Travertine terraces, Pamukkaleexplore turkey.Turkey is an eclectic mix of markets, mountains, mosques and monuments, where beautiful regions such as Cappadocia and Pamukkale contrast with the urban splendour of exotic Istanbul - and as it straddles the continents of Europe and Asia, it's truly a land where east meets west!With the services of our amazing local guides, travelling in quality air-conditioned transport, and staying in some fantastic accommodations, Topdeck's Turkey Explored is the ideal way to see this remarkable country - and we'd love to have you on board!42|43"Cappadocia was brilliantly bizarre. Definitely a highlight of my trip - Thanks Topdeck"- Brett, London, United KingdomDid you know?Pamukkale is known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" by Turkish people.

PamukkaleFethiyeKonyaCappadociaKusadasi CanakkaleGallipoliTroyEphesusIstanbulPergamonTURKEYAnkara212124start/finishNO. OF NIGHTS STAYDAY STOP11 overnighttrainDates & Prices 2012/13TURKEY12 Day Turkey ExploredTRIP CODE: HTTUDay 1 Istanbul, Turkey. We arrive in magical Istanbul and make our own way to the hotel for a meeting with our Trip Leader, followed by a welcome meal to meet our fellow travellers. (D)Day 2 Istanbul to Ankara. Our city tour this morning takes in all of Istanbul's main sights including Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Underground Cistern, and the Hippodrome. We then have free time to explore and perhaps shop! Tonight we board our overnight train bound for Ankara, Turkey's capital city. (B) Day 3 Ankara to Cappadocia. On arrival into Ankara we visit Anitkabir, the mausoleum of Kemel Ataturk - the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey. From here it's a coach trip to the Cappadocia region. Tonight we have a traditional dinner in a local family's home. (B,D)Day 4 Cappadocia. We explore the distinctive features of the region including the Devrent Valley with its unique fairy-chimneys. (B)Day 5 Cappadocia to Konya. First up today we venture to one of the underground cities where the early Christians hid to avoid persecution from the Romans. Then the ancient trade stop of the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arriving in religiously conservative Konya, Turkey's spiritual centre. (B)Day 6 Konya to Fethiye. Today our destination is Fethiye, known for its tombs carved into the rock cliffs dating back to the 4th century B.C. We stop en route at the breathtaking Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon. (B,D)Day 7 Fethiye. Belonging to the stunning Turkish Riviera, Fethiye provides plenty of options for a day out. Relax on a cruise of the islands of Fethiye or spend the time chilling out on the beach. The Museum is rich with artefacts and interesting displays for those interested in the history and culture of the area. (B)Day 8 Fethiye to Kusadasi via Pamukkale. From Fethiye we travel to the white calcium terraces of Pamukkale or 'Cotton Castle'. Bathe in the hot spring waters - these thermal waters have been used for therapeutic treatments since the Roman period. We also take a tour of the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis which was founded as a spa and became a healing centre. We reach Kusadasi in the early evening. (B,D)Day 9 Kusadasi. A visit today to the ancient city of Ephesus. It is said that Ephesus is one of the most beautiful ancient cities in the world. In the afternoon we continue our trip by visiting the House of Virgin Mary. This place was officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and since then has become a popular place of pilgrimage. (B)Day 10 Kusadasi to Canakkale. We head to Bergama in the province of Izmir which is known for its gold, cotton and carpets. We stop at Pergamon, a former ancient Greek city containing a wealth of ancient What's Included»»11 breakfasts (B), 5 dinners (D) »»10 nights hotel accommodation»»1 night overnight train in multi-share cabins»»Sightseeing tours of all major cities and sights»»Escorted services of an experienced English speaking guide»»Air-conditioned vehicleStartFinish05May1216May1219May1230May1202Jun1213Jun1216Jun1227Jun1230Jun1211Jul1207Jul1218Jul1214Jul1225Jul1228Jul1208Aug1204Aug1215Aug1211Aug1222Aug1225Aug1205Sep1201Sep1212Sep1208Sep1219Sep12Go to topdeck.travel/Turkey-Explored for more info.EphesusThe Blue Mosque, Istanbulruins where we have the opportunity to go on a guided tour of the mighty Acropolis dating back to the 3rd Century B.C. Finally we visit historic Troy, home of the epic Trojan War, Trojan Horse and the beautiful Helen. (B)Day 11 Canakkale to Istanbul. We depart for Gallipoli early this morning and head towards the WWI battlefields for a guided tour of this now serene site. We then travel back to Istanbul, arriving in the evening, for our farewell dinner. (B,D)Day 12 Istanbul. Our trip ends after breakfast and it is time to say goodbye to our crew, trip mates and new friends. (B)USD10 Days from $1095 per personTotal Trip Price $1095Total Trip Price $1195Total Trip Price $1285Price based on per person twin share. 5% reduction for triple share.