Turkish Odyssey 15 Days from $1,429*

• 15 day tour departing Istanbul.
• 1 night accommodation onboard an overnight train.
• 10 nights accommodation in hotels.
• 2 nights accommodation in a pension.
• 1 night accommodation onboard a boat.
• 13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 dinners.
• Gecko's expert English-speaking local guide throughout the tour.
• Visit to the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries of Gallipoli.
• Boat trip on the Turquoise Coast, sleeping under the stars on a comfortable mattress on the boat deck.
• Time at the natural pools, shelves and ridges of Pammukale.
• Walks in the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia including Akvadi (White Valley), Pigeon Valley, Pasabaglari (Priest Valley) and KizilCukur (Red Valley).
• Traditional Turkish dinner as guests of a local family.
• Visits to one of the greatest Greco-Roman sites in the world - Ephesus, to the eternal flames of Chimeira and to the Lycian city of Phaselis
  
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HIGHLIGHTS: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale - Ayvalik - Selcuk - Pamukkale - Fethiye - Antalya - Cappadocia

Turkey is a land of contrasts that awaits discovery - the echos of calls to prayer, postcard - perfect beaches, azure waters, ethereal lunar - like landscapes and Greco - Roman ruins that are the envy of Greece and Italy. All of this beauty combined with the warmth, smiles and hospitality of its people make a trip to this land on two continents a truly remarkable adventure.

Day 1 Istanbul. Our trip starts today in Istanbul - a trove of treasures waiting to be discovered. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Istanbul Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town. Our hotel is located within walking distance of all the main sights, so if arriving early there is time to soak up the atmosphere and explore on foot. There are no formal activities planned for today, so you may arrive at any time. We recommend arriving early so you can pay a visit to the exotic Spice Market and the famous Grand Bazaar. This evening we meet our tour guide and fellow travel companions at a Welcome meeting (details will be posted on the hotel noticeboard). Your tour guide will collect your local payment of EUR150 at this meeting. We can then join our tour guide for an introduction to some fabulous Turkish cuisine in a street side cafe (optional).

Day 2 Istanbul. Today our guide shows us the treasures of the Old Town including the iconic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. In your free time in the afternoon, you may wish to also visit the Aya Sofya or the Topkapi Palace (optional). Istanbul is the only city in the world to be situated on two continents and offers a plethora of great eating spots and lively night venues. Our tour guide knows all the best places, so tonight is sure to be a fitting finale to our amazing trip.

Day 3 Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale. This morning we head for Gallipoli, a place of immense significance to Australians and New Zealanders. It is a spot of pilgrimage and reverence and the calm lapping waters belie the murderous campaign that took place here. This now serene site, located at Turkey's most westerly point, played a crucial role in 1915 for Allied forces in the First World War that included other Commonwealth and British troops, as well as the French and Turkish. We spend time visiting the battlefields, monuments and cemeteries before driving to our hotel in Canakkale in the afternoon. (Approx driving times 5.30 hours)

Day 4 Canakkale - Ayvalik. For those who wish, there is the possibility of organising an optional excursion to Troy, where we can explore the ancient walls, climb around the ruins and gaze across the Troad (the Plains of Troy) towards the waters of the Dardanelles and the hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. We then take a local bus to Ayvalik, a charming seaside town with colourful and old Ottoman - Greek houses, cobblestone streets and lively caFes. We can enjoy an orientation walk through the old part of town and perhaps taste some olive oil for which the place is famous for. A drink at a harbourside bar is a great way to enjoy the sunset. (Approx driving times 3.30 hours).

Day 5 Ayvalik - Selcuk. After breakfast we take a local bus to SelCuk, our base to explore one of the greatest Greco - Roman sites in the world - Ephesus. It is a full and exciting day. Ephesus, founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BC and brought to full flower under Roman rule, was always an important religious centre. We can walk the marble streets once trodden by Antony and Cleopatra and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and the wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. Close by is the last home of the Virgin Mary who, as legend has it, came here accompanied by St John and lived out her days in this beautiful spot. We spend the night in SelCuk. (Approx driving time 4 hours).

Day 6 Selcuk - Pamukkale. After breakfast we take a local bus to Pamukkale, with its spectacular natural pools, shelves and ridges. It was formed by a spring with high calcium bicarbonate content, which cascaded over the edge of the cliffs, leaving calcium deposits. There is also the chance to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, known for its abundance of temples and religious structures. (Approx driving time 3.30 hours)

Day 7 Pamukkale - Fethiye. Today we head for the coast and take a local bus to OlUdeniz, described as 'the Eden bestowed by God to the world'. The three - kiLometre - long beach has the appearance of a natural lagoon with warm lapping water. There is plenty of time to enjoy a swim before transferring to our hotel in Fethiye. (Approx driving time 4 hours)

Day 8 - 9 Southern Coast Cruising. Today we drive to UCagiz and board our boat for our memorable voyage along the Turquoise Coast, which offers some of the most stunning coastal scenery in the world. We cruise to the sunken cities around Kekova Island from where remains of mysterious civilisations can be viewed just below the surface of the water. We also walk up to nearby Simena Castle, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding bays and islands. There are also numerous Lycian rock tombs to be explored. We spend our time on the beautiful azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, where we can swim and explore the natural and historical sites along the way. At night we indulge in unforgettable feasts before being lulled to sleep by sultry Mediterranean breezes. (Approx driving time 3.30 hours)

Day 10 Antalya. We disembark our boat in UCagiz this morning, after breakfast. Today we will make our way to Antalya, en route we will drive to Olympos and see the flames of Chimera before driving on to the ruins of ancient Lycian city of Phaselis. Founded in the 7th Century BC, Phaselis flourished as a commercial trading centre where anything could be bought and sold, including citizenships for 100 drachmas The Phaselians were more concerned about preserving the affluence of their commerce than with staking any political independence, so they pragmatically accepted any conquerors that came their way. The city thrived until the 12th Century when it was superceded in importance by the nearby ports of Antalya and Alanya. The beauty of Phaselis is in its picture postcard setting. It is built around three small bays, each with its own beach, surrounded by frAgrant woods and mountains. We continue to Antalya and will arrive in the late afternoon. Antalya will be our base for the night. (Approx driving time - 2.30 hours)

Day 11 Antalya - Cappadocia. Today we make the journey from Antalya to Cappadocia, taking a local bus to Cappadocia. This is a long journey but a good chance to re - energize before our exciting time in Cappadocia. Cappadocia; an extraordinary region of lunar - like landscapes that has bewitched travellers for centuries. We stay here for the next three nights. (Approx driving time - 10 hours)

Day 12 Cappadocia. We drive to the top of the trail at the beginning of the Akvadi (White Valley) and walk amongst fruit gardens and vineyards to arrive in UChisar. Your tourguide will show you the beauties of the area such as the panoramic view point to the Pigeon Valley. We also have the chance to discover the local handicrafts of carpet making and pottery. Tonight there is also an option of attending an original Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance.

Day 13 Cappadocia. For early birds, there is the option this morning to experience the best views of the sunrise in Cappadocia - from a hot air balloon We then visit Derinkuyu - an incredible underground city that descends eight floors below the surface. Cappadocia has around 36 underground cities and Derinkuyu is certainly one of the most impressive. Tonight is one of the highlights of our adventure - we experience traditional Turkish hospitality as dinner guests of a family in their local village house.

Day 14 Cappadocia - Ankara. After a leisurely breakfast, we drive to the start of Pasabaglari (Priest Valley). We then depart by public bus and head for Ankara through typical Anatolian landscape via the salt lake (Tuz Golu) - one of the richest salt beds in the world. This evening we catch an overnight train back to Istanbul. (Approx driving times - 5 hours)

Day 15 Istanbul. Our tour ends upon in Istanbul off our overnight train. Additional accommodation can be booked should you wish to further explore this fascinating city - enquire at time of booking.

• Valid for select departures 3 March 2012 - 29 June 2013.
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