Kizilirmak

	Transanatolie 06M05 Kızılırmak (Red River) Tour 5 day € 285 Day 1. Ankara-Hattusas-Amasya In the morning we drive via Kızılırmak Valley to the capital of the Hittite Empire Hattusas. Hattusas is currently registered as a Historical National Park. The main places we shall visit are from the last period of the Great Hittite Empire. On the way following the route of the park we shall see Big temple at Aşağı Sevir (temple numbered 1), city ramparts and its monumental gatest (Arslanlı Gate (gate with lions)), Poterni and Yer Gates and Kral Gate. Numbered temples (until 31) at Yukarı Sevir are composed of Nisan Hill, Kingdom Palace, other buildings and Great Castle. Most important buildings of Frig Period are Bastionu and Güney Castles. Yazılıkaya open air temple, a unique remnant of Hittite Empire Period, is at 2 km north east of Boğazköy. It was formed with two spaces, named big and little galleries, and arranged with possible formation that fits the natural location of local stones. Goddesses' embossments take place on the right wall, god embossments are situated at the left wall of Big gallery. Note that both groups described here is an symbol of a motion towards the main scene. i.e., meeting of Weather God Tesup and his wife Goddess Hepatu. Lunch is a Hittite spicy menu prepared by local villagers. In the afternoon, we drive to Amasya; birth place of Geographer Strabon and it is also the education and training centrum for the Otoman Princes. During sunset time, walking through Yeşilırmak Valley, take photo of Amasya Yalıboyu Houses which are the best instances of Ottoman architecture. Dinner and overnight at our Hotel in Amasya (Apple-Tusan Grubu 4-Charme hotel catogory-00.90.358.2190019 www.theappleplace.com.tr ) . Day 2. Amasya- Zile-Çekerek-Boğazlıyan-Cappadocia* After open buffet breakfast, we explore, the city of Ferhat and Şirin (also known as the city of Crown), Amasya: old houses, Rock Tombs of the Kings ( belong to Hellenistic period), Amasya Castle, Burmalı Minaret Mosque, Bayezid II. Mosque and Kulliye, Gök Medresse, Bridges ( Çağlayan, Alçak, Kuş ), Daruşşifa-Bimarhane ( Mental Asylum ), and Amasya Museum which is one of the richest and most modern museums with its 27 000 items as an heritage from 11 civilizations. Lunch at the local restaurant. After lunch, we visit Zile Castle where Roman-Pontus wars took place and the Roman king Julius Cesar had made his well known speech ( Veni-Vidi-Vici )). Via Turhal-Zile- Çekerek-Sorgun-Boğazlıyan road we arrive to one of the most fantastic landscape in the world, Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at our 4* Burcu Kaya Hotel in Ortahisar.. Day 3. Cappadocia After open buffet breakfast, visit the ancient Ürgüp Houses, Üç Güzeller, Pigeon Valley, Uçhisar, Avcılar, Göreme Valley, Open Air Museum and surrounding churches. Lunch at the hotel or open buffet in Koru Restaurant. After lunch, we follow a relaxing program and explore handcrafts (carpet weaving and knitting). Return to hotel for a little rest. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 4. Cappadocia After open buffet breakfast, visit Güller Valley, Develi Valley, Zelve,Paşabağ. During lunch taste the region’s specialty Çömlek Kebap at the restaurant while having the magnifacant Kızılırmak River view. After lunch, walk through the streets of Avanos to see how pottery was produced, passing through bridge built on Kızılırmak River during Ottoman period. Afternoon, visit the peacuful and wonderful landscape of Cappadocia and the old, tranquil and picturesque town of Mustafapaşa known formerly as Sinasos. Then, Cemil-Taşkınpaşa-Soğanlı Valley, Hasan and Erciyes Mountains. Authentic hand-made linen dolls are produced in Soğanlı. Handwork gloves and socks ornamented with Anatolian motifs, also attract attention. Dinner and overnight at our hotel. Day 5. Cappadocia- Kayseri-Ankara Time-out after breakfast. Then we drive to Kayseri- Caesarea of Roman times. We visit the Huant Hatun Complex; the Medrese is now an Ethnography Museum. The beautifully decorated Döner Kümbet from 1276, a Seljuk mausoleum of classic simplicity is at the south of the complex. We then visit the anatomy school of Seljuks, i.e., the Gevher Nesibe Medical History Museum, the Sahabiye Medrese and the restored 12^th century Ulu Mosque at the city's bedesten (market hall). After having lunch in Kayseri and we drive back to Ankara. Pricing Cost per person in Double Room (285 €) Single supplement (75 €) Exclusive Drinks in hotels and restaurants Optional visits, tips VAT Options During Cappadocia tour, Turkish night with folk dances and Mevlevi prerformance all inc. (20€) Cappadocia by balloon flight (140 €) Further Information Reservation