Whirling Turkey
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Overview
Mother Nature was in a good mood the day she created Love Valley in Cappadocia. Sometimes referred to as ‘Turkey’s Undies’, it is a bunch of phallic rock structures sprouting up all over the countryside. You could say there’s a stiff breeze in the air.
(Was Turkey Adventure)
Itinerary
Day 1-2 - Istanbul
We've found accommodation right near the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market (so you won't have to lug your treasures very far). Convenient, no?
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 or indulge in a traditional hamam (Turkish bath)
BreakfastDay 3 - Gallipoli - Eceabat
No jokes about Gallipoli. If you choose to take the optional trip to Troy, however, you're free to remember Brad Pitt's terrible accent in the movie and laugh yourself silly.
- 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
BreakfastDay 4 - Ayvalik
We suggest you devote this day to finding the best burek of the trip. Or the best kebab. Or the best baklava. Maybe just devote this day entirely to food. Your local guide can help.
- Drive to Ayvalik
- 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 - Ephesus - Selcuk
Ephesus is the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Antony and Cleopatra lived here for a while, as did the Virgin Mary. These days it would be known as something of a hotspot.
- Take a local bus to Selçuk
- Explore nearby Ephesus - perhaps the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world (optional)
- Walk the marble streets once trodden by Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and the restored Library of Celsus
BreakfastDay 6 - Pamukkale
This place is so pretty Walt Disney would be jealous he didn't invent it. Apparently the thermal waters can cure asthma, but bring your inhaler just in case.
- Set off on a morning orientation tour around Selçuk, a town full of history
- 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
BreakfastDay 7 - Konya
Konya is home to the famous Whirling Dervishes. Please note that most of the whirling takes place behind closed doors. You won't see people spinning randomly on the street.
- Catch a bus to Konya, a town that dates back to Roman times
- Seize the chance to visit Mevlana's Mausoleum and the museum housing manuscripts of his works (optional)
BreakfastDay 8-9 - Cappadocia
Explore Cappadocia, the lunar-like landscape in the interior of the country. Moon boots optional.
Day 8
- Visit the underground city of Derinkuyu – a marvel that descends 60m below the surface (optional)
Day 9
- Drive to the top of the trail at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley)
- Walk amongst fruit gardens and vineyards
- Take in Uçhisar and visit the village and high viewpoint known as The Fortress (optional)
- 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 (optional)
BreakfastDay 10-11 - Cappadocia - Istanbul
Jess said her favourite part of Istanbul was the Basilica Cistern. After the initial shock of discovering it's not a giant toilet, she described it as "...amazing, creepy, Medusa head, fishy, haunting, lovely". Jess has a way with words.
Day 10
- Spend a free day exploring the Cappadocia region
- Perhaps stop by the Göreme Open Air Museum - always worth a visit (optional)
- Farewell Cappadocia and make the long journey by overnight bus back to Istanbul
Day 11
- The trip ends on arrival in Istanbul (between 7am and 8am), but there are plenty more kebabs to be eaten if you're thinking of sticking around a bit longer
Breakfast -
What to Know
What's Included
Local leader, accommodation and transport
Not Included
- Entrance fees
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Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 26 May 2013 - 05 Jun 2013 7+ Closed US $895 Closed 09 Jun 2013 - 19 Jun 2013 7+ Request US $895 Book Now 16 Jun 2013 - 26 Jun 2013 7+ Request US $895On Sale Sale: US $672 Book Now 07 Jul 2013 - 17 Jul 2013 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 04 Aug 2013 - 14 Aug 2013 5 Available US $895On Sale Sale: US $672 Book Now 11 Aug 2013 - 21 Aug 2013 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 25 Aug 2013 - 04 Sep 2013 3 Available US $895 Book Now 01 Sep 2013 - 11 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 15 Sep 2013 - 25 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $895On Sale Sale: US $716 Book Now 22 Sep 2013 - 02 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 29 Sep 2013 - 09 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 06 Oct 2013 - 16 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $790 Book Now 20 Oct 2013 - 30 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $790 Book Now 27 Oct 2013 - 06 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $790 Book Now 23 Mar 2014 - 02 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $790 Book Now 23 Apr 2014 - 03 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,001 Book Now 23 Apr 2014 - 03 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,001 Book Now 27 Apr 2014 - 07 May 2014 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 04 May 2014 - 14 May 2014 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 18 May 2014 - 28 May 2014 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 01 Jun 2014 - 11 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $895 Book Now 15 Jun 2014 - 25 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $895 Book Now -
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What to know
Special Anzac Day departure
The 23 Apr 2014 departure ties in with ANZAC day at Gallipoli and the night of Day 2 will be spent sleeping under the stars in Anzac Cove instead of a hotel in Istanbul. There will be a surcharge for this departure.