Welcome to Central Anatolia, home to dusty Hittite ruins, fairy-tale landscapes and whirling dervishes of historic Konya. While the incredible sceneries and fables of the mighty Turks demand your attention, visitors looking to add some splash of fun to
their culture trip will find the sunny coastline of the Turkish Riviera an alluring side trip. Dig deep into the Turkish heartland, discover its storied past and ideological present and end it off with a good dose of sunshine with a customised Central
Anatolia and Turkish Riviera tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today.
Captivating CappadociaThis incredible landscape of honeycombed hills, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, fresco-strewn rock churches and underground cave cities is surely the region’s, and arguably Turkey’s, most singular attraction not to be missed. Marvel at the
surrealistic panorama with a sunrise hot-air balloon ride. Discover splendid Byzantine flourishes at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a series of more than 30 rock-carved churches and chapels dating back through the 9th to 11th centuries. Descend into the
atmospheric underground cities and hike through stories of Christianity resistance against the invading Romans and Muslims. And why not take the underground experience further into your dreams with a stay in a one-of-a-kind cave dwelling complete
with contemporary amenities?
Dance of devotion
Historic Konya is the bastion of the Seljuk Empire, a medieval Turkic-Persian Sunni Muslim empire that rose to power in this region, and also the spiritual home of whirling dervishes,
devout followers of a mystical Sufism sect. For a grandstand introduction, take a seat down at Mevlana Museum’s Whirling Dervish Hall and hold your breath as Sufism devotees with their wide-shaped ropes take centre stage, raise their arms towards
the sky and whirl into a state of rapture until they reach oneness with Allah – truly a dance of worship you may have never seen before.
Turkey's turquoise coast
Turkey has several stunning coastlines encircling its circumference from the Aegean to the Black Sea, but the Turkish Riviera along the Mediterranean is perhaps its most
compelling complete with history, nature and mystery. Touch base in the region’s biggest city of Antalya or the modern resort town of Alanya and have your fill of scrumptious Turkish-Mediterranean cuisine at one of the many waterfront restaurants
dotting their charming harbours. Bask in the sun amidst Roman ruins in the unblemished coastal town of Olympos. Finally, head north into the hills to find the unique phenomenon of Yanartas in which dozens of “eternal flames“ spout naturally
and mysteriously from the mountain rocks since ancient times.
To discover more destinations in and around the Near East, see:
Find the roots of the Turks and spray on your sunscreen all in one trip with a customised Central Anatolia and Turkish Riviera tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours today. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
After breakfast, proceed to the modern town of Gelibolu and visit Anzac Cove, a historical landmark of WWI where the allied forces landed to commence the Gallipoli campaign.
Anzac Cove
Today, visit Archaeological Site of Troy. Be greeted by a huge replica of a wooden Trojan horse, a vivid reminder of the ancient Trojan War. Next, proceed to the ancient city of Pergamon and tour Acropolis, an architectural masterpiece that is perched on the city’s highest point. After a hearty lunch, proceed to Izmir, the 3rd-largest city of Turkey situated on the coast of Aegean Sea.
Trojan Horse
Begin the day with a memorable visit to Ephesus, one of the best places in the world to get a feel for what life was like in Roman times. You will find structures such as the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Marble Street and Agora. Next, proceed to House of Virgin Mary, where many believe to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life.
Ruins of Ephesus
After breakfast, enjoy a drive to scenic Pamukkale. Upon arrival, tour the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and explore the unique Cotton Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made up of fascinating white terraces and pools created by calcareous hot spring waters flowing down the mountain.
Cotton Castle
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Antalya, the coastal city along the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival, proceed to Antalya Museum, one of Turkey’s largest museums and was originally housed in Yivli Minaret Mosque. End the day with a visit to Duden Waterfalls located outside the city.
Antalya Museum
Today, enjoy a tour of 3 ancient cities. Commence with Perge, one of the most interesting ancient cities due to its architectural and archaeological wealth. Next, visit Acropolis of Syllaion’s portico streets, which are lined with many fine buildings, marketplaces and gymnasiums. Last but not least, head over to Aspendos, where the best-preserved theatre of antiquity can be found.
Acropolis of Syllaion’s
After a hearty Turkish breakfast, proceed to tour the city of Konya, the famous old capital of the Selcuk Turks. The 1st stop of this city tour brings you to Mevlana Museum where you can see Tomb of Rumi and learn about the history of the Persian Sufi mystic. Next, proceed to Karatay Madrasa. Built in the 13th century, this school houses several Seljuk tiles and ceramics. Thereafter, enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Konya, where you can sight a several historical landmarks including the traditional Ottoman architecture, Aziziye Mosque.
Mevlana Museum
After breakfast, hike through Valley of the Birds, where you can see dovecotes carved into soft volcanic rocks. Next, proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum, a compound comprising 29 rock-cut churches, including some that date back to the 6th century. Next, enjoy a homecooked lunch in Ayvali before proceeding to the underground city of Kaymakh, whose caves served as a refuge for the persecuted throughout the centuries. Thereafter, visit Pasabag, also known as Monk’s Valley. Here, you can see some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, some of which served as shelters for Simeon monks. Lastly, explore the cobblestone streets of Avanos, known for the production of earthenware pottery.
Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon
Today, continue to explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cappadocia. Visit Uchisar Castle, a castle-mountain transformed into a fortress overlooking the town of Uchisar. Take in the panoramic views of Cappadocia from the cave-turned-rooms within the castle. Next, proceed to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, which is populated by rare and wondrous rock formations, many of which look like sculptures of animals.
Town of Uchisar
Today, visit Ataturk Mausoleum and Ataturk Museum Pavilion within its beautiful gardens. Richly furnished in the early 19th century, the pavilion was Ataturk’s country retreat back in the day. Next, visit Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and its array of Hittite artefacts before returning to your hotel.
Dom Cami Ankara
Enjoy a scenic drive to Istanbul and visit the historic Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiles surrounding the walls of its interior. Next, head to 500-year-old Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 4,000 stalls and shops selling leather goods, jewellery, handicrafts, ceramics, Turkish coffee and other local products.
Blue Mosque
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.