THE SILK ROAD AND SELJUKS
Cultural Gates to Infinity
(13 Days - 12 Nights)
(10th-13th Islamic Art and Architecture)
With Dr.Ali Uzay Peker

Topkapi Palace

Day 1: Istanbul (D)

Met by our tour guide at the airport. Transfer and check-in hotel. Welcome drink with group and introductory after dinner.

Day 2: Afyon (BD)

A caravanserai in Afyon

After breakfast we take the morning flight to the capital city of Turkey, Ankara. We drive to Afyon and on the way stop at Sivrihisar for the beautiful wooden pillared Seljukid Great Mosque, then continue to the Ulu Cami of Afyon. We reach the hotel before the dinner.

Whirling Dervishes

Day 3: Konya (BD)

We take the ancient caravan route to the Lake District, drive towards the east Eğirdir Lake to the town of Atabey. From there, a pleasant journey around the Beyşehir Lake to see the ruins of the Kubadabad Palace. Dinner and overnight in Konya.

Day 4: Konya (BD)

We explore the splendid Seljukid monuments on foot today. We first visit the largest of the town's Seljukid mosques, Alaeddin Cami. We cross the road to the Büyük Karatay Medresesi, which is named after its founder. Then we walk to the İnce Minare Medresesi, which is a museum of stone and woodcarving. We end the day at Mevlana Tekke, the most important monument in Konya. Dinner and overnight in Konya. Evening event; performance of the whirling dervishes.

Day 5: Kayseri (BD)

Döner Kümbet

This morning we shall be again on an ancient caravan route but it will be to Kayseri and we will visit two splendid Seljukid caravanserais; Zazadin Han and Sultan Han. In the afternoon we visit the most striking of Kayseri's many mausoleums, the Döner Kümbet Mausoleum. It's elaborate decoration includes the sacred tree, the double-headed eagle of the Seljuks, sphinxes and leopards.

Day 6: Kayseri (BD)

This morning we make our way to the Çifte Medrese which contains a hospital and a medical school. We explore the citadel of Kayseri and then visit the Honat Hatun Külliye; charitable and educational buildings which surround a mosque from the early times. We end the day at the Hacı Kılıç Cami and Medrese. Dinner and overnight in Kayseri.

Day 7: Sivas (BD)

Continue our journey on the ancient caravan route to Divriği's Ulu Cami and Şifahane. Due to their architecture and stone engravings, they have been included on the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Dinner and overnight in Sivas.

Day 8: Sivas (BLD)

Gök Medrese

This morning we visit the Şifahiye Medresesi which is a hospital, medical school and a mental asylum. We then visit the Çifte Minareli Medrese which was a school for the study of the Koran and the sayings of the prophet. Our last stop is one of the most remarkable Seljukid monuments in Anatolia, the Gök Medrese. Dinner and overnight in Sivas.

Day 9: Amasya (BD)

After breakfast we drive towards north to the "mysterious city of crown", Amasya and stop at Tokat on the way. Dinner and overnight in Amasya.

Day 10: Amasya (BD)

Bimarhane

Stroll through the old streets to explore more breathtaking monuments; Burmalı Minare Cami, Yörgüç Paşa Cami, The Sultan Beyazıd II Külliyesi, Beyazıd Paşa Cami and Bimarhane (the asylum). Dinner at hotel and overnight transfer to Ankara.

Day 11: Ankara (BD)

Ethnographic Museum

We first visit the Ahi Elvan Cami, the mosque of the Ahi brotherhood; a guild which had close associations with the dervish sects. From there we will go to the Arslanhane Cami and the Ethnographic Museum of Ankara. Dinner at a selective local restaurant and overnight train to İstanbul.

Day 12: Istanbul (BD)

We have breakfast on the train. Check-in our hotel and relax. In the afternoon we visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art and leisure afternoon or visit to the Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. Farewell dinner at the Tuğra Restaurant of Çırağan Palace.

Day 13: Fly back home (B)

We transfer you to the International Atatürk Airport.

PLEASE NOTE: The itinerary involves a good deal of walking. Good comfortable footwear is therefore essential, but it should be pointed out that the tour might not be suitable for pessengers who require assistance or who have difficulties with mobility. Please make it sure you enjoy walking, hiking, good local food and cultural interaction. You will have time for shopping at the local handcraft centers and local markets.

TRIP LIMITED TO A MAXIMUM OF 15 PARTICIPANTS

Tour Dates
19 August - 31 August 2005
01 September - 13 September 2005

Tour Price
$3647.00-USD per person in double/twin bedded room
$245.00-USD single room supplement

SIMILAR DATES IN 2006 (ADVANCE REGISTRATION)