Our Tours in Brief

TURKEY

Currently we have three boutique tours and a standard tour to Turkey. On our boutique tours listed below you will experience the following unique features.

·         Visiting colourful cities such as fascinating Istanbul, the charming town of Kusadasi, vibrant Antalya and more.

·         Legendary and historical sites such as Troy and Ephesus, and the beautiful and moving battlefields of Gallipoli.

·         Going off-the-beaten track to see traditional villages and picturesque coves along the Mediterranean Turquoise Coast and the Black Sea Coast.

·         Marvelling at the surreal landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia, and the historic caravanserais (the luxury 'Motels' of the 14th Century) along the ancient Silk Road.

·         Fascinating towns of Safranbolu with its unique heritage homes, Amasya with its most dramatic setting and eastern Black Sea Region with its lush valleys and fast running rivers of the .

·         Stunning sites of Mt Ararat which is reputedly the resting site of Noah's Arc and Mt Nemrut with spectacular sunrises over the stone heads and god statues of the pre Roman king Antiochus

·         Accommodation in unique Ottoman style mansions, caravanserais and "Cave House" hotels with modern facilities.

·         Turkish born Australian tour leader who knows the country, the best attractions, the people and their customs and who will be with the group on a 24/7 basis.

·         Organised with the assistance of tour operators who are Turkey Specialists and who are based in Turkey.

·         Timed to take advantage of the glorious climate in May, June, September and October.

·         Specially selected restaurants serving the many cuisines for which Turkey is world-renowned.

 

Grand Sultan Tour (17 Days / 16 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

The 17-Day Grand Sultan tour of Turkey continues to be our most popular tour. It is not just a tour but journey of discovery 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 covers:

• 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 to provide any necessary assistance.
• 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

                NOTE: All 2010 Grand Sultan tours were SOLD OUT

Best of Black Sea Tour (10 Days / 9 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

The Black Sea and Eastern Turkey regions which are very different from the western half of Turkey have proved most fascinating. If you have already visited western Turkey, then the tours to these regions will complement your Turkey experience.  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 is how a participant on a recent tour has put. "So you think you have seen the best of Turkey after doing one of Hamit's Grand Sultan tours... Oh no..., it's only when you do the "Best of the Black Sea" and "Marvels of the East" tours that you will get a full understanding of the remarkable variety of culture & civilisations, scenery, - and epicurean delights.....".

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 Kars where the tour ends. Suitable arrangements are made for flights to Istanbul, if required.

 

            NOTES: 

            1) May be combined with Marvels of the East tour as the two are done back to back.

            2) 2010 Best of the Black Sea tour was SOLD OUT

Marvels of the East Tour (11 Days / 10 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

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.

 

 

RUSSIA AND UKRAINE

Best of Russia Tour (10 Days / 9 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

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.

NOTE: The Best of Russia tour may be combined with Ukraine Discovery tour as they are run back-to-back.

 

Ukraine Discovery Tour (11 Days / 10 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

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 tour may be combined with Ukraine Discovery tour as they are run back-to-back.

 

   

CENTRAL AND SOUTH WEST ASIA

Great Silk Road Tour (13 Days / 12 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

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.

 

 

Syria and Jordan Tour (13 Days / 12 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

 

Syria is a modern, efficient and proud nation with an administration that is becoming more liberal and outward looking by the day. Contrary to what some western powers wish the world to think, Syrians are friendly and hospitable people and visitors are richly rewarded by their travel experience in Syria.

Despite much modernisation, Syria has not lost sight of its past. The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, Bosra and Palmyra are all listed on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Must see attractions in Syria include St Simeon Ebla, Bar, Hama Crac des Chevaliers, Apamea and Palmyra. Known to the locals as Tadmor, Palmyra is one of the world's most splendid historical sites. Its intriguing history, profusion of colonnades and temple remains in a mesmerising desert setting is nothing short of stunning. Mighty Crusader castles, labyrinthine medieval souqs (markets), jewel-like Damascene houses and sacred Umayyad mosques are other treats on offer.

 While it has fewer sites of note, Jordan is also a rewarding destination. On the Jordan leg of the tour, we visit the capital Amman and Jerash, one of the most beautifully preserved Greco-Roman cities, as well as the sites of Madaba and Mt Nebo. Of course Petra is the jewel in the Jordanian tourism crown and no trip to Jordan would be complete without a visit to Petra. Reached through a narrow and deep gorge, the Siq is one of the most awesome sights imaginable.

 

Allure of Azerbaijan Tour (7 Days / 6 Nights) - Fully escorted by tour leader

Azerbaijan is an enigma; it is an incredible tangle of contradictions and contrasts. Yet it's also a new nation finding its feet as it emerges from post-Soviet era turmoils.

 

The nation's cosmopolitan capital Baku is dynamic boomtown where flashy limousines and mushrooming skyscrapers sweep around a picturesque UNESCO -listed old city. Yet only a few hours' drive away lies an entirely different world of timeless villages in the foothills of soaring high Caucasus mountains.

On this tour, we will see attractions of contrasts in a country of contrasts. In Baku, we visit historic caravanserais, mosques and the palace of the Shirvanshahs. we also see a carpet museum and the walled medieval city of "Icheri Sheher" with its narrow alleyways.

NOTE: The Allure of Azerbaijan tour may be combined with the Treasures of Persia tour as they are run back-to-back.

 

 

OTHER TOURS AND CRUISES

Anatolian Highlights (10 Days / 9 Nights) - Accompanied by tour guide

This is a shortened version of our popular Grand Sultan tour. It is designed to give travellers with limited time the same experience as the Grand Sultan tour in a shorter time. While the Mediterranean coast is not covered in this tour, participants have the opportunity to do a weeklong Gulet cruise and in this way they can experience the best of both worlds.

A magical scene from Cappadocia           

On this tour you will see all the main attractions that Western Turkey offers, including Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Antalya and, of course Cappadocia. A qualified English speaking local guide will be with the group during the entire tour. As there is no Australian tour leader, it is a more economical.

Tour features include:

·          Accommodation in clean and comfortable three and four star hotels.

·          Small groups of 8 to 20 people

·          Organised in association with Turkish tour operators who are Turkey Specialists

·          Visits to off the beaten track places and to villages.

ANZAC Day Tour - Fully escorted by tour leader

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, domestic airfares, air-conditioned coach, transfers on tour start and finish dates,, all entrance fees, tips and charges.
3. Prices do NOT include international 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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