For those who wish to explore Istanbul in addition to some of Turkey’s other highlights we have organised a holiday that starts with three nights in charming hotel converted from one of the original Ottoman houses in the historic Sultanahmet district of the city, perfectly situated to allow you to independently explore the Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, St Sofia and the Grand Bazaar on foot.
From Istanbul, you will fly to Kayseri in the hauntingly beautiful Cappadocia region where you will spend four nights in a comfortable hotel cleverly created from some of the original cave dwellings. This allows you time to do justice to exploring the unique landscapes, villages and architecture and perhaps even take a dawn balloon flight (payable locally).
We break the minibus journey from Cappadocia to the Turquoise Coast with sightseeing stops in Sultanhani and Konya, before continuing via the Lake District to the rual hamlet of Faralya,
where you can enjoy the final four nights relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of the Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotel and perhaps independently exploring the nearby beach and lagoon at Oludeniz, the atmospheric Kaya Valley or the port town of Fethiye. .
There will be a farewell group dinner on the final night before leaving on the following morning for your flight home from Dalaman via Istanbul.
Itinerary
Day 1: Fly to Istanbul and transfer by taxi to your hotel in the historic
Sultanahmet district of the city.
Days 2 & 3: A chance to independently explore the Blue Mosque, St Sophia
and the Grand Bazaar in addition to all the other attractions of this vibrant
city.
Day 4: Fly from Istanbul to Kayseri and transfer to your 'cave' hotel in
Cappadocia.
Day 5: A tour of the fantasy landscape of Cappadocia and some of the
underground cities and churches carved from the soft volcanic rock and a visit
to the Goreme Open Air Museum, set in a steep-sided valley and home to
one of the earliest monastic settlements.
Day 6: An opportunity to take a dawn balloon flight (payable locally and
subject to weather conditions) over the 'fairy chimneys' before continuing the
exploration of the rural communities and breathtaking landscapes, perhaps
stopping to visit a local handicraft centre producing hand-woven kilims and
decorated pottery.
Day 7: The final day in Cappadocia starts with a visit to Mustafa Pasa, the
former Greek trading settlement of Sinassos, to admire the fine architecture of
the merchants' houses and then an opportunity to merely relax and enjoy the
spectacular landscapes.
Day 8: Drive via Sultanhani, where we visit a Kervansaray, and Konya, the home of the 'Whirling Dervishes', to Faralya on the Turquoise Coast.
Settle in to Mandarin Boutique Hotel for the
remainder of your stay.
Days 9, 10 & 11: Time to relax and enjoy Mandarin's facilities, or optionally explore some of the many historical sites of ancient Lycia. Farewell
dinner on the final evening.
Day 12: Transfer to Dalaman for your flight home via Istanbul.
Price includes:
- Scheduled return flights from Heathrow or Gatwick to Istanbul and domestic flights as specified (flights from Manchester, Birmingham or Edinburgh at a supplement).
- All accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis
- Farewell dinner
- All transfers by taxi or air-conditioned minibus as per the above itinerary
Not included:
- Any tips to guide/interpreter, driver, baggage handlers, housekeepers
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites
- Lunches & dinners where not mentioned
- Drinks during lunch and dinner