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Eastern Highlights Combined with Cappadocia
offered by supplier M17888 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 17
day(s)
Group Size: 6
- 16
people
Destination(s):
Turkey
Specialty Categories:
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
Season: June - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 1700 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 1700 US Dollar (USD)
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Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Ankara. Ankara first achieved prominence as a crossroads. Akuwash, the Hittite name for the city, was established over 3000 years ago at the intersection of 2 trade routes. Ankara was designed to be a modern capital city in the time of Ataturk, the founder of Turkey. The basic model was that of a spacious European city with parks and wide boulevards. Much of the original vision has subsequently been lost but there are still areas of the city where you'll forget that you're in Asia. The "melting pot of East and West" motif has been just about worn out but it applies here maybe more than anywhere else in Turkey. Arrive in Ankara and meet our team. After having the brief information and meeting our staff, transfer to Hotel in the center of the city.
Depending on your arrival we may be able to visit some places in Ankara. As the fortress from 9th Century A.D. and Anatolian Civilization Museum is very close to our hotel, we start our tour here. We start walking from our hotel and visit Column of Julian with a stork nest on the top, erected in the honor of Emperor Julian the Apostate in 361-363 A.D. After, we carry on to Hacibayram Veli Mosque next to Augustus temple which was built as a shrine in earlier times. After, our guide will take us to Anatolian Civilizations Museum, home to the best artifacts unearthed during the late Ottoman and Turkish Republic period throughout the country. Overnight Ankara Capital Hotel 3*. Includes:(B),(D).
Day 2: Hattusas - Cappadocia. In the morning we drive to Hattusas Ancient site via Kirsehir for 3 hours. Hattusas was the capital of the Hittite empire in the 2nd millennium BCE. The city was located on a mountain slope at the southern end of a small fertile plain. The piece treaty between the Hittite king Hattusili III and the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses II about 1240 B.C. is known as the earliest example in the World. We first drive to main city and visit the monumental gateways, castles, temples, 70 meters long "Tunnel" which was build in a primitive way before the true arch was discovered. After, we drive to Yazilikaya "Inscribed Rock" which is only 2 km away. The principal interest of Yazilikaya, however, lies not in the fallen temple buildings but in the figures of deities carved on the rock walls of the two natural chambers of the roofless sanctuary. After having lunch in local restaurant we drive to Cappadocia, another 3 hours bus drive, we reach to Ayvali village for overnight. Our hotel has both cave or arched rooms decorated in Ottoman style and will give us the first taste of Fairies Land.
Day 3: Cappadocia. Cappadocia in Turkey has a surreal landscape fashioned by ancient floods and winds that partially eroded a volcanic based plateau. Numerous fanciful formations were created including the conical ones nicknamed fairy chimneys. On the other hand Cappadocia is also famous for rock-cut houses, monasteries and churches build by locals from 4th century B.C. to nowadays. Today we will visit the famous open air museum of Goreme, where the best preserved frescoes dating back to 9-11th centuries can still be seen. After, we drive to Uchisar and climb the natural 60 m high tower like natural fortress and enjoy the beautiful view of the area. After having lunch in this town we carry on to Avanos town which is famous for pottery. Here we'll have a walk in the city center to see the 19th century architecture of the region and after our guide will take us to a pottery workshop to get nformation about this traditional art comes from Hittites. Overnight Gamirasu hotel. Includes: (B),(L),(D).
Day 4: Ihlara - Cappadocia. After breakfast we drive to Derinkuyu Underground city for half an hour and our first visit is this "Swiss cheese" like underground city; 82 m deep, holes and tunnels going up, down, to the right, to the left and every where. This outstanding complex includes a Church, a Missionary School, stable, winery and rooms, lots of rooms. Than we carry on to Ihlara Canyon which is 14 km long, 100 m deep and formed by Melendiz River and protected the early Christians from Roman execution.
After having lunch in Belisirma Village at a riverside restaurant we will walk the first part of this valley up to Ihlara village and drive to Agzikarahan Caravanserai dating back to Caravanserai is a motel like building, located on trade routes and serving/protecting the caravans for free, built mainly by Sultans. After our visit here we drive back to hotel. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 5: Kahta. One long drive day, starting from Cappadocia we will drive to the east, crossing the Taurus range via Karatay Han, a Caravanserai dating back to 1240 A.D. We will visit the Maras City (known as Kahraman (Hero) Maras named by National Assembly for their victorious fights against allied forces in WWI) to have an ice cream!? Yes, Maras city produces the best ice cream throughout the country (perhaps even world), it is much tougher and needs a fork and knife to eat. After, we carry on to Kahta town near Nemrut Mountain for the overnight. Overnight at Hotel Euphrat. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 6: Urfa. Nemrut is one of the most astounding sites in Turkey: A collection of colossal statues on a remote mountain (Nemrut) 2150m high, adorning the temple and tomb of King Antiochus. It was unknown until 1881. Nemrut has since been a significant attraction. In the morning we take a tour with a dolmush and visit Arsemia. In the afternoon drive Urfa via Ataturk dam. We visit this magnificent structure; biggest work of Gap project. Than in the Urfa we visit the columns Abraham supposed to thrown in to the fire, old castle, Abraham Mosque and pool, now a very nice moving green park full of people in local dresses (Arabs, Kurds and Turkish tribes). Urfa bazaar looks like Covered Bazaar in Istanbul, where you can find anything to buy and still you can find very interesting arts alive. After lunch check in the hotel and free time for shopping. O/n in Urfa at Asur Hotel 3*. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 7: Harran - Mardin. In the morning visit Harran town famous with beehive houses, which are really cool in summer and warm in winter, natural air conditioners, But also city is mentioned in the Old Testament, where Prophet In the afternoon we will visit the Syrian-Jacobite Monastery of Deyr-ul Zaferan and have a walk in the city center. Overnight at beautifully reconstructed Erdoba Konaklari or Artuklu Kervansarayi hotel Abraham lived. Than carry on driving to Mardin, after lunch in a very special and local restaurant (Cercis Murat Konagi ) which serves a big menu of local tastes, Arabic, Kurdish, Turkish and Syrians.
I bet you'll never forget the dish you had for the first and last time in this place. Mardin is located in a strategic position on a rocky spur overlooking the crossroads between east-west and north-south routes. The city is dominated by the fortress which has stood on this site since Roman times. The buildings of the town are terraced into the hillside and all have magnificent views over the Mesopotamian plain. From a distance, the golden stone of Mardin houses blend into the rock of the hills on which the city is built. On closer inspection, the stone carving and decoration of the houses an public buildings reveals the city as an architectural treasure-chest. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 8: Tatvan. Drive to Midyat in the morning and visit another Syrian-Jacobite Monastery; Deyrulumur. Than have a short walk in the old part of Midyat town which is worth to see and take pictures of traditional old houses. Carry on driving Hasankeyf, an ancient city,
with roots going back 10,000 years. It was declared a natural conservation area by Turkey in 1981. Have lunch in a local cave restaurant and drive to Tatvan town by the Van Lake for overnight. Overnight at Kardelen Hotel 3*. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 9: Nemrut Mountain-Van. In the morning drive to Nemrut Volcano, is the most southern and youngest of the chain of volcanoes in eastern Anatolia. It is a stratovolcano, and began erupting during the fourth geological era and continued to be active until 1597 A.D. As a result of the volcanic eruptions of Mt. Nemrut, the single Van Mus river basin was divided into two separate basins. The eruption of Nemrut volcano also led the formation of Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey.
There we'll visit the Crater Lake and have lunch with nice view of the lake. Possibility for swimming. Than drive Gevas to visit Seljuk's Cemetery and than take a boat to Akdamar Island and visit Georgian Church; besides the marvelous views of the church, the island, the lake and the mountains beyond, there are ruins of an Armenian monastery which once served the church. The stone relief's of Biblical scenes on the church exterior are the main reason for making the trip to Akdamar. O/n at Merit Sahmaran Hotel 4* or Buyuk Uratu Hotel 4*. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 10: Van Area. Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey, is 1.646 meters high and covers an area of 3.713 km2. Its surrounded by volcanic formations on the northern and western parts. Suphan Mountain is situated in the north and Nemrut Mt. in the west of the lake. Sodium carbonate sedimentations form along the shores of the lake into which many rivers coming from these mountains empty. And the alluvial soil cammed by these rivers created thin but fertile plains on its shores. Because the water enclosed here has no outflow, Lake Van has bitter, salty and carbonated waters. The wavy shores and zigzags form many bays and capes around the lake.
There are four islets in the northern section of the lake. These are: Akdamar, Carpanak, Gadir (Yaka) and Kus islets. The eastern part of lake Van where the city was located was used to be called Waini in Urartu language. The castle constructed in 9 BC at 80 m height from the lake by Urartian king Sardur the first was bearing the name Tuspa. One of the most remarkable structures around is the rock tomb of Argisti the first, outside which is a long inscription relating the events of his reign.
Urartus had outstanding success in architecture having constructed unique temples, palaces, castles, waterways and artificial lakes despite the tough climate and geographical difficulties of the region. One of these predous structures is, Samran waterway, constructed in 8 BC which derives its water from the spring called Kirkdegirmen in Gurpinar plain. In the morning visit Van castle from Urartian period. Drive Hosap castle, a beautiful structure located on a rock cliff and giving a good panoramic view. At last watch sun set over Van Lake. Overnight in Van. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 11: Van-Dogubayazit. On the way to Dogubayazit, visit Muradiye falls. After arriving to Dogubayazit check in, than drive to Ishak pasa palace, dates back to 18th century, was commissioned by local Ottoman governor Ishak Pasa and took ninety-nine years to complete in 1784. Ishak Pasa is also thought to be the architect of the palace. Overnight at Hotel Sim-er 3* or Hotel Nuh. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 12: Dogubayazit-Kars. A thousand years ago Ani was the capital of an Armenian kingdom that covered much of present day Armenia and eastern Turkey. Ani had a population of at least 100,000 and its wealth and renown was such that it was known as "the city of 1001 churches". Built on a spectacular site - a plateau encircled by deep ravines - Ani's many churches, palaces, and fortifications were amongst the most technically and artistically advanced structures in the world at that period. Via tuzluca magarasy drive to Kars, visit Ani ancient site on the way. Overnight at Hotel Karabag 3*. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 13: Kars-Cildir Golu-Savsat-Hopa. Cildir takes its name from the nearby lake which lies at an altitude of 1,965 meters. The scenic area around the lake provides a habitat for a fascinating variety of birds. In the lake, the man-made Akcakale Island was reputedly constructed with the labor of thousands; a temple with Urartian inscriptions remains. Seytan (Devil's) Castle is near Cildir. The
city of lgdir stands on a large, fertile plain where fruit and unusual for this geographical region, cotton grow. The Bible relates that when the flood waters receded, Noah and his family descended from Mount Agri (Ararat) toward the fertile Igdir plain.
From here, their progeny settled to the south and west along the Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) rivers, establishing the second generation of mankind. From this plain, you have the best view of Mount Agri. Via Arpacay, we have a short visit to Cildir golu. Carry on driving via Artvin to Hopa where we stay. On the way we stop in Ardahan for lunch which is one of the smallest cities in Turkey, more like a big village. Overnight in Artvin Hopa Terzioglu hotel 3*. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 14: Ayder. Drive Ayder via Rize; short break in the city for shopping. Drive along the Firtina River to Camlihemsin. Visit the Zilkale (with Dolmus), continue to Ayder. Fyrtyna and Hemsin Rivers where biodiversity is concentrated are among the first places to see. Zilkale ruins at Fyrtyna River valley are important from the cultural point of view. Plateau settlements which shows the socio-economic and cultural values of the region display the concordance of people and architecture to the nature and provide an impressive scenery. Ayder settlement and hot springs are the other attractions of the Park. Near the Ayder Plateau settlement there is an area which provides services for daily use. In Camlihemsin district and Ayder Plateau there are camping sites around settlements. In the evening Turkish bath would be great experience. Overnight at Yesil Vadi Hotel. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 15: Ayder - Uzungol. Explore Ayder area in the morning. Drive up to Yukarikavron (with dolmus) and explore beautiful green high pastures of Kackar mountains. In the afternoon drive to Uzungol. Have a walk in the lake area. Overnight Ensar Hotel. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 16: Uzungol. Uzungol (Long lake in Turkish) is a village and lake situated to the south of the city of Trabzon in Turkey. Over the years it has become a major tourist attraction. The area is most famous for its natural beauty. Located in a valley between high rising mountains, the lake and village appear inaccessible at first. The surrounding greenery of the mountain forests and the fog that occasionally envelopes the lake at night also add to the mystic scenery of the area. In winter time, the lake freezes over and the entire village can become covered with snow. In recent years a major tourist boom has attracted a number of hotels, restaurants and gift and souvenir shops to be built in the area. The transport infrastructure has also been greatly improved. However all of this development has been carefully planned not to encroach upon the village or the lake itself. The developments lie behind the village itself, perhaps 300 meters from the lake. Take a dolmush to Haldizen yayla and Demirkapi yayla. Overnight Uzungol. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Day 17: Uzungol - Trabzon. Drive to Trabzon and have a city tour including Sumela Monastery, situated in a very beautiful and natural setting, built in the 14th century is nestled into the side of rocks in a famous valley. This important monastery is only 50 Kms away from Trabzon, the coastal Black Sea city of Turkey. The place is 1200 meters above the sea level where according to legend, an icon of the virgin had come to Athens but one day a holy image, transported by angels, crossed the ocean and landed in to grotto at the top of the Zigana Mountain.
Two Greek monks Barnaba and Sophronios, who had come here to live in prayer, saw the icon and decide to dedicate a monastery to it. Probably the name 'Sumela' derives from the Greek 'Melas' which means black and which referred not to the mountain but to the color the ancient image had undoubtedly acquired. Apparently the icon had been painted by an anonymous artist active in Trabzon in the course of the 7th (10th) century. As pilgrimages increased Sumela become one of the most important sites for meditation. Afternoon flight from Trabzon to Istanbul. Includes:(B),(L),(D).
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices Includes:
-Local English speaking licensed cultural guide
-All hotels HB Accommodation mainly 3*/4* hotels
-All transfers with A/C bus
-Lunches in local restaurant, sometime as a picnic concerning to the day trip
-All entrance fees (Only for mentioned Historical sights in the
program)
-Tour leader free
Prices Excludes:
-Travel insurance
-All drinks and people expenses
-All airfares
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Turkey
Archeology/History
Cultural Journey
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