Compare Highlights of Turkey - 12 Days by Tour Altinkum Travel vs Treasures of Turkey - with Anzac Day, Small Group, 2022 With Anzac Day Small Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul / SAW Airport, you will be greeted and drives to your hotel. Check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: Treasures of Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the ottoman empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome.  Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World.  At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3: HD Bosphorus Cruise/Flight to Izmir

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, leave your luggage at the lobby. According to your pick up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar; It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history, beautiful nature. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. After the tour we wıll drive you back to your hotel, collect your luggage and drive you to the airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your driver who wıll safely drive you to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4: Ancient Ephesus Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit The House of Virgin Mary; a church was built from the 6C AD to the top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD and it is declared by the church to be the final house where Mary spent her last days.

Your tour continues with the Ancient Ephesus; The best-preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1C AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250,000 citizens. Ephesus is also so well preserved that, walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent, gives you the feeling of a time traveller.

Next; Temple of Artemis or Artemision was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was very famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much visited pilgrimage place. After tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: Pamukkale Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full day tour. Visit Pamukkale; Pools of Heaven on Earth… Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where hot springs were believed to have healing powers so it is considered to be the earliest spa on earth where in history people travelled long distances in order to find a cure. The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water at a temperature of 35 C, containing calcium bicarbonate. Today Pamukkale is declared as a worlds heritage site by UNESCO. Visit; ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. Also, The Sacred Pool is one of the highlights of the site. Theır shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins that lie beneath. At the end of the tour we wıll drive you to Denizli bus station for your 5 hours bus journey to Fethiye. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver who wıll drıve you safely to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 6: 12 Island Boat Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Fethiye harbour, when you embark our comfortable and spacious boats, our hospitable crew will take you for an enchanting ODYSSEY along the 12 Islands. On a myriad of bays and islands where navies and corsaires sought shelter from tempests all through man’s nautical history, you’ll find yourself in the bosom of the Mediterranean like no other boat trip can compare. Swim in the aquarium clear crystalline waters, disembark and take strolls at various islands and bays, sunbathe and fall asleep in tune with mother nature’s most tranquil lullaby, and have a BBQ lunch on board… You’ll return with unforgettable memories, (remember your camera). With more than enough legroom for our guests, less people and no loud music on our sailing boat, you’ll find comfort and peace. Clean toilets and shower facilities, bar, sun beds and shades, tackle and jackets for non-swimmers and beginners for all ages. After tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 7: Travel to Antalya

Meals: Breakfast

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out. According to your public bus departure time we will drive you to Fethiye bus station for your 4 hours bus journey to Antalya. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your driver who will drive you safely to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8: Antalya City tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Drive to the Duden waterfalls; Most beautiful and the most visited in the Antalya region. Enjoy a green environment, fresh air and pine scent, cool atmosphere and spectacular waterfalls. After lunch at a local restaurant with a beautiful panoramic view you will have 1-1.5 hours of free time to explore the old town (Kaleici). You will see top attractions of the city: Hadrianus Gate, Clock Tower, Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret) and city walls dated back to the 2d century. Old Town with its narrow stone streets is also a great place to explore numerous boutiques, art galleries, and interesting museums.

The tour will continue wıth the cable car ride 'from sea to sky'. Enjoy amazing views from the top of Tunektepe which stands 1365 mt above sea level. You will see the beautiful coastline of the Antalya region, gorgeous mountains, pine forests, and turquoise Mediterranean sea. Great pictures taken during the trip will remind you of this unforgettable experience. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 9: Flight to Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, according to your flight departure time drives to Antalya Airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will be greeted by your driver who will drive you safely to your hotel. Check-in. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10: Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time, meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Goreme Museum; consists of many rock-cut churches from the second half of 9C with beautiful colorful frescoes decorating the walls. Next; Devrent Valley; famous for its quirky animal shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature. There is even a rock pillar which looks like the Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ. Take in the unique lunar landscape of the valley and feel like you're in another World. Next; Pasabagi which means: the Pacha's vineyard. This site is also called Monks Valley. The hermitage of Simeon monks was here. A chapel dedicated to St. Simeon (Simon), and a hermit's shelter is built into one of the fairy chimneys with three heads. Pasabag valley contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps. This style is unique even for Cappadocia and these fairy chimneys are named mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys.

Next Avanos; where you will enjoy typical Turkish Lunch and experience make Potter with local experts. Next we continues to Goreme Panaroma, which has one of the best panoramic view of the Fairy chimneys. Next Uchisar the Naturel highest Rock Castle provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 11: Underground Cities of Cappadocia/Flight to Istanbul

Meals: Breakfast

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit Rose and Red Valley; is an incredibly unique area of Cappadocia with sharp ridges, tinted in pink especially during sunset!the minerals in the sandstone have a pink tinge. This pink becomes more and more evident throughout the day, peaking at sunset when the sun glows directly onto the Rose Valley giving it that fine shade of pink so many people come to see. Next Cavusin; is surrounded by a valley, which becomes gradually wider, called as Red Valley. The houses of the village were cut into massive rock formations. The village is famous with its rock-chuches. Next; Pigeon Valley; earned its name from the countless man made dovecotes (Pigeon Houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. Pigeon Valley is one of the best spots for walking in the marvelous Cappadocia region.  Next; Underground Cities; once a place of refuge for 15000 christians. These settlements were of enormous value to the development of christianity as they provided shelter and worship and were in use until the end of 7C AD. Witness the ancient bedrooms, church, meeting hall and food storage rooms in this eight-storey city connected by 30km of corridors and passageways. Tour continue with Ortahisar; famous for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets and lovely churches as well as the castle-like rock formation after which the town is named At the end of the tour drive you to Kayseri Airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver who wıll drıve you safely to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 12: Departure Day

Meals: Breakfast

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out and according to your flight time drive you to Istanbul Airport. End of our service.

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Reception and Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa

In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.

Day 3: Cumalikizik and Gordion

Begin your day of culture in Bursa with a visit to the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. Continue to the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.

Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views.

Day 5: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavours. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living, learning about local traditions and family life. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, later you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes.

Day 6: Konya

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Day 7: Through the Taurus Mountains

You day begins with a scenic drive down the Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.

Day 8: Antalya's Old Town

Start your day with a visit to Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.

Day 9: The Pools of Pamukkale

Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Day 10: Izmir

Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. End your day in the quaint Aegan port of Izmir.

Day 11: Ancient Ephesus

Today you’ll spend the day exploring pretty Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city. A vibrant destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast, it is was founded by the Greeks and has been an important port since ancient times. Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.

Day 12: Canakkale

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After, return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside with a cocktail and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.

Day 13: Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 14: Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire

Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning visit the historic Blue Mosque. Made up of domes and minarets, head inside and see its beautiful blue tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Farewell Istanbul

It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.