Christmas Turkey - 12 days
There’s no stuffing birds or entertaining aunts! Enjoy snowflakes on fairy chimneys, legendary sites at Ephesus, Troy and Aspendos, thermal springs at Pamukkale and Christmas Eve at St Nic’s!
Sunday 18 December 2011. Welcome to Turkey! Arrive Istanbul and transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure.
Overnight - Istanbul
Enjoy a tour of old Istanbul. The only city to span two continents sits on the Bosphorus - the strait of water that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Its illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life.
Sultanahmet, the compact old city of Istanbul, is full of parks, gardens and stunning sights. The Blue Mosque is famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets. The Hagia Sofia, constructed in the 6th century, reigned as the grandest and biggest church in Christendom until the conquest of Constantinople in 1453, when it became a mosque. Today we view the Hagia Sofia from the outside as the historical site is closed on a Monday. An additional guided tour of the interior is offered on the final day of our tour for those who care to join.
Just around the corner is the stunning Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. Rest of day free. Tonight, we are free to explore or relax in our hotel.
Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Christmas Turkey - 12 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul – Gallipoli/Canakkale. Today, we enjoy a visit to battle-scarred Gallipoli. On the 25th April 1915, under the guidance of the British Command, the combined forces of Australia and New Zealand, otherwise known as the ‘ANZACs’, mounted an assault at a beach in North-Western Turkey. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history due to the enormous loss of lives and the impossibly hopeless situation faced by these brave young soldiers, many of whom had left home for the first time, destined never to return. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. As always in war, common men died, cruelly robbed of their potential because of actions and decisions of military leaders.
Overnight - Canakkale (B, D)
Days 4 - 5: Troy & legendary Ephesus
Gallipoli - Kusadasi. Step back in time as we visit the legendary Roman ruins of Pergamum and Troy - inspiration for Homer's Illiad and much more recently the movie Troy. On day 5, we explore ancient Ephesus. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements including a Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis and the Library of Celsus. Stop by the ancient public toilets and public brothel! Afterward, we stop at a local leather manufacturer. Turkey produces some of the finest leather goods in the world and many are made here before branding in Italy.
Overnight - Kusadasi (B:2, D:2)
Kusadasi – Pammukale. Exploring the Roman Hierapolis and the cascading calcium mineral pools of Pamukkale perhaps opt for a dip in the thermal hot springs.
Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 7: Xmas Eve at St Nic's
Pammukale - Demre - Antalya. The legend of Saint Nicholas (aka Santa Claus) began in Turkey! St Nicholas - a 4th century bishop gave anonymous gifts to dowryless village girls. He would drop bags of coins down the chimneys of their houses and this ‘gift from heaven’ would allow them to marry. We visit the church and tomb of St Nicholas in Demre before continuing to coastal Antalya for a top Xmas Eve dinner overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight - Antalya (B, D)
Day 8: Christmas Day & Roman Ruins
Kemer - Konya. Merry Christmas! En route to Konya we tour the incredible Roman ruins of Perge and Aspendos.
Overnight - Konya (B, D)
Konya – Cappadocia. Day 9 we tour Konya and the Mevlana monastery before heading north east to Cappadocia. We stop en route at an ancient caravanserai and later take a short walk through the beautiful Ihlara Valley. In the evening, opt for a traditional Turkish dinner and folklore evening. On day 10, we explore the stunning Goreme Valley, fairy chimneys, amazing troglodyte villages, Uchisar Castle and Derinkuyu underground city. Dinner on day 10.
Overnight - Cappadocia (B:2, D:1)
Cappadocia - Istanbul. Travelling via Ankara to Istanbul, we visit Anitkabir - the massive mausoleum of Mustafa Kamel Ataturk. Arriving into Istanbul late this evening.
Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Thursday 29th December 2011. This morning after breakfast (at approximately 9:00am) you can opt to join us for a guided tour of the interior of Hagia Sofia in Sultanahmet. Taking the city's local tram, called the Metro, our tour guide will the escort the group to the grand historical site, conduct a guided tour and return to the hotel before 12 noon. Budget approximately 25 TL for the excursion including entrance fee and tram ride.
Our tour concludes upon arrival to our hotel and onward departure transfer to the airport. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas in Turkey!
(B)
Commemorate the brave soldiers at ANZAC day in Gallipoli
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Pay tribute to those that died at the tragic campaign of Gallipoli by paying your respects at ANZAC day, with like minded companions. Whether you are short on time, or would like to see Turkey or even Egypt, we have great packages to suit.
Click here for further information on our ANZAC day tours |
Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, whilst the Hagia Sofia is closed on Mondays. Please consider this when booking. Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market are both closed on Sundays.
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. The 'Single supplement' applies for single travellers who require their own room and needs to be added to the 'Twin/Double' price.
If you are happy to be paired up with another single traveller of the same sex on your tour, this can be arranged, (if another solo traveller of the same sex is already booked upon the tour), thus avoiding the single person supplement.
All our scheduled tour departures are guaranteed subject to a minimum of 2 travellers.
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| 4 star Pre-Tour Accommodation |
USD $109 |
USD $50 |
| 4 star Post-Tour Accommodation |
USD $109 |
USD $50 |
Christmas Turkey - 12 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
| Shop til you drop and experience a myriad of different sights, sounds and souvenirs in bustling bazaars around the world. Soak up the atmosphere in the souks of Marrakech, barter for bargains at the ginormous Grand Bazaar in Istanbul or lose yourself in Beijing's Silk Alley Markets. Visit the old covered market in Damascus or get some great souvenirs in Otavalo the handicraft market in Ecuador. |
| Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort! |
| The mysterious rock formations and underground cities of Cappadocia are perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown. Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock. The World-Heritage listed Goreme has over 30 magnificently frescoed Byzantine rock churches open for exploration. Taking a
hot air balloon ride over this magical landscape is highly recommended!
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What You See and What You Get
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
- Istanbul - Sultanahmet/ old Istanbul, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Underground Cistern and Topkapi Palace
- Troy - Trojan horse and ancient ruins
- Roman ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus
- Demre - home of the original St Nicholas
- Konya - Silk Road & Mevlana Whirling Dervish Museum
- Cappadocia region, fairy chimneys and underground city
- Leather and carpet manufacturing houses
| - Gallipoli Peninsular - ANZAC Cove, memorials, trenches and battlefields
- Aegean Coast
- Pamukkale thermal pools and Roman Hierapolis
- Ancient ruins of Perge & Aspendos
- Ancient caravanserais
- Ankara - Ataturk's Mausoleum
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What's Included
- 11 breakfasts and 7 dinners including special Christmas Eve Dinner in Antalya overlooking the Mediterranean Sea
- Guided sightseeing of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome and Hagia Sofia (exterior on day 2, interior on day 12)
- English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
- Relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
| - 10 nights 4 star and special class hotels, 1 night 5 star hotel
- Guided sightseeing of Gallipoli, Troy, Ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale and Roman Hierapolis, Perge, Aspendos, Konya and Cappadocia
- Airport arrival transfer on day 1 and departure transfer (to Ataturk International Airport) on day 12.
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What's Not Included
- Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller as a tip for your guide and $2 USD per day for your driver. Tipping your guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture.
- Entrance Fees: $145 USD
| - International flights and visa
- Tipping Kitty: $25 USD
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Hotels
We have listed below the accommodation most likely to be used on this tour. Please note that while we cannot guarantee that these will be the exact properties that you will stay at, any alternatives we use will be of a similar standard with similar facilities. 'Our Rating' indicates how we feel each property rates according to normal Western hotel standards. 'Local Rating' indicates how the property is categorised/rated locally.
Ramada Old City - Istanbul
A modern comfortable hotel with all amenities you will need and a wonderful roof top restaurant with a magnificent view of the City and Sea.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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This modern 5 star sea front property Kolin Hotel offers spacious rooms, spa, wellness centre and a number restaurants set within manicured lawns.
| Our Rating: Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
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Tatlises Hotel - Kusadasi
Located 700m from town & 1km from Palm Beach, this resort style property offers views over the Aegean, spacious modern rooms & a large, inviting swimming pool.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Lycus River is a beautiful spa hotel located in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are modern and the indoor pool, thermal facilities and spa therapies offer a nice treat.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Dedeman Park offers sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the Toros Mountains. The resort style hotel offers modern rooms with a range of guest facilities.
| Our Rating: Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
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The Rixos is an elegant, modern hotel. The rooms are spacious and chic. The hotel also has tennis courts, a squash court and a horse-riding centre.
| Our Rating: Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
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Tourist Hotel - Cappadocia
The Tourist Hotel is an attractive resort with spacious and modern rooms. With a large outdoor swimming pool and spa, the hotel has a choice of villa, suite or room, all of which have self catering facilities.
| Our Rating: Deluxe —
Local Rating: 5 Star Hotel
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Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
The trip was fantastic in absolutely every respect.
1.The organisation of the trip was faultless,right down to the last detail.
2.The tour guide Kemal was friendly,knowledgeable and competent,and ensured we all left enriched and happy.
3.The food and accomodation was better than expected,and was excellent.That is a big ask as there were a lot of meals.
4.We saw and did more than the itinerary indicated.
5.The bus and its driver were of a very high standard.The driver went to the trouble of ensuring the windows were washed at least once a day,and they were so clean you could take photos through the glass.
6.The price was an added bonus.There is no way one could do such a trip independently for even double the price.
7.I am not a "tour" person, and like to travel 5 star and in style. The toilets were of a very high standard.The food was lovely fresh healthy standard.The hotels were all really excellent,many with gyms,heated pools,views,hammams etc.
I would not hesitate recommending On the Go as well as Turkey as a destination.
Ms Julie Bennett, Jun 2011
Hi Charlie - just a quick note to let you know that our xmas trip to Turkey was amazing! Our guide was very well organised, the hotels were excellent and the scenery and sights were incredible. There were some other teachers on the trip as well so we all had a few good nights out and enjoyed some of the best Turkish food i've ever eaten - and excellent value for money!
Thanks for all your help and we're looking forward to our Egypt trip at Easter.
Best wishes - Lucy, Dianne and Eve
Lucy Blackmore, Jan 2010
Wonderful experience! I loved the whole trip. Ephesus was definitely the highlight with the mystic statues and marble-paved alleyways. We have met some amazing people and had really great Christmas. Thank you On the Go.
Cheryl Woods, Dec 2009
I have done a lot of travelling over the last 3 years but have never been on an organized tour. Thank you... I have discovered my new favourite way of travel, with On the Go tours!
I will be back to Turkey!
Alison B, Dec 2009
It was our first group tour, as we have always travelled independently. I found it great having a guide to explain all the historical and cultural aspects of the country. We had loads of fun with the group + the tour was very well organized.
Great way to spend Christmas. Thank you!
Thomas M., Dec 2009
This was a great trip with so many highlights, eg. Cappadocia & Pamukkale. Wonderful and very patient guide.
Thank you "on the go" - we will recommending you to friends.
Elizabeth Neilsen, Dec 2009
Hi John,
Just thought would drop you a quick email to thank you for organising this trip for me.
This tour was extremely well organised from start to finish and I had a fantastic time and would highly recommend this tour to anyone planning to visit Turkey.
Will touch base with you guys again when I decide where I am off to next (possibly Russia or Egypt).
Regards.
Fiona Nielsen, Dec 2008
Hi Charlie,
Just a quick email to tell you we had an amazing Christmas in Turkey!
Everything was better than we expected, starting from arrival transfer, through hotels and food to an exceptional guide!
The group was really fun and we got on well with everyone.
We saw a great deal of Turkey and enjoyed every little bit of it!
Thanks!
Michael Sammons, Dec 2008
