Western Turkey

16th May - 24th June 2022(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: Capital Ankara with its old centre and mausoleum to ‘Ataturk’ (Turkeys founder) and to Istanbul, home of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & 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 – Monday 16th May 2022
We meet at a quality campsite in Bologna, northern Italy. This evening join with your fellow travellers for an informal drinks reception.

Day 2 – Tuesday 17th May
A drive to Ancona today for 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. 140 miles (Camping on board is subject to the ships layout, if not available on todays boat en-suite cabins are provided)

Day 3 – Wednesday 18th May
Arriving at Igoumenitsa in Greece this morning, following disembarking the ferry we drive to a coastal campsite in Methoni Pierias. 210 miles

Day 4 – Thursday 19th May
We continue heading east to a beachside campsite at Alexandropoulos. We are now within 20 miles of the Turkish border. 230 miles

Day 5 – Friday 20th May
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. This evening the Tour Directors will host a tour briefing for crossing into and travelling in Turkey.

Day 6 – Saturday 21st May
Crossing the Turkish border this morning we travel to our first campsite in Turkey. Our Tour Directors (who also speak Turkish) 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 – Sunday 22nd May
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 – Monday 23rd May
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 en-route for a visit to Ancient Troy. 150 miles

Day 9 – Tuesday 24th May
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 – Wednesday 25th May
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 – Thursday 26th May
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 – Friday 27th May
Free day and chance to explore Kusadasi town or relax on the beach.

Day 13 – Saturday 28th May
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 – Sunday 29th May
A free day and its local market day, a very colourful experience to be enjoyed.

Day 15 – Monday 30th May
We leave the Aegean coast to arrive on the Mediterranean. 190 miles

Day 16 – Tuesday 31st May
Today we take a full day boat trip along the stunning local coast with lunch included.

Day 17 – Wednesday 1st June
This morning we have breakfast prepared for us at the campsite followed by a free day.

Day 18 – Thursday 2nd June
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 – Friday 3rd June
Another short journey to return to the coast. This afternoon we take a short sightseeing boat trip. 65 miles

Day 20 – Saturday 4th June
Continue along the coast to Manavgat, where we stay for 3 nights. Our campsite is right on the beach. 160 miles

Day 21 – Sunday 5th June
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 – Monday 6th June
Free day to enjoy the beach.

Day 23 – Tuesday 7th June
We leave the coast with a drive inland to the city of Konya. 170 miles

Day 24 – Wednesday 8th June
Using the cities modern public transport, we visit the historical centre of wonderful Konya, home of the Whirling Dervish.

Day 25 – Thursday 9th June
Continue our journey to arrive at Goreme in the heart of Cappadocia. 170 miles

Day 26 – Friday 10th June
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 – Saturday 11th June
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 – Sunday 12th June
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 – Monday 13th June
A free day, an opportunity to enjoy the wonderful surroundings of Cappadocia.

Day 30 – Tuesday 14th June
Today we drive to Ankara, Turkey’s capital. 160 miles

Day 31 – Wednesday 15th June
Guided tour of Ankara, including visiting Kemal Ataturk’s mausoleum. Lunch is included in an old city restaurant.

Day 32 – Thursday 16th June
A motorway drive today takes us between Turkeys two largest cities to arrive near Istanbul. 340 miles

Day 33 – Friday 17th June
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 – Saturday 18th June
Return to Istanbul for another full day, this time to visit the Grand Bazaar and maybe take a Bosphorus boat cruise.

Day 35 – Sunday 19th June
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 surroundings whilst reflecting back on a month in Turkey.

Day 36 – Monday 20th June
Start of our return journey as we leave Turkey this morning crossing back into Greece. 180 miles

Day 37 – Tuesday 21st June
Free day to enjoy our Greek beachside campsite.

Day 38 – Wednesday 22nd June
Travel across northern Greece to an overnight campsite. 230 miles

Day 39 – Thursday 23rd June
A comfortable drive today to arrive at the port of Igoumenitsa ready for our overnight crossing back to Ancona, Italy. Camping on Board is again included. 240 miles (Camping on board is subject to the ships layout, if not available on todays boat en-suite cabins are provided)

Day 40 – Friday 24th June
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 £500

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 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
  • 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
  • Oludeniz boat trip with lunch
  • Oludeniz campsite breakfast
  • Saklikent gorge visit
  • Saklikent dinner
  • Andriake boat trip
  • Aspendos Amphitheatre and Antalya city guided excursion with lunch
  • Konya city visit by local transport
  • 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 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
  • Five additional camping nights with electric hook-up starting in Kent on Wednesday 11th May and followed by Belgium, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
  • Group Dinner in German campsite
  • 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