Back to Macleay Valley Travel Homepage

 19 Day Conducted Tour
       
West Turkey Tour
with Singapore Stopover

For only $4,875
per person twin share

This price includes airport taxes and levies

Tour departs Australia March 7 and returns March 25, 2012

This great price includes all of the following:

If you do not have a travel partner, but wish to travel at twin share rates, we will try and match you up with someone else but this is not guaranteed. If you require a single room, there will be an additional charge of $715. 

For anyone with an interest in history, Turkey is a fascinating country. Just to see the excavation of Ephesus would by itself make the whole trip worthwhile. 

Note: There is an optional 15 day post tour extension of fascinating East Turkey & The Black Sea for an additional price of $2,965 per person twin share, or $3,662 single room. 

Tour Itinerary

East Turkey & Black Sea Extension

Terms and Conditions

Booking Form

Top of Page


   Itinerary for Western Turkey Tour - March 2012
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
07.03.12 Australia - Singapore
Depart Sydney at 9.25am on SQ 212, arriving in Singapore at 2.30pm. 
Depart Melbourne at 11.00am on SQ 238, arriving in Singapore at 3.35pm.
Depart Brisbane at 9.10am on SQ 256, arriving in Singapore at 3.00pm. 
You will be transferred to your hotel in central Singapore for a two night stay. 
08.03.12











 Singapore
Today is at leisure in Singapore. While in Singapore you will receive the benefits listed below:
*50% discount on the la carte food menu (food only) at the designated food outlet in the passenger's hotel
*Free unlimited rides on SIA Hop-on tourist bus, which travels through the main tourist belt.
*Free admission to 6 attractions; National Orchid Garden, Singapore River Cruise, Jurong Bird Park, The Singapore Zoo, Chinatown Heritage Centre, The Battle Box Museum.
*Discounts on shopping, dining, sightseeing tours and attractions as listed in SIA Boarding Pass Privileges program.
09.03.12




 Singapore - Istanbul
Today is at leisure, with late 6pm checkout from the hotel.
In the evening you are transferred to Singapore airport for your flight to Istanbul.
Depart Singapore at 11.20pm on SQ 490, arriving in Istanbul at 4.55am the next morning (10.03.12). 
10.03.12


 Istanbul
After passport and visa procedure, you will be met and taken to your hotel for a welcome briefing.
11.03.12
(B)
 Istanbul
Istanbul, once called Byzantium in the 7th century B.C. was named Constantinople in 326 A.D. by Constantine the Great when he moved the capital of the Roman Empire to what is now Istanbul. The city received its current name from Mehmet II in 1453 and is the only city in the world that spans two continents. It was the capital to three major empires (Rome, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires). Here, we will visit several of Turkey's most famous museums and mosques. Topkapi Palace (excluding harem) was first built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453 and was the home of the sultan until the 19th century. St Sophia was built by Roman Emperor Justinian and was completed in 537 A.D. It was the greatest Christian church in the world for more than 1000 years. The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet in 1616 and was constructed with the deliberate intention of rivaling the St. Sophia. 
12.03.12
(B)		 Istanbul
We will visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque with its exceptional tiles and the spice market in the morning. We will take a morning Bosphorus cruise on a private boat. In the afternoon, we will visit the Taksim Square and stroll around Istiklal Street (art and fashion centre of Turkey). Among the many things we will do in Istanbul is visit the Military Museum and enjoy a live performance of the Military Band (Mehter).
In the afternoon we will visit the Grand Bazaar and explore this world wide known historical market of the city.
13.03.12
(B/D)		 Ankara
Morning departure to Ankara and after a five hour drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey since 1923, we will visit the magnificent Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which is also known as Hittite museum. This museum presents relics from Catal Hoyuk, one of the earliest known human communities that existed through the Hittite and the Roman Classical period. We will also pay a visit to the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey. 
14.03.12
(B/D)		 Cappadocia
Morning departure to Cappadocia, we will take a morning four-hour drive to Cappadocia. We drive along the Salt Lake. Optional Whirling Dervishes performance is held in 13th century Caravansary. Overnight in Cappadocia. 
15.03.12
(B/D)		 Cappadocia
Optional balloon tour can be done in the morning, flying over volcanic valleys and rock formations (fairy chimneys). After breakfast, we visit Goreme, Pasabagi, Uchisar, Kaymakli or Ozkonak underground city. While in Cappadocia, we will enjoy the unique landscapes of wind and rain eroded volcanic formations. Carved directly into stone, Cappadocia's amazing subterranean cities include ancient underground churches and cities hand-hewn from solid rock by early Christians. We will visit a local pottery workshop and see traditional Hittite ways of shaping red clay.
16.03.12
(B/D)		 Konya
Today we will travel from Cappadocia to Konya. We visit Mevlana Mausoleum and Museum, explore the city of Konya which was a capital of Anatolian Seljuk. Overnight in Konya.
17.03.12 &
18.03.12
(B/D)







 Antalya
Today we drive to Antalya and see the Toros Mountains. Antalya is a beautiful and historic city snuggled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Toros Mountains. During our stay in Antalya, we will tour the city as well as visit the ruined sites of Aspendos and Perge. Aspendos dates back to the time of the Hittites, yet the only visible remains are from the Roman Period. The restored theatre at Aspendos is said to be the best in all of Turkey. Perge reached its height under the Romans and Alexander the Great. Today, what remains are the ruins of a great theatre, a stadium and the colonnaded main street. Afternoon we will visit the excellent Antalya Archeology Museum and old city in the harbour.

19.03.12
(B/D)






 Aphoridisia - Pamukkale
We will depart Antalya early and drive to Aphrodisias, the city of art dedicated to the Goddess Aphrodite. Octavian once said that "of all the cities in the world, Aphrodisias is my favourite". The marble theatre here is beautiful and the stadium that seats over 35,000 is immense. It is also the largest in the world and the best preserved. Aphrodisias was a center to cultivate the finest sculptors, whose works are found all over the Roman Empire. After Aphrodisias we will continue to Pamukkale.


20.03.12
(B/D)





 Kusadasi
Morning departure to Kusadasi, we will visit another Greco-Roman city "Hierapolis". It has an incredible necropolis (city of the dead) and we will see many sarcophagi (burial monuments). We will visit the snow-like travertine of calcium for which Pamukkale is famous. Pamukkale is one of the natural wonders of the world, beautiful mineral springs, clinging to the hillsides that will amaze you. Afternoon we will arrive to Kusadasi.


21.03.12
(B/D)





 Ephesus - Kusadasi
Full day tour starts visiting the incredible city of Ephesus and its colossal Greco-Roman Theatre where St. Paul preached. This particular theatre is still used for performances today. The Marble Road, the Celsus Library and the Temple of Diana are just a few of the sites we will visit. We will also visit the house where St. Mary liver her final days. (After the crucifixion of Jesus, St. John brought her to Ephesus).

22.03.12
(B/D)





 Peragmum - Troy - Canakkale
During a scenic three-hour drive up the Aegean Coast, we will stop in Pergamon to see the Asklepion, an ancient hospital complex. Then, we will drive three-hours to Canakkale, where we will visit the legendary city of Troy. Here, we will have the opportunity to see a replica of the Trojan horse. To date nine different Troy's have been discovered, all built one on top of the other. While in Canakkale we will stay at the hotel which overlooks the Dardanelles and Gallipoli across the Straits.


23.03.12
(B)


 Dardanelles - Gallipoli - Istanbul
Morning departure to Gallipoli and across the Dardenlle visit Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone pine cemetery and Gallipoli War Museum. We will drive to Istanbul in the afternoon. Overnight is in Istanbul.

24.03.12
(B)		 Istanbul - Singapore
Morning free in Istanbul. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport, departing at 1.25pm on SQ 491, arriving in Singapore at 5.55am on 25.03.12.
25.03.12 Singapore - Australia
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 7.10am on SQ 241, arriving in Sydney at 5.50pm.   
Brisbane passengers depart Singapore at 9.50am on SQ 245, arriving in Brisbane at 7.40pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 10.10am on SQ 217, arriving in Melbourne at 8:35pm.
Top of Page



  Itinerary for Eastern Turkey & Black Sea Extension
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
24.03.12
(B/D)		 Istanbul
After passport and visa procedure, you will be met and taken to your hotel. There will be time to relax before the guide takes you for dinner at a local restaurant.
25.03.12
(B/D)		 Safranbolu
The next morning we will drive to the historic town of Safranbolu which is one of the UNESCO's world heritage sites of Turkey. The town is graced with many traditional old houses and mansions. The friendly people of Safranbolu will welcome our interest in traditional Turkish culture as we wander through the town, admiring its charm and beauty. Our stay will be at a historical market complex, which is called Cinci Han, and was built in 1645 and is a well restored historical hotel of Turkey. This town is full of unusual photo opportunities with thousands of Ottoman houses. 
26.03.12
(B/D)		 Amasya
We will drive to the Hittite ruins at Yazilikaya to see the private temple of Hittite kings and then to Hattusas, the capital city of the Hittite Empire which is the one of the UNESCO's world heritage sites of Turkey. At this site we will follow the ancient city wall constructed nearly 3,400 years ago and see the ruins of the Great Temple of the Storm God, the Lion Gate, the King Gate (guarded by a relief of the Hittite War God) and the Great Fortress. Afterwards, we will depart Hattusas and continue to Amasya, the one time capital of the Pontic Empire. It is a lovely little town nestled in a small mountain valley formed by the Green River. Some of the most striking features of Amasya are the tombs of the kings of Pontus carved into the high cliffs surrounding the city. Here, we will explore the old streets of Amasya and attend a local bazaar.
27.03.12
(B/D)		 Trabzon
Today is a driving day. We will travel from Amasya to the beautiful wooded coast of the Black Sea, following the coastline to Trabzon. The scenery on this drive is unbelievable. Trabzon is an ancient Silk Road Black Sea Port, with its recorded history dating back to 746 BC. With lush, green vegetation throughout the region, this area is a very unique part of Turkey. Hazelnut and tea plantations are the major contributors to this region's agricultural exports. 
28.03.12
(B/D)		 Erzurum
We will visit the Sumela Monastery in the morning, which is from the Byzantine era, and enjoy a lovely picnic by a rushing stream there. One of the remarkable features of this site is that it is carved into a cliff face!
From Sumela we will drive to Erzurum, with many stops along the way. This is a very beautiful drive, which follows carious rivers. Erzurum rests at the base altitude of 2000 metres and although it is somewhat remote, it is one of the largest cities in eastern Turkey. Despite its size, the people maintain quite a conservative outlook. Here, one will frequently encounter more women waring veils than in other cities. While in Erzurum we will have lunch in a restaurant converted from old Ottoman houses decorated with antiques everywhere. We will visit Ulu Cami (the Great Mosque) and an old Selcuk Medrese (schoolhouse) as well as see several Kurdish villages in the area.
29.03.12
(B/D)		 Kars
An early morning departure from Erzurum will take us on a beautiful drive to Kars. We will arrive in Kars to visit Ani at the Turkish-Armenian border. A 45 minute drive will take us to the medieval Armenian City of Ani, which lies mostly in ruins. Impressive fortified walls still encircle the ruins of numerous churches, mosques and caravansaries. Walking around the ruins, we will be able to see a beautiful view of Armenian across the Arpa River, which creates the border between turkey and Armenia. Other attractions in the city of Kars are the immense citadel, its old bridges and an Armenian church (the Church of the Twelve Apostles)
30.03.12 & 31.03.12
(B/D)		 Van (Mt Ararat)
Early in the morning, we will drive along the beautiful yet rugged border between Turkey and Armenia and arrive in Dogubeyazit. On the way, we will stop for photo opportunities, especially of the beautiful flowers in this region (depending on the season). We will also have the opportunity to see Mt Ararat, where Noah's Ark is believed to be, and visit the spectacular Isah Pasa Palace. This complex is a combination of mosque, fortress, and 17th century palace. We will then drive 2 1/2 hours to Van, stopping again for various photo opportunities. One of the stops will be by a gorgeous waterfall. We arrive in Van and overnight.

Early in the morning a short ferry ride will take us to Akdamar Island. There is a wonderful 10th century Armenian church here called the church of the Holy Cross. the outside walls of the church are decorated with wall relief's depicting various well known tales from the Bible and the Old testament. This church, recently restored to its former glory, is a true gem.  In the afternoon we will visit the 3,000 year old fortress built by the Urartians, who inhabited the region between the 9th and 6th century B.C. and called their capital city, Tushba. Before we finish our tour, we will see beautiful handmade Carpets and Klims of Eastern Turkey.
01.04.12 & 02.04.12
(B/D)
 In the morning we drive to Batman where we will visit the incredible and ancient city of Hasankeyf nearby. Hasankeyf is on the banks of the Tigris River and is located in an area of the Fertile Crescent where animals were domesticated and grains were cultivated over twelve thousand years ago. After driving ninety minutes, we will arrive in Mardin, capping a long but spectacular day with many stops. Mardin is a very unique and lovely city with many old Arabic style houses. It is a city that played an important role in the early development of Christianity. We will take time to visit, walk in its busy streets and bazaars and take superb photographs. Just outside of town, we will visit the monks in the Monastery of Deyr-az-Zaferan, which was founded in 4th century AD. It was the seat of the Syrian Orthodox Patriarch for almost 800 years. This monastery is built on top of a 4,000 year old temple originally used by sun worshipers.
03.04.12
(B/D)		 Urfa
Today we will drive three hours to Urfa, the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. We will visit nearby Harran and see the incredible beehive houses. Harran, according to the Bible, was the site where the prophet Abraham lived with his family for several years before moving to Israel, the Promised Land. We will also visit the holy sites at Ainzelha, a lake with domesticated fish. There are exceptional photo opportunities in this area.
04.04.12
(B/D)		 Mt Nemrut
From Urfa we will drive 2 hours to Adiyaman Kahta. On the way, we will stop to see Ataturk dam, the fourth largest dam in the world built on the Euphrates River. We will drive through the Pistachio orchards and stop to pick them (depending on the season). We will check into our hotel. Soon after, we will hire small mini buses to drive up Mt Nemrut. Resting at an elevation of 2150 meters this extraordinary mountain top features a funerary temple complex composed of two flattened areas strewn with huge statues and fallen heads of Greco Roman gods. Each head measures 2 - 3 metres high, belonging to the likes of Zeus, Hercules, Fortuna, Apollo and the King Antiochus, who considered himself a god. There is also a mound of broken gravel that makes a perfect false peak of crushed rock. Antiouchus built the entire complex 2,050 years ago as a monument to his 'divine ancestry'.
Please note:  The hike to Mt Nemrut consists of 20 to 40 minutes of a 30% uphill hike, mostly with stairs. There is no time limit and most can do the hike. There are also donkeys or mules available for hire.
05.04.12
(B/D)		 Hatay (Antioch)
Today, we will drive to Antakya, ancient Antioch. Throughout the Hellenistic and Roman periods, Antioch stood out as one of the most influential and enduring cities. it was here that Peter preached his first sermon and founded the first Christian community. Just outside the town we will pay a visit to the Grotto of St Peter, erected in the 13th century by the Crusaders. We will visit the Hatay Museum which houses one of the finest collections of Roman mosaics in the world.
06.04.12
(B)
 Istanbul
Today we will fly from Hatay to Istanbul. Overnight is in Istanbul.
07.04.12
(B)		 Istanbul - Singapore
Morning free in Istanbul. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport, departing at 1.20pm on SQ 491, arriving in Singapore at 5.35am the next morning (08.04.12).
08.04.12 Singapore - Australia
Sydney passengers depart Singapore at 7.10am on SQ 241, arriving in Sydney at 5.50pm.
Brisbane passengers depart Singapore at 9.50am on SQ 245, arriving in Brisbane at 7.40pm.
Melbourne passengers depart Singapore at 10.10am on SQ 217, arriving in Melbourne at 8.35pm. 
Note:

 The price for this post tour extension to Eastern Turkey & the Black Sea is $2,965 per person twin share or $3,662 single room. 
Top of Page

                                  Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Western Turkey Tour

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $400.00 per person is payable within 7 days of booking. This deposit is not refundable should you later cancel. The balance is payable in full 10 weeks prior to departure. 
Refunds and Cancellations - Cancellations after final payment will result in a refund limited to whatever we can recoup from the airline.
Insurance - Adequate travel insurance is essential. We can arrange this for you if desired. Macleay Valley Travel offers Suresave Travel Insurance.  Please note that we can only process  your travel insurance when we have received full payment for the insurance and the signed Suresave Travel Insurance application form, located on the last page of the Suresave Travel Insurance information booklet. Until this time the travel insurance cannot be processed and will not be valid. Macleay Valley Travel will bare no responsibility for any consequences that may occur as a result of an incomplete insurance application.    
Passports - All travellers require a current passport with at least 6 months left on it at the end of the tour. Non-Australian passport holders require a re-entry visa for Australia. A Visa is required for Turkey, but can be issued on arrival in Istanbul. Current cost $30 USD, but subject to change.
Basic Tour Price and Taxes -  Air taxes and Fuel Levies are included in the basic tour price if the tour is paid in full on or before the due date on the final invoice. Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to charge for any increase in Air taxes and Fuel Levies if the tour is not paid in full by the due date.
Not Included in the Cost - All items of a personal nature such as telephone calls, drinks, excess baggage, tips, meals, (except those specified in the itinerary), travel insurance etc. 
Breakaway Fee - All fully inclusive prices are based on group travel and any deviation from the set itinerary will incur a breakaway fee. The breakaway fee for most deviations including a post-tour extension on this tour is $55 per person. Please inquire with our office for prices on any pre-tour extensions.
Airfare Upgrades - Business class international airfares can be arranged for this tour from an additional price of $5,305 per person, subject to flight availability. Please inquire with our office for a specific price for this airfare.
Health and Fitness - Macleay Valley Travel recommends that the passenger is reasonably healthy and/or fit to participate in this tour.  Persons with a disability requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a companion. Macleay Valley Travel and their representatives cannot provide this service.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to accept/decline or terminate a passenger's participation in the tour under certain circumstances.
Booking through other Agents - As we keep the cost of out tours as low as possible, there is insufficient margin for us to be able to pay commission to other travel agents, so some bookings can only be accepted if the client pays the other agent's commission. Macleay Valley Travel is a fully licensed travel agent and as such any monies paid to us are fully insured by the Travel Compensation Fund. We are happy for any prospective traveller with us to check us out with your local Consumer Affairs (fair trading) department.Similarly, credit card payments can only be accepted if 2% is added to the price to help defray the heavy merchant fees charged to us by the credit card companies. 
Limitation of Liability - As Macleay Valley Travel acts only as agent for the Airlines, Hotels, Coach Companies etc., providing accommodation, transportation and other services, Macleay Valley Travel shall not be liable or responsible for death or injury to any person or loss or damage to any property including baggage arising out of or connection with any transportation, accommodation or other services, or resulting directly or indirectly from acts of God, fire, breakdown in machinery or equipment, acts of Government or other authorities, de jure or defacto wars, whether declared or not, hostilities, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, epidemics, quarantines, medical or customs regulations, delays or cancellations caused by changes in schedules or itinerary, or over bookings or defaults or for any causes beyond Macleay Valley Travel's control or any loss or damage resulting from improper or insufficient passports, visas or other documents and neither Macleay Valley Travel, and its servants or employees shall be or become liable or responsible for any additional expenses or liability sustained or incurred by the tour member as a result of the foregoing causes.  Macleay Valley Travel reserves the right to modify the itinerary or the accommodation if circumstances make this necessary, provided that the amended itinerary is of equal value or greater value than that of the original program.                   
Top of Page