Ottoman is not Just a Footstool
-
Overview
In the Ottoman Empire, condemned government officials who were sentenced to death could run for their lives. Literally. They were allowed to challenge their executioner to a foot race from the palace down to the Fish Market Gate. If they made it before the executioner, they would be banished instead of executed. Too bad if you forgot your runners.
(Was Turkish Odyssey)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Istanbul
Check out the Blue Mosque and Hippodrome (sadly, there’s no actual hippos here). Your hotel is right in the thick of the action so you won’t have to walk far for your first kebab of the trip.
Day 1
- Arrive in Istanbul and perhaps visit the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market
- Meet the tour guide and fellow travel companions at an evening welcome meeting
- Head out on an optional group dinner, a good introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street-side cafe
Day 2
- Take a guided tour of the treasures of the Old Town including the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome
- Explore under your own steam in the afternoon
- Perhaps barter for a bargain, enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus (optional) or indulge in a traditional Turkish hamam (optional)
BreakfastDay 3-4 - Gallipoli - Eceabat - Ayvalik
Drive to Gallipoli and wander around the famous battlefields - it's hard not to feel moved. Take a ferry across the Dardanelles to Canakkale. Optional trip out to Troy, Brad Pitt’s long gone but it’s still worth a visit.
Day 3
- Take a bus to the shores of Gallipoli, a place of immense significance for Australians and New Zealanders
- Cross the Dardanelles by ferry to accommodation in Çanakkale
Day 4
- Optional excursion to Troy, where you can explore the ancient ruins
- Take an orientation tour of Ayvalik and view its Greco-Ottoman houses, cobblestone streets and lively cafes
BreakfastDay 5-7 - Selcuk - Pamukkale - Fethiye
Meet the locals on a bus to Selcuk. Walk in Cleopatra’s footsteps at the Greco-Roman site of Ephesus. Then find out why the hot spring city of Pamukkale is known as 'cotton castle'.
Day 5
- Take a local bus to Selçuk
- On arrival we explore nearby Ephesus - perhaps the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world
- Walk the marble streets once trodden by Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and the restored Library of Celsus
Day 6
- Travel to Pamukkale with its natural pools, shelves and ridges
- Perhaps explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its abundance of temples and religious structures
Day 7
- Head for the coast and take a local bus to Ölüdeniz, described as 'the Eden bestowed by God to the world'
- Plenty of time to enjoy a swim at the three-kilometre-long beach
BreakfastDay 8-9 - Turquoise Coast
The sunken city of Kekova Island sits just under the surface of the water. Did you know the colour turquoise was named after Turkey? This is why.
- Board a boat for a memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast and view some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world
- Cruise to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilisations can be viewed
- Walk up to nearby Simena Castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays and islands
- Perhaps explore some of the numerous Lycian rock tombs
- Spend some time on the azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea
- Swim and explore the natural and historical sites along the way
- Indulge in feasts before being lulled to sleep by Mediterranean breezes
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 10-11 - Cirali - Antayla - Cappadocia
It’s hard to get a bad photo of Antalya (unless your finger is over the lens) thanks to cobblestone streets, the old city, the marina and the Taurus mountains in the distance. Head to Zencefil café for a karniyarik -roasted eggplant split down the middle and stuffed with chopped beef, onions, tomatoes and spices.
Day 10
- Disembark the boat in Uçagiz and head to Antalya
- Stop by Olympos en route and see the flames of Chimera
- Press on to the ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Phaselis
Day 11
- Take a local bus to Cappadocia
- Stay and explore Cappadocia for the next three nights
BreakfastDay 12-13 - Cappadocia
Penis-shaped rocks, fairy chimneys and underground cities. Cappadocia’s got it all.
Day 12
- Drive to the top of the trail at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley)
- Walk amongst fruit gardens and vineyards
- Arrive in Uçhisar and visit the village and high viewpoint known as The Fortress
- Take a stroll in Pigeon Valley before heading back to Göreme
- Enjoy free time to experience Göreme’s nightlife
- Perhaps attend a traditional Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance
Day 13
- Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu – a marvel that descends 60m below the surface
BreakfastDay 14-15 - Ankara - Istanbul
Go eight floors underground at Derinkuyu – one of Cappadocia’s 36 underground cities. Take the bus to Istanbul and celebrate your arrival back in Europe with a fresh fish roll on the Galata bridge.
Day 14
- Drive to the start of Pasabaglari (Priest Valley) and follow a trail to the picturesque village of Cavusin
- Walk through Kizilcukur (Red Valley)
- Take an overnight bus back to Istanbul
Day 15
- The trip ends upon arrival in Istanbul (between 6am and 7am).
Breakfast -
What to Know
What's Included
• Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guide.
• Visit to the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries of Gallipoli.
• Boat trip on the Turquoise Coast, sleeping under the stars on a comfortable mattress on the boat deck.
• Time at the natural pools, shelves and ridges of Pammukale.
• Walks in the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia including: Akvadi (White Valley), Pigeon Valley, Pasabaglari (Priest Valley) and Kizilçukur (Red Valley).
• 14 breakfasts, 1 lunch & 3 dinners, one of which is a traditional Turkish dinner as guests of a local family.
• Visits to one of the greatest Greco-Roman sites in the world – Ephesus to the Lycian city of Phaselis.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Istanbul; Tuz Golu salt lake; underground city of Derinkuyu; Konya; and Ayvalik.
• Free time to explore Istanbul, Antalya, Fethiye and Selçuk.
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, airport/departure taxes, entrance fees for optional sites, visas, pre-tour or post-tour accommodation, additional meals (including some meals on boat), drinks, optional sightseeing tours, travel insurance, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
-
Map
Map Itinerary
-
Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 22 Jun 2013 - 06 Jul 2013 7+ Closed US $1,495 Closed 29 Jun 2013 - 13 Jul 2013 7+ Request US $1,495 Book Now 13 Jul 2013 - 27 Jul 2013 1 Request US $1,495 Book Now 27 Jul 2013 - 10 Aug 2013 2 Available US $1,495 Book Now 03 Aug 2013 - 17 Aug 2013 2 Available US $1,495 Book Now 17 Aug 2013 - 31 Aug 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 24 Aug 2013 - 07 Sep 2013 6 Available US $1,495 Book Now 31 Aug 2013 - 14 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 07 Sep 2013 - 21 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 14 Sep 2013 - 28 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 21 Sep 2013 - 05 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 28 Sep 2013 - 12 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 05 Oct 2013 - 19 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 12 Oct 2013 - 26 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 19 Oct 2013 - 02 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 26 Oct 2013 - 09 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,320 Book Now 02 Nov 2013 - 16 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,320 Book Now 09 Nov 2013 - 23 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,320 Book Now 23 Apr 2014 - 07 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,601 Book Now 23 Apr 2014 - 07 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,601 Book Now 03 May 2014 - 17 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 10 May 2014 - 24 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 17 May 2014 - 31 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 24 May 2014 - 07 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 07 Jun 2014 - 21 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 14 Jun 2014 - 28 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 21 Jun 2014 - 05 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now 28 Jun 2014 - 12 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,495 Book Now -
Reviews
Past Travellers' Ratings & Comments
There’s no feedback available on this trip yet. If you’ve been on this trip and would like to contribute a review, rating or simply make a comment then please get in touch.
Calendar
Trip Selected
Nuts+Bolts
#GETO
What to know
The 23 Apr 2014 departure ties in with ANZAC day at Gallipoli and the night of Day 2 will be spent camping in Anzac Cove. This departure have a surcharge.