Upon arriving at Istanbul, connect to
your dosmetic flight for Mardin. When
you touch down, make your way to
Dara Ancient City, a significant
settlement of Mesopotamia that dates
back to the 6th century whose ruins
feature ancient rock tombs and rock
structures spread over a vast area.
The ancient city is also encircled by
4-km-long city walls. Next, drive to the
Old Town of Mardin, well-known for its
Arab-style architecture. Thereafter, visit
the 800-year-old Grand Mosque to
admire some basic architectural
features from the Artuqid Period in
the 12th century, along with its sliced
dome and minaret which have become
iconic to Mardin. Afterwards, visit Deyrulzafaran Monastery, an
important Syriac Orthodox religious
centre that takes its name from the
saffron flower that was used in its
construction. The Monastery was first
built as the temple of the Sems - a
group of people who worship the Sun,
after the Romans left the region and
the former castle was transformed.
Our first stop is the ongoing
archaeological site at Gobekli Tepe, the
oldest known temple in the world
recorded in the UNESCO World
Heritage List that pre-dates Stonehenge
by 6000 years. After lunch, visit the Pool
of Abraham - it is believed by Muslims
to be the location where Prophet
Abraham was thrown into a fire by
Nimrod. Prophet Abraham (or Ibrahim
in Islam) is mentioned in three major
religions - Christianity, Islam and
Judaism. Then proceed to Sanliurfa's
centuries-old Grand Bazaar to do some
shopping.
Begin our day with a trip to Harran to
visit the famous Beehive Houses. This
unique architectural tradition has
existed for at least 3,000 years till today,
and feature primitive, dome-like
structures that resemble a termite
colony when clustered together. Made
entirely from mud or clay bricks, these
buildings were designed as such to
fence off heat and retain cool air, as well
as withstand harsh weather elements.
Then, continue to Adiyaman and head
up to Mount Nemrut summit by
minibus. Here, you'll be greeted by the
fascinating sight of an extensive layout
of rock structures surrounding the
50-metre-high, manmade burial
mound of King Antiochus I, who
reigned over the Kingdom of
Commagene. This UNESCO World
Heritage Site remains as one of the
most ambitious constructions of the
Hellenistic period to date.
Embark on a drive to Halfeti, a special
Turkish town on the east bank of the River Euphrates. Much of the city was
submerged under water due to the
construction of the Birecik Dam in the
1990s, and remnants of the Old Halfeti
can be explored via a Boat Tour on the
Euphrates River. Thereafter, we will carry
on to Gaziantep to visit the Zeugma
Mosaic Museum. Full-scale replica
displays and various mosaics
throughout the museum offer visitors a
taste of the lifestyle, culture and beliefs
of the people living during the bygone
eras. Last but not least, drop by the
Coppersmith Bazaar for a glimpse at
the assortment of copper home
products, handicrafts and spices on sale.
Set off for Cappadocia this morning.
Visit Kaymakli Underground City, the
biggest and deepest underground
settlement in the region that was once
a hiding place for early Christians
escaping Arabic persecutors. Tracing
back to the 7th and 8th centures B.C.,
the Phrygians carved their living spaces
into the soft volcanic rock to defend
against foreign invasion. Subsequently,
the subterranean city provided its inhabitants a safe haven during various
turbulent times, before it was
completely abandoned and then
rediscovered. Our next stop of the day
is Monks Valley (Pasabag), one of the
most picturesque spots of Cappadocia.
Bask in the extraordinary beauty of the
fairy chimney rock formations dotting
the surreal landscape, which were once
rock-cut monasteries, churches,
chapels, tunnels and mills used by
monks and priests in seclusion. Finally,
visit a Jewellery Centre to admire their
handcrafted natural stones.
This morning, you may consider going
for a famous Turkey experience -
a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the most
extraordinary landscapes or a Jeep
Safari Tour, at your own expense
(subject to weather conditions). Then,
kick-start your full day tour of
Cappadocia with photos stops to gaze
at Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle.
Next, visit the famous ceramics factory
in Cappadocia to watch how a pottery
piece is produced, as the paintings on
the ceramics are all by hand. When
night falls, adjourn to a local restaurant
for a captivating belly dance show.
After breakfast, depart for Ankara,
where you will stop for lunch.
Thereafter, proceed to the UNESCO
Heritage town of Safranbolu to explore
its perfectly preserved Ottoman
town. The glorious masterpiece of
Kaymakamlar Museum is a classic
Ottoman house that gives visitors an
insight into the history, culture and
traditions back inthe 19th century.
Next, head up to the highest point
of Hidirlik Hill, which overlooks the
UNESCO World Heritage Site of
Safranbolu Old Town, for a picturesque
view. You can then check in at an old
Ottoman mansion before enjoying
some free time to explore the town
on your own.
After breakfast, make your way to
Istanbul. Start off with a visit to
Topkapi Palace, formerly the residence
of the Ottoman sultans that is now
transformed into a sprawling museum
showcasing the imperial collections of
the Ottoman Empire. You will then
have some free time to wind down with a walk around the world's largest
canopied market - the Grand Bazaar as
you partake in some haggling for
bargains at some 4,000 stalls hawking
jewellery, pottery, spices, carpet, leather
and more. Before going to your hotel,
visit a leather factory where you get to
enjoy a fashion show.
Today, our first schedule is to undergo
the requisite COVID-19 Test together
as a group. Then, we shall continue our
sightseeing tour of the 'imperial city'
by visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia
Sophia - magnificent monuments
dedicated to two major religions of the
world peacefully standing side by side.
Once a church and later a mosque,
Hagia Sophia is an architectural beauty
of significance for both the Byzantine
and Ottoman Empires. The 17thcentury Blue Mosque is a historically
important mosque famous for its
stunning blue-tiled interior. Next,
marvel at the Hippodrome of
Constantinople, which was the centre
of Byzantine civic life spanning political
dramas to chariot races. Continue to
Taksim Square, the city's main
pedestrian boulevard that hosts a wide
range of international shopping chains,
restaurants, cafes and boutiques.
Today, spend the day free at leisure to
explore on your own. You may wish to
consider an optional trip to the
Egyptian Spice Bazaar and a cruise
along the European and Asian shores
of the Bosphorus. Thereafter, transfer
to the airport for your flight home.
Additional activities that complement your
holidays will be at your own discretion and
is entirely optional.
*Minimum group size may apply.
• Hot Air Balloon Tour: USD 230
• Cappadocia Jeep Safari: USD 90
• Bosphorus Cruise + Spice Market: USD 65
• A minimum group size of 10 passengers is
required for a confirmed departure.
• The sequence of the itinerary, flight schedules
and hotels are subject to change without prior
notice in the event of unforeseen
circumstances.
Note
Do note that the third bed for triple room may be a "roll-away" bed.
The below chart serves a guideline and may not be applicable to all destinations.
For maximum comfort, we highly recommend a family of four to stay in two rooms.
If extra bed are not available, passengers will be put into : 1 Standard Double / Twin Room + 1 Standard Single Room
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Remarks
Prices shown are just guideline and are not guaranteed until purchase is completed.
Price shown are in SGD
Prices based on twin sharing, and does not include airport taxes and fuel surcharges, optional tours and gratitude for local guides, drivers and tour leaders, if applicable
All tours subject to group size for confirmation
Land arrangement excludes flight arrangements, optional tours and gratitude for local guides, drivers and tour leaders, if applicable
Tour fare does not include visa charges. Passengers have to ensure that they hold a valid visa to enter their destination country. Please refer to http://cibtvisas.sg for visa requirement and charges
Take the road less travelled
in this exceptional
adventure to the South-eastern
Anatolia region of Turkey
to unearth a crossroad
of civilisations from
past eras.
Tour Highlights:
Meal Plans:
Special meals:
HOTELS
