Western Turkey

12th September - 21st October 2020(39 nights)pdfdownload

 

 

 





Stunning coastlines, Archaeological wonders and Historic cities 

Turkey is the land where East meets West, the mountains reach the sea and where blocks of civilisation were formed. The country abounds with history, nature and fascinating cities; much of which is included in the tour. 

The History of Gallipoli and the World War I beaches of Anzac cove, Ancient Troy and its wooden horse, the Roman city of Ephesus, the whirling Dervish region of Konya and the striking amphitheatre of Aspendos.

For nature lover’s there’s stunning journeys along the beautiful Aegean and Mediterranean coastlines, the fairy chimney structures of Cappadocia, the high walled Saklikent gorge and the ‘Cotton Castle’ of Pamukkale.

We visit Turkey two greatest Cities: The Capital Ankara with its old centre and mausoleum of the countries founder ‘Ataturk’ to Istanbul and home of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

Throughout Turkey you will find local people are particularly friendly and fascinating to interact with; being Turkish speaking our Tour Directors are on hand to assist with this.

Motorhoming in Turkey is a wonderful experience and one that is best enjoyed by those possessing an open mind to camping, having a sense for adventure and being reasonably mobile.

 

Day 1 – Saturday 12th September
We meet at a quality campsite in Bologna, northern Italy. This evening join with the Tour Directors and your fellow travellers for an informal drink’s reception and tour briefing.

Day 2 – Sunday 13th September
A drive to Ancona to catch the overnight ferry to Greece. On board we park on the Camper Deck where we sleep in our motorhomes complete with 220v hook-up and campers showers/toilets available. This evening we get together in the ship’s restaurant for a group dinner. 140 miles (Camping on board is subject to the ships layout, if not available on todays crossing en-suite cabins are provided)

Day 3 – Monday 14th September
Arriving at Igoumenitsa, Greece, this morning. After disembarking the ferry, we drive to a coastal campsite in Methoni Pierias. 210 miles

Day 4 – Tuesday 15th September
We are continuing heading east to a beachside campsite at Alexandropoulos. We are now within 20 miles of the Turkish border. 230 miles

Day 5 – Wednesday 16th September
A free day. Our campsite is right on the beach and is perfect for relaxing, it is also just 20 minutes’ walk from the town centre where an excellent selection of shops and restaurants are found.

Day 6 – Thursday 17th September
Crossing the Turkish border this morning we travel to our first campsite in Turkey. Our Turkish speaking Tour Directors will be on hand to assist with border formalities. This evening we celebrate our arrival in Turkey with a group meal featuring local cuisine. 90 miles

Day 7 – Friday 18th September
This morning we are collected by local transport for a visit to the World War 1 Gallipoli peninsular where we visit Anzac Cove and memorials to those who fought here. Lunch is included in a local restaurant.

Day 8 – Saturday 19th September
We leave Gallipoli and Europe this morning, as we cross the Dardanelle Straights we are in to Asia. Our drive takes us to Bergama but not before stopping on-route for a visit to Ancient Troy. 150 miles

Day 9 – Sunday 20th September
Free day. You may use the time to visit ancient Bergama (Pergamon) or to sample everyday Turkish life in the modern town of Bergama.

Day 10 – Monday 21st September
Our drive today takes us to Kusadasi where our campsite is located close to the beach and within easy walking distance of this very popular resort. This evening we have a group dinner in a local restaurant. 135 miles

Day 11 – Tuesday 22nd September
A group excursion to the world-famous antiquity of Ephesus. For many people Ephesus is considered to be the best preserved ancient Greek city in Europe and our English speaking guide will help bring it alive for us. Lunch is included.

Day 12 – Wednesday 23rd September
Free day, and a chance to explore Kusadasi Town or relax on the beach

Day 13 – Thursday 24th September
Full day excursion as we visit the UNESCO world heritage site of Pamukkale. The literal translation of Pamukkale is ‘Cotton Castle’, a name that reflects the brilliant white calcium travertine terraces formed by flowing hot springs. Lunch included.

Day 14 – Friday 25th September
A free day and its local market day, a very colourful experience to be seen.

Day 15 – Saturday 26th September
We leave the Aegean coast to arrive on the Mediterranean. 150 miles

Day 16 – Sunday 27th September
Today we take a full day boat trip along the stunning local coast with lunch included.

Day 17 – Monday 28th September
This morning we have breakfast prepared for us at the campsite followed by a free day.

Day 18 – Tuesday 29th September
A short journey today to arrive at Saklikent Gorge, a real phenomenon of nature. This evening we stay within the park (no facilities so an opportunity to use your motorhomes own) and have a group dinner by the river. During the afternoon a visit to the gorge is a must. 35 miles

Day 19 – Wednesday 30th September
Another short journey to return to the coast. This afternoon we take a short sightseeing boat trip. 65 miles

Day 20 – Thursday 1st October
Continue along the coast to Manavgat, where we stay for 3 nights. Our campsite is right on the beach. 160 miles

Day 21 – Friday 2nd October
A full day excursion with visits to the very well preserved Aspendos Amphitheatre and to one of Turkeys most upmarket cities – Antalya. Lunch is included.

Day 22 – Saturday 3rd October
Free day to enjoy the beach.

Day 23 – Sunday 4th October
We leave the coast with a drive inland to the city of Konya. 170 miles

Day 24 – Monday 5th October
Using the cities modern public transport, we visit the historical centre of wonderful Konya, home of the Whirling Dervish.

Day 25 – Tuesday 6th October
Continue our journey to arrive at Goreme in the heart of Cappadocia. 210 miles

Day 26 – Wednesday 7th October
Today we are taken by coach for a guided tour of the underground cities, cave houses and churches of Cappadocia. Lunch is included in a rural village.

Day 27 – Thursday 8th October
In order to see the truly remarkable landscape of Cappadocia we are offering an optional hot air balloon trip (payable locally). Those wishing to take up the option will be collected from the campsite for an early morning take-off with a flight time of around 1 hour. Upon returning to the campsite a full Turkish breakfast will be served.

Day 28 – Friday 9th October
Today we are taken to Urgup with free time to explore the town. As an additional option (payable locally) you may wish to experience an authentic Turkish bath in Urgup’s historic hamam dating back to 1785. This evening we have a Turkish night of traditional food, music and dance from the Cappadocian region.

Day 29 – Saturday 10th October
A free day and opportunity to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Cappadocia.

Day 30 – Sunday 11th October
Today we drive to Ankara, Turkey’s capital. 160 miles

Day 31 – Monday 12th October
Guided tour of Ankara, including visiting Kemal Ataturk’s mausoleum. Lunch is included in an old city restaurant.

Day 32 – Tuesday 13th October
A motorway drive today takes us between Turkeys two largest cities to arrive near Istanbul. 340 miles

Day 33 – Wednesday 14th October
Full days guided tour of Istanbul. The Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia and Topkapi Palace are all must see places and included. Lunch is in a city restaurant.

Day 34 – Thursday 15th October
Return to Istanbul for another full day, this time to visit the Grand Bazaar and maybe take a Bosphorus boat cruise.

Day 35 – Friday 16th October
A free day. A chance to take it easy around our rural campsite in preparation for this evenings Farewell Dinner. Tonight, we have the opportunity to enjoy top quality Turkish food in relaxed surrounding whilst reflecting back on a month in Turkey.

Day 36 – Saturday 17th October
Start of our return journey as we leave Turkey this morning crossing back into Greece. 180 miles

Day 37 – Sunday 18th October
Free day to enjoy our Greek beachside campsite.

Day 38 – Monday 19th October
Travel across northern Greece to an overnight campsite. 230 miles

Day 39 – Tuesday 20th October
A comfortable drive today to arrive at the port of Igoumenitsa ready for our overnight crossing back to Ancona, Italy. 240 miles

Day 40 – Wednesday 21st October
The tour ends as we arrive back in Italy this afternoon. If the Tour Directors are returning to the UK you may travel back with them as they make their way home via Calais (campsite fee’s from here on are not included).

PRICE                                                 TOUR DEPOSIT £000

6m Motorhome with 2 people = £0000 per person
6m Motorhome with 1 person = £0000

Ferry supplement for motorhomes over 6m up to 8m = £000
Ferry supplement for motorhomes over 8m up to 10m = £000

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

  • 36 Campsite nights with electric hook-up
  • 2 nights on board ferry
  • 1 overnight in Saklikent – no facilities
  • Transport for Excursions/Events as per the Itinerary
  • Entrance fees on Excursions/Events as per the Itinerary unless otherwise stated
  • Tour information Pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
  • Michelin Country Map
  • DK Turkey Guidebook
  • Services of Tour Directors, travelling in their own motorhome
  • Excursions, Events & Meals 
    • Welcome Reception
    • Return Italy to Greece ferry
    • Dinner on outward Italy to Greece ferry
    • Welcome to Turkey dinner
    • Gallipoli World War I guided excursion with lunch
    • Visit to Troy
    • Dinner in Kusadasi
    • Ephesus guided excursion with lunch
    • Pamakkale excursion with lunch
    • Dalyan campsite breakfast
    • Dalyan Delta cruise
    • Saklikent gorge visit
    • Saklikent dinner
    • Kas boat trip with lunch
    • Aspendos Amphitheatre and Antalya city guided excursion with lunch
    • Cappadocia guided excursion with village lunch
    • Optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia (payable locally)
    • Cappadocia campsite breakfast
    • Visit to Urgup
    • Optional Turkish Bath (payable locally)
    • Turkish evening with dinner
    • Ankara guided city excursion with lunch
    • Istanbul guided city excursion with lunch
    • Visit to Istanbul Grand Bazaar
    • Farewell Dinner

    This tour starts at Bologna in Italy, but if you would like to travel on the outward journey with the Tour Directors please book the optional tour package so that everything can be arranged on your behalf

OPTIONAL PACKAGE

  • Return Dover/Calais Ferry with 60 day Flexible Ticket + Club Class Lounge
  • 5 additional campsite nights with electric hook-ups starting in Kent on Monday 7th September and followed by Belgium, Germany, Switzerland & Italy
  • Group Dinner at the campsite in Germany
  • Tour information pack with suggested routes & GPS co-ordinates
  • Services of Tour Directors travelling in their own motorhome

OPTIONAL PACKAGE PRICE                                                                                                       

Motorhome with 2 people @ £000 per person
Motorhome with 1 person @ £000