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Black Sea Riches of the Silk Road
Black Sea Trabzon
Black Sea Sumela Monastery
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Black Sea Riches of the Silk Road
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Istanbul, Safranbolu, Amasya, Cappadocia, Konya, Kutahya, Bursa.
15 days 14 nights
Monthly departures: April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November.
Turkey, the center of civilization for
thousands of years, is home to the famous ancient trade routes of the Silk Road.
Camel caravans, artisans and traders have journeyed across this beautiful land from the Orient to Europe bringing with them a fascinating blend of civilizations. This unique crossroads is exemplified by the art, folklore, architecture and traditions of the people of Turkey.
Retrace these ancient trade routes, enjoy the magnificent palaces, churches and caravan sarays and marvel at the excellent range of arts and traditional crafts that Turkey has perfected over the centuries.
DAY 1 ISTANBUL
Arrive in Istanbul. Meet your traveling companions and tour guide over dinner at a traditional Ottoman restaurant. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
DAY 2 ISTANBUL
Visit the magnificent museums, Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and Topkapõ Palace to see some of the finest examples of Turkish and Byzantine Arts. Overnight in Istanbul. ( B/L )
DAY 3 ISTANBUL
In the morning visit the Covered Bazaar, the final destination of much of the wealth of the ancient trade routes. Afternoon ferry ride to Buyukada Island, steeped with its famous 19th century architecture. Overnight in Istanbul.(B/L)
DAY 4 SAFRANBOLU
Early morning departure for Safranbolu. Lunch at the picturesque fishing village of Amasra on the Black Sea. Arrive Safranbolu in the afternoon. Overnight in Safranbolu. (B/L/D)
DAY 5 AMASYA
Safranbolu is a wonderfully preserved example of a 16th Century Ottoman village. It has long been a center of fine craft work, especially shoes and needlework, and artisans still continue the traditions of countless generations. After lunch depart for Amasya. Overnight in Amasya. (B/L/D)
DAY 6 AMASYA
Full day sightseeing in Amasya the capital of the Kingdom of Pontus in the 3rd Century BC. With its Pontic tombs, fine mosques and Ottoman Houses, Amasya is in an idyllic setting. Visit the small village of Zile where Julius Caesar coined the immortal message: ėVeni, Vidi, Viciķ. Overnight in Amasya. (B/L/D)
DAY 7 CAPPADOCIA
Journey to Cappadocia stopping at the 14th century BC Hittite city of Hattusas and the Hittite religious center of Yazilikaya. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)
DAY 8, 9, 1 0, CAPPADOCIA
Tour includes 3 full days in the unique region of Cappadocia. Superimposed on the troglodyte like landscape of Cappadocia is a thriving folk craft industry. Pottery, carpets, kilims, embroidery, doll making are all made in this region by local artisans. Your stay here includes local tours, folkloric and belly-dancing show, visits to carpet weaving villages and displays of local crafts and the opportunity to view outstanding frescoes in the churches of the region. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)
DAY 11 KONYA
Leaving Cappadocia cross the vast Central Anatolian Steppe to the magnificent Sultanhani Caravanserai of the Silk Road and then to Konya, one of the oldest cities in Turkey. Famous for its Selcuk architecture, Konya is a major center of Islam. Home of the famous Whirling Dervishes and final resting place of the mystic, Mevlana, it was also a major trading center of the silk Road. The highlight of the tour is the Mevlana museum, a place of worship and home to many famous works of art and textiles. Overnight in Konya. (B/D)
DAY 12 KUTAHYA
Depart for Aksehir the hometown of the famous Nasreddin Hoca and to Afyon, the Turkish Delight capital of Turkey before continuing to Kutahya, an ancient city, famous for its ceramics and tiles. For more than 5 centuries the city's master artisans have produced the finest works for sultans and palaces throughout the Ottoman world. Visits included are to master ceramic artisans. Overnight in Kutahya. (B/L/D)
DAY 13 BURSA
Today visit Bursa, the first Capital of the Ottoman Empire. As befits a city with a rich Imperial past, it has many fine examples of Islamic architecture and also remains an important center of the Silk Trade. Visits to the Silk Markets and also to see examples of the Karagöz shadow puppets and the famous warm mineral baths. Overnight in Bursa. (B/L/D)
DAY 14-15 ISTANBUL
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