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19 Day Conducted Tour
       
Turkey with Malaysia
Stopover

For only $4,285
per person twin share
This price includes airport taxes and levies of $600

Tour departs Australia October 24 and returns November 11, 2010
This great price includes all of the following:

The needs of single travellers can usually be met by our supplying them with someone to twin-share with. If you prefer a single room, there is an extra charge of $555.

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. 

Tour Itinerary

Terms and Conditions

Booking Form

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  Itinerary for Western Turkey Tour - October 2010 
Included meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L =Lunch, D = Dinner
23.10.10 Depart Brisbane at 11:20pm on MH 140, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 5:45am the next morning. 
24.10.10 Depart Sydney at 3:00pm on MH 122, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 8:30pm.
Depart Melbourne at 4:00pm on MH 148, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 9:10pm.
All flights will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in central Kuala Lumpur.
25.10.10
(B/L)		 Kuala Lumpur
This morning there will be a Kuala Lumpur City tour followed by lunch. Visit the National Mosque or in Malay the Masjid Negara, which is the most distinguished mosque in Kuala Lumpur. Another must see is the Tugu Negara or War Memorial, where we honour those who perished in the war. Chinatown, located in Petaling Street is full of good bargains and deals, food of sorts and rich Chinese culture. You will also pass the Moorish-styled Federal Court, the old Railway station which is a striking piece of Mohammedan architecture, the Tudor-styled Cricket Club and the King's Palace. Visit the Thean Hou temple situated in Robson Heights, which is the home to patron Goddess Thean Hou of the Hainanese community, This striking six tiered temple is regarded as one of the biggest Chinese Temples in South East Asia.
26.10.10
(B/D)		 Kuala Lumpur - Istanbul
Morning free in Kuala Lumpur. Early afternoon departure for the Royal Selangor Pewter Factory & Showroom. Then we depart for Kampung Tour and Firefly Watching. Kuala Selangor is only 1 1/2 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and yet it has much to offer, especially to those who wish to take a peek at Malaysian rural life. Fishing and farming are main occupations here, although a large part of the area has also been cultivated with both palm oil and rubber. Upon arrival you will visit Bukit Melawati, an ideal site for monitoring shipping in the Straits of Melaka, Bukit Melawati once contained two forts. continue your tour to Taman Alam Kuala Selangor. With almost 150 sighted species of birds, makes this an ideal nature park for bird watching. This is followed by a sumptuous local seafood dinner, after which you will be treated to the highlight of the evening - firefly watching. You will be rowed upstream to watch thousands of fireflies flickering like Christmas lights in mangrove trees which line the banks of the river. After this tour, you will be driven back to the airport.  
27.10.10
 Istanbul
Depart Kuala Lumpur at 12:30am on MH 30, arriving in Istanbul at 6:15am. After passport and visa procedure, you will be met and taken to your hotel for a welcome briefing.
28.10.10
(B)
 Istanbul
Istanbul, once called Byzantium in the 7th century B.C. was named Contantinople 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. 
29.10.10
(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.
30.10.10
(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. 
31.10.10
(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. 
01.11.10
(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.
02.11.10 
(B/D)		 Konya
Today we will travel from Cappadocia to Konya. We visit Mevlana Mausoleum and Musem, explore the city of Konya which was a capital of Anatolian Seljuk. Overnight in Konya.
03.11.10 &
04.11.10
(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 theater 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 theater, a stadium and the colonnaded main street. Afternoon we will visit the excellent Antalya Archeology Museum and old city in the harbour.

05.11.10
(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.


06.11.10
(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 willl amaze you. Afternoon we will arrive to Kusadasi.


07.11.10
(B/D)




 Ephesus - Kusadasi
Full day tour starts visiting the incredible city of Ephesus and its colossal Greco-Roman Theater where St. Paul preached. This particular theater 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).

08.11.10
(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.


09.11.10
(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.

10.11.10
(B)		 Kuala Lumpur - Australia
Morning free in Istanbul. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport, departing at 2.00pm on MH 31, arriving in Kuala Lumpur at 5.40am on 11.11.10.
Sydney & Brisbane passengers depart Kuala Lumpur at 9:00am on MH 141, arriving in Sydney at 7:50pm and Brisbane at 9:45pm on 11.11.10.
Melbourne passengers depart Kuala Lumpur at 10:05am on MH 129, arriving in Melbourne at 8:40pm on 11.11.10.
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                        Conditions for Macleay Valley Travel's Western Turkey Tour

Deposits and Payments - A non-refundable deposit of $200.00 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.
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.Visa are 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, therefore, as air taxes and fuel surcharges change regularly the exact amount will be advised at time of final payment. Total tour cost may therefore change by a small amount.
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.
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 Affiars (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.
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