Anatolian Adventure Tour

EasternTurkeyTours
Anatolian Adventure Tour
Exceed your expectations Email: info@easternturkeytour.org
The Bosphorus and Haydarpasha Station
The Adventure begins
The Anatolian Adventure Tour takes you from one side of this amazing and diverse country to the other in a spectacular 14 day tour.
From the worldly, cosmopolitan and bustling city of Istanbul to the
rugged and beautiful country around the mystical mountain of
Ararat and then to Lake Van and the ancient frontier city of Van. The
tour will take you back in time through early Christian settlement in
Anatolia and then back to Old Testament times and a world peopled
by the ancient Hittites, Urartians and the Old Testament Patriarchs
such as Abraham and Noah. From Istanbul, in the luxury of air conditioned railway carriages and by coaches to the borderlands of the
east with nomads and their flocks of sheep and goats this is not just
a journey from one place to another, it really is a journey through
time.
Travel is by the new Turkish Rail sleeper service from Istanbul to
Ankara then on by road in fully air-conditioned coaches. Return from
Van to Istanbul is by scheduled airline. The tour is fully inclusive and
the cost covers all domestic travel, guides, museum/ site entry,
accommodation and all meals (some exceptions noted in tour itinerary in Istanbul). Not included are costs of visa, international travel,
soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
Railway sleeper carriage
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
Days 1 & 2
Arrive in Istanbul - over two days sight seeing including the Topkapi
Palace, Aya Sofia, the Archaeological Museum, the Yerebetan Saray,
the Mosaic Museum, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome as well
as a cruise up the Bosphorus to Anadolu Kavagi, the last ferry stop
on the Asian side just where the channel joins the Black Sea. At
Anadolu Kavagi you may take the opportunity to enjoy a delicious
sea food meal at one of the many fish restaurants. Journey back
along the Asian side by coach to visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer palace of the last Ottoman Sultans. (B)
The Egyptian Bazaar, Istanbul
Day 2 (evening)
Istanbul- See the Bosphorus by night on the ferry travelling across to
the Asian side to begin your Anatolian adventure. Dinner and then
depart from Istanbul's Haydarpasha station in your own sleeper
compartment on the night train to Ankara. (D)
Rumeli Hisari, The Bosphorus
Anit Kabir, main building
Day 3
After an early breakfast on board your train you arrive in Ankara at
8 o'clock. In the morning we will visit the tomb of Ataturk, the
founder of modern Turkey. Called Anit Kabir, Ataturk's mausoleum is
one of Ankara's major landmarks.
Completed in 1953 it is designed to capture the spirit of monumental architecture found in Anatolia from the Hittites and Romans
through to the Seljuk Turks. The final effect is both ancient and modern; a stark memorial for an impressive man.
In the afternoon the tour of Ankara takes in the Citadel and the
Museum of Anatolian Civilisations. Housed in a beautifully restored
covered bazaar built in 1471 by the Grand Vizier Mahmut Pasha,
and in an adjoining Han of the same period, this is one of the outstanding museums of Turkey. In a country that has such historical
riches this museum will give you a rich taste of what you will see on
your tour through Anatolia. (B, L, D)
Standing Guard
The Lion Gate, Hattusas
Day 4
After a leisurely breakfast we depart for Hattusas, the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire. We will be staying near the city so you will
have plenty of time to explore and absorb the atmosphere of this
important site.
A walled city, Hattusas is a large site containing many temples (the
Hittites had a pantheon of 1000 gods) and a great fortress that held
a royal palace which housed the Hittite state archives. In these
archives archaeologists discovered, in 1906, a cuneiform tablet on
which was written a treaty between the Hittite King Hattusili III and
the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramses II. - one of the earliest peace treaties
on record. (B, L, D)
Relief of Hittite God, Hattusas
The “Fairy Chimneys” of Cappadocia
Day 5
From Hattusas we continue to the UNESCO world heritage site at
Goreme. This whole region was an early area of Christian settlement
and is characterised by many underground cities, churches and by
communities of troglodyte dwellings; houses carved out of the living
rock. Overnight at Goreme. (B, L, D)
(Balloon flights over the Goreme area are available at an additional
cost)
The fortress of Uchisar, carved out of a natural rock pinnacle
Balloon flights over Goreme area
Ihlara Valley
Day 6
We spend the morning exploring the Ihlara valley- a deep gorge cut
by a river through the dusty plains and providing a beautiful, cool
and tranquil refuge from the heat above.
From Ihlara we go to the fascinating underground city of Derinkoyu;
a labyrinth of passages going down at least eight levels, Derinkoyu
was a fully self sufficient refuge in times of conflict and, it is
believed, connected by extensive tunnel systems to other underground cities many miles distant. Overnight at Goreme. (B, L, D)
Statues at the Tumulus on the summit of Nemrut
Day 7
Mid morning start for the journey to Mt. Nemrut in Adiyaman to see
the summit and the magnificent funerary monument built by King
Antiochus III. Lost for nearly 2000 years and only rediscovered by
accident in the 1890s this monument is an enigmatic memorial to a
long lost king.
We will stay at the summit to witness the setting of the sun and to
enjoy this unforgettable experience.
Return to your hotel for dinner and refreshments. (B, L, D)
Sunset on Mt Nemrut
The Pool of Abraham
Day 8
Depart for Urfa. En route we will visit the Ataturk Dam, which is part
of the South eastern Anatolia Project (GAP). An impressive, huge,
hydro-electric and irrigation project on the upper reaches of the
Euphrates River. Well worth a visit not only for it being an engineering masterpiece but also to see the unusual monument to those
who lost their lives whilst building the dam. Taking Turkish tea will
be part of the ritual!
In Urfa, a spectacle to behold, from impressive stone masonry and
ladies in beautiful head scarves, we will enjoy lunch at a hand picked
restaurant where you will be able to relax whilst enjoying fresh local
food once more.
The Gardens in Urfa
Urfa is called the City of Prophets for its biblical connections.
Sightseeing again will be at a pace to enable you to fully appreciate
this enchanting city, taking in the castle with huge Roman columns
which dominate the top of the hill. Your guide will regale you with
the story of old about how the “Pool of Sacred Carp” got its name.
The Pool of Sacred Carp, surrounded by architecturally exquisite
buildings and the large, green, and floral gardens are a sight to
behold in the evening where the moonlight, and if you are lucky a
lightening storm capture the romance of the moment.
Families take in the sights and you will be welcomed as a visitor to
their city. One more important place to visit in the gardens is the
birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. This cave, where there are separate entrances for men and women, is a place of tranquillity in a
peaceful and romantic setting. Hotel in Urfa (B, L, D).
Monument at the Ataturk Dam
Bee Hive house in Harran
Day 9
Comfortable coach ride to Harran. Harran is a famous city from
ancient Mesopotamian times; a mystical and ancient place of “bee
hive” houses built of mud and straw. Here camels roam free, and
you will feel that a step back in time has been taken.
You will be greeted by the guardian of the houses and invited to
take tea or a cold drink under the Arabian tent! After pleasantries,
which I am sure by now you will have realised is an important part
of Turkish culture, you will be invited to roam through some of the
houses, realising their worth at keeping cool throughout the day and
warm during the night. A short walk from the “bee hive” houses is
the ruined site of the first Islamic University of the world. The Bible
speaks of this town as the place where Abraham and his family
lived.
Standing stones at Gobekli Tepe
Day 10
After breakfast we will visit the on going archaeological dig at
Gobekli Tepe. This extraordinary site is the oldest religious structure
built by man yet discovered; at 10 - 11 thousand years BC these
structures pre date not only Stonehenge and the Pyramids but also
writing and the discovery of the skills of pottery.
From Gobekli Tepe we carry on to Mardin and a little bit of luxury
from olden times staying in beautifully restored Caravansary, an old
inn where many years ago traders would travel with their wares to
do business, selling silks and spices.
Artuklu Kervanserai
This old inn has been transformed into a beautiful and quirky hotel,
with roof top restaurants with views over the plains of northern
Syria.
A friendly welcome at the Artuklu Kervanserai
The Saffron Monastery
Day 11
After a sumptuous breakfast we will visit Deir-Al-Zafaran (the
Saffron Monastery), once centre of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchy
and still an active monastery. Here you will learn the history of the
people, their life's work, and how the monastery manages to “float”
on a 3000 year old Sun Temple? Take rich Syrian coffee on the lovely terrace and enjoy the views.
After lunch we will drive to Hasankeyf, situated by the Tigris River.
Hasankeyf has hundreds of caves, hidden waterways, tombs, a larger and smaller Palace, as well as ruins of the Great Mosque. People
lived in the caves up until the early 1970s and you will be able to go
inside some of the homes and to visit the small mosque at the top
of the hill. We will then take tea or soft drinks whilst dangling our
feet in the Tigris, protected from the sun by grass canopies.
Depart for Tatvan on Lake Van along the Bitlis river gorge. Overnight
in Tatvan. (B, L, D)
Hasankeyf on the River Tigris
The Hot Lake in Nemrut Crater
Day 12
On the south eastern shore of Lake Van we find Nemrut Mountain
(not to be confused with the Nemrut in Adiyaman) rising above
Tatvan. This huge volcanic mountain is one of the largest intact
calderas in the world and it will take your breath away with its sheer
size. The highest peak of the mountain stands at 3050 metres. You
may frequently see large tortoises here ambling across the road. The
volcanic cone was believed to have originally been much higher, at
4450 metres before its eruption. The last time it was active was in
1440 BC.
There are five lakes within the crater, and the larger two, which we
will visit, are wonderfully different. The Cold Lake (13 sq. kms) has
an average depth of 100 metres. The Hot Lake has a visible amount
of steam rising from its thermal springs, great for a dip if you have
your bathing costumes and towels? The water will make your skin
feel soft and silky. The air temperature may reach up to 60 degree
centigrade! We will picnic by the Crater Lake and stroll around the
crater itself. For those who arrive between June and September we
will see and visit the nomadic people who spend their summers
around Nemrut Crater Lake, bringing their livestock to the rich pastureland.
On to Van, stopping to visit Akdamar Island, with its ancient
Armenian Church of the Holy Cross. Here you will have time to
explore the small but beautifully carved church and enjoy the island,
taking in the sights of Lake Van. Overnight in Van. (B, L, D)
Van Castle Walls
Day 13
The City of Van, a vibrant and colourful city, with plenty of shopping
and bargains to be had in the small silver shops, clothes shops and
the large market. Take time to visit the museum, where there are
many fascinating artefacts including carvings, Roman jewellery, arms
and armour and ancient head dresses. The city is dominated by its
3000 year old Urartian citadel, almost a mile long. We will take time
to explore these rich ruins and watch the extraordinary sunset over
Lake Van.
Sunset at Lake Van
Muradiye Falls
Day 14
Travel to Dogubeyazit, via the waterfall at Muradiye, with its rope
bridge. The road to Dogubeyazit takes in many sights of Mount
Ararat, believed to be the final resting place of Noah's Ark and the
setting place for the Babylonian Epic of Gilgamesh, with its permanently snow covered summit, rising above fertile plains. If visiting
between spring and early summer you will be amazed at the flora
and fauna; fields and meadows carpeted with yellows, reds, purples,
whites.
Dogubeyazit, a frontier town, is the place to buy textiles and lovely
Iranian sweets. It is a very traditional eastern town, where you will
be expected to dress conservatively, but again the welcome will be
very warm. We will travel just past the town to Ishak Pasha's
Pleasure Palace, where the Governor lived in splendour! Again you
will see fabulous stone work, beautiful views and learn the history
of those who have lived here.
The cliff side Church of St. Etienne, Muradiye
From Dogubeyazit we return to Van in time for the sunset over the
citadel on Van's castle rock. (B, L, D)
Day 15
Depart from Van airport for Istanbul and home.
Ishak Pasha Palace
EasternTurkeyTours
Anatolian Adventure Tour
Exceed your expectations Email: info@easternturkeytour.org
Visit: www.easternturkeytour.org