My wife and a female friend took this tour in May, 2008, and having prepared the following information for them, I thought I would share it with others on the BB.

We took this same tour in 1997 and its itinerary is unchanged from then, other than that the direction is now clockwise (then it was anti-clockwise) and the tour now includes a visit to the Cumalikizik Village. It was, and remains, a great tour, possibly the best value-for-money tour in the Insight brochures, with mostly excellent hotels, great Tour Directors (we had Ilhami Konya), good food, interesting shopping and a fantastic set of inclusions!


phil

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WEBLINKS FOR INSIGHT’s Treasures of Turkey TOUR

…click to enlarge map.

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TOUR PACE
This is a well paced tour with two-night stays in Cappadocia and Antalya. Day 8 in Antalya is completely at leisure to relax or hit the beach and shops. In towns and cities with one-night stays, the driving days are not too long and have frequent stops for sightseeing. However, there are few opportunities for self-directed sightseeing/exploration, even at lunch stops (these are mostly at remote locations).

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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS:

• In Istanbul, embark on a cruise along the Bosporus past Ottoman palaces, old mansions and fortresses.
  
• In Iznik (Nicaea), visit the ruins of St. Sophia & the city walls.
  
• In Bursa, visit the Great Mosque [Ulu Camii], the Green Mosque and Tomb (Bursa's greatest monument) & the covered bazaar and the silk producers bazaar [Koza Han].
  
• Visit the charming Cumalikizik Village with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets.
  
• Visit Gordion, where Alexander the Great is said to have cut the famous Gordian Knot. Enter the tumulus that is said to be the burial place of King Midas (but almost certainly isn't!)
  
• In Ankara, visit Atatürk's Mausoleum [Anýtkabir] and Museum [360º virtual tour of Mausoleum] & the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations [Hittite Museum].
  
• Visit the Mausoleum of Sufi philosopher Hajji Bektash Wali.
  
• Explore the Göreme Valley, a unique region of volcanic landscapes and "fairy-chimneys", visit rock-carved churches, see ancient frescoes in the open-air museum and see the Zelve valleys, where the scenery is dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings.
  
• Tour the Kaymakli underground city and see the cone of Uchisar.
  
• Attend a spectacular highlight folklore show in an underground cave in Cappadocia.
  
• Visit the Caravanserai Sultanhani.
  
• In Konya, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome [360º virtual tour of Museum] and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.
  
• In Aspendos, visit the well-preserved Roman Theatre which is perhaps the finest example in existence.
  
• Visit the extensive ruins of the Hellenistic or Roman city of Perge, including the great Theatre, the Stadium, and the gate-towers leading into a street where ancient chariot ruts can still be seen.
  
• Orientation tour of Antalya.
  
• Visit the ruins in Hierapolis.
  
• Visit Pamukkale's white limestone terraces and blue travertine pools.
  
• Visit the Temple of Aphrodite at Aphrodisias [Site map.]
  
• Tour one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus [Site map].
  
• See the site of the Temple of Artemis in the town of Selçuk, near Ephesus
  
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary.
  
• Visit the Selçuk Archaeological Museum where many artefacts from Ephesus are displayed.
  
• Visit Pergamon's Acropolis, Temple of Athena, library, theatre & nearby Sanctuary of Asklepieon [here are maps of the excavations in Pergamon and Asklepieon and the Pergamon Acropolis].
  
• Visit Homer's Troy to see the ruins of nine cities built on top of each other, and an enormous reconstruction of the famous wooden horse.
  
• Visit the Gallipoli Peninsula, scene of fierce fighting in World War One. Pay your respects at Anzac Cove and visit the emotive Lone Pine and other Cemeteries.
  
• In Istanbul, visit the Blue Mosque [Sultan Ahmed] and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace & Grand Bazaar [Kapalýçarþý ("Covered Bazaar")].

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HOTELS [details extracted from Insight brochure]:

• Ankara: Sheraton Hotel (SFC/AC, M, C) • All rooms have safes, modem connection, fast/wireless internet access, plugs suitable for both 110 & 220 V and energy saver, voicemail, Pay TV/satellite channels, IP telephones, energy saver system. ...OR...
  Hilton Ankara Hotel (SFC/AC, M, C) • Take a dip in the indoor pool or a gym workout, unwind in the Jacuzzi or Turkish hammam. Enjoy local and international cuisine in the Greenhouse Restaurant.
  
• Antalya: Sheraton Voyager Hotel (DL/AC, T, C) • Located in the heart of Antalya, overlooking the sea and a sandy beach. All its rooms provide mountain or ocean views and offer modern facilities.
  
• Bursa: Kervansaray Termal (FC/AC, T, C) • Hotel amenities include 5 restaurants, a Turkish bath, sauna, gym, swimming pool, hairdressing and laundry service.
  
• Çanakkale: Kolin Hotel (DL/AC, M, S) • A brand new modern hotel situated near to the city centre overlooking the sea. Hotel facilities include a fitness centre, Turkish bath, sauna, Jacuzzi?s and pools.
  
• Cappadocia: Resort Dedeman Kapadokya (FC/AC, M, S) • Right in the heart of Cappadocia close to the centre of Nevsehir, this hotel is ideally located. All rooms have mini bar, TV, hair dryer and radio.
  
• Istanbul: Conrad Istanbul (DL/AC, M, C) • Located in the city centre, adjacent to Yildiz Palace, the hotel enjoys stunning views of the Bosphorus and old city.
  
• Izmir: Hilton City (SFC/ AC, M, C) • A modern hotel with a vast range of amenities including a heated swimming pool, health club, sauna, steam room, fitness room, restaurant and bar. All rooms have views over the surrounding area.
  
• Konya: Dedeman Hotel (FC/AC,M,C) • The Dedeman Hotel has lifestyle, health and spa centre and features a semi-Olympic indoor swimming pool, 2 outdoor tennis courts, an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi & massage area.
  
• Kusadasi: Charisma Hotel (FC/AC, M, S) • The Charisma Hotel has Turkish bath, sauna, indoor pool, fitness, beauty, skincare and massage centre. ...OR...
  Korumar Hotel (FC/AC, M, S) • This hotel commands the most beautiful view of the Aegean Sea with a private beach and large pool. The guest rooms are tastefully furnished and offer modern facilities.
  
• Pamukkale: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal (SFC/AC, M, S) • This hotel has well appointed rooms, pool, tennis courts, Turkish bath and sauna.

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HOTEL CATEGORY KEY:
DL: Deluxe
SFC: Superior First Class
FC: First Class
AC: Partial or full air-conditioning.

HOTEL STYLE KEY:
T: Traditional
M: Modern
H: Historic

LOCATION:
S: Scenic
C: Central
G: Gateway

NB: Hotel category is based on quality and/or location and from general feedback from clients on tour. "Gateway" means a hotel located ideally for joining or leaving on certain regional tours

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AIRPORT TRANSFERS (PRE & POST TOUR)
Here are Insight's Terms and Conditions:

quote:

Airport transfers in Cairo, Athens, Istanbul, Amman & Tel Aviv: transfers operate at all times, between the airport and the tour hotel on the first and last day of the tour and also in conjunction with pre and post tour accommodation booked through Insight. The following conditions apply:

1. For those who choose to make their own flight arrangements, flight details must be provided to Insight by the Travel Agent not less than 21 days before the flight departure for entitlement to the transfers.
   
2. You must be staying at the Insight tour hotel, booked by Insight, on the night of your arrival and the night before the date of your departure flight.
   
3. Only one arrival and one departure transfer per person is included.
   
4. As these are group transfers, in the unlikely event of a missed transfer through flight delays outside Insight’s control, passengers will need to make their own alternative transfer arrangements at their own expense.
   
5. Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations other than those booked.
   
6. Transfers are non-transferable to other people.

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ON ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL

• Visa Information
  
• Turkish money images and Turkish money FAQ
  
• Credit Cards in Turkey

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POSSIBLE BEFORE & AFTER TOUR ACTIVITIES IN ISTANBUL
Whilst the tour includes several of the highlights of Istanbul, it is definitely worth spending some extra time there before and/or after the tour. Points of interest include:

• Dolmabahçe Palace [open every day, except Mondays and Thursdays, from 9:00am to 3:00pm]
  
• Basilica Cistern [also called the Yerebatan Sarayý or Yerebatan Sarnýcý]
  
• Spice Bazaar [or Egyptian Bazaar]
  
• Grand Bazaar [or Covered Bazaar]
  
• Chora Church or museum [Kariye Müzesi, Kariye Camii or Kariye Kilisesi]
  
• Galata Tower
  
• Rüstem Pasha Mosque
  
• Yildiz Palace
  
• Archaeology Museum
  
• Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art
  
• Rumelihisarı is a fortress located on a hill on the European side of the Bosporus just north of the Bebek district. It is open to the public every day (except Wednesdays) from 9:00am to 4:30pm.
  
• Military Museum [Askeri Müzesi] - you can hear the Mehter, the world's oldest military band, play each afternoon (the 20-minute concerts begin at 3 and at 4 pm)
  
• Walls of Constantinople
  
• Beylerbeyi Palace
  
• Balik ekmek! Balik ekmek!
  
• Blue Mosque [Sultan Ahmed]
  
• Hippodrome
  
• Hagia Sophia
  
• Topkapi Palace (including the Imperial Harem)
  
• List of museums and monuments in Istanbul
  
• Akmerkez Shopping Mall
  
• Cevahir Shopping Mall [the largest shopping centre in Europe, and the seventh largest in the world]
  
• Metrocity Shopping Mall
  
• Map showing location of Conrad Hotel
  
• Istanbul Guide: Maps
  
• Map of Greater Istanbul
  
• Google Maps link to Istanbul
  
• Public transport in Istanbul

NOTE: Istanbul is a European Capital of Culture in 2010 [see Istanbul 2010].

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TYPICAL SHOPPING VISITS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING TOUR:

• Yüksel Carpets* Ortahisar, Cappadocia
  
• Omurlu Ceramik* Avanos, Nevsehir [see also: The Glorious Ceramics of Cappadocia]
  
• Kırcılar Leather* Mersinlik Mevkii, Izmir
  
• Grand Bazaar Istanbul [see also: Photos of Grand Bazaar and Grand Bazaar Website]
  
• Cappadocia Ez Air Balloons - €160 per person per flight
  
• Kapadokya Balloons™ - €250 per person per flight
  
• Whirling Dervishes in Cappadocia - Optional that includes a spectacular performance of “Sema” ceremony by the followers of Mevlana Celaleddini-I Rumi, founder of the Sufi sect of Islam, at Saruhan Caravansary which was built in 1249. [$US30.00]
  
• "Optional" cruise along the Antalya coast: during your free day in Antalya, most Tour Directors offer an unofficial optional 2-3 hour ferry boat cruise from the Marina in Antalya and along the coast as far as the Lower Duden Waterfall [picture] close to the Lara district of Antalya city. You will have the opportunity to swim in the Mediterranean at this point.

*NOTE: Some Tour Directors may substitute alternate outlets.

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HISTORY OF TURKEY:

• Turkish History Timeline
  
• History of Anatolia
  
• Turkey's History
  
• Turkish Odyssey
  
• Ottoman_Empire [Timeline of the Ottoman Empire]
  
• Republic_of_Turkey [Timeline of the Republic of Turkey]
  
• Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
  
• Archaeological Sites in Turkey

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OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION:

• 100 most useful words in Turkish
  
• Google: Turkish / English Translator
  
• Climate
  
• Turkey Weather Forecasts
  
• Turkish baths (my wife was very happy with a Turkish bath at the Dedeman Hotel in Konya)
  
• The Mevlevi Order
  
• Antalya Archeological Museum: this museum is really worth visiting during your free day in Antalya.
  
• Ephesus Terrace Houses [if you can find the time at Ephesus, this is an extra place you can visit for a fee] [for more detailed information, see below]
  
• Turkey Travel Guide
  
• 360° virtual panoramas of many places in Turkey
  
• Photo Archive of Turkey
  
• CIA World Fact Book: Turkey
  
• Insight's "Turkey - Destination of the Month" article

See also: Turkey Weblinks by Owen

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PHOTOGRAPHS
Here are some links to photos from the Treasures of Turkey tour posted by members on this Bulletin Board:

• Photographic Images of Turkey by Koot Marais
  
• Treasures of Turkey by Cat's Inheritance
  
• Treasures of Turkey by Cat's Inheritance
  
• Treasures of Turkey - Hotels by Cat's Inheritance
  
• Treasures of Turkey - WCs and Toilets by Cat's Inheritance
  
• Treasures of Turkey by JoP
  
• Treasures of Turkey 2 by JoP
  
• Treasures of Turkey: May 2005 by Ray K
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Istanbul (pre-tour) 1 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Istanbul (pre-tour) 2 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Istanbul (pre-tour) 3 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 1 (Istanbul to Bursa) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 2 (Bursa to Ankara) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 3 (Ankara to Cappadocia) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 4 (Cappadocia) 1 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 4 (Cappadocia) 2 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 4 (Cappadocia) 3 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 5 (Nevsehir to Konya) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 6 (Konya to Antalya) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 7 (Antalya) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 8 (Antalya to Pamukkale) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 9 (Pamukkale to Kusadasi) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 10 (Kusadasi to Izmir) 1 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 10 (Kusadasi to Izmir) 2 by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 11 (Izmir to Çanakkale) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 12 (Çanakkale to Istanbul) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey tour - Day 13 (Istanbul) by phil
  
• Treasures of Turkey 2008 #1 by Dragon
  
• Treasures of Turkey 2008 #2 by Dragon
  
• Treasures of Turkey 2008 #3 by Dragon
  
• Treasures of Turkey 2008 #4 by Dragon

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TOUR JOURNALS
Here are some links to Tour Journals from the Treasures of Turkey tour posted by members on this Bulletin Board:

• Treasures of Turkey [Lizabeth] - April 2003
  
• Treasures of Turkey [MarieNZ] - June 2004...(see also: Coaches in Eastern Med. and Spending money in Turkey?)
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Lockie] - March 2006
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Lawrence] - June 2007
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Marie56] - October 2007
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Nicci] - April/May 2008
  
• Treasures of Turkey [AndrewG] - September 2008
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Dragon] - September 2008
  
• Treasures of Turkey [Patricia Ann] - October 2008

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TOUR VIDEO PRESENTATIONS
Here is a link to a video presentation on the Treasures of Turkey tour posted by a member of this Bulletin Board:

• Treasures of Turkey [JandC] - April 2008

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POSTSCRIPT 1

EPHESUS TERRACE HOUSES
Something that most visitors to Ephesus seem to ignore or are unaware of is the Ephesus Terrace Houses (also known as Slope Houses). They are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple and are covered with protective roofing. Occupied from the 1st century to 7th century AD, the houses have been compared to the 1st century villas of Pompeii in archaeological importance.

There are glass-floored walkways around the excavation and on a visit there, you will see:

quote:

There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD.

Ephesus terrace houses are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman houses. The mosaics on the floor and the frescos have been consolidated and two houses have been opened to the public as a museum.

They had interior courtyards (peristyle) in the center, with the ceiling open. They were mostly two-storied, upper stores have collapsed during time. On the ground floor there were living and dining rooms opening to the hall, and upstairs there were bedrooms and guest rooms.

The heating system of the terrace houses were the same as that in baths. Clay pipes beneath the floors and behind the walls carried hot air through the houses. The houses also had cold and hot water. The rooms had no window, only illuminated with light coming from the open hall, so that most of the rooms were dim. The excavations of the terrace houses started in 1960. The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today.

As mentioned above, the area is traversed on glass-floored walkways (much like at Villa Romana del Casale outside the town of Piazza Armerina in Sicily) and there are also similarities with the household wall decoration that you see at Pompeii.

The precious finds from the houses are on display in the Ephesus Museum.

According to my wife, it is an almighty rush to see Ephesus with the tour group and then go back to the Terrace Houses but it is achievable and most worthwhile!

Here are some relevant links:

• Ephesus Terrace Houses a brief YouTube presentation
  
• Ephesus Terrace Houses a longer video presentation
  
• Slope Houses, Ephesus
  
• Ephesus Terrace House Pictures
  
• My wife's photos of the Terrace Houses

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POSTSCRIPT 2

EXTRA TIME IN ISTANBUL
If you are to have some extra time in Istanbul either before or after a tour, I would suggest a visit to the Dolmabahçe Palace (about 1.6km or 1 mile walk from your hotel) but check out the opening days.

If you have an extra day at the beginning or end end of your tour, I would suggest something like the day my wife recently had prior to her tour. She and her friend took a taxi from the hotel to the Sultanahmet area after breakfast and walked to the Basilica Cistern, the Archaeology Museum, the Spice Bazaar and the Rüstem Pasha Mosque, after which they took a cab to and from the Chora Church (or Museum). They then sampled the fish sandwiches sold from the boats at the Galata Bridge [see: Balik ekmek! Balik ekmek!] and strolled back to the hotel stopping for a quick meal at a little cafe across the road and down from the hotel. With all that, they still managed to arrive back at the hotel just in time for the 6:00pm meeting with the Tour Director.

There are many other interesting things to see and do in Istanbul.

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This message has been edited. Last edited by: phil,

tour_group.jpg (86 KB, 1251 downloads)

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!
We are taking this tour in October and look forward to spending many evenings exploring these links. Good to hear another endorsement of what looks to us to be a fascinating and enjoyable tour.

thank you Phil. Excellent post, as usual. I have sent it to myself via email for future reference.

Phil that is an excellent post. As I have mentioned before, I was on this tour last October. I researched a lot before I left, but not as extensively as this.
It is a very enjoyable and informative tour. It helps if you have read some of the ancient history, i.e. the Phrygians, Alexander the Great, Greek, Roman and Ottoman Empires.

Thanks Phil, we are doing this tour in September.

Thank you so much Phil, we are off n this tour 12th June. Great information, really looking forward to seeing all the amazing places.
Cheers, Jac

Thanks Phil,
You have piqued my interest. We haven't decided on our next trip and now I'm thinking about this tour.
I would be interested in your input on the best time of year to visit Turkey as well as how it compares to Egypt.
We visited Egypt in October and were leaning on going back to Europe but am now thinking about looking at Turkey.

Thanks Phil. The You Tube clip of Pamukkale was really good.

Now I just have to hope that I get some leave approved so I can do a trip to Turkey in September.

Hi George,

quote:

I would be interested in your input on the best time of year to visit Turkey as well as how it compares to Egypt.

In 1997, our tour ran from May 11 to May 25 and we had extra days before and after in Istanbul. The weather was near perfect although a little warmish in Cappadocia and Bursa. I believe the weather conditions are typically similar in mid-September/October but we usually prefer Spring to Autumn for northern hemisphere travel. This climate link will provide you with average temperature, rainfall and snowfall information for several climate stations in Turkey.

Comparing Turkey with Egypt is a near impossible task. Our tour of Egypt in 1999 (Splendours of Egypt) fulfilled many of our long held tour ambitions. That tour is principally focussed on the ancient history of Egypt.

In contast, the Treasures of Turkey tour is a much more "multi-dimensional" tour with many aspects of the ancient history of this land situated as a bridge between Europe and Asia with elements of Greek, Roman, Hittite, Assyrian, and other ancient cultures. Then followed the Byzantine Empire leading on to the Ottoman Empire which lasted until the early 1920s. The First World War battles on the Gallipoli Peninsular are of special signifigance to Australians and New Zealanders. Then followed the evolution (or was it revolution?) of the Turkish Republic under Kemal Atatürk. Add to these historical elements the interesting Turkish cuisine, unique landscapes in places like Pamukkale and Cappadocia, very friendly people and a currency value which doesn't "hurt."

phil

Thanks Phil,
As usual your information is very helpful. I am still working through some of your links before we decide on a tour but really appreciate the effort you put into all your postings on this board.

George.