Day 1: Ankara – Safranbolu
After
breakfast your guide will drive
you to Safranbolu (140 mi / 3 hrs from Ankara).
Safranbolu is an UNESCO World Heritage site with beautifully preserved
wooden Ottoman houses. Start your exploration of this historic town. Stay in one of the old historic houses of
Safranbolu [B]
Day 2: Safranbolu
Spend the day
wandering the old cobblestone streets visiting the historic houses, the
governors’ house and the old bazaar. You
can enjoy tea in one of the gardens. Overnight in Safranbolu [BL]
Day 3: Safranbolu – Amasra
Enjoy a free few hours in the morning then depart for the lovely coastal town of Amasra (60 mi / 1.5 hrs). Amasra is a seafood paradise with an ancient harbor called “The Eye of the World” by Mehmet the Conqueror. Enjoy a seafood dinner while watching the sun set over the Black Sea.
Overnight in Amasra [BLD]
Day 4: Amasra
Explore Amasra’s
gems: two Byzantine castles, the museum, the Faith Mosque, and the historic
Cekiciler bazaar. Walk across the old
stone bridge to the small Boztepe Island and then hike uphill where you will be
rewarded with a lovely view of the town. The afternoon is free. Overnight in Amasra [BL]
Day 5: Amasra – Kastamonu
Drive into the forested hills to Kastamonu (125 mi / 3 hrs), a historic town dominated by its castle built in Byzantine times and updated by the Selcuks and Ottomans. Visit the castle and the ancient market buildings where you can find hand-woven textiles and other local handicrafts. Visit the wooden mosque in nearby Kasaba, built in 1366. Optional hike in the hills. Overnight in
Kastamonu [BL]
Day 6: Kastamonu –
Amasya
Enjoy breakfast,
and then depart for Amasya (160 mi / 4 hrs).
Amasya is set in a rocky ravine with the Yeslirimak (Green River)
running through. It is one of the
loveliest small towns in Turkey with picturesque wooden Ottoman houses and
rock-hewn tombs from the Kings of Pontus.
Spend the afternoon in
Amasya – climb to the tombs, some of which are decorated. Visit the remains of the Harsene Castle. The city also has many historically and
architecturally precious buildings including the Ferhat water channel, the 13th
century Seljuk Burmali Mosque, the 15th century Yildirim Beyazit Mosque and
Complex and the octagonal Kapi Aga Medrese (theological school). There are
traditional Turkish mansions which have been well-preserved such as the 19th
century Hazeranlar Mansion which an art gallery on its first floor and an
ethnographical museum on the second. The Archaeological Museum of Amasya has an
interesting collection including the mummies of the Ilhanli rulers of Amasya.
Amasya has a very old, pleasant hamam (Turkish bath). You may relax at the local hamam in the
evening – you can ask your guide to about hours for men and for women. Overnight in
Amasya [BL]
Day 7: Amasya
Spend the day in Amasya
and surroundings. You have options today to venture into the hills for hiking,
visiting villages or staying in town to continue your exploration. Overnight in
Amasya [B]
Day 8: Amasya – Ankara
Depart for Ankara
(235 mi / 6 hrs), stopping to explore the Hittite city of Hattusa which was the
Hittite capital in the Bronze era. Upon
arrival in Ankara, check in to your hotel.
[BL]
Day 9: Ankara
After breakfast, continue your adventure in another location or transfer to the airport for your departure flight. [B]