Compare Biblical Ancient Wonders of Turkey by Ada Vegas Travel vs Treasures of Turkey - Small Group by Insight Vacations
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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5 | Excellent
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| Duration | 11 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 1,300 | $ 3,559 |
| Price Per Day | $ 118 | $ 222 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Standard | Premium |
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| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
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| Meals Included | N/A | N/A |
| Description |
Biblical Ancient Wonders of Turkey is a private luxury tour. The highest level of expertise has gone into the construction and delivery of this intensive programme. It is an infusion of History, Culture and sights that will remain with you forever. It may satisfy your thirst for knowledge or indeed increase it! |
Travel Turkey on this 15-day guided tour. See Cappadocia, where golden landscapes give way to caverns below. You’ll descend into a local resident’s cave house for a tour and talk about their way of life. Later, see whirling dervishes — twirling dancers who will entertain you during a special dinner. In Göreme, explore rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient paintings before dining on the unique flavors served at a local restaurant that supports women from the village. Travel to Turkey’s third largest city, Izmir, and explore one of the world’s finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Here, walk to its gargantuan amphitheater, which could seat as many as 24,000 people. In Istanbul, see the Blue Mosque’s tiled domes and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held. Try your hand at bargaining in the city’s Grand Bazaar, which includes more than 4,000 shops. |
Day 1: Istanbul – Ankara
Flight to Ankara via Istanbul. Ankara is the capital of modern Turkey Transfer to hotel by private motor coach. Dinner and overnight.
Day 2: Ankara – Cappadocia
In the morning, visit the remarkable Anatolian Civilizations Museum, among its treasures are Neolithic frescoes, Bronze Age emblems, the remains of the fabled Phyrigian King Midas, as well as many objects from the Hittites. Stroll in the old Ankara citadel. Tour the Augustus Temple and pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk. After lunch drive to the Cappadocia traveling along the shores of the great Salt Lake. Arrive in Cappadocia late afternoon. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3: Cappadocia
Start out early for a full day excursion into the magical lunarscape of Cappadocia’s rocky hills & valleys. Dominated by Erciyes Dagi, Mt. Argaeus, the region was first settled by ancient people then home to Romans, early Christians, Byzantines and Seljuks. Visit Goreme Church Valley, Zelve, Avanos, Ortahisar and Uchisar, and see some of the many churches carved into the rocks. Return to the hotel for night.
Day 4: Cappadocia – Konya
Visit Kaymakli underground city in the morning. Kaymakli with some floors down the underground was home to early Christian refugees. On the way south visit the Sultanhani Caravanserai. Drive to Karaman, Derbe where St. Paul preached, then visit Lystra, where St. Paul stopped on his journey. Arrive Konya , Iconium for the night.
Day 5: Konya – Pamukkale
Morning sightseeing of Konya, visit the Mevlana Mausoleum and Museum, the founder of the whirling dervishes in the Islamic sect. Proceed to Yalvac, Pisidian Antioch where St. Paul said, “We now turn to the gentiles” and opened Christianity to the world. Passing by Egridir Lake arrive at Pamukkale, Hierapolis and overnight.
Day 6: Pamukkale – Izmir
After a visit to Hierapolis ruins and St. Philip martyrdom, drive to Loadicea. The church at Laodicea was an extension church of the church at Ephesus, as were the churches of Hierapolis and Colosea. Continue on to Alasehir, Philadelphia the church of “brotherly love” of the apocalypse. Proceed to Sardes another of the Seven Churches.
Dinner and overnight in Izmir.
Day 7: Ephesus – Izmir
Morning departure to Ephesus. St. Paul stayed in Ephesus for two years. The still standing amphitheatre is the witness of the riots against St. Paul. The very first church dedicated to Virgin Mary was built in Ephesus after visiting Hadrian Temple, Celcus Library, St. John`s Basilica, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Diana, proceed to Miletos, with one of the largest amphitheatres in Asia Minor. It was in Miletos that Paul stopped at the end of his third journey and predicted his imprisonment. Later in the day visit Apollo Temple at Didyma and return to Izmir.
Day 8: Izmir – Canakkale
Morning drive to Akhisar, Thyatira to see the remains of Basilica church. Proceed to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis of Hellenistic Pergamum. Among its buildings are the Altar of Zeus and the temples of Trajan & Dionysus. After visiting the Asclepion, the earliest health center of Asia Minor. After lunch drive to Assos, where St. Paul rejoined his companions and visit Troas where St. Paul set sail to Greece. Dinner and overnight in Canakkale.
Day 9: Canakkale – Istanbul
Morning visit the site of Troy, the Homeric city and the local museum. Cross the Dardenelles by ferryboat to the European site. Driving through Galipoli, the battlefields of the First World War. Arrive to Istanbul for overnight.
Day 10: Istanbul
Full day sightseeing in Istanbul in the old quarters of the city; Visit the Church of St. Savior in Chora famed with Byzantine mosaics and frescoes, Hagia Sophia, the oldest Christian basilica for Ecumenical councils. Visit the circus maximus of Constantinople, the Hippodrome where chariot races were held in Roman times. After enjoying the beautiful tile decoration of the Blue Mosque. Visit the Topkapi Palace museum with its priceless jeweled objects and the Porcelain Collection. At the end of the day shopping in the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and overnight.
Day 11: Departure
Transfer to the airport for flight to next destination or transfer to Turkish/Greek border to continue tour in Greece.
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 Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Dinner with Wine
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.
Mövenpick Bursa Hotel and Thermal Spa.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Ankara HiltonSA, Ankara.
Breakfast
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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner with Wine
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.
Novotel Konya Hotel.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Akra Barut Antalya.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Akra Barut Antalya.
Breakfast
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.
Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir.
Breakfast
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.
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
Day 12: Pergamon, Troy and Çanakkale.
Begin your day of legends with a trip to Pergamon. Once a powerful ancient Greek city, you’ll find the Asklepion temple here. A famous shrine and healing centre, it was built in honour of Asklepios, the god of medicine. Next, head to Homer’s city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of history’s most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city’s walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields.
Kolin Hotel, Canakkale.
Breakfast
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.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast
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 has recently turned from a museum into a mosque and 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.
Grand Hyatt Istanbul.
Breakfast, Dinner with Wine
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.
Breakfast
