Up next...Turkey!!!

​Turkey is a destination that may not be on your radar right now and not for the first-time traveler to Europe or Asia, for that matter. Remember, Turkey is on both continents, not just one. But Turkey is a fascinating land of intrigue and mystery and one worth exploring. Istanbul is a must with the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace and the bazaars to negotiate your next purchase. Turkey is more than that and a crossroads of cultures and a place that has been influenced in many ways over the centuries for sure. It was part of the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and there is modern Turkey. It has ancient history and modern history to discover at every turn. 
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Outside of Istanbul, and short travel distances by plane, you can get to Izmir and see the amazing ruins of Ephesus and this ancient ruin is worth the trek. It can also be done as a cruise ship day trip, but a couple of days to combine Ephesus and Izmir will certainly be worth it. Other possibilities for this enchanted land that has been stressed by time is Cappadocia and the honeycombed hills and the cave houses to explore. Turkey offers a lot of wonderful experiences and while you do need a visa to get in, it can be done at the border and electronically, as well. When thinking about a more exotic destination and like others, you must be careful as you discover, consider Turkey and let the Wandering Puffin and his Turkish colleague plan your next adventure.

Itinerary 1/ Classical Turkey

​(RECOMMENDED FOR THE FIRST TIME VISITORS TO TURKEY) ​

Day 1 - Arrival to Istanbul. Depending on their arrival time we can plan a tour or a free day. Overnight in Istanbul 

Day 2 - Full Day city tour of Istanbul visiting the Historical Peninsula of Sultan Ahmed. Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar will be visited. Overnight in Istanbul 

Day 3 - Full Day city tour of Istanbul visiting Spice Market , Suleymaniye Mosque & Golden Horn followed by 2 hours Bosphorus cruise. Overnight in  Istanbul. 

Day 4 - Take the early direct flight to Kayseri, and transfer to Cappadocia ( the most visited place in Turkey , famous for its amazing land formations called fairy chimneys, famous for its cave style hotels , and amazing open air museums ) Full day tour in Cappadocia visiting Goreme Open Air museum followed by Psabag , Avanos and natural caste of Uchisar. Overnight in a cave style hotel in  Cappadocia. 

Day 5 - For this day we recommend a Hot Air Balloon ride at sunrise time which is the most amazing way to see the Cappadocia landscape. After breakfast back in the hotel , start the second day of Cappadocia which will be a hiking and underground city tour. There will be a 4 km hike in the Red valley followed by a visit to one of the largest underground city of Kaymakli where early christians lived and hide in fear. Overnight in a cave style hotel in Cappadocia.   

Day 6 - Early in the morning transfer to Kayseri Airport and take the direct flight to Izmir. You will be met at the airport and transfer to town of Selcuk to visit  Ancient City of Ephesus. Ephesus is one of the most intact and biggest ancient cities of the world. After Ephesus visit transfer to the picturesque village of Sirince which is a beautiful little Aegean Village which looks like Toscana. You will stay in Nisanyan Houses & Cottages which is a very beautiful place to stay. Nisanyan Houses. 

Day 7 - Free day to enjoy Nisanyan Houses and the small village.  Relaxing day in the middle 

or 

They can check out after one night stay and continue towards Pamukkale on the way stopping in one of the most amazing ancient citİes of Aphrodisias. ( much lesser known than Ephesus but equally very important and nice. Less touristy therefore a very different experience visiting this location ) Then they will continue to Pamukkale and overnight in a Thermal & Spa Hotel.  Overnight in Pamukkale. 

Day 8 - Pamukkale is is famous for its cotton white travertines and the famous Ancient city of Hierapolis. A visit to white travertines, Hierapolis Ancient city and the Antique Theatre followed by a visit to a museum. In the late afternoon take the diret flight back to Istanbul . Overnight at the Airport Hotel in IST Airport 

Day 9 - Take the flight back home. 

** If Sirince Village stay is 2 nights then on the 10th day they will fly back home. 

​Itinerary 2/ Turkish Riviera ​

(This itinerary is recommended for nature lovers who like to hike and swim but at the same time like to visit ancient sites as well ) The best time to plan is April - May - June & September & October ) 

Day 1 - Arrival to Istanbul. Depending on their arrival time we can plan a tour or a free day. Overnight in Istanbul 

Day 2 - Full Day city tour of Istanbul visiting the Historical Peninsula of Sultan Ahmed. Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar will be visited. Overnight in Istanbul 

Day 3 - Full Day city tour of Istanbul visiting Spice Market , Suleymaniye Mosque & Golden Horn followed by 2 hours Bosphorus cruise. Overnight in  Istanbul. 

Day 4 - Take the early flight to Antalya. Visit the Ancient city of Perge followed by  Aspendos.  

In the Hellenistic period, Perge (“Perge” in Greek) was one of the most spectacular cities of the Ancient World. It was the capital of Pamphylia, and is home to a Bronze Age acropolis, a vast Roman Gate, baths, and agora, a nymphaeum, a theatre and an enormous stadium. Founded in 1000 BC, it takes its name from the Greek mathematician Apollonius of Perga, for whom the city was a home.
Aspensdos’ Roman Theatre, built during the reign of Marcus Aurelius is generally believed to be the best-preserved ancient theatre anywhere in the world. It was used as a caravanserai by Seljuk traders in the 13th century.
Day 5 - Today after breakfast you will visit Thermessos Ancient City  and then continue to Olympos Cirali Beach. Olympos Lodge Hotel
Termessos is an ancient Pisidian city inside a magnificent national park, and situated at an altitude of 1000 metres on the slopes of Mount Solymos in the Taurus mountains. Thanks to its impenetrable location the ancient ruins are well-preserved, and in 333 BC Termessos even famously survived a siege by Alexander the Great, who, after failing to take the city, vented his anger on neighboring Sagalassos instead. The setting of Termessos is possibly the most remote, most dramatic and most romantic of any ancient site in Turkey.
NOTE: Access to the main portion of Termessos requires approx 30-40 minutes up an uneven path. For those who prefer they can sit out the upper portion of the visit.
Termessos Natural Park is a mecca for birds, butterflies and a vast array of interesting mammals, thanks to its situation in the mountains, so remote that Alexander the Great failed to capture the ancient city of Termessos. The caracal (a rare Turkish wildcat) roams the Termessos National Park as well as more well-known species such as porcupine, otter and golden jackal.
After Thermessos visit, you will drive to Olimpos / Cirali beach and spent two relaxing days by the beach.
 
Day 6  - Today you enjoy the beautiful Olympos Lodge , its beautiful garden and the sea side. Walk to the Olympos Ancient City from the hotel and see the amazing port city of Olympos located in the river basin.
Your guide will meet you after breakfast and you will walk over to the Olympos ruins which is also another amazing site at the river basin. 
In the evening another climb up to Cirali Mountain to see the eternal flames of Olympos Mountain. ( Natural gas of the mountain causing these flames, its traditional to climb up the mountain just before sunset and meet the sunset there and see the flames. Most people bring their drinks and marshmallows to cook in the natural flames. You will be coming down in the dark with the help of torches.
The Eternal Flames of the Chimera at the top of Mount Olympos is a remarkable natural phenomenon. These flames issue from natural gas jets in the side of the hill, which will self-ignite if put out. These are the flames that inspired the Greek myth of Bellarophon and the Chimera. Ranging in size from small flickers to decent size campfires, they're quite interesting, especially when you consider they've been burning for thousands of years.
 
Day 7 - In the morning depart for Kas visiting Demre, Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas. Overnight in  in Kas  B
The region of Demre had a large Greek population until the 1923 agreement between Greece and Turkey in which Greeks migrated to Greece. Many Greek-style houses remain as a reminder of this time. Ruins in the area betray Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences.
St Nicholas of Myra was a bishop from the 4th century AD, who became the inspiration for Santa Claus, after his legendary habit of secret gift-giving. He was born in Patara and after his death became the patron saint of bakers, sailors and pawnbrokers. In the 6th century, a Byzantian Church was built on top of his tomb in Demre. The St Nicholas Church is a museum today. 
 
Day 8 - Enjoy the free morning time in the sun & beach. In the afternoon meet with your guide to visit Patara Ancient City. Overnight in Kas 
Patara was once an important Lycian port and is known as the birthplace of St Nicholas. It was said to have been founded by a son of Apollo. It's long, uncrowded beach along the Mediterranean coast is a protected site because of the ancient ruins laying just inland from the beach. The ruins consist of a sand-swept theatre, a ruined basilica, and a necropolis with Lycian tombs. 
Day 9 -  After breakfast check out and on the way to Fethiye stop at  Saklıkent Gorge Saklikent, meaning "hidden city" in Turkish recognized as the longest and deepest canyon in Turkey and  the second largest canyon in Europe. Its length is 18 kilometers long and the height at different sites is up to 1000 meters.
 Continue to Fethiye and visit the Ghost village of Kayakoy .Overnight in Marina Hotel Fethiye. B
Ghost Village of Kayakoy . Once known as Levissi, the abandoned village of Kayaköy was once home to around 10,000 people, including Anatolian Muslims and Greek Orthodox Christians, within a thriving and harmonious community. With origins in the 14th century, Kayaköy was forcefully abandoned at the end of the Greco-Turkish War when a population exchange meant that Muslims and Christians were exchanged between Greece and Turkey so that each country could claim one major religion in the path toward ethnic and national homogeneity.
Day 10 -  Today take a boat trip in Fethiye. Normally, during tourist season there are daily shared excursions by boats. Or you may prefer to rent  a private boat, in which case there will be an additional cost You will decide together with your guide what will be the best option for you on the day ). We highly recommend visiting Gemiler Bay & St. Nicolas Islands or the Valley of Butterfly. They are on opposite directions you need to choose either one of the trips.  Today you will be able to swim and enjoy the sea. Overnight in Fethiye. 

Day 11 - Transfer to Dalaman Airport and take the early morning flight to Istanbul and either catch the outbound flight back home. ( If this is not possible then we will book the evening flight back to Istanbul and you will stay one night at IST airport hotel before flying out the following day .  

​Itinerary 3/ Archeology Tour of Eastern Turkey

(This itinerary is Archeology lovers dream particularly for neolithic period and early history ) this itinerary can be operated second half of March - April - May - September - October and November ) 

Day 1 - Arrival to Istanbul. Depending on their arrival time we can plan a tour or a free day. Overnight in Istanbul. ( Istanbul is only 1 day , because the people who are into archeology have probably been here many times already, if they request to stay more in Istanbul we will add it as pre or post trips )  

Day 2 - Take the early morning to Eastern Turkey to Adiyaman. Visit Karakus Tumulus , Ancient Roman Cendere bridge , Arsenia ana sunset in Mt. Nemrut.  ( This is where your first customers with me visited couple of years ago ) 

Cendere Bridge is one of the world’s oldest bridges still in use, constructed during the empire of Septimus Severus (193-211). Composed of 92 stones, each weighing around 10 tons, it is thought to be the second largest Roman bridge still in existence, spanning an impressive 122 metres. The bridge today appears as a simple, unadorned arch, but was originally decorated by four Corinthian columns dedicated to Septimus Severus and his wife.
A mountain of around two thousand metres, Mount Nemrut is home to the tomb of the pre-Roman king, Antiochus I Theos of Commagene. Built by the king himself in about 62 BC as a shrine to his own remains, the site consists of two large statues of Antiochus which dwarf two statue pairs of eagles and lions, and various Iranian, Greek and Armenian Gods. The statues are now damaged and mostly appear beheaded. Scholars have largely attributed this to later attacks on iconoclasm, but the statues have since been returned to their original places. Behind the display of statues are some well-preserved slabs of stone which feature figures in relief carving and are originally thought to have formed a large frieze. Archaeologists interpret the figures as Antiochus’ ancestors, which allegedly included Greeks and Persians. It is the perfect place to experience a sunset or sunrise as the views from the summit are sublime.
NOTE: it is a 20-30 minute walk up uneven steps to reach the summit.
Arsemia was the summer capital of the Commagene Kingdom and burial place of Mithridates. It is home to the largest rock inscription found in Anatolia, which describes the political and religious beliefs of the inhabitants.
Adiyaman is a city in the southeast of Turkey, founded in the 8th century, and is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. The city used to be known by the Ottoman Turkish name "Hısn-ı Mansur" (Castle of Mansur) until 1926 when it became Adiyaman.
Day 3- After breakfast, drive to Urfa (113km, 2 hours). Take your time to visit ancient Göbekli B Tepe before heading to the Urfa Museum to take in the incredible exhibits from Göbekli
Tepe and other ancient sites in the region. Overnight in Urfa.
Göbekli Tepe, the oldest place of worship in the world, is an archaeological site without equal. Prior to its discovery in 1994 and its subsequent excavation it was widely believed by anthropologists that religion evolved as a result of living in larger communities which was itself the result of the change from foraging to agriculture. However, Göbekli Tepe has turned our theories of our own evolution on their head. The vast religious site dates from the hunter gatherer period and there is no evidence of any agriculture or even human habitation, suggesting that it may have been the emergence of religion that lead us to civilisations and thus to agriculture.
The site contains a vast array of circular structures and huge pillars, some with beautiful limestone carvings of lions, foxes, snakes and birds, believed to be gatekeepers of the entrance to the next world. There are striking similarities to sites in Peru, Bolivia and Easter Island that were noted by Robert Schoch in the Megalithomania expedition in November 2012. To date, less than ten percent of the site has been excavated. You can read an article about this fascinating site in National Geographic magazine published in June 2011 here: http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/print/2011/06/gobekli-tepe/mann-text
The Urfa Museum contains many of the archaeological finds from Göbekli Tepe including steles and sculptures. It also contains Hittite sculptures from Golpinar and pieces from Harran, Nevali Cori and Kabahaydar.
Day 4 -Today you will enjoy a city tour of Urfa as well as visiting the ancient site of Harran. B Optional 2nd visit to Gobekli Tepe in the afternoon (entrance not included). Evening visit to
a music show with dinner. Overnight in Urfa.
Urfa (a.k.a. Sanliurfa, “the prophet’s city”, or Edessa in ancient times) is the most spiritual city in Eastern Turkey. It is a major centre for pilgrimage and its traditions are very much alive and well. The “Sanli-“ part of its name (meaning “great” or “dignified”) was awarded by the Turkish legislature in 1984 in recognition of the city’s pivotal role in the Turkish war of Independence. Of particular note for visitors are Urfa Castle (the current walls were constructed by the Abbasids in 814AD), the Pool of Sacred Fish where Abraham was thrown in to the fire by Nimrod, the park of mosques, the market area and the Urfa museum.
Visit the ancient city of Harran, once the centre of Egypt's Hermetic tradition. See its ominous "Astrological Tower", citadel and local village and take in one of the most atmospheric sites anywhere in the world. Mentioned in the Book of Genesis, Harran is believed to have once been home to the Prophet Abraham. The site of the first Islamic university in Anatolia, Harran also boasts the remains of an 8th century mosque, a citadel and some 300 year old beehive mud homes which enjoy a constant temperature throughout the year, winter or summer.
Balikli Gol, or ‘The Legendary Pool of Sacred Fish’, is the site where Nimrod threw Abraham into the fire, located within the grounds of the mosque of Rahil-ur-Rahma and surrounded by ornate gardens. Riddled with a mythical enigma, the fish in the pool are said to thrive and a local legend even terms the pool, ‘the doorway to heaven’.
Day 5 - Drive to Gaziantep, stopping to see Halfeti and Rumkale and, time permitting, Zeugma. Continue to Gaziantep for overnight.
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A small farming district situated on the East bank of the river Euphrates, Halfeti has been a home to the Assyrians (first established by Assyrian King, ShalmaneserII I in 885 BC), the Greeks, Romans, the Mameluks and the Ottomans. Despite being sieged by the Mameluks, parts of the old city walls still remain. 
Rumkale translates to ‘Roman Castle’ and was once a powerful fortress, overlooking the river Euphrates. In ancient times a site of great strategic importance to Romans and Assyrians alike, the fortress is accessible by boat from the neighbouring Zeugma Region. Today, much of the lower-lying town area has been flooded, but the dramatically situated Rumkale helps you imagine the magnificence of the area in ancient times.
Zeugma, once at the forefront of ancient art and culture, boasts some of the most magnificent artworks and sculptures from ancient Turkey. Founded by one of the generals of Alexander the Great, the name ‘Zeugma’ means ‘bridge passage’ and refers to the city’s location on the river Euphrates and its former strategic importance in the silk trade route. When the site was excavated it turned up a number of beautiful mosaics, including the famous Gypsy girl mosaic now on display in the mosaics museum in Gaziantep alongside many others from Zeugma. 

Day 6  - Visit the Zeugma mosaic museum and explore the city of Gaziantep, enjoying the famous local cuisine. Then take a direct flight from Gaziantep to Ankara, where you will stay overnight.

 

he culinary capital of Eastern Turkey, Gaziantep’s famous baklava (pistachio pastries) are shipped all over the country and beyond, and its renowned restaurants serve up mouth- watering dishes. Besides cuisine, Gaziantep boasts a fine Seljuk-era citadel, numerous impressive mosques and restored old buildings. Gaziantep’s chief draw however, is its mosaic museum, believed to be the best in the world. The mosaics were recovered from the ancient Roman town of Zeugma, now underwater. The town’s bustling city markets are also well worth a visit.
The Zeugma Museum houses many impressive artworks and sculptures which testify to the area’s magnificence in Greek and Roman times. Its highlight however is a series of mosaics, the most famous of which is a mosaic known as the “Gypsy Girl”. 
Day 7 - Today you will visit the impressive Ankara Anatolian Civilisation Museum and then drive to Gordion. Overnight in Ankara 

 

The Ankara Anatolian Civilisation Museum boasts many archaeological finds related to the excavations in Hattusa and Çatalhöyük, and will help you to gain a good understanding of these areas. The historical centre of Ankara sits overlooking the town on a hill and is littered with the remains of Hittite, Phrygian, Byzantine, Roman and Christian monuments and settlements. Of particular interest as a surviving example of ancient architecture is the Temple of Augustus. Often also referred to as ‘Angora’, Ankara is home to the Angora goat with its luxury wool and the unusual animal breeds of angora cats and rabbits.
Occupied since the Bronze Age, 4000 years ago, Gordion is one of the most important archaeological sites in the near east. The city enjoyed its golden age in the first millennium when it was the royal capital of the Iron Age Kingdom known as ‘Phrygia’ to the Greeks and ‘Mushki’ to the neighbouring Assyrian Empire. It is most famous for the story of the "Gordion Knot", where Alexander The Great solved the insoluble by slicing this particular knotty problem with his sword rather than unravel it - thus allowing him to conquer Asia. 
 

Day 8 - After an early breakfast, drive to the World Heritage Site of Hattusa and visit the site. In  the afternoon drive to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

 

Hattusa was once the centre of the Hittite Empire, dating back to the late Bronze Age. 

Set in what were once rich agricultural fields and among scenic, rolling hills, the city has some fine examples of early ancient architecture. Originally the inner city was a vast array of temples and monuments, overlooked by the royal residence on the acropolis. An architectural masterpiece in its time, the city gateway was once adorned with reliefs of warriors, lions and sphinxes, framing four temples, each of which had their own courtyard. The city was destroyed, along with the Hittites themselves, in the 12th century BC. By the 20th century, the principal remains of Hittite inscriptions were found on over 10,000 tablets.
Day 9 - Optional hot-air balloon ride (additional cost.) Full-day spent exploring the beautiful area  of Cappadocia. Explore Goreme open-air museum, Devrent Valley and go for a 4km walk in the Red Valley B to visit some rock-hewn churches and fairy chimneys. Visit the Greek village of Cavusin and
a short visit of the Valley of the Pigeons. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10 - After breakfast, drive to Konya (305 km) stopping to visit the 13th century Seljuk caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Later visit ancient site of Çatalhöyük where excavations
are ongoing. Take in a Whirling Dervish show in the evening ( this is only on Satuday evenings )  Overnight in Konya.

Konya is an affluent, mid-sized city in Central Turkey. It is the centre of all things Sufi and also strongly linked to Seljuk culture.
Çatalhöyük, widely believed to be the world’s first town, is one of the best preserved examples of a Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement. Built around two hills of the Anatolian plateau, the settlement was inhabited for two thousand years between 7500 BC and 5700 BC. Çatalhöyük began life as a village and, unusually, in a time when village settlements were abandoned and new land used to build cities, the buildings were adapted and urbanised to accommodate a growing population. With a particularly advanced culture for its time, Çatalhöyük boasts impressive early artworks: unusual artistic wall paintings, flint daggers with decorated bone handles and most notably, the clay and marble figurines found scattered around the site which archaeologists take as evidence of a female deity. The housing designs are perhaps the most striking – all the houses were clustered together in a maze-like manner, but instead of streets or footpaths the roofs functioned as paths between the houses which were accessed through steps and ladders leading to the ceiling. With no windows either, these ‘doorways’ in the ceiling were also the only means of ventilation. Çatalhöyük also had unusual burial customs, burying their dead under the floorboards, painting skulls with ochre.
Known to its practitioners as “Sena”, the Mevlani worship ceremony - dubbed "Whirling Dervishes" in the West - is a ritual dance full of symbolism, and infused with meaning. It has been on the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List since 2008.
 
Day 11 - After breakfast, visit the holy Sufi site of Rumi's tomb. Later take a flight back to Istanbul B and connect to your departure flight.