This holiday is ideal for travellers who are keen on visiting some of Turkey's main attractions,
but also wish to take in some of the lesser-known sites and to immerse themselves in different aspects of Turkish culture and history. The tour
starts with a couple of days to explore the bustling metropolis of Istanbul at leisure, before flying on to Izmir and proceeding from there along the country's south-west
corner to Faralya on the Lycian coast. After ample time to discover the highlights of this region, there is the option to continue to the mythical landscape
of Cappadocia for an additional three nights.
Itinerary
- Day 1:
- Flight to Istanbul airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay in a boutique hotel (Celal Sultan or similar) in Sultanahmet district on B&B (bed & breakfast) basis.
- Day 2:
- Time to visit Underground cistern, Topkapi Palace, Saint Sophie, Blue Mosque, the grand bazaar and the spice market. Stay on B&B Basis.
- Day 3:
- Morning flight to Izmir, transfer to hotel, stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel on B&B basis.
- Day 4:
- Free day at leisure in Izmir to visit archaeological sites in the town. Stay in a 4 or 5-star hotel on B&B basis
- Day 5:
- We start our journey south by visiting Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, Selcuk museum and Basilica of Saint John en route to Bodrum. Stay in Bodrum/Ortakent on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 6:
- We visit Bodrum Castle, then drive to a neary carpet village and have lunch at the traditional village of Etrim. Stay in Bodrum/Ortakent on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 7:
- We visit the ancient Hellenistic site of Aphrodisias en route to Pamukkale where we visit the unique travertine terraces. Stay in Pamukkale on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 8:
- We continue via the ruins of Kybira to Faralya to start our stay at Mandarin & Mango Boutique Hotels on HB basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner).
- Day 9:
- Day off at leisure to relax and make the most of Mandarin & Mango's facilities, enjoy a walk in the countryside, visit the nearby town of Fethiye or take part in optional activities such as paragliding or diving. Stay at Mandarin & Mango on HB basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner).
- Day 10:
- Boat trip to the bay of Gemile, the island of Saint Nicholas and a barbecue on the boat. Stay at Mandarin & Mango on FB Basis (breakfast, lunch & 5-course dinner).
- Day 11:
- We visit the ghost village of Kaya, an old Greek village called Levissi, known as Karmylassos during Lycian time, then drive to the Lycian ruins of Tlos, Xanthos, and the gorge of Saklikent. Stay at Mandarin & Mango on HB Basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner)
- Day 12:
- Day trip on a hydrofoil/ferry to the Greek island of Rhodes where we visit the medieval Old Town. Stay at Mandarin & Mango on HB Basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner)
- Day 13:
- Another day at leisure to relax, walk along the Lycian Way or go shopping in Fethiye town. Stay at Mandarin & Mango on HB Basis (breakfast & 5-course dinner).
- Day 14:
- End of main itinerary - transfer to Dalaman Airport for homeward flight via Istanbul, or for those booking the Cappadocia extension, we depart early in the morning to drive to Cappadocia via Konya and Sultanhani Kervansaray. Stay in a cave hotel in Cappadocia (Kale Konak or similar) on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 15:
- Visit open-air museum at Goreme, pottery at Avanos and whirling dervishes. Stay on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 16:
- Optional early-morning hot-air balloon ride across the unique landscape (subject to weather conditions). Visit underground city, Roman ruins, Uchisar. Stay on HB basis (breakfast & dinner).
- Day 17:
- Transfer to either Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport for flight back to the UK 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).
- 13 nights accommodation in 4/5 star or boutique hotels in Istanbul, Izmir, Ortakent/Bodrum, Pamukkale & Faralya/Fethiye.
- Daily breakfast
- 9 dinners
- Ground transportation with driver & interpreter in an air-conditioned mini or midibus/bus as per the itinerary.
- Day Boat trip in Gemile Bay & Saint Nicholas island.
- Hydrofoil/ferry ticket to Rhodes & visit old town and transportation to from hotel and back to Fethiye harbour
- BBQ lunch on the boat trip day
- Lunch at the carpet village
- Cappadocia extension includes 3 nights accommodation on HB basis (breakfast & dinner included) in Cappadocia cave boutique hotel, transportation from Faralya to Cappadocia and all tours during the trip.
Not included:
- Balloon ride at Cappadocia (prebooking required as it gets very busy)
- Any tips to guide/interpreter, driver, baggage handlers, housekeepers
- Entrance fees to museums/archaeological sites.
- Lunches where not mentioned
- Drinks during lunch and dinner
To book, please call us on 020 8847 8700 or contact us by email.