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Day 1 – London/Istanbul
We fly London to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines and on arrival transfer to the fi rst-class Antik Hotel or similar in the old city. (D)
Day 2 – Canakkale
We begin our tour driving along the coast of the Sea of Marmara to Canakkale. We visit the excellent Archaeological Museum and check-in to the fi rstclass Hotel Kolin by the sea for two nights. An informal lecture from David tonight on the latest ideas from the excavations at Troy. (BD) |
Day 3 – Troy
A full day to explore Troy, walking the site, including the Greek camp and Achileon and take on board theories from David's books. (BD)
Day 4 – Eskisehir
Today we drive to the lovely town of Eskisehir via Bursa on the lower slopes of Mount Uldag and check-in to the Hotel Anemon or similar. This evening another talk when we will look at Hittite history with David. (BD)
Day 5 – Gordion
This morning we will travel into the Sehitgazi Valley to view the monumental tomb of Midas then on to Polati and Gordion capital of ancient Phrygia and made famous by Alexander’s cutting of the Gordion Knot. A visit to the Ankara Archaeological Museum then overnight at medium-class Ickale Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 6 – Hattusas
We continue to Boghaskali for a full day visit to Hattusas the centre of the great Hittite Empire to explore the King’s Gate and palaces. Later we checkin for two nights in Sungurlu at the medium class Mavi Ocak or similar.(BD)
Day 7 – Hattusas
We return to Boghaskali for further visits to explore more sites in the Hattusas complex, Yasilikiya with its well preserved reliefs, Toprakali and Alacahoyuk with its royal tombs and sphinxes. We return to our comfortable hotel in Sungurlu. (BD)
Day 8 – Cappadocia
Today we explore the rock formations of Cappadocia with its fairy chimneys and troglodyte underground cities. Visit the Goreme Valley to walk among the chapels and monasteries in this World Heritage Site. We drive to Nevsehir and check-in for two nights at the fi rst class Perissia or similar. (BD)
Day 9 – Hittite Cappadocia
A full day in the area to explore the outstanding geology of the Tuff Fields with a visit to Kayseri to tour one of the most important bronze age sites in Turkey Kultepe formerly known as Kanesh and other local sites. Back to our Hotel late afternoon. (BD)
Day 10 – Silk Route
Driving through outstanding countryside we travel on through the Cilician Gates, part of the Silk Route to Adana on the River Seyhan. We stay at the fi rstclass Mavi Surmeli for one night. Tonight David will explain the rest of our planned route. (BD)
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Day 11 – Karatepe
We head to Mopsu-Hestia then on to Karatepe, a Hittite fortress with fi ne carved reliefs dating from the 9th Century BC. On to Gazientepe and overnight at the fi rstclass Tilmen Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 12 – Karkemish/Sanliurfa
Early morning drive to view Karkemish and Harran on our way to the lakeside town of Sanliurfa with its famous Pool of Abraham. We overnight Hotel Edessa or similar. (BD)
Day 13 – Nemrut Dagh
A wonderful day as we visit Mount Nemrut to view the huge stone heads built by King Antiochus and take in the superb views of the surrounding countryside. We overnight at Kahta at Hotel Zeus or similar. (BD)
Day 14 – Malataya/Istanbul
Our day starts with the drive North to Malataya where we will visit the museum before our afternoon fl ight to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul we will spend our last night in Turkey at the fi rstclass Antik Hotel or similar. (BD)
Day 15 – Istanbul/London
In the morning time for a visit to the Archaeological Museum, on to Topkapi Palace and then take a look at the Egyptian Obelisk.Later this afternoon we will take the Turkish Airlines fl ight from Istanbul to London arriving early evening. (B)
Expert: David Rohl is known world wide for his challenging, sometimes controversial and always stimulating books opening up the ancient world with a multi disciplined flsir. |