Cosmos

The very best of Turkey Visits Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Izmir and the Agean resort of Kusadasi

Name of Tour:Leisurely Tour of Turkey
Duration: 13 Days
Exclusive Price Discounts are shown below

Itinerary

Day 1 ISTANBUL, TURKEY.
Check into your hotel. In the evening get to know your fellow travellers with a welcome drink, hosted by your Tour Director.

Day 2 ISTANBUL-CANAKKALE.
Drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Time to visit the Anzac Cemetery and the site of a bloody World War I battle. Then a short ferry crossing to Asia Minor. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,D)

Day 3 CANAKKALE-KUSADASI.
First, a visit to the remains of Homer's legendary Troy. South to the lovely Bay of Edremit with distant views of the island of Lesbos. Through forests of pine, oak and valonia, head for Izmir where an orientation drive includes the Karsiyaka District. From here it's not far to your hotel in Kusadasi. (B,D)

Day 4 AT LEISURE IN KUSADASI.
Enjoy your charming modern resort located between ancient Ephesus and Priene, blessed with a delightful climate and white sandy beaches. Optional excursions to Ephesus and to the Virgin Mary House are available. (B)

Day 5 KUSADASI-PAMUKKALE-DENIZLI AREA.
Once past Aydin, you enter what is known as the "Greek Meander", the most fertile region in Turkey. Make a first stop this morning for optional sightseeing of the ancient site of Aphrodisias scattered around the village of Geyre. From the town of Denizli drive north to view the extraordinary sight of Pamukkale. Time to enjoy "Cotton Castle's" cascading water. Overnight in the Denizli area. (B,D)

Day 6 DENIZLI AREA-KONYA.
Eastwards to Dinar and then past Lake Acigol to Cay. Stop in Cay surrounded by cherry gardens and opium fields. Later, splendid mountain scenery on the way to Konya. (B,D)

Day 7 KONYA-CAPPADOCIA.
Further eastward into the great central plateau which separates Konya from Cappadocia, taking a break at the great Agzikarahan caravansari. After arrival in Göreme, an included afternoon excursion to the amazing Rock Chapels carved by early Christians. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

Day 8 CAPPADOCIA.
Optional sightseeing in the spectacular Cappadocia area. Admire the large natural amphitheater bounded by almost vertical cliffs into which have been hewn monastic buildings, and churches Underground retreats where early Christians sheltered from Roman persecution. (B,D)

Day 9 CAPPADOCIA-ANKARA.
North today by way of Aksaray to Ankara, the capital. Afternoon optional excursions are available to see some of the capital's highlights. (B,D)

Day 10 ANKARA-BURSA.
From Ankara into the ancient kingdom of Phryge to Gordion, where according to legend Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot. Visit King Midas' tomb. Via Eskisehir to historic Bursa in the shadow of the Olympus of Mysia and famous for its great Mosque, covered bazaar and silk market. (B,D)

Day 11 BURSA-ISTANBUL.
Morning drive to the shores of the Sea of Marmara, then by way of Yalova to Istanbul. This afternoon enjoy the included sightseeing with visits to the Roman Hippodrome and the Blue Mosque. Tonight take advantage of the optional dinner outing in Istanbul. (B)

Day 12 ISTANBUL.
Markets, peddlers, and stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks, and black coffee - you'll find this city irresistible, a vigorous anthill of Turkish life. The view of the city at dusk with its 600 mosques and the Bosporus is unforgettable. Optional possibilities are a morning excursion by private boat to the Bosporus and in the afternoon the "Historical tour of Istanbul". (B)

Day 13 ISTANBUL.
The vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)


B = Breakfast included in tour cost
D = Dinner included in tour cost

Images

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Cosmos-Introduction

More than three decades ago, Cosmos virtually invented the European budget vacation. Since then, the team of experts have developed and refined the concept of low-cost travel. Although others have jumped on the budget-travel bandwagon, Cosmos prices are still the lowest by far, and the choice of budget tours is unique. 

With Cosmos, low prices don't mean "cheap tours". More than a million people have come back to Cosmos for a second or third vacation. Their clients' repeat business is the best testimony to the incredible value they offer.

AIRFARES
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EARLYBIRD COACH TOUR DISCOUNTS-COSMOS-2008

SAVE UP TO

2.5%

Huge Discounts-Please see below!

EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT/INCENTIVES
Book/pay at least 4 months in advance save 2.5%

AIRPORT TRANSFERS
Available from $60 pp return

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Save 20% on QBE Travel Insurance or 10% or HBF Insurance member rates if taken out at time of booking

SECOND TOUR DISCOUNT
Receive $50 Discount of the shortest tour

TRIPLE ROOM
Great Discounts-please call for details

CHILD DISCOUNTS
Up to 10% (Conditions apply)

SINGLE ROOM
Can offer share accommodation at no extra cost

What's Included