Turkey & Syria Explorer

Our guide will meet you at Istanbul Airport and transfer you to your chosen accommodation. Today is free for you to settle into your new surroundings and begin exploring Turkey’s former capital – Istanbul.

Extras and options:

Orientation Tour – short walking tour of the surrounding area, pointing out restaurants and other things which may be of interest to you.

After breakfast we spend a full day visiting the most important historical sites in Istanbul. We start from the ‘Sultanahmet Centre’, which is the heart of the old city. First we visit St. Sophia, which was built as a church in Byzantine times, then converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule, and then finally turned into a museum by Ataturk after the fall of the Ottoman Empire. After this amazing building we visit the Blue Mosque, which is famous for its blue Iznik tiles and unique six minarets. After seeing the Hippodrome, centre of sportive (chariot races and athletics) events and political activities, and monuments decorating the Hippodrome (Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius, and German Fountain of Wilhelm II) we head to Grand Bazaar, the most attractive shopping centre and the biggest ‘souk’ in the world - with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leather ware and souvenirs.

In the afternoon we start by visiting Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Exhibits include sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section and many others. After visiting this massive palace, our next stop is Suleymaniye Mosque, which is considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. The Architect Sinan, chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built it in the name of Suleyman The Magnificent during 16th Century.

For this, and all of our sightseeing tours, an English-speaking guide will accompany us. From here we head back to the hotel where you will have a free evening and a chance to try one of the cities many excellent restaurants.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Departing Istanbul, we follow the northern edge of the Sea of Marmara, heading for the Aegean coast and Gallipoli. One of the most emotionally and touching places in Turkey, today we drive to the WWI battlefields and cemeteries of Gallipoli where we take in the landing area of Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Memorials, Johnston's Jolly, the Nek and the Gallipoli War Museum. To this day, these historical battlefields remain an annual antipodean pilgrimage to a site where ANZAC and British forces fought Turkish troops in WW1. The whole area is now a national park dedicated to those who fought and died here during the allied landings of 1915.

We then drive along the Dardanelles’s Coast to Eceabat, where we catch our ferry across to Canakkale where we will spend this evening.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

We then drive along the Dardanelles’s Coast to Eceabat, where we catch our ferry across to Canakkale. Today we set out early to the ancient ruins of Troy, famous for the mythology surrounding the Trojan horse and Helen of Troy. Troy was settled as early as around 3600 BC with Troy I, and was then followed by several similar settlements. We depart from Troy and take a scenic drive along the Aegean Coast, before heading inland to Bergama where we will find the remains of the Greek colonial city of Pergamum.

Pergamum is one of the best ancient sites in Turkey, with the acropolis of Eumenes II dominating from on high. The magnificent acropolis is still very well preserved and was designed and decorated based on the acropolis of Athens. We visit the 3rd century B.C., Theatre of Pergamum, one of the steepest amphitheatres in the world, with a capacity of over 10.000 people. Athena and Trojan Temples, the altars of Zeus, library, Odeon, Agora and Roman baths are among many other noted structures. Its impressive temples, library and medical facilities made it a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. Then we set off for our overnight stop in cosmopolitan Kusadasi, where you can delight yourself in its fabulous bars and restaurants.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus. Walk down Marble Road towards the Celsus Library and Grand Theatre and immerse yourself into the mystical atmosphere of the city halls and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. We also visit the site of the former wonder of the ancient world, the Temple of Artemis. Ephesus is the largest and best-preserved classical city in Turkey, and was once situated on the coast and enjoyed a well-protected harbour, which, by the 6th century B.C. had developed into a major trading port. Today this vast site has many structures of great interest, the Library of Celsus, erected by the consul Gaius Julius Aquila between 110 and 135 AD. The Temple of Hadrian donated in 118 AD in honour of Hadrian, Artemis and the city in general. The theatre of Ephesus is one of the largest of its kind, holding almost 25,000 spectators. The Scholastic Baths, the Marble Road is just a few of the other noted monuments at this ancient site we have chance to see. We also visit the House where it is claimed the Virgin Mary lived and the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, where according to legend, seven young Christians slept for 200 years. In the afternoon we continue our journey to Pamukkale.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Pamukkale literally means ‘Cotton Castle’. Wonder at the splendour of the famous calcium terraces of Pamukkale and the hillside soda pools. Mistakenly described as a 'frozen waterfall, these pools appears as a series of white terraces, which as you get closer, evolve into petrified waterfalls, which cascade brightly into basins, with small pools filled with mineral rich water, supported by stalactites. Pamukkale is the accumulated result of millions of years of calcium deposits from mineral rich hot spring water. The water has been used therapeutically since Roman times.

Above the calcium terraces we visit the Roman city of Hierapolis. The Ancient Greeks believed that the city was built by the god Apollo and the vapours of the waters were associated with Pluto, the god of the underworld. Whilst at Hierapolis we will visit the Temple of Apollo, the breathtaking Theatre, Necropolis and the Great Baths. Later in the afternoon we drive to Konya where we will spend the night.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

We first visit the Mevlana Museum, where we learn about the Mevlevi order of whirling dervishes, a mystic troup whose members are followers of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi – a great Turkish poet and mystic. The brotherhood is based in Konya, where its founder is buried. We will also stop at an ancient Silk Road Caravanserai, before walking through the wildly beautiful Ihlara Valley and exploring Derinkuyu Underground City. The city is arranged on 8 levels, and was built around the 7th Century by Christians in order to escape from Arab persecution. Derinkuyu is just one of a number of underground cities in the region, but is the largest and deepest in Cappadocia. These were all self-sufficient, with storerooms, kitchens, wells and sleeping areas. They are fascinating and great fun to explore, so don’t forget your torch.

Extras and options:

This evening, we have an optional traditional Turkish folklore evening, which provides a lot of fun for all.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cappadocia is an area of outstanding scenic beauty and this, combined with some weird natural landscapes, makes this area truly unique. The landscape was formed as a result of volcanic eruptions that covered the Nevsehir plateau with volcanic tufa, ash and mud. Over time this rock has been eroded to create incredible and improbable shapes, including cones, needles of stone and rock pinnacles known as ‘fairy chimneys’. Dwellings have been hewn into the rocks since 4000 B.C., and from Byzantine times churches and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, along with whole underground cities, fortresses and smaller dwellings.

We spend today touring the region, including visits to Goreme Valley, Uchisar castle, the fairy chimneys and more. Time permitting; we may go to Zelve open-air museum, which was inhabited until the 1950's. With its impressive churches and dwellings it’s great to explore these honey combed houses and monastic retreats.

Meals included:

Breakfast

We have an interesting drive today, as we pass by the Tekir plateau, Karatay Caravanserai, and Kahraman Maras (which produces Turkey’s best ice cream!), before we arrive in Kahta.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We rise early this morning, and ascent the mountain to enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the surrounding plateau. We also visit the massive ancient rock statues found at the top of the mountain. Returning to Kahta, we have a tour of this ancient city before heading south to Harran for a tour of this fascinating 400year old town with its distinctive mud-brick beehive houses.

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We start today with a visit to Birecik to see the famous Bald Ibis birds, and then drive to Gaziantep where you will visit the Archaeological Museum and have some free time at the Bazaar.

Meals included:

Breakfast

We leave Turkey behind today and cross the border into Syria. Our destination today is the ancient city of Aleppo, however we will make a stop en-route at visit the 5th century Basilica of St Simeon. The basilica took 14 years to build and at the time it was the largest and probably the most important church in the world. This was surpassed by Haghia Sophia in modern day Istanbul. After free time at St Simeons we drive south to the city of Aleppo.

This evening is free, why not visit the Jdeideh District where evening meals are often accompanied by live music.

Overnight:

Mansouriya Palace

Meals included:

Breakfast

Today we have a full day of tours around this historic city. Our first visit is to the National Aleppo Museum. The museum houses an impressive collection, notably from the early Iron Age sites around Syria. From here we drive to Bab Antakya – the western gate of the old walled city which dates back to the 13th century we will begin our walking tour here. After passing through Bab Antakya we will emerge onto Souq Al-Attareen; the perfume sellers souq which continues for 1200m to the foot of the Citadel. There are 12km of souqs in this area waiting to be explored and you will have free time later today to explore on your own. After walking just over half way along Souq Al-Attareen we reach the Great Mosque. The mosque was built in the 8th century a decade after the construction of the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus and features a beautiful 50m tall minaret. Continuing on along Souq Al-Attareen we reach our final destination, the mighty Citadel. The Citadel dates back to the 13th century and is a magnificent demonstration of Arab Military architecture. We will tour the Citadel before giving you free time to explore the Citadel and Souq further.

Overnight:

Mansouriya Palace

Extras and options:

Breakfast

We bid farewell to Aleppo after breakfast and head through the desert. Our first stop will be at the ‘Dead City’ of Rasafa which dates back to the 9th Century BC when it was an important stop of the trading routes between Palmyra, Europos, Dura and Aleppo. Our journey then continues to Palmyra via the ruins of Qasr el Hir a former palace and important stop of the ancient caravan routes. After checking in to your 5 star hotel you will have some free time to begin exploring ‘the bride of the desert’.

Overnight:

Tadamora Palace Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Palmyra is one of Syria’s most famous and most visited sites, here you will find one of the worlds most complete classical cities with ruins dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries. Our tour includes visits to the most important and best preserved ruins including the Colonnaded streets, Roman Forum, Theatre, Temple of Bel and much more. You will also have plenty of free time here to explore a little further on your own.

Overnight:

Tadamora Palace Hotel

Meals included:

Breakfast

We drive to Hama today via the ancient ruins at Apamea. Excavations around Apamea prove that the area has been inhabited since the early Bronze Age but it reached its peak around the 3rd century BC whilst under the rule of Seleucus Nicator. At this time the city was said to house 500 Elephants, 30,000 Mares and 300 Stallions. During Seleucus’ rule, Apamea was known as a centre for Elephant taming, a skill which was brough from India. Whilst at Apamea you will have a guided tour and a little free time. After departing Apamea we continue our journey south to Hama, where we will spend tonight. This afternoon we have a short walking tour of Hama (approximately 2 hours) where we will visit Nur Al-Din Mosque with it’s striped exterior, the Azem Palace and the famous moaning waterwheels of Hama.

Overnight:

Orient House

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

From Hama here we head to Krak des Chevaliers – the worlds best preserved Crusader Castle.

The original fortress at Krak des Chevaliers was built in 1031 by the Emir or Aleppo and later extended by the Knights Hospitallers between 1150 and 1250. We have an extensive guided tour followed by free time. After departing Krak des Chevaliers in the afternoon we head back to Damascus via the Aramaic speaking village of Ma’loula where you have the opportunity to explore and visit the monasteries of Mar Sarkis and Mar Taqla.

Overnight:

Talisman

Meals included:

Breakfast, Lunch

We begin our sightseeing today with a visit to Syria’s National Museum. The National museum is home to an immense collection spread over 2 wings. We include a guided tour here where our guide will point out some the museums treasures before allowing you some free time to explore on your own. From here we have a short walk to visit the Tekkiye Suleymaniye Complex. The Tekkiye Mosque is one of Damascus’ most attractive spots; the beautifully designed complex was created by the famous Ottoman architect, Sinan.

After a short break for lunch we head to the Old City where we continue our sightseeing with a visit to the historic Azem Palace. The former home of the Azem family is the oldest and most palatial Ottoman residence in Damascus. Despite being converted to the Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions in 1954 it retains much of its original architecture. Close to the Azem Palace is the Great Umayyad Mosque whose impressive minarets tower over the surrounding buildings, the modest tomb of Saladin is located within the complex. Our day concludes with a drive along ‘Straight Street’ and a stop for shopping at Hamidiye Souq.

Overnight:

Talisman

Meals included:

Breakfast

Your time in Syria comes to an end today. You have some free time in Damascus today before our guide transfers you to the airport for departure.

Meals included:

Breakfast