Turkey- The Silk Trail

After we return to Turkey following our second cruise, we start our Turkish adventure in earnest. We mentioned this rather amazing company, Fez Travel, and they offer just about any combination of tours one could wish for. We'll be joining their "Silk Tour" with the following "loose" itinerary (see below). Whilst the holiday is designed to be crammed into a minimum of seven days, time is one luxury we can afford and so we hope to spend at least a couple of months, taking pit stops en route, to ensure we get maximum experience of this real Turkish delight.

Again, remarkable VFM- at just over a hundred quid per head, that takes care of all our travel requirements for our time in the country and takes us to all the places we just have to see, including our final passage to Istanbul, where we'll also take the opportunity to pop over to the Black Sea. The buses run continuously with English speaking guides (who also recommend discounted accommodation along the way) and we just hop off and on at will or when the fancy takes us.

The Silk Trail

This pass was created to cater for passengers coming to & from the Greek Islands. Therefore, the pass commences from Kusadasi, the most popular travellers' entry point from Greece into Turkey, arriving by ferry from Samos. The pass covers the circuit through to its finish in Istanbul. Valid all season. Minimum time to complete circuit is 7 days.

Sector 3

Kusadasi/Selcuk to Koycegiz via Ephesus & Marmaris Absorb yourself in history this morning with an optional tour of the former capital of Roman Asia and best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, Ephesus. Early afternoon we drive to the picturesque lakeside town of Koycegiz, known for the nearby turtle beach and mud baths. On the way we stop at Milas, which is the drop off point for those heading to the beach resort of Bodrum, and then Marmaris, an access point to the Greek Isle of Rhodes.

Sector 4

Koycegiz to Fethiye/Oludeniz via Saklikent GorgeExperience one of Turkey's highlights today as we trek up Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon. Saklikent (hidden valley) is awesome, it's literally a mountain split down the middle by an earthquake. On the way we get to learn a little about famous Turkish carpets and village life, then enjoy lunch by the river. Tonight, you choose to stay in either the harbour town of Fethiye or the beachside resort of Oludeniz, famous for paragliding. *If you are sailing on a Gulet, then consider the Gulet departure dates when planning your trip and remember: you may need to spend extra daysin Fethiye to coincide with your Gulet departure date or arrival date.

Sector 5

Fethiye/Oludeniz to Olympos via KasWe drive along the Mediterranean coast today stopping for a swim in the turquoise waters of Kaputas Beach, on the way to Kas, traditionally a small Turkish fishing village. We have a chance to look around the town before driving east to our overnight stop at the ancient city of Olympos, also home to the world famous tree houses. This evening, you can visit the natural wonder of the eternal flames of Chimaera.

Sector 6

Olympos to Egirdir via Lake GolbasiThis afternoon we drive to resort town of Antalya famous for ancient sites and waterfalls and then head inland towards Lake Egirdir, stopping for a short time to visit the natural beauty of Lake Golbasi.

Sector 7

Egirdir to Cappadocia via Sultanhani Caravanserai and ObrukToday, we follow an ancient silk trade route across the Anatolian Plain towards the amazing lunar landscapes of the Cappadocia region, where you can sleep, eat and drink in man-made caves and visit underground cities On the way you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai and Obruk just as the ancient traders did. We recommend that tonight you don't miss the optional Turkish Folklore evening, which includes all the food, beer, wine and raki you can handle!

Sector 8

Cappadocia to Istanbul via Ankara (overnight bus)We take an overnight bus tonight as we head back to Istanbul, via Ankara. We arrive in the early hours stopping outside the Fez office, which is situated in the old city Sultanahmet - close to many hostels and the majority of the tourist sites all within a short walking distance. Start with Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, Aya Sofia, the Hippodrome, Underground Cistern and the Grand Bazaar. If you have a couple of days to spare, take a ferry along the Bosphorous.

Fez bus inclusions

• English speaking onboard tour leader giving you a wealth of super interesting and useful info

• Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking bus

Non inclusions

• Suggested optional activities and sightseeing

• Entrance fees to the various sites

Please Note:-Your departure date AND departure point MUST be advised to Fez at least 48 hours before departure and may be amended any time up until 48 hours before departure. Otherwise your travel on the Fez bus will be on a standby basis and will be dependant upon availability.