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Eastern Turkey Ruggies & Folk Art
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Eastern Turkey Ruggies & Folk Art
Request this tour
This was a orgnaized tour that was offered this year in early spring if it appeals to you then let the agent know because they may offer again next year. Also, if you have your own group of friends that would be interested in this type of tour let them know.
A cultural tour of Anatolia including stops in: Istanbul, Ankara, Konya, Cappadocia, Nemrut Dagi, Sanliurfa, Harran, Tatvan, and Van. One of New Horizons newest exclusively designed tours, the magic of Central and Eastern Anatolia brings the folk art, history and peoples of Anatolia together in one very unique program.
Guided by Turkish cultural and textile historian Samy Rabinovic, discover the fascination of this region with expert commentaries and highlighted visits to:
Ebru, Marbellers, Textile Museums, Ceramic Artists, Carpet Weaving Villages, Local Artisans, and Nomadic Encampments.
Enjoy the spectacular scenery, magnificent historical sites, and experience the art, culture, and people that are the "magic" of Anatolia.
Day 1 Ankara
Arrive in Ankara. Transfer to your hotel to meet your traveling companions, your tour Director and tour guide over a welcoming cocktail Dinner at a traditional Ottoman restaurant in the historic old city. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 2 Ankara – Konya
Visit the world famous Museum of Anatolian Civilization and the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the modern Turkish Republic. Lunch at the Ankara Castle. Early afternoon departure through the vast central Anatolian plateau to Konya. Overnight in Konya.
Day 3 Konya
Explore Konya, one of the oldest cities in Turkey and famous for its Selcuk architecture. A major centre of Islam and the home of the famous Whirling Dervishes, the highlights today are visits to the Mevlana Museum, Karatay Mosaic Museum and Selcuk architecture. Dinner in a beautifully restored Turkish House. Overnight in Konya.
Day 4 Konya – Cappadocia
Departing Konya we journey through the ancient Silk Road visiting the magnificent 11th Century Sultanhani Caravanserai. We explore the village and the famous carpet repair workshops of this area before continuing to the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu. Late afternoon attend a kilim weaving demonstration and expert lecture on handmade rugs. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 5 Cappadocia
Full day exploring the mysterious lunar landscape and rock hewn churches of Cappadocia including Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve, Dervent Valley, the ancient Greek village of Mustafapasa and Pancarlik Valley churches. The highlight will be a visit to the specialist ceramic workshops of Avanos. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6 Cappadocia
Today is a unique journey through the troglodyte landscape of Cappadocia to the Taurus mountain town of Yahyali to see the village women making their unique carpets using hand spun wool and natural vegetable dyes. Participate in making carpets and enjoy lunch in a traditional mountain village home. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7 Nemrut Mountain
Cross the scenic Taurus Mountains and continue the journey along the plains of Mesopotamia to Nemrut Dagi. Overnight at a mountain hotel.
Day 8 Sanliurfa
Early departure for the spectacular sunrise over the stone heads and god statues of the pre Roman king Antioch. Continue to a 14th Century castle at Eski Kale and a magnificent 3rd Century Roman bridge. Pass through the plains of Mesopotamia and the giant Ataturk Dam that tames the Euphrates River and enter the biblical town of Sanliurfa. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 9 Sanliurfa
Travel in the morning to the beehive houses of Harran, reputed to be the oldest continually inhabited community in the world. Return to Sanliurfa and explore the fascinating sites of this Old Testament town, the Sacred Carp Pools of Abraham, his birth cave and the exquisite mosque complex, fortress and the traditional covered bazaar. Afternoon free to explore Sanliurfa at leisure. Overnight in Sanliurfa.
Day 10 Tatvan
Travel to Tatvan on the western shore of magnificent Lake Van, the inland sea of Turkey. Pass the city of Diyarbakir located on the famous Tigris River and the small Ottoman mountain town of Bitlis. Where possible visit the black tent camps of the nomads and experience a traditional lifestyle, fast disappearing in today's Turkey. Overnight in a lakeside hotel in Tatvan.
Day 11 Van
Explore the hot and cold lakes inside the crater of the soaring volcano of the "other" Nemrut Dagi of Turkey. Continue journey to the East visiting many fascinating Selcuk sites before arriving at the lakeside city of Van. Dinner at a lakeside hotel in Tatvan.
Day 12 Van
Van, the capital of the Kingdom of Urartu, dominated this region from the 13th to 7th BC. Full day tour of the region including the spectacular 10th Century Armenian church on the island of Akdamar, Hosap Castle and the "Rock of Van" for sunset. Overnight in Van.
Day 13 Istanbul
Mid morning flight from Van to Istanbul. Transfer to our hotel, in the heart of the old city. The highlight of the afternoon is a special escorted visit to the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum with a professor from the Marmara University with expert lectures throughout. Dinner at a seafood restaurant of the Bosphorus. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 14 Istanbul
Enjoy the magnificent Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and Topkapi Palace and see some of the finest examples of Turkish and Byzantine Art. The late afternoon will be spent wandering the enticing labyrinths of the Grand Bazaar. Dinner and evening at your own leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 15 Istanbul
In the morning we visit the fascinating workshop of the Ottoman Empires famous Ebru marbellers before embarking on a famous cruise of the Bosphorus, passing Ottoman Palaces and Castles spanning both Asia and Europe. A specialist lecturer will accompany us on a private tour of the SEATREK Hanim Museum. Established in a graceful old Bosphorous mansion this private museum houses an excellent collection of Anatolian antiquities and Ottoman Heirlooms. Traditional farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 16
Depart from Istanbul to ongoing destinations.
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