Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Enchanting Turkiye… yours to discover

Glories of Turkey  

 “Some beautiful paths can’t be discovered without getting lost” - Erol Ozan

The Middle East is quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating and rewarding travel destinations. It was here that some of the most significant civilisations of antiquity rose & fell and where the three great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity & Islam - were born. Left behind is an astonishing open-air museum of ancient cities & historic buildings, the stones of which still resonate with the sounds of the faithful.

And in Turkey, you will find a richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, scenery from beaches to mountains & the great city of Ýstanbul. Of course, not forgetting the other ancient wonders. Come……experience Turkey with us………

The Middle East is home to some of the world's most significant cities – Jerusalem, Cairo, Damascus, Teheran, Baghdad & Istanbul. The ruins of the once similarly epic cities of history - Petra, Persepolis, Ephesus, Palmyra, Baalbek, Leptis Magna and the bounty of ancient Egypt, also mark the passage of centuries in a region where the ancient world lives & breathes.

The landscapes of the region are equally spellbinding, from the unrivalled seas of sand dunes & palm-fringed lakes in Libya’s Sahara desert to the stunning mountains of the north & the underwater world of the Red Sea.

Above all else, however, your most enduring memory of the Middle East is likely to be its people. Their gracious welcome, many kindnesses and boundless hospitality speak of an altogether more civilised age.

From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Esfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the story behind the headline, and where the bridges between ancient & modern civilisations are everywhere evident. If you believe what the media tells you and decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

And now, let us talk about Turkey…… officially the Republic of Turkey, is a transcontinental country located mainly on the peninsula of Anatolia in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on East Thrace in Southeast Europe.

An Epic History | Culinary Exploration | Lyrical Landscapes

Turkey is a land of vast open spaces, massive mountain ranges, fertile valleys & rugged coastline with unfrequented beaches, fast - growing cities & sleepy villages and bustling neon-lit seaside resorts.

When you set foot in Turkiye (Turkey), you are following in the wake of some remarkable historical figures. Turkey has hosted A-list history-book figures including Julius Caesar, who famously 'came, saw & conquered' near Amasya, and St Paul, who criss-crossed the country.

Ottoman sultans used to luxuriate in Ýstanbul’s Topkapý Palace, surrounded by fawning courtiers, harem members, eunuchs & riches from an empire stretching from Budapest to Baghdad. Centuries earlier, Byzantine Christians cut cave churches into Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys & hid from Islamic armies in underground cities.

At other points in history, Romans coursed down the Curetes Way at Ephesus (Efes), medieval Armenians built Ani's churches, whirling dervishes gyrated with Sufi mysticism & the Lycians left ruins on Mediterranean beaches.

Turkey might be the world’s most contested country. Its landscape is dotted with battlegrounds, ruined castles & the palaces of great empires. This is the land where Alexander the Great slashed the Gordion Knot, where Achilles battled the Trojans in Homer’s Iliad & where the Ottoman Empire fought battles that would shape the world. History buffs can immerse themselves in marvels & mementos stretching back to the dawn of civilisation.

The greatest surprise for first-time visitors to Turkey, with its stereotypes of kebabs, carpets & moustachioed hustlers in the bazaar, is the sheer diversity found between its Aegean beaches & eastern mountains. In Ýstanbul, you can cruise - on the Bosphorus as well as through markets & nightclubs - in a Westernised metropolis offering equal parts romance & overcrowded insanity. In holiday spots such as Cappadocia & the southwestern coasts, mix trekking, horse-riding & water sports with meze savouring on a panoramic terrace. Then there are the less-frequented eastern quarters, where honey-coloured outposts overlook the plains of ancient Mesopotamia & weather-beaten relics add lashings of lyricism to mountain ranges.

Of course, Turkey's current inhabitants are just as memorable. The gregarious Turks are understandably proud of their heritage & full of information (of variable accuracy) about subjects from kilims (flat-weave rugs) to the Aya Sofya's floating dome. Turkey's long history, coupled with its unique position at the meeting of Europe & Asia, has given it a profound depth of culture. Immersing yourself in that culture is as simple as soaking in an ancient hamam, eating a kebap & tasting influences brought along the Silk Road, or visiting the ruins scattering the fields, bays & hills.

A rich history has left an indelible mark & Turkey overflows with historic sites & archaeological wonders set in a varied & beautiful landscape. The Mediterranean coastline is punctuated with well-preserved Greco-Roman cities such as Pergamom & Ephesus, while the austere & rugged Anatolian plateau has cave churches hidden away in the improbable fairytale landscape of Cappadocia. Istanbul, still very much the pulse of the nation, has even more to offer, with Roman aqueducts, Byzantine churches and Ottoman mosques & palaces.

Living History | Art & Architecture | Culinary Heritage

On this journey, explore Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Antalya, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Pergamum, Troy, Canakkale & Gallipoli.

Istanbul is hot. And we are not talking about the weather. It has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (& that is a lot).

Istanbul's strategic location has attracted many marauding armies over the centuries. The Greeks, Romans & Venetians took turns ruling before the Ottomans stormed into town & decided to stay - physical reminders of their various tenures are found across the city. The fact that the city straddles 2 continents wasn't its only drawcard - it was the final stage on the legendary Silk Road linking Asia with Europe & many merchants who came here liked it so much that they, too, decided to stay. In so doing, they gave the city a cultural diversity that it retains to this day.

Istanbul is an old city, you can see the remains of many ancient civilizations and their culture in harmony with Turkish culture. The old versus the new, the traditional versus the modern is a conflict a visitor often observes. The city is full of contrasts, and colorful views. Where the blowing winds from the 7 peaks of Anatolian Olympos merge into each other ; where Amazon's cooled their bodies in the waves that break apart from the Black Sea & roll mightily against the shore ; where love is symbolized in the Tower of Leandros ; where stand the rocks of Symplegad that brought nightmares to the Argonauts. Built on seven hills on Asia & Europe ; Capital of 3 Empires ; Where romance & traffic jam go hand in hand ; Lively & exciting, a world metropolis - that is Istanbul.

The conquering armies of ancient times tended to ransack the city rather than endow it with artistic treasures, but all that changed with the Byzantines, who adorned their churches & palaces with mosaics & frescoes. Miraculously, many of these remain. Their successors, the Ottomans, were quick to launch an ambitious building program & the magnificently decorated imperial mosques that resulted are architectural triumphs that together form one of the world's great skylines. In recent years, local banks & business dynasties have reprised the Ottomans' grand ambitions & endowed an impressive array of galleries, museums & festivals for all to enjoy.

The city’s over-abundance of important historic buildings & exciting new art galleries & museums provides visitors with more than enough to see during the day, but it is at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action. Locals are flocking to see & be seen at an ever-growing array of bars, clubs & restaurants, bringing with them an infectious sense of joie de vivre & a discerning ability to judge these places on their standard of service, drinks, music & food as well as their position in the what’s-hot & what’s-not stakes.

That is not to say that the locals are turning their backs on much-loved city institutions such as the raký-soaked meyhane (tavern) or tranquil çay bahçesi (tea garden), because they wouldn’t dream of doing anything so foolish. They know, after all, that such institutions are one of the reasons that their home is - and always has been - rightfully dubbed the ‘City of the World’s Desire’.

Fly to Ankara where you will get the opportunity to visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum & Anytkabir - the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

Those troglodytes sure knew what they were doing when they decided to lay down their hats & call Cappadocia home. Deep in the heart of the country, they settled within the lunar-like landscape & burrowed their houses & churches into stone cliffs & their cities underground. In so doing, they provided a still-cogent example of the simplicity & sense of living at one with nature rather than imposing upon it

These days the cave dwellers are predominantly tourists staying in cave hotels who have been drawn to this part of Turkey by its surreal scenery, wealth of ancient churches & unparalleled opportunities for adventure activities. Where else can you float over the fairy chimneys in a hot-air balloon in the morning, admire Byzantine frescoes in the afternoon and sample fine food & wine at night? Let alone take a spectacular hike through a rose-tinted gorge, indulge in a frenzy of shopping at a covered bazaar dating from Ottoman times & see dervishes whirl in an atmospheric caravanserai. It is this mix of attractions that makes Cappadocia such a compelling tourist destination - there truly is something here for everyone.

Let’s be clear, though. The true joy of Cappadocia doesn’t come courtesy of its wealth of boutique hotels, its spectacular sunsets, its world-class hiking or its warm & welcoming locals. Instead, it stems from the fact that life still follows a village rhythm here, far removed from the wannabe jet-set lifestyle of the Mediterranean tourist resorts or the marvellous mayhem of Istanbul. This is a place to enjoy at your own pace.

You will visit Devrent Valley, Monks Valley (Pasabagi) & see some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin & even triple rock caps. Move on to Avanos, the well-known pottery town of Anatolia. Here, you also visit Goreme open-air museum, which comprises of the finest rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness.

Depart for Antalya, enroute stopping at Konya to visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure, also known as Rumi. In Antalya, visit Perge, the place most of the statues on display in Antalya Museum, were unearthed. Move on to Aspendos that boasts one of the best preserved Roman theatres in Anatolia. Enjoy the waterfalls at Manavgat before returning to Antalya.

Drive to Pamukkale, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Hierapolis which is the next stop. Pamukkale Terraces (aka Cotton Castle) are made of travertine, a sedimentary rock deposited by water from the hot springs. Hierapolis was founded as a Thermal spa early in the 2^nd century BC. In Hierapolis, visit Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, Plutonium, Nymphaeum, Necropolis, Martyrium and some other ruins.

On a full day tour, explore Ephesus - an early centre of Christianity. Paul lived  here & Ephesus contains the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Tour Aphrodisias - the city named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. You will also visit the House of the Virgin Mary. 

Stop at Pergamum - the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamum during the Hellenistic period and one of the Seven Churches addressed in Revelation. See Troy, which is best known for being the focus of the Trojan War described in the Greek Epics Cycle and especially in the Iliad by Homer of Smyrna. Visit Gallipoli, before winding your tour in Istanbul.

Come back Istanbul where we end this trip with an expectation that you would surely return to discover some more.

A unique experience is just the beginning. Spectacular & surreal. Locals have an infectious love of life & generosity of spirit in this vibrant inclusive community which has no problem melding tradition & modernity. Take the plunge now & yep….the iconic Turkey is waiting. A warm welcome awaits you & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discovery.

Come…be inspired & discover the World with us

Glories of Turkey

Istanbul * Ankara * Cappadocia * Konya * Antalya * Pamukkale * Ephesus * Pergamum * Troy * Canakkale * Gallipoli * Istanbul

13 Days / 12 Nights

Enchanting Turkiye -prepare to be charmed

Glories of Turkey  

*Seat in Coach. Guaranteed departures with minimum 2 guests. There will be other participants & group size may vary. Participants may come from all over the world & most of them will be English speaking. Private services with English speaking Tour-guide & vehicle can be arranged with a supplement cost. For less than 10 guests, the Tour will be guided by Tour-guide cum Driver. For 10 +, there will be a separate Tour-guide, in addition.

 

** Please note that the Program highlights the main attractions that are to be visited each day. The sightseeing tours combine ‘walking’ & driving. Some Monuments / Buildings, you will enter & some you will see from outside. Some Monuments / places may require extra Entrance Fees to be paid for accessing some of the areas.

 

*** It is extremely rare that Programs need to be changed but it can occur. We reserve the right to change, amend or alter the Itinerary if required, for example, occasionally the tour sequence & duration of time spent in each place / city can change due to local conditions which are out of our control or due to heavy traffic conditions or bad weather. The Price will not be affected.

 

Conditions related to specific Tours will be advised in due course, if required.

 

 

 

 

Enchanting Turkiye -prepare to be charmed

Glories of Turkey  

And last but not least:

Departures:

Arrival in Istanbul on Any Day (minimum 2 guests)

Validity:

→ December 2024  

Prices:

We offer several accommodation choices for this Journey. The price varies by selected accommodations. The itinerary remains unchanged.

Exchange rates fluctuate on a daily basis. Please contact us for current pricing and we will respond within 24 hours.

Some important notes

• Flights are subject to constant modifications / delays and cancellations.  In such cases, we will do all possible to find the best available alternative / solution but will not accept any liability, whatsoever.
• Our rates only include those items which are specified in the Itinerary / Inclusions.
• The cost has been calculated on the existing tariffs / conditions and in case of any currency fluctuations or amendment in local Government taxes, or any fuel hike, we reserve the right to revise the tour price accordingly.
• Our quotations are calculated on base category of accommodation at each property and are subject to modification, if the same hotel / category of room not available at the time of reservation. In that case, we will confirm a superior category of room at a comparable or better hotel and supplement charges, if any, shall be advised accordingly. Final Itinerary will illustrate updated information and / or it would be furnished at the time of confirmation.
• All prices are per person, based on double occupancy, and subject to availability at the time of booking. The from price reflects the lowest available price at time of publication, which is valid for a specific start date or dates and also based on availability at the time of booking.
• Room availability is getting saturated due to heavy demands from the tourism industry, international Fairs and Congresses. Due to these constant sold- out situations the hotels are applying the cancellation rules more stringently. Once the reservation is guaranteed, the booking will be subject to full cancellation charges as per our Terms & Conditions (details will be advised at the time of deposit). We strongly recommend obtaining Insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen scenarios.
• Additional services including Optionals, if any, can be paid directly by the clients to our local offices

The Journeys strongly recommends that all Guests purchase appropriate Travel Insurance (Trip Cancellation / Interruption & Medical) to cover any eventuality & / or Emergency. Between missed Connections, lost or delayed Luggage, or Medical Emergencies, you want some peace of mind that your travel investment is well protected. No matter who you buy from, please consider purchasing a Travel Protection Plan before you travel. Still unsure? Talk to us.