Turkey’s land mass is 814,578 sq.km. The European and Asian sides are divided by the Istanbul Bogazi (Bosphorus), the Sea at Marmara, and the Canakkale Bogazi (Dardanelles). Anatolia is a high plateau region progressively towards the east, broken by the valleys of about 15 rivers, including the Dicle (Tigers) and the Firat (Euphrates). There are numerious lakes and some, such as Lake Van, are as large as inland seas. In the north, the Eastern Black Sea Mountain chain runs parallel to the Black Sea; in the south, the Taurus mountains sweep down almost to the narrow, fertile coastal plain along the coast. Turkey enjoys a variety of climates, changing from the temperate climate of the Back Sea region, to the continental climate of the interior, then, to the Mediterranean climate of the Aegean and Mediterranean costal regions. The coastline of Turkey’s fourseasis morethen 8,333 km long.
Turkey has been called “the cradle of civilization” and by traveling through this historic land, tourists will discover exactly what is meant by this pharase. The world’s first town, a Neolithic city at Catalhoyuk, dates back to 6,500 B.C. From the days of Catalhoyuk, up to the present, Turkey boasts a rich culture that through the centuries has made a lasting impression on modern civilization. The heir to many centuries of cultures makes Turkey a paradise of information and cultural wealth. Hattis, Hittitess, Phrygians, Urartians, Lycians, Lydians, Lonians, Persians, Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Selijuks, and Ottomans have all made important contribution to Turkish history, and ancient sites and ruins scattered throughout the country give proof of each civilization’s unique distinction.
Turkey also has a very fascinating recent history. Upon the decline of the Ottoman Empire, a young man named Mustafa Kemal, who was a soldier by occupation but in character, a great visionary, took the defeat of World War I and turned it into a shining victory by liberating Turkey of all foreign invaders. Mustafa Kemal Ataturk founded the Republic of Turkey on October 29, 1923. He led his country into peace and stability, with tremendous economic growth and complete modernization. Through decades of change and growth, Turkey till boasts this success, living by its adopted motto of “Peace at Home, Peace in the World.” |
Day 02 (B,L) – Istanbul
Depart from the hotel for a full day city tour. Our first stop will be St.Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, then the Blue Mosque which is a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles. Continue to Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, a great collection of artifacts from many civilizations of Anatolia. Visit Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Visit the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. Visit of the treasury section with the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Suleymaniye Mosque, the Mosque of Sultan Suleyamn the Magnificent built in the 16th century. Our last stop will be the Grand Bazaar, world famous shopping center where you will have shopping opportunities for carpets, jewellery, leather etc. (The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays)
Breakfast & Lunch served |
Day 04 (B,L) – Bursa Excursion –
Early departure by ferry to Yalova then drive to picturesque and historic town of Bursa, the first capital of Ottoman Empire, this is where Ottoman architecture reached its peak, also known for its thermal waters. Visits will include Green Mosque, Green Mausoleum, Grand Mosque and Mausoleum of Ottoman Sultans followed by a visit the Old Silk Market and the Covered Bazaar where Turkish towels are a good buy, then climb by cable to Uludag mountain – The legendary Mt.Olympos – overlooking Bursa for the magnificent Panoramic view. This trip will also include a nice cruise on the Sea of Marmara and perfect possibilities for enjoying the lovely countryside. Late in the evening return to Istanbul.
Breakfast & Lunch served |
