SAT 1 SEP: ISTANBUL – Upon arrival you are met and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure. SUN 2 SEP: ISTANBUL – We spend a full day exploring the sites including the celebrated Haghia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilican cistern (Yerebatan Saray). In the afternoon we explore the splendid Topkapi Palace, seat of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years. (B) MON 3 SEP: ISTANBUL – In the morning we visit the stunning Mosque of Rustem Pasha and then walk across to the Egyptian Bazaar. Later we head up through older parts of the city to the Grand Covered Bazaar where the balance of the day is free to explore. (B) TUE 4 SEP: ISTANBUL-GALLIPOLI-CANAKKALE – We drive south to Gallipoli and spend the afternoon visiting Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and the Allied and Turkish cemeteries. Overnight Canakkale. (BL) WED 5 SEP: TROY-PERGAMUM-SELJUK – After a short visit to Troy, city of Homer’s Iliad. We continue to Pergamum where we visit the stunning Acropolis, perched 1,000 feet above the town, the Asclepion (medical centre) and the Red Basilica - one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. We reach Selçuk for the night. (B) THU 6 SEP: EPHESUS – Ephesus is one of the great cities of the classical world. St. Paul lived and preached here, and we spend the morning exploring all the major sights including the magnificent theatre, Hadrian's temple and the Library of Celsus. In the afternoon we visit the Archaeological Museum in Selçuk, and the 6th century Basilica of St. John. (B) FRI 7 SEP: SELJUK-CAUNOS-OVACIK – A longish drive brings us to the southwastern corner of Turkey, where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean. Caunos was an important ancient city built where the freshwater delta meets the sea. We enjoy a boatride followed by an afternoon walk through magnificent scenery before driving to Ovacik for the night. (B) SAT 8 SEP: OVACIK-KAYAKOY-KABAK – We walk through the deserted Greek village of Kayakoy and then head down, with stunning views of the coast, to the beautiful beach at Oludeniz. We then travel by boat to Kabak, to stay at a resort/camp beautifully located next to the Aegean. (B) SUN 9 SEP: KABAK-FARALYA – Today we walk from Kabak to Faralya, through verdant pine forests hugging the steep mountainside, with beautiful views of the coast. Our destination is a delightful little resort in the village of Faralya. (B) MON 10 SEP: AKBEL-PATARA-KAS – We drive to Akbel, where we commence our pretty and varied day’s walk along the route of an old aqueduct, which, once upon a time, supplied the city of Patara. We finish at the impressive ruins of an ancient amphitheatre in the Patara National Park and time allowing, there is the option of going to the beach for a swim. We then head to the charming coastal village of Kas, our base for the next three nights. (B) TUE 11 SEP: KAS/KEKOVA – Taking to sea-kayaks we paddle out into Kekova Bay to see the remains of the famous sunken city. Although it is no Atlantis, you can clearly make out the harbour walls. Later we paddle to the village of Simena, overlooked by a hilltop Ottoman castle with excellent views of the whole bay. A boat trip is available for those not willing/able to kayak. (BL) WED 12 SEP: KAS/ARYCANDA – We travel inland to visit Arycanda. It the most impressive Lycian city and its setting is one of the most outstanding in all of southern Turkey. (B) THU 13 SEP: KAS-OLYMPOS – Leaving Kas we drive to the ancient city of Olympos. As well as its impressive ruins it is known for its rare butterflies and exotic plants. In the early evening we hike up to the legendary Chimaera, where flames have emerged from the hillside for thousands of years. We sleep at small hotel or pansion in Çirali, close to Olympos beach. (B) FRI 14 SEP: OLYMPOS-ANTALYA-ISTANBUL – We drive to Antalya airport for our flight to Istanbul (flight ticket not included). On arrival we are transferred back to our hotel. (B) SAT 15 SEP: BOSPHORUS CRUISE - Istanbul and the Bosphorus are as inseparable as Venice and the Grand Canal. We enjoy a full day on the local ferries, with a visit to the excellent Sadberk Hanim Museum. (B) SUN 16 SEP: DEPARTURE – Our tour ends after breakfast. (B) Turkey: Classical Turkey & the Lycian Coast Best Travels, 82 Bellevue Street, CAMMERAY, NSW
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