sea” and “Marvels of the East" tours have proved most fascinating. If you have already visited Western Turkey which is where popular tours go, then these tours will complement your Turkey experience.

For 2010, we are again offering improved tours to Russia and Ukraine. Because they are back to back, participants can do either one or the other tour or do the two as a combined tour. Either way, these tours offer discerning travellers two most fascinating ’new destinations’. With spectacular palaces, legendary museums, unrivalled architecture, hospitable and friendly people, sophisticated culture and more on offer, the tour is bound to be one of the most rewarding.

As usual, we have scheduled a tour to the fabled "Great Silk Road". Uzbekistan without doubt is the ‘gem’ on the Silk Road. It is home to the 2,500 year old cities of Khiva and Bukhara. - considered so important by UNESCO that it supported their their restoration. Samarkand, which is considered the 'Rome of the East', is home to Ragistan Square, a spectacular open space surrounded by fabulous Islamic buildings and considered one of the most inspirational sights in Central Asia. On this tour, we also visit Turkmenistan which is a country of contrasts where you can expect the unexpected. With its numerous modern 'Taj Mahals', the capital Ashgabat is a folly in the desert and a monument to the late President Sapamurat Turkmenbashi.

Grand Sultan Tour (17 Days / 16 Nights) - Fully Escorted

This is a tour designed for first time visitors who wish to not only see the usual highlights but also go off the beaten track to see the real Turkey. The tour is a journey of discovery covering:

• fascinating and colourful Istanbul
• the beautiful and moving battlefields of Gallipoli
• legendary historical sites such as Troy and Ephesus
• traditional villages and picturesque coves along the Turquoise Coast
• the surreal landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia

Main tour features are:
• Small groups of 12 to 25 people with guaranteed personal attention
• Bilingual Turkish Australian tour leader who is with the group 24/7.
• Accommodation mostly in special category boutique style hotels with modern facilities
• Organised in association with Turkish tour operators who are Turkey specialists
• Timed to take advantage of the glorious climate in May, June and September
• Specially selected restaurants serving the many cuisines for which Turkey is renowned

Best of Black Sea Tour (10 Days / 9 Nights) - Fully Escorted

With its rich culture and friendly people, the Black Sea Region is a real gem. It is adorned with majestic mountains, lush forests and tea growing hills. What's more, you will be one of few Westerners in the area as it is still off the beaten track and the locals are proud to literally "welcome you to their country" and to their home.

This tour sets off from Istanbul to Safranbolu where you see the best-preserved examples of unique Ottoman architecture. We then visit the charming riverside town of Amasya with its dramatic setting before we hit the Black Sea coast.

The Black Sea coastline is a kaleidoscope of scenery with charming towns and villages, deep valleys and fast running rivers and old monasteries perched on mountainsides and castles on mountain tops. After crossing the Kaskar Mountains, we head to Erzurum, the regional capital where the tour ends. Suitable arrangements are made for flight to Istanbul, if required.

Marvels of the East Tour (11 Days / 10 Nights) - Fully Escorted

In this tour you experience spectacular sunrises over the stone heads and god statues of the pre Roman king Antiochus. We marvel at centuries old castles, old Roman bridges and pass through the plains of Mesopotamia and the giant Ataturk Dam that tames the Euphrates River. Beehive houses of Harran and the Old Testament town of Sanliurfa are amongst other fascinating sites of this culture rich region.

The Best of the Black Sea and Marvels of the East tours may be combined. Combined tour duration is 19 Days / 18 Nights. Combined tour dates and prices are as follows.

Best of Russia and Ukraine Tour (20 Days / 18 Nights) - Fully Escorted

This is a tour with a difference. In this tour we see the highlights of this fascinating country with hospitable people, magnificent architecture and prominent historical sites. Moscow is a world renowned city offering much to the visitor including history, bold architecture and superb culture. Widely regarded as the 'Venice of the North', St Petersburg is a real gem and deserves to be included in the 'must-see' list of any discerning traveller. Its world class attractions include spectacular palaces such as Peterhof, legendary museums such as the Hermitage, unrivalled architecture and more.

Kiev is the capital and the main centre. Here you see how the people are coping with the change from communist rule under the Soviet Union to a liberal democracy. Watch the elegantly dressed ladies walk along the Khreshchatyk (the Champs Elysees of Kiev. Other city attractions include the 11th century St Sophia Cathedral, the oldest standing church, containing some of the country's greatest mosaics and frescoes, and the Cave Monastery Complex on the banks of Dnipro River.

Other major centres we visit include the port city of Odessa on the Black Sea coast, the Crimean city of Sevastopol, the old home of the Soviet Black Sea fleet, and the Black Sea resort town of Yalta. The main attraction in Yalta is, of course, the famous Livadia Palace where the Yalta Conference between the “BIG three” wartime leaders (Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin) was held from 4 to 11 February 1945.

NOTE: The Best of Russia and Ukraine Discovery segments of the combined tour may be taken separately. The combined tour itinerary is being finalised. Please contact us for details.

 

    Great Silk Road Tour (13 Days / 12 Nights) - Fully Escorted

The Silk Road, the greatest land-based trading highway the world has ever seen, stretched all the way from China, through Central Asia to Europe. Central Asia is the heart of the Silk Road as it became known to the west through Marco Polo. Two of the main countries traversed by this legendary route are Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Names like Ashkhabad, Bukhara, Samarkand and Tashkent evoke intrigue and mystery of this captivating region. With fascinating kales (castles), exquisitely decorated madrassas (Islamic high educational institution), towering minarets, colourful markets, these cities have a rich architectural and cultural heritage. They are living, breathing centres for traditional art, varied cuisine and folkloric performances. Our tour starts in Istanbul where we spend two days. It ends in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from where we fly back to Istanbul or other ongoing destinations.

ANZAC Day Tour

The Dawn Service at Anzac Cove is an event that will be indelibly etched in your memory for years to come. It is a truly moving experience to visit the battlefields and cemeteries, and to live the history that is Gallipoli.

The names in history books come alive as we explore Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, The Nek and Chanuk Bair. Our tour has been especially designed to allow you time to explore Gallipoli before Anzac Day and appreciate the valour of this unique place that has become an integral part of our history and culture.

Mediterranean Cruises

When you are cruising on board a Gulet (traditional wooden yacht) on crystal clear, turquoise waters, along a lush, green coastline rich in natural beauty and history, a light summer breeze in a tranquil bay; you will know you have found paradise.

You can enjoy this paradise with our all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises. Choose between several cruises along the turquoise coast of Turkey or a Greek Islands cruise.

Important Notes

1. The dates given above are the start dates in the country as indicated in the relevant itinerary.
2. Prices include most meals in quality establishments, air-conditioned coach, transfers on tour start and finish dates,, all entrance fees, tips and charges.
3. Prices do NOT include international and domestic airfares; departure taxes; levies and visa fees; items of a personal nature.
4. Tour dates and prices are subject to change without notice.
5. Accommodation is mostly in special category, boutique style hotels and four star establishments.
6. Ozturk Tours & Travel can arrange flights at competitive prices with all airlines. Two domestic flights may be included in the international airfare when flying with Turkish Airlines on a long haul flights into Istanbul. Please contact us for details.

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