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21
Day Turkey Eco Tour Itinerary
Description
Experience the 4
corners of Turkey and the different cultures and peoples that
make up this great and vast country, from the agricultural
farmers in the north to the arid regions of the east, The
historical sites of the south give depth and age to the local
environment and the varied people that will entertain and
accommodate you through this wonderful journey.
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DAY 1 - Istanbul
Welcome
to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul. Transfer from airport &
check in to your hotel. Overnight Istanbul
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DAY
2 - Istanbul City Tour
We depart at 09:00 for the Istanbul
city tour. We will begin with the ancient Hippodrome, which
was the scene of chariot raoes, with the three monuments:
the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and
the Column of Constantine. We will then continue with Sultanahmet
Mosque across from the St. Sophia built in the 16th century
by the architect Mehmet. It is also known as the Blue Mosque
because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik
tiles. We will then arrive at our last stop which is the famous
Hagia Sophia. This ancient basilica was built by Constantine
the Great in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian
in the 6th century - it is one of the architectural marvels
of all time. After the tour you have the option to experience
the Bosphorus Cruise. You will have the chance to enjoy magnificent
views of the Bosphorus, which connects Asia to Europe.
The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy Istanbul. Over night
in Istanbul
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DAY
3 - Seven Lakes and Abant Lake Tour
Visiting 7 lakes which are found to
be different height points from each other and at the same
time connected with each other on foot. You find seven small
lakes in a valley formed as the result of a landslide: Büyükgöl
(Big Lake), Seringöl (Cool Lake), Deringöl (Deep
Lake) , Nazligöl (Elegant Lake), Küçükgöl
(Small Lake), Incegöl (Thin Lake) and Sazligöl (Reedy
Lake). The lakes are on an area of 550 hectares, while the
National Park they are located in is 2019 hectares. The area
is among the best-known trekking places. There are only small
bungalows belonging to the Forestry Ministry where visitors
who want to linger can stay. Deer and trout production farms
are also in the area. An entrance fee is paid according to
the type of vehicle and the number of visitors. Tables, firepits
and fountains are available for picnickers. Fishing is available
in Yedigöller between April 1st and September 1st. We
will then have some lunch and depart for Abant Lake. Abant
is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. It is 30
kilometers away from Bolu, and you can reach it from the crossing
on the Ankara-Istanbul highway. The lake is at the end of
a 22-kilometer drive. The seven-kilometer walk around the
lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who
don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour
on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees.
The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion.
Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly
different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface
in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Later we will
have free time for shopping at the bazaar in the village.
Drive to our hotel, overnight near Abant in traditional village
house
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DAY
4 - Safranbolu
After breakfast we have a walk to
the historical Safranbolu Bazaar. We then visit Cinci Hodja
Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath, Kaymakamlar House (Museum),
Izzet Mehmet Pashamosque and more.. Continue to Kastamonu,
we visit government house, Kaya tomb, Seyh Saban-i Veli Mausoleum,
Nasrullah Seyh Mosque and more historical sites. Overnight
in authentic wooden houses in Safronbolu
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DAY
5 - Ilgarini Cave Pinarbasi
Today we will depart for Ilgarini
Cave,which is in the region of Pinarbasi (northwest of Kastamonu),
it is one of the largest caves in Turkey. It is a wonderful
place for trekking and exploration off the beaten track. The
cave had been composed by two sections. The cave is an active
one and the stalactite and stalagmite activity still continues.
A chapel and a burial ground was found in this cave. Ilgarini
Cave was chosen as the 4th biggest cave in the world. There
is no roads to IIgarini Cave so we will be trekking to the
Cave so make sure you bring suitable footwear. Over Night
in Pinarbasi
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DAY
6 - Ilisu Waterfall & Varla Canyon.
After breakfast
we will visit Ilisu Waterfall which is at Küre national
Park, near Pinarbasi, which is in the town and district of
the Kastamonu Province in the Black Sea region of Turkey.
After lunch you can either relax in the surrondings of this
beautifull natural Turkish village or you can take a walk
to the Varla Canyon. The walk to the Canyon is about 4km.
Overnight Pinarbasi
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DAY
7 - Comlekciler Village Horse Riding
After breakfast
depart for Comlekciler Koyu this village has fantastic horse
riding facilities which you can do as an optional activity.
Horse riding is not only for the advanced riders they have
lessons and treks for beginners also. This village is rich
in natural beauty. All meals are home made the farm produce
all their own vegetables, butter and milk. If you are interested
in doing a week's horse riding adventure then this can also
be arranged. Overnight Comlekciler Village
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DAY
8 - Halacoglu Valley Tour
After breakfast we depart for Halacoglu
Valley. We will visit this valley by different methods of
transport such as horses or tractors and a little bit of walking.
This is one of the best valleys in this area. You can smell
and breathe in the fresh mountain air. We will have a fantastic
bbq lunch set in lucious green surroundings. On the way you
will get to see many farms and shepherds who still work in
this area. You will see how friendly everyone is in this area.
Overnigt Comlekciler Village
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DAY
9 - Kastamonu
After breakfast we depart for Kastamonu.
Kastamonu is a lovely city hidden in the midst of forests
in Anatolia. The beauty of the 12th century Byzantine castle
at the foot of the hill welcomes you. The 13th century Atabey
Mosque and the Ibni Neccar Mosque are worth visiting. In the
village of Kasaba you will have the opportunity to see one
of the most elegant wood carvings of Turkey, on the Mahmut
Bey Mosque. Have lunch in City and after lunch depart for
Hattusa. Hattusas(Hattusa) was the capital of the Hititte.
Hititians were Indo-Germen semi european people who arrived
via the Black Sea to north Anatolia at the beginning of 18th
century BC. They met here with the local people of Hatti.
They had a big civilisation in Anatolia. They were also here
during the as bronze age. They ruled between 18th and 12th
century BC. Also they used horse carts as their war vehicle
which they used during the attack of Ramses the 2nd and they
had a big war with the Egyptians and then they made a
peace treaty which they wrote on clay and had 2 women sign
it. This was the first peace treaty in which woman participatied.
Over night in Hattusa.
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DAY
10 - Hattusa Tour - Cappadocia
After Breakfast at 08:30am visiting
Yazilikaya which is the ruins of open air temple of the Hittites
where there are rock carvings of Hittite gods and godesses.
Then we go to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including
Gates of Lion and king. Visiting summer palace of Hittites.
And driving to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hittites
and Hatti civilisation. After Hattusa Tour depart for Cappadocia.
The strange but beautiful formation of Cappadocia has had
this appearance for millions of years. When the volcanoes
in the region were active, the lava which poured out covered
all previously formed hills and valleys forming a high plateau.
It is estimated that there are more than 600 rock-cut churches
in Cappadocia. Walls were covered with beautiful frescoes
and they were also influenced by the Iconoclast period in
the 8th and 9th Century. The underground cities in Cappadocia
are unique too. No one knows when the underground cities of
Cappadocia were built, perhaps in Hittite times or as late
as the 6th Century. Another region worth visiting in the area
is the famous Ihlara Valley. Ihlara Valley (Canyon) is a deep,
narrow river gorge cut through the tufa by the Melendiz River.
The canyon runs for 20 km/12 miles offering one of the most
enjoyable trekking routes to those people who can spare the
minimum of half a day. In the canyon there are about 60 churches,
monasteries and cells of anchorites. There are also loads
of activities available in Cappadicia: hot-air ballooning,
horse and camel riding, trekking, the list goes on. Overnight
Cappadocia
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DAY
11 - Cappadocia Tour by Jeep Safari
The full day Cappadocian Jeep Safari
begins in the deeply set valley town of Urgup and will then
drive through to the Uzengi River. The drive will take you
through scenery that includes pigeon houses, the grape growing
district and the near by wineries of Ortahisar. The jeep tour
will then take passengers off the beaten track with a visit
to the picturesque caves of the Red Valley. The jeep safari
provides the perfect opportunity to take a rest and soak up
the natural beauty of the Cappadocian scenery. Overnight Cappadocia
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DAY
12 - Cappadocia
We'll pick you up in your hotel and
depart at 09:00am to drive to Ihlara Valley. There, we'll
walk nearly 4km and visit the frescoed churches before it
gets hot. Lunch is in Ihlara Valley, on the bank of Melendiz
River which is flowing in the valley. After lunch, we'll visit
Selime Cathedral and return back to Derinkuyu Underground
City. On the way, we'll visit the Nar Crater Lake. Whilst
all other tour groups are at Ihlara Valley, we will be in
an underground city where temperature is 12-13 C afternoon!!!
After we visit the biggest underground city of Cappadocis,
we'll drive to the Pigeons Valley to see pigeon houses, which
were made to collect guano in. Overnight Cappadocia
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DAY
13 - Cappadocia – Konya Egridir
This morning we drive to Konya and
see the imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana & museum,
the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes).
Stop in Egridir on the southern tip of the most beautiful
of the Pisidian lakes. Egridir is a fine place to stop
in the midst of your journey for two days of quiet rest and
contemplation.. Over Night in Egridir
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DAY
14 - Egridir Free Day
Egridir is beautiful and shows another
side of Turkey altogether. Swimming, boating and hiking can
fill a few days if you want to be active. You can also swim
in the beautiful natural lake that lies at Egridir. There
are famous fish to be caught here that seem to have no bones…
The fish is extremly delicious, don't miss out on the traditional
meal of Balik Fish and the famous Turkish drink Raki.
There are a number of small farms located in this area where
you can see the workers using traditional methods of farming.
You will be welcomed by all people in this region. Overnight
in Egridir
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DAY
15 - Egridir to Pamukkale
After breakfast
at 08:30 we depart for Pamukkale. We shall visit the
calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins
of Hierapolis, walking around this natural phenomenon gives
you the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs
that flow down the calcium terraces. Over Night in Pamukkale.
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DAY
16 - Pamukkale - Ephesus
At 0830 we depart for Ephesus (2.5
Hour drive) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world
- it is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose
wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural
program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous
temple, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient
World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form
from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes
a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library
of Celsus. After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which
you will become aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather
manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour,
you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying
that is well known in the markets of Turkey enabling you to
enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge
of the ancient craftsmen! Overnight in Sirince.
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DAY
17 - Tour of Village Sirince
After breakfast
at 08:30 we will depart for Sirince Village. Visit the beautifull
village of Sirince and the ruins of 42 churches, the suggested
birth place of the Virgin Mary. Sirince Village also has a
fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in
Turkey - especially fruit wines. Sirince's construction style
today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slope
are all original with their white paint. There is a good view
at the slope all buildings are still original with their white
paint. There is a good view at the entrance of the village
and its streets are also wonderful. Sirince is very popular
for its building style, house, streets and apple wine made
by the villagers. In 1922 the Anatolian Greeks immigrated
back to Greece and Turks coming from Greece settled there.
After the Sirince tour
we will visit Mount Ida, Turkish Kazdagi , with a meaning
of "Goose Mountain" it is a mountain in northwestern Turkey,
and lies southeast of the ruins of Troy, along the north coast
of the Gulf of Edremit. The name, Mount Ida, is an ancient
one. Overnight Kazdagi Village houses
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DAY
18 - Kazdaglari (Mount Ida)
Situated in the
West of the province of Balikesir, the Mount Ida of classical
mythology retains something of its ancient magic in its delightful
trails and waterfalls, its rural charm and scenic views.
This mountain has the second best natural Oxygen levels in
the world. Today it is a haven for climbers and trekkers.
The mountain's healthy climate is also home to a range of
arts and crafts, including some which date back to nomadic
Turkish tribes. The steep and level tracks, asphalted lanes
and gardens of Zeytinli afford the walker a constant permutation
of surface and vista. In the Village of the Wooden Birds (Tahtakuslar
Köyü), just a few kilometres from Akçay,
stands Turkey's first private ethnographical museum and first
village art gallery. The legends of the Kaz mountains are
told here and the medicinal plants which grow on them can
be purchased along with local handicrafts. A kilometre to
the Southeast is Sarlak, with its commanding view of Çamlibel
and the Gulf. Its picnic area and tea garden, containing a
pool in the shape of the Sea of Marmara, are an ideal place
to gather breath. Mount Ida defined with various names in
the Iliada Legend of Homeros have comprised many legends throughout
the history with its natural-cultural assets and unique beauties.
Besides it's an important attraction center considering the
recreation and tourism activities. Overnight Kazdagi Village
houses
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DAY
19 - Assos & Troy Tour
Assos lies within the village of Behremkale.
It is believed that Assos was founded by the people of Methymna
in the 7th century B.C. a town on the island of Lesbos. Walls
surround the Acropolis, built on a hill dominating both sea
and land, about 3 km. in length. These walls were distinctively
built at the time expressing different style and workmanship.
Try the restaurants and the cafes in the village and also
at the harbour. Enjoy the small cobbled beach next to the
harbour, swim over the huge remnants of ancient harbour ruins,
lying just under the surface of the gentle sea or walk down
the cobbled road to the harbour (iskele) and admire the mosaics
of a partly excavated byzantine church, as well as the marvellous
view on the Greek island of Lesbos and the gulf of Edremit.
After lunch depart for Troy where you can explore the site
of the legendary town, made famous by Homer and visit the
Temple of Athena. Overnight in Eceabat
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DAY
20 - Gallipoli Tour – Istanbul
After breakfast visit the sites that
have made Gallipoli a landmark and the memorial for all those
that fell during the Battle of Gallipoli during World War
1. Gallipoli also stands as the birth place for the foundation
of Turkey as we know it today. The rise of Turkeys founder
Ataturk as well as the friendships formed between several
nations during the battle for the Dardanels. After the Tour
Depart for Istanbul. Overnigth Istanbul
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DAY
21 - Istanbul Tour The End
We hope your tour was a memorable
one and we would like to see you in the future on one of our
tours again. After breakfast check out from the hotel. We
make your return airport transfer services.
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Tour Price Includes:
ACCOMMODATION
3, 4 Star, Village Houses, Bungalows and Boutique Hotels in
each area
3 Nights in Istanbul with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights in Abant with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights in Safranbolu with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Pinarpasi with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Comlekciler with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights in Hattusa with Breakfast and Dinner
3 Nights in Cappadocia with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Egiridir with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights in Pamukkale with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Sirince with Breakfast and Dinner
2 Nights in Kazdaglari (Mount Ida ) with Breakfast and Dinner
1 Nights in Eceabat with Breakfast and Dinner
MISC
Private Air-conditioned busses
Private Professional English speaking tour guide
All entrance fees mentioned in the Itinerary
Private airport transfers
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Tour Price Excludes:
INTERNATIONAL AND DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
Personal expenses: Lunches, Extras at hotel
Tipping: Tips for guide and drivers
Insurance: All type
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Price FROM:
Min. 4 pax
Shared double £2200.00
Single traveller £2750.00
4 to 8 pax
Shared double £1835.00
Single traveller £2295.00
8 to 12 and More
Shared double £1650.00
Single traveller £2065.00
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For
further information or to book please call 0208 744 0474
or
click here to use the Enquiry Form>>
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