Ottoman is not just a Footstool
from £790 GBP
Ottoman is not just a Footstool
Duration: from 15 Days
Countries: Turkey
IN THE OTTOMAN EMPIRE, CONDEMNED GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WHO WERE SENTENCED TO DEATH COULD RUN FOR THEIR LIVES. LITERALLY. THEY WERE ALLOWED TO CHALLENGE THEIR EXECUTIONER TO A FOOT RACE FROM THE PALACE DOWN TO THE FISH MARKET GATE. IF THEY MADE IT BEFORE THE EXECUTIONER, THEY WOULD BE BANISHED INSTEAD OF EXECUTED. TOO BAD IF YOU FORGOT YOUR TRAINERS.
Turkey is a land of contrasts that awaits discovery - the echos of calls to prayer, postcard-perfect beaches, azure waters, ethereal lunar-like landscapes and Greco-Roman ruins that are the envy of Greece and Italy. All of this beauty combined with the warmth, smiles and hospitality of its people make a trip to this land on two continents a truly remarkable adventure.
Itinerary
1 Istanbul
2 Istanbul
3 Istanbul - Gallipoli - Çanakkale
4 Çanakkale - Ayvalik
5 Ayvalik - Selcuk
6 Selcuk - Pamukkale
7 Pamukkale - Fethiye
8-9 Southern coast cruising
10 Çirali - Antalya
11 Antalya - Cappadocia
12 Cappadocia
13 Cappadocia
14 Ankara
15 End Istanbul
Inclusions
• Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour leader.
• Visit to the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries of Gallipoli.
• Boat trip on the Turquoise Coast, sleeping under the stars on a comfortable mattress on the boat deck.
• Time at the natural pools, shelves and ridges of Pammukale.
• Walks in the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia including: Akvadi (White Valley), Pigeon Valley, Pasabaglari (Priest Valley) and Kizilçukur (Red Valley).
• Visits to one of the greatest Greco-Roman sites in the world – Ephesus; to the eternal flames of Chimeira; and to the Lycian city of Phaselis.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Istanbul; Tuz Golu salt lake; underground city of Derinkuyu; Konya; and Ayvalik.
• Overnight train from Ankara to Istanbul.
Transport
Boat
Ferry
Local bus
Overnight train
Accommodation
1 night Overnight train
1 night Boat
2 nights Pension
10 nights Hotel
Meals
13 breakfasts
1 lunch
2 dinners
Inclusions
accommodation, food
