Updated 10/11/08

Turkey

Where East meets West

Since time immemorial Turkey has been the bridge of civilization between Asia and Europe. Everywhere there is a tremendous sense of history, the countryside dotted with ancient ruined cities and historic landmarks. Turkey is such a wonderful holiday destination, a something for everyone place.

View Slideshow View Map View Trip TK82 or TK16 Article: "Talking Turkey" by Vicky Ross

Each day so very different; awesome historical sites, fascinating culture, spectacular scenery, delightful walks, friendly people, exotic shopping, local markets and great food! You’ll love it!

Trip Highlights

Istanbul - The city of the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, historic, intriguing and ever fascinating.

The White Cliffs of Pamukkale - flowing over the sparkling white cliffs its thermal waters have attracted bathers since Roman times.

Gallipoli - a moving pilgrimage. Visit Anzac Cove and the memorials, cemeteries and other landmarks so much part of the Anzac Story.

Ancient Sites - visit the best, including Ephesus - so much part of Biblical history, Troy - of wooden horse fame, Aspendos - its huge theatre still in use today and Termessos - the mountain fortress city which defeated Alexander the Great.

Cappadocia - amazing rock formations, fairy chimneys, underground cities, rock carved churches and great walks!

The Lycian Coast - enjoy the rugged beauty and tepid waters of the Mediterranean coast, from Antalya to Fethiye, wonderful swimming and boating!

Sea kayaking excursion to explore the stunning coastline around the "sunken city" of Kekova. No experience necessary, or alternatively travel on the support boat.

Mountain Countryside Stay - experience gen
uine Turkish hospitality! Be hosted by a local family and enjoy the flavours of delicious home cooked meals. Observe their farming “methods”, visit the tiny village or walk in the surrounding countryside.

Relaxing Mode of Travel - most stays are for 2 nights, with day excursions. Take time to enjoy, Turkey is too good to rush.

Draft Itinerary Outline

Day 1. Auckland to Flight – flight departs late afternoon
Day 2. Istanbul - arrive early evening
Day 3. Istanbul - Old City sightseeing
Day 4. Istanbul to overnight train - a Bosphorus Cruise
Day 5. Ankara to Urgup - Ankara sightseeing
Day 6. Urgup - Goreme / Cappadocia sightseeing/walk
Day 7. Urgup to Konya - Ilhara walk / Derinkuyu / Konya
Day 8. Konya to Antalya - Aspendos / Perge
Day 9. Antalya - Termessos
Day 10. Antalya to Kas - Olympus walk
Day 11. Kas - kayaking Kevoka Bay
Day 12. Kas - free day
Day 13. Kas to Mountain Village Homestay - walk option
Day 14. Homestay to Dalyan - via Saklikent Canyon / walk
Day 15. Dalyan - 12 Island Boat Cruise
Day 16. Dalyan to Pammakule - morning Dalyan river cruise/ Caunos
Day 17. Pammkule to Selcuk - White Cliffs/Hierapolis
Day 18. Selcuk - Efes / Sirince
Day 19. Selcuk to Assos
Day 20. Assos to Canakkale - Troy
Day 21. Canakkale to Istanbul - via Gallipoli
Day 22. Istanbul - sightseeing / free time
Day 23. Istanbul to Flight - evening flight, overnight Dubai
Day 24. In Flight
Day 25. Arrive Auckland

The Day Excursion Principle

Staying 2 nights in most places, you are not constantly on the move. During the day there are excursions into the surrounding areas for sightseeing and day walks. Rushing through on an ABC style itinerary is not the way to best experience Turkey. It’s better to take time to enjoy the wide variety of experiences this charming country has to offer; especially the Lycian coast, which just begs you to stop and enjoy.

Day Walking

A great way to see the countryside! Ramble along local pathways, through an ever changing landscape of villages, farmyards, fields and forests. Whether you travel in May or October the countryside is delightful. Five or six walks ranging from 1 to 3 hours are planned. However, they are optional, you don't have to be a walker to enjoy Turkey.

Sea Kayaking Day or Boat Trip

The choice is yours, on how to spend this magical day; a “sunken city”, a medieval castle and deserted coves. Both single and double kayaks are used and experienced guides lead the way. There is the option to travel in the accompanying support boat if you prefer or when you get weary of paddling. It’s a wonderful day out with a beach picnic and time for swimming and exploring ashore.

Trip Timing

Travel during either springtime or late summer both of which are beautiful times of the year to visit Turkey, being either before or after the main rush of the European tourist season. The weather is historically warm and sunny but not too hot, wonderful for swimming.

Accommodation / Transport

The small hotel / pensions are very comfortable and often quite charming, Graded Star**+ to ***. The norm is twin rooms with private facilities, adequate, comfortable and secure. A breakfast is served each morning. One night overnight sleeper train, one night group country homestay.

Transport - A private vehicle charter + one overnight train.

Criteria for Taking Part

Turkey is a relaxing, easy going country with lots to see and do. In order to fully take part in the planned itinerary you need to be moderately fit and active as much of the sightseeing involves walking to some extent, and of course the longer walks are optional.

Trip Data

Price will include, flights AKL/AKL (flight related taxes not included), meals – all B, 3D, 2L, hotels/transports/sights/activities as per itinerary.

Code Number:	TK 91
Departure (ex Auckland):	18 Sep 08
Estimated Price:	$8,350
Minimum Number:	11
Days:	25
Trip Status:	Open, $500 full deposit

Please read our Frequently Asked Questions for important general information. For more specific details about this trip (including an itinerary) please Contact Us.