|
Advanced Search |
Turkey Tour - Cappadocia, Tars & Antakya
7 days / 6 nights, departing March 24th and April 1st 2010
Itinerary: Tars – Antakya/Hatay - Ihlara Valley – Cappadocia – Nevsehir – Avanos – Cavusin – Zelve Goreme – Urgup – Uchisar - Ortahisar – Ibrahim Pasa – Mustafa Pasa – Kaymakli.
Day 1: Tarsus
Departure from Otopeni Airport - Bucharest at 10.45 with Turkish Airlines and arrival in Adana at 15.45. Transfer to Tarsus (40km distance from airport), one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world with a history that begins early in 3000 B.C. Places for visiting in Tarsus: St. Pavel Fountain with its healing water, Cleopatra's Gate, Kilia Camii - Former Armenian Church dedicated to St. Peter, turned into a mosque in the 15th century, Ulu Camii - the place where once was the cathedral dedicated to St. Pavel. Walking on the narrow cobblestone streets of the old town and bazaar, which houses part of a colonnaded Roman road, surrounded by narrow alleys and Ottoman houses. Evening walk through the Jewish district of millenary and legendary city of Tarsus.
If time permits we will make a brief visit in Adana to see Tas Kopru, a stone bridge dating 2nd century A.D. built by emperor Adrian, Sabancı Camii - a gorgeos mosque whose white marble reflects in the river Seyhan, Ulucamii and The Great Clock.
If time permits we will make a brief visit in Adana to see Tas Kopru, a stone bridge dating 2nd century A.D. built by emperor Adrian, Sabancı Camii - a gorgeos mosque whose white marble reflects in the river Seyhan, Ulucamii and The Great Clock.
Dinner and accommodation in Tarsus: ŞELALE HOTEL 4**** TARSUS
Day 2: Tarsus - Antakya
Breakfast and departure to Antakya (230km, 3.5 hours driving). Antakya is the gate to Middle East and an important city in christianity history. Antakya's traces of former glory are few and valuable. A special atmosphere, intense, surrounds the city, the narrow alleys of the bazaar and Islamic minarets, making it one of the most exciting cities in southern Turkey. Here you will visit: Hatay Museum with a a world-class collection of Roman mosaics, cave-church Sen Piyer Kilisesi, the world's first Christian church dedicated to St. Peter, Rana Koprusu, old bridge dating 3rd century A.D., Ulucamii - Great Mosque - and Habib Neccar Camii, former Byzantine church.
Our tour continues with a walk in Belen or Cevlik-Little Cave and around the port Seleucia ad Piera , an area full of Roman graves and remains of the old walls. We are also visiting: Titus Tunnel - a huge channel, 30 m deep, carved in stone during the reign of Titus and Vespasian in first century, to prevent sealing of the bay with silt - Samandag Channel, carved by slaves, Musadag village or Moses Mount where, according to Muslim tradition, Moses learned to eat "humble pie" prepared by The Prophet Hizir.
8 km south of Antakya, on the road to Syria, lies "Daphnis's Grove - today known as Harbiye, a favorite place for relaxation for over 3000 years. Here Hera, Athena and Aphrodite met and asked Paris to judge their beauty and the result was the Trojan War. Seleucid people built a massive temple and an oracle dedicated to Apollo and Antony and Cleopatra married here after an Egyptian ritual in 40 B.C. This place was a summer resort with cottages whose rich mosaic is found in the Museum of Hatay. Return in the evening to Tarsus.
Our tour continues with a walk in Belen or Cevlik-Little Cave and around the port Seleucia ad Piera , an area full of Roman graves and remains of the old walls. We are also visiting: Titus Tunnel - a huge channel, 30 m deep, carved in stone during the reign of Titus and Vespasian in first century, to prevent sealing of the bay with silt - Samandag Channel, carved by slaves, Musadag village or Moses Mount where, according to Muslim tradition, Moses learned to eat "humble pie" prepared by The Prophet Hizir.
8 km south of Antakya, on the road to Syria, lies "Daphnis's Grove - today known as Harbiye, a favorite place for relaxation for over 3000 years. Here Hera, Athena and Aphrodite met and asked Paris to judge their beauty and the result was the Trojan War. Seleucid people built a massive temple and an oracle dedicated to Apollo and Antony and Cleopatra married here after an Egyptian ritual in 40 B.C. This place was a summer resort with cottages whose rich mosaic is found in the Museum of Hatay. Return in the evening to Tarsus.
Dinner and accommodation in Tarsus: ŞELALE HOTEL 4**** TARSUS
Day 3: Tarsus – Mersin - Silifke – Alahan - Tarsus
Breakfast and departure to Silifke (120km, 2 hours driving). The road follows the Mediterranean coast, between orange and lemon orchards, Roman and Byzantine ruins, scattered remains of Roman aqueducts. We will visit The Corycian Caves also known as "Cennet ve Cehennem" (Heaven and Hell), two huge, collapsed sink-holes above a cave system with an underground lake that extends under the sea in the Bay of Narlikuyu emerging as a karst spring. When the sea is calm, the flow of water can be seen from the surface. While the round 120m Cehennem (Hell) cave 75m further east is not accessible, steps lead down to the larger Cennet (Heaven) cave which is 100m wide and 550m long. What is initially an open pit leads to a deeper cave at the rear. Known as the Typhon Cave (300m long and 75m high), the fifth century Chapel of St. Mary stands at the edge, guarding the entrance to the underworld where the monster Typhon with a hundred dragon heads and snake feet lived.
We will continue 4km northeast of Narlikuyu where the massive remains of the citadel of ancient Korykos face the picturesque island fortress of Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle). During the Middle Ages this fortified islet became one of the most notorious pirates' lairs on the coasts of the Mediterranean. The fortress is accesible only by boat.
Narlikuyu (pomegranate fountain) holds the remains of ancient Roman baths and a finely colored fourth century mosaic on display in a small covered museum. The mosaic represents the "Three Graces" with the goddesses Aglaia (Grace), Euphrosyne (Merriment) and Thalia (Charm). After Narlikuyu, we will pass near Yapakli Esik, a small bay near Susanoglu where the water is between 28 and 82 degrees Celsius, swimming here being an amazing experience.
Our visit continues on N715 road, following the path along the turbulent river Goksu from Silifke to Mut, a journey that takes your breath away. In Mut we will visit the fortress and 14th century mosque Lal Agi Camii. The tour continues to Alahan (20km north of Mut), where we will visit Tarasius' Monastery and to Uzuncaburc-Olba where old city Diocaesarea lies. You can see here the Temple of Zeus, one of the oldest shrines in Asia Minor and the Temple of Tyche (Fortuna). Return to Tarsus in the evening.
We will continue 4km northeast of Narlikuyu where the massive remains of the citadel of ancient Korykos face the picturesque island fortress of Kizkalesi (Maiden's Castle). During the Middle Ages this fortified islet became one of the most notorious pirates' lairs on the coasts of the Mediterranean. The fortress is accesible only by boat.
Narlikuyu (pomegranate fountain) holds the remains of ancient Roman baths and a finely colored fourth century mosaic on display in a small covered museum. The mosaic represents the "Three Graces" with the goddesses Aglaia (Grace), Euphrosyne (Merriment) and Thalia (Charm). After Narlikuyu, we will pass near Yapakli Esik, a small bay near Susanoglu where the water is between 28 and 82 degrees Celsius, swimming here being an amazing experience.
Our visit continues on N715 road, following the path along the turbulent river Goksu from Silifke to Mut, a journey that takes your breath away. In Mut we will visit the fortress and 14th century mosque Lal Agi Camii. The tour continues to Alahan (20km north of Mut), where we will visit Tarasius' Monastery and to Uzuncaburc-Olba where old city Diocaesarea lies. You can see here the Temple of Zeus, one of the oldest shrines in Asia Minor and the Temple of Tyche (Fortuna). Return to Tarsus in the evening.
Dinner and accommodation in Tarsus: ŞELALE HOTEL 4**** TARSUS
Day 4: Tarsus – Ulukisla - Nigde - Ihlara Valley – Cappadocia
Breakfast and departure to Cappadocia, leaving the old kingdom of Cilicia. First stop is at the Cilician Gates (Gülek Boğazı), the main pass through the Taurus Mountains of southern Turkey, connecting the low plains of Cilicia and the Mediterranean coast with the high central plateau of Anatolia. Trade caravans, invading armies and pilgrims have climbed the mountain heights to reach Tarsus, Adana and the Mediterranean in the past. This places surpass any imagination.
The road continues to Cappadocia via Pozanti, Ulukisla and Nigde. West of Nigde, there are over 60 churches carved into stone walls of Ihlara Valley, a 10km long and 80m wide canyon with steep walls, through which river Melendiz flows. 2 hours break for visiting the churches. Recommended to be seen: 1. Egri Tas Kilisesi, ancient church dedicated to Virgin Mary, 2. Sumbullu Kilisesi, with a domed single nave and part of a two-storied monastery, the upper floor being living quarters, 3. Yilanli Kilisesi with a single nave covered by a barrel vault and a small apse on the left after entering, 4. Agac Alti Kilisesi, a cruciform church with two small aisles and an apse, which shows probably the oldest best-preserved frescoes, 5. Kirk Dam Alti Kilisesi, dedicated to St. George. Lunch break after the visit, at the end of the valley, at a rustic restaurant, with tables placed on islands in the middle of the river Melendez. After the lunch we will continue to Urgup, a small town in Cappadocia, few miles from Goreme, known for its local shops where tourists can buy local crafts, rugs, onyx, terracotta pots and much more. If time allows, visit to Agzikarahan Caravanserai.
The road continues to Cappadocia via Pozanti, Ulukisla and Nigde. West of Nigde, there are over 60 churches carved into stone walls of Ihlara Valley, a 10km long and 80m wide canyon with steep walls, through which river Melendiz flows. 2 hours break for visiting the churches. Recommended to be seen: 1. Egri Tas Kilisesi, ancient church dedicated to Virgin Mary, 2. Sumbullu Kilisesi, with a domed single nave and part of a two-storied monastery, the upper floor being living quarters, 3. Yilanli Kilisesi with a single nave covered by a barrel vault and a small apse on the left after entering, 4. Agac Alti Kilisesi, a cruciform church with two small aisles and an apse, which shows probably the oldest best-preserved frescoes, 5. Kirk Dam Alti Kilisesi, dedicated to St. George. Lunch break after the visit, at the end of the valley, at a rustic restaurant, with tables placed on islands in the middle of the river Melendez. After the lunch we will continue to Urgup, a small town in Cappadocia, few miles from Goreme, known for its local shops where tourists can buy local crafts, rugs, onyx, terracotta pots and much more. If time allows, visit to Agzikarahan Caravanserai.
Dinner and accommodation in Ürgup: HOTEL DINLER 5*****
Day 5: Cappadocia - underground cities
Breakfast and departure at 5am. A fascinating adventure begins in the realm of Cappadocia, created by nature, millions of years ago, with the help of Erciyes volcano (3916m) which can be admired in the distance. The tour begins with open-air museum of Goreme Valley, Tokali Church, where we can see the most beautiful representations of the Virgin Mary, Goreme city (tea break in the town center), Uchisar, Uchisar Palace, Pigeons Valley, Enchanted Valley, Cavusin, Zelve Valley, Avanos, Sarihan Caravanserai, Devrent Valley, Pasabag or Monks' Valley. Between visits we'll have short breaks for pictures and souvenirs from local bazaars. Lunch is served at a restaurant chosen by tourists. Free wine tasting, if desired, in Avanos. Optional: ballon riding. Price per individual: €150.
Dinner and accommodation in Ürgup: HOTEL DINLER 5*****
Day 6: Cappadocia – Goreme - Urgup – Avanos
Breakfast and departure to Kaymakly where we will visit the underground city with 8 levels bellow ground from which only 4 are accessible and open to public. The area was a refuge of the first Christians. The tour continues to Sahinefendi, Theodora Church and Mustafapasa (Sinassos) a Greek asleep city. Return in the evening at the hotel. Optional: Turkish Night or Whirling Dervishes Show.
Dinner and accommodation in Ürgup: HOTEL DINLER 5*****
Day 7: Bye Bye Turkey
Breakfast and transfer to Cappadocia airport in Nevsehir. Flight to Istanbul and then back home.
We wish you a great holiday and an amazing tour!
PRICE: 765 EURO - Minimum 10 individuals for one group.
Services included:
Bucharest – Istanbul / Istanbul - Bucharest flight with Turkish Airlines.
2 internal flights: Istanbul – Adana and Nevsehir – Istanbul.
Airport taxes.
Airport – hotel – airport transfers.
Accommodation for 6 nights in 4 and 5 stars hotels (single or triple room if requested).
Half board included (breakfast and diner). No breakfast on first day and no dinner on last day.
Coach / minibus with air conditioning, road taxes, parking tickets, bridges and tunnels taxes.
Local tour guide in Cappadocia.
Not included:
Visa tax of 15 euro per individual, paid at the entrance in Turkey (in airport).
Tickets for sightseeing (museums, places of worship, etc.).
Medical insurance.
Additional meals and drinks, supplements.
Personal expenses.
Tips to service providers in Turkey (drivers, local guides, hotel staff).
Optional packages: Cappadochia balloon ride, jeep safary, Turkish night, Dervishes show. Gray text means we will visit those places only if time is available.
Observation:
Minimum 10 individuals per group. Less than 10 individuals and the price is recalculated or tour is canceled
Tour schedule is subject to change in terms of the order of visited places, without affecting the overall tour.
Hotels star ranking is the official one given by Ministry of Tourism from Turkey.
Documents required for travel:
Passport valid at least 6 months after return to your country.
Deadline for booking:
30 days before departure date.
Canceling conditions:
Under general rules of travel agency, according to the Tourism Services Contract.
Notes:
Local guide is included only in Cappadocia.
If the flight is to Adana, a brief visit in Adana will be made on arrival before transfer to Hatay. If the flight is to Hatay, a brief visit in Adana will be made in the last day before returning home.
According to Turkish law, travel agencies that organize tours in this country must provide local guides to tourists groups all the time during their staying in Turkey. Because this would mean additional costs of accommodation and tour guidance, travel agencies ignore the law. It's an acceptable compromise, but if checks are made, tourist police claim a fine of less than the cost of a local guide throughout the trip. However, some places in Turkey require hiring a local guide to avoid real problems with the tourist police, like Cappadocia and Antakya. Thank you for your understanding.
Important:
Border authorities reserve their rights to refuse the entrance into Turkey to any person who looks suspicious for them.
The travel agency is not responsible for such situations which can not be known before departure and no refund will be returned in this case.
The tourist assumes the risks of not being allowed to entry into the territory of this country and therefore must inform the travel agency of any incident ever occurred outside the borders of his country.
Ask a question about this product
Recently Viewed Products
- Cyprus, Larnaca - Turkey - Cappadocia (Category: Turkey Tours)
- SPA Turkey - Istanbul and Capadocia (Category: Turkey spas)
- Turkey Tour - Nemrut & Cappadocia (Category: Turkey Tours)
- Jordan Tour - Nabataeans' Touch (Category: Jordan Tours)
- Nordic Capitals Tour (Category: Scandinavia Tours)
