Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1 : Istanbul Friday 5th September 2008
Welcome to Turkey, arrival into Istanbul. Transfer from airport & check in to your hotel. Tonight you will have a welcome dinner, be introduced to our friendly crew and other travellers while enjoying traditional Turkish Food and enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Istanbul at night.

Day 2

Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour Saturday 6th September 2008
Depart at 08:30 for the Istanbul city tour. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. TURKISH & ISLAMIC ARTS MUSEUM
GRAND COVER BAZAAR In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more then 4,000 shops with each trade having its own area: the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx-ware and meerschaum pipes.
TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
SÜLEYMANIYE MOSQUE The mosque of Süleyman the Magnificent was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to surpass the builders of St. Sophia which is conspicuous from its great size, emphasized by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. Free time provided for shopping. Tonight we have the optional activity of the Turkish Night which should not be missed. Includes (Whirling Dervishes, Belly dancers, Turkish cuisine and wine, live music) overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3

Day 3 - Gallipoli Tour Sunday 7th September 2008
08:00am departing for Gallipoli. Visiting Kabatepe Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand memorial. During the tour there will be a lunch break. Late in the afternoon we will arrive in Canakkale. Over night in Canakkale.

Day 4

Day 4 - Troy Tour : Ayvalik Monday 8th September 2008
Visit naval battle area then ferry across the Dardanelles to Canakkale, After Lunch we depart for the ancient city of Troy. Your guide will explain the mythology surrounding Troy, the Trojan horse and Helen of Troy, as well as the history and discoveries of the archaeological diggings from its discovery by Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870's to the present day and on going. Nine cities have been discovered built one on top of the other dating back to 3500 B.C. After Troy we drive about 2 hours to the coastal town of Ayvalik

Day 5

Day 5 - Pergamun Tour - Kusadasi Tuesday 9th September 2008
Short drive to Pergamun - see Asklepion, Zeus alter, Red Basilica etc. BERGAMA is the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman - city of Pergamon, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local dynasty. Excavations were completed here in 1886, but unfortunately much of what was found has since been carted off to Germany. However, the acropolis of Eumenes II remains a major attraction, and there are a host of lesser sights and an old quarter of chaotic charm to detain you for a day or so. Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians, when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its towers. After Bergama tour will depart for Kusadasi. Upon return you will have the opportunity to experience a Turkish bath which is one of the oldest cultures of Anatolia and it is one of our optional activities. After having dinner at your hotel, you will have the free time to stroll in the city. Over night in Kusadasi.

Day 6

Day 6 Ephesus Tour Wednesday 10th September 2008
Today, we are going to visit Ephesus to view the ruins of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient ruins in the world. A visit to Ephesus - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - 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.
According to many historians and theologians, the divine death of the Virgin Mary took place in Ephesus in the presence of St. John into whose care Christ's mother was given (St.John, XX, 26-27). After the Ephesus Tours, we will make a shopping tour in which you will be aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like carpet weaving, 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 Kusadasi.

Day 7

Day 7 - Pamukkale Tour Thursday 11th September 2008
At 08:30 we depart for Pamukkale. On the way we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region. We then arrive at Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards we shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, then walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs. Over night in Pamukkale.

Day 8

Day 8 : Bodrum Friday 12th September 2008
Transfer to Bodrum. The day is yours. You do not have to wake up early, enjoy the sunshine and take in the views and natural magnificent beach & crystal clear sea and explore the city, shop in the local markets, relax on the beach or enjoy one of the many day trips you have to choose from. These include Aqua Park , scuba diving, fishing tour and many more. Over night in Bodrum.

Day 9

Day 9 Blue Cruise from Bodrum - Karacasogut Saturday 13th September 2008
Departure after breakfast. First stop by Karaada:The Island is famous for its hot springs and dark caves which you can swim into. After lunch, we continue to the marvelous natural harbor of Cati, a lovely bay surrounded with pine trees on the south coast of the Gulf.
Overnight / Cati

Day 10

Day 10 Blue Cruise from Bodrum - Karacasogut Sunday 14th September 2008
Sail to Seven Island - always a popular choice, plenty of pine-clad secluded bays and coves to investigate. You will spend the rest of day by swimming if you wish by walking through the stroax (liquid-amber) and pine forests.
Overnight / Kufre

Day 11

Day 11 Blue Cruise from Bodrum - Karacasogut Monday 15th September 2008
Sail to Seven Islands - always popular choice, plenty of pine clad secluded bays and coves to investigate. After the Cruise Depart for Egridir. Stop in Egridir on the southern tip of the most beautiful of the Pisidian lakes. Over Night in Egridir

Day 12

Day 12 Egridir to Cappadocia Tuesday 16th September 2008
Coach transport to Cappadocia approx 7 hours. Today we will get to know the Cappadocia region, a volcanic area in which the geological formation started 10 million years ago. As a result of these formations phallic like pillars have come to life. The beautiful horse country "Katpatuka," (as the Persians called her) is an unbelievable strip of land, enchanting and mysterious. Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 13

Day 13 Cappadocia Tour Wednesday 17th September 2008
Our guided tour will start at 09:30 and cover Avcilar, Pigeon Valley , Göreme Open Air Museum , Dervent Valley , Uçhisar Castle and the pottery village of Avanos . If you want to join our optional activity of Ballooning, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning. Over night in Cappadocia.

Day 14

Day 14 Cappadocia Tour Thursday 18th September 2008
We depart at 09:30 for one of the most interesting sites of Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City. The Christians hid from the armies of Rome and the raids of hostile tribes in these self sufficient cities in which there were halls for stocks of crop, barns, rooms, kitchens & ventilation channels. After the Cappadocia Tour Depart for Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul approx 9pm. Over Night in Istanbul.

Day 15

Day 15 Istanbul Tour The End Friday 19th September 2008
After breakfast check out from the hotel. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

TOUR INCLUDES: . 14 Nights Accommodation . English speaking professional guide throughout. . All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary. . All transportation by First Class private air-conditioned coach. . Return airport transfers from Ataturk Airport . 14 Breakfast and 14 Dinners . 3 night’s accommodation at a 4 star hotel in Istanbul (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 1 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Canakkale (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 1 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Ayvalik (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 2 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Kusadasi (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 1 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Pamukkale (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 1 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Bodrum (With Breakfast and Dinner) . Blue Cruises from Bodrum to Karacasogut. 3 Days and 2 Nights - (With Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.) . 1 night’s accommodation at 4 star hotels in Egridir (With Breakfast and Dinner) . 2 night’s accommodation at boutique cave Hotel in Cappadocia (With Breakfast and Dinner)

Extras -

Singles Tour FAQ
{italic}Why our single tours?{-italic}
TravelShop Turkey receive a lot of customers who are travelling on their own, and prefer to travel on their own in order to meet other single travellers. They are wanting to see everything about Turkey, and maybe in a set amount time. We have created a tour that will show our single travellers a lot about Turkey, including a Boat Cruise, major sightseeing, and most of all, relax while on holiday. Leave the planning to us so you dont have to worry when on tour. We will take care of everything! You can meet a lot of single travellers from all around the world, and make lots of new friends! Enjoy Turkish sightseeing, cultures, historic and modern traditions, relax on the beach, and enjoy the blue cruise along the beautiful mediterranean coastline.

Age Group
The minimum age for the single tour is 18+. There is no maximum age! But you need to be physically fit in order to go on this tour and be able to complete the itinerary.

The Blue Cruise
The 3 day 2 night blue cruise to relax on the beautiful Aegean coast with your group and get to know one another. The cruise is included in the tour price and itinerary. Accommodation is based on twin share, but not much time is spent in the rooms as you will even sometimes sleep on deck! The cruise is private, on a traditional wooden gulet boat, with 24hr hot running water, private bathroom and shower per room, tasty meals throughout the day, all drinks are excluded but can be purchased on board at very reasonable prices. At midnight you can gaze at the beautiful and mystical Turkish sky, filled with stars and moons, accompanied by refreshing cold drinks! After the cruise, you will have a lot of fantastic memories that will never be forgotten.

Airport Transfers
Transfers from Ataturk Airport are included in the tour price. However, arrivals from Sabiha Gokcen are €20 one way per person. Sabiha Gokcen is located approx 1.5 hours out of Istanbul, this is the reason for the extra cost.

We are a couple, can we join this tour?
Unfortunately, we are not accepting couples on this tour. However, if you would like a similar itinerary, please let us know and we will arrange this for you.

How often do your single tours operate?
We will be operating this tour in June and September, starting 2008. This is a great time to travel Turkey as it is not the busiest season, but the weather is still superb! The tour is 15 days long.
How many people will be on the single tour?
This is a special single tour, and we try to keep the maximum number of tour members to approx 20. This is a great size to travel with and get to know over the time of the tour. We try to also keep an even number of males and females to travel with.

Accommodation on tour
Accommodation is based on single supplement or twin share, and the cost is included in the itinerary. Please confirm your preference when booking. We can arrange for other singles to share if you prefer twin share. Hotels will be of a 4 star Standard, but you have the chance to stay in a cave in Cappadocia! While on the blue cruise, accommodation is based on twin share. If you require a single cabin on the cruise, please let us know and we will make further arrangements.

Tour Guide
You will be assisted by a fluent English speaking but Turkish professional tour guide who is deeply knowledgeable of all sights that you will see in Turkey

Visa
Depending on your nationality or passport, you will be able to purchase a visa when you arrive at the airport in Turkey. Please however confirm this with your national embassy, as some nationalities require this to be done in advance.

Food
A wide selection of tasty traditional Turkish food for you to experience while in our country. All breakfasts and dinners are included, but for lunch you are free to explore for your own choices. Lunch is not included in the tour price, except for when on the Blue Cruise.

MONEY
We use New Turkish Lira. Although in a lot of places they will accept US, EURO or GBP money. We recommend that exchanging to lira will save you money and confusion. There are many change offices throughout Turkey, along with ATM machines for you to withdraw also. Most shops will accept your credit cards.

SHOPPING
You will have plenty of time throughout your tour to visit the local shops. Istanbul isn't always the best place to shop! It is the best place to bargain however. If there is something in particular you are looking for, please ask your tour guide and they will advise you on the best place to go. Carpet, leather and jewellery shopping is best done in Kusadasi/Ephesus where you will visit the factories, also learn a lot more about the product from the factory guides.

Weather
The Turkish weather in June and September is very warm and mild. Temperatures will reach from 25-30 degrees. You will still be touring in nice, warm, sunny days with blue skies. You will not see rain!
What should I bring with me?
Bring your own camera, warm and cool clothes, swimming gears, sandals for the beach, comfortable shoes for the sightseeing, also your party shoes!

Activities on tour
We have many surprise activities that will pop up during the tour, watch out! Everyone is to be involved. Adventures and watersports, including ballooning, rafting, paragliding and horseriding, Turkish bath, and loads more.

OUR STAFF
Our tour staff are very friendly, from Turkey, New Zealand and Australia, who have travelled extensively through Turkey and the rest of the world. If you have any queries that are not answered here on FAQs, please contact us or ask us while on tour. We are happy to help! {italic}{-italic}