Central Anatolia

Welcome to Central Turkey! An unique cultural experience escaping the hustle and bustle of western civilization. In Ankara, our hospitable OMEGA TOURS staff will transfer you to the hotel for a hearty dinner and comfortable overnight. D

Begin with breakfast and then take an Ankara city tour which includes the ancient Hittite museum and its remarkable marble statues and scriptures dating back to 1000 B.C.. In addition, the tour includes Atatürk’s mausoleum, the “father of modern Turkey”. On the way stop for lunch on your own and then drive along the Salt Lake which stretches for miles on the way to Cappadocia. During the voyage, visit the Caravansary of Agzikarahan, and then proceed to the hotel in Nevsehir for dinner. B & D

In the morning visit the unique Goreme Valley, which is famous worldwide for its rock carved churches, decorated with remarkable frescoes by the first Christians. On the way stop for lunch on your own and in the afternoon visit the small picturesque villages of: Uchisar known as the petrified valley of pigeon coats, Zelve a popular valley for its fairy chimneys and erosion cones, Avcilar, Avanos, and Urgup. It’s amazing how still some of the villagers live in these cone shaped rock homes. After a busy day of exploration, enjoy dinner and relax in the hotel. B & D

This morning we will adventure into the underground city of Kaymakli whose chambers boast wine cellars, supply areas, chapels, stables, and tombs. In order to escape persecution, the 7th century Christians lived underground up to 14 stories deep for months at a time. On the way stop for lunch on your own and  depart for Konya. On the way, we will visit the Caravansary of Sultanhani. Dinner and overnight is at the hotel in Konya. B & D

Begin the day by visiting Mevlana Tekkesi, the Museum of the Whirling Dervishes, which contains the ancient Dervishes’ tombs, century old relics, and precious carpets dating to the 12th century. Continue on to the Medresse of Karatay which was formerly a Koranic school, but now holds a priceless ceramic and tile collection. On the way stop for lunch on your own. and in the afternoon depart for Ankara. Upon arrival, transfer to the train station and board a comfortable sleeper train to Istanbul. B & D

A full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul’s main attractions which include: the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, Byzantine Cistern, the Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, Kariye Museum (St. Savior in Chora Church), and the Covered Bazaar. On the way stop for lunch. In the evening, take advantage of an optional By Night Tour of Istanbul, followed by an exotic oriental show held in a popular Istanbul night club. B

Today we discover the outskirts of Istanbul. In the morning cruise the ancient Bosphorus with several ports of call on the Asian and European coasts. On the way stop for lunch on your own at Tarabya Bay, cross the towering Bosphorus Bridge and visit the Asian side of the city, along with the Camlica Hills for an exciting panoramic view of Istanbul’s skyline. B

In the morning you will be transferred to the airport with enough time to check in before departure. B