Cosmopolitan cities brimming with modern delights, archaeological sites filled with ancient splendour, curious landscapes straight out of a storybook and picture-perfect coastlines frequented by the jet set this is tantalising Turkey! Visitors won t be able to forget travelling through this exotic land which sits at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, yet displays a fair bit of Middle Eastern flair. Will you join us?
Day 1 - Friday 20th September 2019 Istanbul Welcome to Istanbul; the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have called home. Your welcome meeting will be at 1pm today where you can meet your tour host and fellow travellers. After the group meeting you will all be taken to explore the truly stunning City of Istanbul. Istanbul - Blue Mosque Accommodation: Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel (4 star) Day 2 - Saturday 21st September 2019 Istanbul - Canakkale (B) Early this morning, after breakfast we begin the drive to Çanakkale, located on the shores of the Dardanelles, which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Aegean Sea and touches both Europe (with the Gelibolu Peninsula) and Asia (with the Biga Peninsula). After lunch we will visit Gallipoli, visit the beach and cemeteries of Anzac Cove. Then head up the hill toward the poignant memorials of Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Look down upon the rough hills and gullies that became the graveyard for so many thousands of young men from both sides. You will tour the former battlefields and find remnants of trenches used by the Turkish soldiers. Return to Canakkale for the night. Included activities Gallipoli - guided visit Accommodation: Grand Anzac Hotel (3 star) Day 3 - Sunday 22nd September 2019 Canakkale - Selcuk (B) En route to Selcuk today you ll stop at the site of Troy. As well as seeing the remnants of the ancient city walls and the famed wooden horse, you will learn more about the groundbreaking archaeological digs here and how the site has baffled historians. Before arriving at Selcuk we stop at a Carpet Weaving Centre and take some time to learn about this ancient art, wander the grounds and the store at your leisure or simply sit, relax and enjoy some Turkish tea. Arrive at Selcuk later in the day and visit Sirince to enjoy a tasting of local fruit wine. Troy - Archeological Guided Site Visit Sirince - Wine Tasting Bergama - Carpet Weaving Demonstration and Shop Visit Accommodation: Celsus Boutique Hotel (3.5 star) IRAN ADVENTURE
Day 4 - Monday 23rd September 2019 Selcuk - Ephesus (B) This morning enjoy an orientation walk around the village of Selcuk, a sprawling town lying at the base of the ancient Aysoluk Hill fortress. You ll visit the last remaining column of the Temple of Artemis, the ancient aqueducts and the 14th-century Isabey Mosque. Later this afternoon visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco- Roman site in the world. Tour around the amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once walked by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. Included activities Selcuk - Orientation Walk Ephesus - guided archaeological site visit Selcuk - Isa Bey Camii Accommodation: Celsus Boutique Hotel (3.5 star) Day 5 - Tuesday 24th September 2019 Pamukkale (B) After breakfast this morning we drive to Pamukkale, also known as Cotton Castle and a truly unique sight. This magical and spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming a myriad of pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties for a person s circulation and digestive systems. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BC and by the 2nd Century AD it had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. Pamukkale - Hierapolis & Travertines National Park Accommodation: Melrose House Hotel (4 star)
Day 6 - Wednesday 25th September 2019 Pamukkale - Fethiye (B) This morning we journey to the Mediterranean coast, arriving first in the Greek ghost-town of Kayakoy. Stroll around and take in the eerie atmosphere, due in no small part to population repatriation and earthquake damage. Continue on to Fethiye, a culturally fertile town located on a bay, surrounded by pine forests and islands. Kayakoy- Ghost Village visit Accommodation: Blueberry Boutique Hotel (4 star) Day 7 - Thursday 26th September 2019 Kaş (B) Continue on to the seaside village of Kas. Here you ll see charming whitewashed houses covered in bougainvilleas as well as an ancient Greek theatre. Sample the local cuisine and enjoy the night in the town s quaint centre. Accommodation: Club Barbarossa Hotel (4 star) Day 8 - Friday 27th September 2019 Kas - Kekova (B,L) Drive to Kekova and embark on a boat cruise around the local islands. Your hosts; Mehmet and Sebahat are definitely people of the Mediterranean. Hailing from the small village of Ucagiz on the Turkish Mediterranean Coast they married young, bought a boat and went fishing. Like a lot of our oceans their home became a victim to over fishing to new and modern methods of reaping the perfect catch. They had a boat, and they had one of the best cooks in the district so they set out to share their love of the sea and their love of food. The cruise takes you to the settlement of Ucagiz and also to the village of Simena. You ll also sail from large bays to beautiful protected inlets where you can go for a swim. Onboard the boat you ll enjoy lunch in Tersane bay. The water here is deep but you can still see the bottom; the shore is lined with the ruins of an ancient city long ago sunken into the clear waters. Look out for rock formations and houses that have been submerged under the clear water. Return to Kas in the evening. Kas - Boat Cruise and lunch Accommodation: Club Barbarossa Hotel (4 star) IRAN ADVENTURE
Day 9 - Saturday 28th September 2019 Kas - Antalya (B) Continuing our exploration of the Mediterranean we take a 3.5 hour scenic drive to the jewel in the Mediterranean crown - Antalya. Your hotel is located in the Kaleiçi (old city) and you ll go on an afternoon walk to see Hadrians Gate, the old Roman Harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, and take a guided tour of the Antalya Museum this afternoon. Antalya - Antalya Museum Guided Tour of Phaselis Accommodation: Puding Hotel (4 star) Day 10 - Sunday 29th September 2019 Antalya - Konya (B) Continue on to Konya, an ancient city important in Roman times, and where the mystic Sufi practice of whirling originates. You ll visit the mausoleum of the famous mystic Mevlana, the museum housing manuscripts of his works, as well as various artefacts relating to the mystic sect. Our journey to Konya is approximately 6 hours. On the way glimpse beautiful views of the Taurus Mountains and enjoy a special Two s A Crowd moment as we stop at Beyşehir to see the Eşrefoğlu Mosque, a fine example of Seljuk Turkish architecture. Konya - Mevlana Museum Accommodation: Sems-i Tebrizi Hotel (4 star) Day 11 - Monday 30th September 2019 Konya - Cappadocia (B) Today s itinerary includes a visit to the incredible underground city of Derinkuyu. See dwellings that span seven levels beneath the ground. From here you ll make your way to the archaeological site of Asikli Höyük, which was first settled in 8,000 BC. Then settle into the relaxed pace of Goreme for the next three nights. Goreme - Derinkuyu Underground City tour Accommodation: Anatolian Houses Hotel (3 star)
Day 12 - Tuesday 1st October 2019 Goreme (B) Early birds have the option of taking a hot air balloon over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away. Please note this activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip leader on Day 1 to organise this. After a relaxing breakfast from your Terrace overlooking the valley we visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. See the many incredible houses, churches and monasteries carved out of the soft cliff face. The Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art, cave chapels and colourful biblical frescoes from the 10th 12th centuries. Later in the afternoon, you ll go on a short walk through Love Valley which is famous for its phallic rock formations. Then head back to your hotel in Goreme. Perhaps take an optional Turkish bath to unwind at the end of the day. Goreme - Valley Walk in Capadoccia Goreme - Open Air Museum Optional Activities Optional Activities Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR175 Accommodation: Anatolian Houses Hotel (3 star) Day 13 - Wednesday 2nd October 2019 Goreme (B,D) Enjoy a relaxing breakfast and then go for a walk to the most beautiful valley in Cappadocia, Kizilcukur. You ll see fascinating rock formations such as cones, peaks and fairy chimneys, as well as manmade cave chapels from early Christian times. Later in the afternoon visit the red river of Cappadocia famous for its clay which is still used to make magnificent pieces of Art, learn about this ancient craft today when we visit a local potter. And, at night you will experience a home-cooked dinner in a local house. Optional Activities Goreme - Whirling Dervishes - Sema Performance - EUR25 Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR175 Accommodation: Anatolian Houses Hotel (3 star)
Day 14 - Thursday 3rd October 2019 Kayseri - Istanbul (B) The afternoon is yours to explore some more of the hidden charms of Istanbul. There are endless markets to shop for some last-minute Turkish trinkets, welcoming cafes to enjoy some local delicacies and watch the World go by, explore the New and Old Towns, as well as there been many museums to explore. Tonight, we hope to see you joining your group and tour leader in a farewell dinner (optional). Domestic flight/taxes from Cappadocia to Istanbul Accommodation: Dosso Dossi Old City Hotel (4 star) Day 15 - Friday 4th October 2019 Istanbul (B) After the breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home or onwards for further adventures!
TOUR PRICE A$3996 PLUS INTERNATIONAL AIRFARES TOUR DATES: 20TH SEPTEMBER - 4TH OCTOBER 2019 Tour Inclusions: Two s a Crowd tour host from Australia. English speaking tour leader throughout Guided private transport throughout and one way flight is included. 14 nights hotel accommodation in your own room always! 14 Breakfast, 1 Lunch and 1 Dinner Included activities per daily itinerary Entrance/admission fees where applicable with included activities Arrival and Departure Transfers are included on a group basis Standard CHI Travel Insurance Policy. Additional premium may be payable if over 69 years, have an existing medial condition or wish to extend your travelling dates (underwritten by Allianz) Tour Exclusions: International airport departure tax Any visas required Late check out at hotels Tips for leaders, guide and driver Expenditure of personal nature Personal Insurance Optional activities Services not mentioned in the itinerary Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary Drinks with included lunches and dinners NEED MORE INFORMATION? CONTACT THE TEAM: ( P hone: 1300 55 45 01 (AUS) or 0800 895 145 (NZ) Email: team@twosacrowd.com.au ABOUT TWO S A CROWD: We are an award winning tour company exclusively dedicated to the needs of solo travellers. At Two s a Crowd, single and solo travellers have access to fantastic itineraries at great prices without ever feeling like a third wheel to someone else s private getaway. Our travellers enjoy the best of both worlds: private time, personalised attention, low single supplements, as well as the camaraderie of like-minded travellers. For your peace of mind we are ATAS accredited (No A13850). Our commitment is to make solo travel more enjoyable and affordable. Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person and based on sole use rooms throughout Pricing correct at October 2018 and is subject to change until paid in full. Refer to our website for full terms and conditions. 2018 Travel Passion Pty Ltd ABN 32 140 754 856 trading as Two s a Crowd. Two s a Crowd and the disk logo are registered trademarks of Travel Passion Pty Ltd. Issued: 11/10/2018