Istanbul

Istanbul The Whirling Dervishes, Konya Cappadocia Relax at Mandarin Boutique Hotel

The Turkish Triangle

Turkey › Special Interest Holidays & Escorted Tours

We are often asked to arrange tailor-made itineraries taking in Istanbul, Cappadocia and the Coast, but unless you have a lot of time to spare and are prepared to drive long distances yourself, to combine all three locations is not easily done in a self-drive holiday.

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.

Those following Itinerary One will then fly down to Dalaman and enjoy the next two nights relaxing in the luxurious surroundings of the Mandarin Boutique Hotel and perhaps independently exploring the nearby beach and lagoon at Oludeniz, the atmospheric Kaya Valley or the port town of Fethiye.

The following morning the escorted part of the tour starts with a drive via Turkey’s Lake District to Konya, a typically Turkish town, most famous as the home of the Whirling Dervishes, where the group will overnight.

The following morning you will continue to 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).

There will be a farewell group dinner before leaving on the following morning for your flight home via Istanbul.

Those following Itinerary Two will initially fly from Istanbul to Capadoccia and follow the itinerary in reverse with their farewell dinner at Mandarin.

Itinerary 20 September - 01 October 2011

Day 1: Fly to Istanbul and transfer by taxi to you 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 Dalaman and transfer to Mandarin Boutique Hotel in Faralya.

Days 5 & 6: Time to relax and enjoy Mandarin's facilities.

Day 7: Drive to Konya, the home of the 'Whirling Dervishes', to visit the Mevlana Mausoleum. Overnight in Konya.

Day 8: Continue your overland journey to Cappadocia, where you will spend the next four nights in a 'cave' hotel.

Day 9: 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 10: 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 11: 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, before your farewell dinner.

Day 12: Transfer to Kayseri for your flight home via Istanbul.

Itinerary 28 September - 09 October 2011

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 to Konya, the home of the 'Whirling Dervishes', to visit the Mevlana Mausoleum. Overnight in Konya.

Day 9: Drive from Konya to Faralya and settle in to Mandarin for the remainder of your stay.

Days 10 & 11: Time to relax and enjoy Mandarin's facilities with a farewell dinner on the final evening.

Day 12: Transfer to Dalaman for your flight home via Istanbul.

Price includes: