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An in-depth evaluate of the Jet2 Treasures of Turkey tour. Delve into the superb historical past of the Anatolia area with this seven-day guided tour package deal.
Solely a handful of occasions have I arrived at an airport with tears in my eyes. It might simply be all of the wine I had with lunch (within the sunshine overlooking Antalya’s turquoise harbour), however as I sat at the back of a cab reflecting on the week I simply spent discovering Turkey with Jet2, I used to be feeling genuinely emotional.
This journey was an ideal storm of nice firm, superb landscapes, new cultures, good meals, and an excellent information with an infectious ardour for his topic.
Treasures of Turkey is a model new package deal tour from Jet2, a part of their new Uncover Extra assortment. It’s a seven-day tour of Turkey’s Anatolia area, beginning and ending in Antalya.
The principle theme is historical past – with stops at round fourteen main points of interest, together with three UNESCO websites.
However that doesn’t imply this journey is only for historical past and archaeology buffs! For me, the enjoyment of the tour was discovering Turkey’s fascinating tradition and exploring a surprisingly numerous array of landscapes. Landscapes just like the dazzling Aegean shoreline, the snowy peaks of the Taurus mountains, and the arid valleys of Cappadocia.
Learn on for my evaluate of the Treasures of Turkey tour from Jet2. Seven days of journey, tradition, and discovery in Turkey’s southwestern Anatolia area…
My Treasures of Turkey journey was hosted by Jet2 in change for this evaluate. However all phrases and opinions are my very own – as at all times!
About Jet2’s New Excursions
Jet2holidays are well-known for funds flights and package deal holidays. Now, they’re additionally shifting into the realm of escorted excursions, with the launch of the brand new Uncover Extra assortment.
This can be a assortment of tour packages designed to attraction to these company in search of slightly extra journey, historical past, or tradition than the common “fly and flop” vacation. As somebody who advocates deeper journey, these new excursions sounded proper up my road!
What’s the Jet2 Treasures of Turkey Tour?
Treasures of Turkey is a seven-night guided tour of Turkey’s southwestern Anatolia area.
The excursions run Friday to Friday, beginning and ending in Antalya and travelling by coach via Turkey’s extremely numerous landscapes to go to fourteen historic websites throughout Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, and Kusadasi. See under for the complete itinerary.
These ATOL-protected packages embody flights with 22kg maintain baggage, transfers to and from Antalya airport, 4-star half-board lodging for seven nights, coach journey, and English-speaking guides.
The Treasures of Turkey Itinerary
DAY ONE: Arrival day – spend the primary night time in Antalya.
DAY TWO: Antalya to Konya, through Perge Historical Metropolis. Go to Mevlana Mosque and Museum in Konya.
DAY THREE: Konya to Cappadocia. Go to Kaymakli underground metropolis and the village of Çavuşin in Capadoccia.
DAY FOUR: Keep in Cappadocia. Go to Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve Valley, and a carpet-making workshop.
DAY FIVE: Cappadocia to Pamukkale. This can be a lengthy driving day with numerous consolation stops. Go to the travertines at Pamukkale and the Cleopatra Pool for a swim within the thermal baths.
DAY SIX: Pamukkale to Kusadasi, stopping on the historic metropolis of Ephesus en route.
DAY SEVEN: Kusadasi to Antalya. Visits to the traditional metropolis of Miletus and the oracle website at Apollo’s Temple in Didyma en route.
DAY EIGHT: Free day to discover Antalya earlier than the return flight.
What to Count on from the Jet2’s Treasures of Turkey Tour (Assessment)
The Tour and Information
Our tour information, Mustafa, was FAB. Such an excellent, educated information whose real ardour for Turkey and its historical past was really infectious! With a tour like this, the information can actually make or break the journey – and Mustafa was good.
The tour itinerary is unimaginable. Even the drives from one vacation spot to a different have been epic – an opportunity to marvel on the unimaginable range and scope of Turkey’s many landscapes.
From the glittering shoreline of Antalya, we crossed the monochrome snowscapes of the Taurus mountains, then the gaping flatness of the Konya Plains, the arid sand-coloured valleys of Cappadocia’s rock-strewn landscapes, and out throughout rolling farmland to the west coast.
I’ve outlined the itinerary briefly above, and I’ve gone right into a bit extra element on every of the stops on the finish of this submit.
We stopped at a few of Turkey’s most unimaginable historic websites: historic cities like Perge and Ephesus, centuries-old church buildings hewn into rock stacks in Capadoccia, a modern-day spa constructed across the similar thermal springs as soon as utilized by Cleopatra, a temple as soon as house to oracles mentioned to listen to whispers from the god Apollo… the points of interest on this itinerary abound with historical past, legend, and tradition.
The professionals of a package deal tour…
The tour itself was fairly intense! Packing 5 locations and fourteen points of interest into simply seven days is at all times going to really feel a bit manic. However with our information conserving us on schedule – and factoring in loads of stops for wees/snacks/contemporary air – issues went tremendous easily.
I believe you’d actually wrestle to construct a visit like this your self, so I felt very fortunate to have the package deal all sorted by Jet2, and the whole lot on the bottom sorted out by Mustafa.
After I noticed the itinerary, I used to be frightened that the journey would possibly really feel a bit rushed. And at occasions, it did – however by no means too a lot. We had a few hours of free time most afternoons, which we might use to discover at our personal tempo, benefit from the resort pool if there was one, or simply calm down in our rooms after a full-on day of exploring. And regardless of that jam-packed itinerary, we even discovered time to squeeze in some additional visits at Mustafa’s suggestion.
The Meals
Meals and journey, for me, go hand in hand. I at all times say one of the simplest ways to expertise a vacation spot’s tradition is to eat it!
On the Jet2 Treasures of Turkey tour, most of our meals have been buffet-style. Breakfast and dinner have been at all times within the resort, whereas lunch was typically at a roadside restaurant midway via a protracted drive. Fortunately, virtually each buffet had loads of native meals. There was at all times at the very least yet one more “Western” choice (ceaselessly spaghetti bolognese) – however I strongly encourage you to strive as a lot native delicacies as attainable in your journey.
All of the resort buffets have been nice (effectively cooked, good service, a lot of choices), as have been many of the lunchtime roadside stops. There was just one I didn’t love, on the primary day. However we have been driving via the Taurus mountains, so choices have been restricted – and the whole lot was high quality, simply not scrumptious (or significantly thrilling).
My favorite meals have been on the barely extra “native” eating places – particularly the doner kebabs at our cease in Capadoccia, and the good family-run restaurant we stopped at in the course of the lengthy drive from Kusadasi again to Antalya.
The Transport
We travelled in the identical coach all through the journey – and after 1700km of driving it had began to really feel slightly like house! Fortunately, it was a comfortable bus which our AMAZING driver saved meticulously clear (doing a sweep for garbage at each single relaxation cease!). Many of the roads we travelled on have been in nice situation – even the winding mountain ones – so we have been by no means uncomfortable.
It was a full-size coach (somewhat than a minibus) for our group of a few dozen travellers – so all of us had a row of two seats to ourselves. I’m undecided what the utmost group dimension per tour might be, however even with a full coach, it is best to nonetheless be good and comfortable on board.
The Lodging
We stayed in 5 totally different lodges throughout the seven days of this journey. Most have been incredible – particularly the Charisma Deluxe Resort in Kusadasi. The ocean views have been completely beautiful!
In Konya, which doesn’t get as many vacationers as among the different locations, the resort felt fairly old style and the rooms have been slightly darkish. The identical with the resort in Pamukkale – it was a stunning, huge resort, however felt slightly drained and old style. However each properties have been nonetheless clear, and the service was nice – and what else do you actually need?
The lodges received’t essentially be the identical on each tour, relying on availability. However they’re at all times 4-star lodges, and will all be of the same normal.
Issues to be Conscious of
Lengthy Drives
It’s value being conscious that the Treasures of Turkey tour includes some pretty lengthy drives. This can be a huge nation, and there’s a LOT to see on this seven-day tour!
Drives are at all times damaged up with “consolation stops” (or lunch) each one or two hours. However you’ll want to pack comfortable garments for the bus, and possibly obtain some podcasts for the longer journeys!
The Packages aren’t Versatile (but)
Presently, the tour packages are mounted, so you’ll be able to solely choose flights on the beginning/finish days of the tour. This can be a disgrace, as I believe it might be significantly better to guide earlier or later flights with a view to spend a number of days on the seaside or stress-free in Antalya earlier than or after the tour.
Jet2 have informed me that a number of prospects have been requesting this selection, so hopefully, they’ll take the suggestions on board and make the packages slightly extra versatile in future.
The Stops
Antalya
Though the tour departs from Antalya, we didn’t actually have time to discover the town till the ultimate day of the journey.
On the primary day of the tour, we headed instantly to the historic metropolis of Perge, about 15km away on the outskirts of Antalya. First based within the early Bronze Age, there’s lots of historical past right here – it was even dominated over by Alexander the Nice in 334 BC. Probably the most memorable sights is the Perge Mosaic. Found in 2017, this 1800-year-old mosaic depicts the sacrifice of İphigenia in the course of the Trojan Battle.
Subsequent, we headed briefly to the Aspendos Theatre – a staggeringly well-preserved Roman theatre in-built 155AD with seating for as much as 7,000.
Lastly, it was time for a protracted drive up into the monochrome snowscapes of the Taurus mountains to achieve Konya.
Konya
Konya is a sprawling metropolis excessive within the mountain plains of the Central Anatolian Plateau. Our solely port of name right here was the Mevlana Museum – housed in a former Dervish lodge house to the mausoleum of Rumi.
Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī – often known as Mevlânâ (“Grasp”) or just Rumi – was a Thirteenth-century poet, Islamic scholar, and Sufi mystic. His followers based the Mevlevi order, higher generally known as the whirling dervishes.
Exploring the Dervish Lodge, glitteringly adorned mausoleum, and the museum was a captivating perception right into a facet of Turkey’s non secular tradition I do know nothing about.
Day two noticed us crossing the huge, flat Konya Plateau en path to Cappadocia. On the lengthy drive throughout the limitless plains, we caught glimpses of rural life and shepherds tending flocks of sheep – with the conical form of the towering, snowcapped Hassan Mountain, a dormant volcano, at all times within the distance*.
About midway via the drive to Capadoccia, we stopped for a consolation break in Sultanhani. Right here, we had the possibility for a fast go to to the Sultanhani Caravanserai.
Caravanserais have been fortified relaxation stops constructed alongside the well-known Silk Highway – and the Sultanhani Caravanserai is the biggest and finest preserved in Turkey. The structure is beautiful – so it’s effectively value exploring when you get the possibility.
*Prime tip: Attempt to sit on the right-hand facet of the bus for the most effective views of the volcano.
Cappadocia
On the Jet2 Treasures of Turkey Tour, we spent two nights in Cappadocia, so there was time to see a LOT on this unimaginable space. This semi-arid area in central Turkey is identified for its rolling beige valleys, stuffed with cone-shaped, erosion-carved rock formations generally known as “fairy chimneys”.
First up was the Kaymakli Underground Metropolis: a maze-like city constructed fully underground. This warren of tunnels and rooms has been carved immediately into the comfortable volcanic rock. It’s thought to have been first constructed by the Phrygians within the eighth–seventh centuries BC. Later, the town was utilized by Christians to cover from Muslim-Arab raids in the course of the Arab–Byzantine wars.
Subsequent, we headed to the village of Çavuşin: an historic village carved immediately into the rock face of a valley. We whiled away the afternoon exploring conventional cave homes and absorbing the otherworldly views of the weird landscapes.
Day 4 was additionally spent exploring Cappadocia’s Göreme Nationwide Park. First up was Göreme Open Air Museum, a yellow-beige valley with cave church buildings carved immediately into the rock stacks and cliff faces.
These rock-cut church buildings are adorned inside with unimaginable frescos and motifs. Irrespective of your religion, there’s one thing very shifting about witnessing these centuries-old non secular work.
Subsequent, we headed to Pasabag Monks Valley, one other dramatic, desert-like panorama dotted with slim rock stacks generally known as fairy chimneys. A number of of those comprise hermitages carved immediately contained in the “chimneys”.
Supposedly, the primary of those was carved for St Simon, who got here to reside as a hermit. Different monks adopted his instance, dwelling merely within the small, rock-hewn cave dwellings.
We additionally visited a carpet manufacturing unit to see how conventional silk carpets are made. It felt significantly becoming after following the famed Silk Highway to achieve Cappadocia!
Pamukkale
Day 5 of the tour was primarily spent on the bus! The drive from Cappadocia to Pamukkale took many of the day (fortunately with loads of relaxation stops). So once we arrived, slightly stiff from sitting all day, the thermal baths at Pamukkale have been a welcome sight.
The identify Pamukkale means “cotton fortress” in Turkish, as a result of the mineral-rich thermal waters right here have created layers of pure-white travertine terraces alongside the hillside, stuffed with swimming pools of blue water. It’s a formidable sight – particularly in shiny daylight when the swimming pools look virtually unnaturally blue.
At present, the new springs additionally feed a collection of bathing swimming pools. Supposedly these are the identical waters Cleopatra herself as soon as bathed in, though the baths themselves are trendy.
These thermal springs are identified for his or her therapeutic and rejuvenating properties. I’m undecided I felt the promised ten years youthful after bathing right here – however I felt MUCH higher after our lengthy bus journey!
These scorching springs have been used as a spa for hundreds of years – presumably proper again to the Iron Age. At present’s touristy bathing swimming pools and glowing white travertine terraces are surrounded by the stays of an historic metropolis. Hierpolis was based as a spa within the early 2nd century BC. We spent an exquisite morning exploring the ruins, ignored by distant, hazy mountains.
Essentially the most spectacular construction at Hieropolis is the Theatre. It’s thought to have been constructed below the reign of Emporer Hadrian after an earthquake in 60 AD. The theatre is big: 50 rows of seats with capability for 15,000!
Ephesus and Kusadasi
The principle cease on day six is the traditional metropolis of Ephesus – about 18km from Kusadasi. By this level of the tour, we have been feeling like we’d in all probability seen sufficient historic cities to final a lifetime. Then Ephesus got here alongside and knocked all of the others out of the park. This was the most effective of the bunch!
Based within the tenth century BC, Ephesus was as soon as an vital centre for commerce and commerce. Alexander the Nice as soon as walked these streets, Cleopatra spent a winter right here with Mark Anthony, and St John preached within the theatre.
Ephesus can also be house to the stays of one of many Seven Wonders of the Historical World: the Temple of Artemis. However essentially the most spectacular construction within the metropolis is the Library of Celsus, which was constructed round 110AD. As soon as the third-largest library within the Greco-Roman world, it’s believed to have held round 12,000 scrolls.
Leaving Kusadasi on day seven, we had two ultimate historic stops en path to Antalya. First, the traditional metropolis of Miletus, a hidden gem with a shocking theatre nestled into the serene, Mediterranean countryside. We had the place fully to ourselves!
Subsequent, Apollo’s Temple in Didyma – the place staggeringly tall, carved pillars stood in stark distinction to the blue sky.
This was as soon as a well-known prophecy centre, the place the oracles have been mentioned to listen to the whispers of the god Apollo. These oracles held lots of sway. In 302AD, the recommendation of the oracle led to Emporer Diocletian starting the “Nice Persecution” of Christians.
Antalya (once more)
The final day of the tour is a free day in Antalya. Relying on what time your flight leaves, it is best to be capable to head downtown to discover the Kaleici (Previous Metropolis) and harbour space.
We took a strolling tour of the previous city space within the morning, adopted by a superb ultimate lunch as a tour group. I can’t suggest Arma Restaurant sufficient; nice meals, good wines, and unimaginable views of the harbour from the terrace. I hear it may be fairly standard, so guide upfront if attainable.
We additionally discovered time for one of the standard actions in Antalya: a one-hour boat tour of the shoreline. It’s a brief, enjoyable jaunt up the coast to view the Decrease Düden Waterfall thundering down the cliffs into the ocean. Once more, I extremely suggest this when you’ve got time!
RECOMMENDED TOUR: Antalya Previous City Guided Strolling Tour, 2 hours – from £21.96pp
Jet2’s Treasures of Turkey Tour: Ultimate Ideas
With a visit like this, you actually get a way of the large selection that Turkey has to supply. In only one week, we noticed so many landscapes, cultures, cities, and meals that it felt like I’d been away for a month!
We went from the Aegean Coast, with its cypress bushes and olive groves, to the huge, grassy plateau past the Taurus mountains. Right here the strict metropolis of Konya and the snowcapped mountains had a extra Central Asian really feel. Then there have been the dry, rust-coloured valleys of Cappadocia and the icing-sugar tiers of Pamukkale’s travertines.
I ended the tour feeling slightly overwhelmed and exhausted – however in a great way! The Treasures of Turkey tour had been a correct journey, and I liked it.
I hope you discovered my evaluate of the Jet2 Treasures of Turkey tour useful. Obtained a query? Scroll down to go away a remark!