Itinerary for Beekeepers in Turkey escorted tour  

This tour grew out of  an informal visit of American beekeepers to visit their counterparts in Turkey.  With the cooperation of  Turkish beekeepers, we've expanded the trip and are offering it as an introduction to Turkey.  It's primarily intended for beekeepers, but is open to all and visits many of Turkey's unique areas.  

Day 1 ( July 31) Leave home

Day 2  Arrival in İstanbul, overnight in İstanbul.

Day 3-  Full day tour in İstanbul: St. Sophia, Blue mosque, Grand Bazaar. Spice market, overnight in İstanbul.

Day 4-  Topkapı Palace, Basilica cistern, Bosphorus boat trip, exploring modern downtown İstanbul.overnight in İstanbul.

Day 5- Drive to Eregli to visit beekeepers in Black Sea region. Arrival in Gumeli (between Akçakoca and Eregli) at lunch time. After lunch visit beekeepers in area and sightseeing in Yayla which in the mountains. Drive to Ereğli. Overnight in Eregli.

Day 6- Visit beekeepers in Kandilli area [about 30 km.] local foods at lunch. Zonguldak region is heart of coal mining area of Turkey. After lunch, visit an ex-mining area then short hiking in the forest. A cave, museum and visit to an old bath are optional sites to visit on the way back to hotel.

Day 7- Visit beekeepers in Karakuvuz area. Local lunch at the house of beekeepers. Hiking in the forest and spend sometime in village to observe local life.

Day 8- Visit beekeeper in Kozlu. Explore Gokgol Cave,one of the biggest caves in Turkey. Stop at local beekeeper’s and then fish lunchby. Drive to Safranbolu to stay overnight.

Day 9- Safranbolu-Kastamonu- Amasya: Safranbolu is a World Heritage Site because of its architectural heritage. It is a fascinating warren of narrow streets, markets, merchants and restored Ottoman dwellings. A hillside Citadel, the Rock Tombs of Pontic Kings, the Blue Seminary (1267) and mansion homes along the river provide interest for visitors in Amasya.

Day 10- Bogazkale, explore the capital of Hittites. We visit two ancient Hittite sights of significance: Bogazkale and Alacahoyuk. Our overnight stop is Cappadocia.

Day 11- Full day in Cappadocia: Göreme Open Air Museum with cave churches. Visit Devrent Valley and its provocative formations and Pasabaglari for short hikes. Visit carpet factories and pottery factory in Avanos for demonstrations. Dinner will be in Cave Restaurant with Turkish folk-dance show. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 12- From Cappadocia drive to Konya. Visit one of underground cities and Sultanhanı Caravansaray on the way to Konya, Mevlana Shrine in Konya. Konya is synonymous with the life and work of Celaleddin Rumi known commonly as Melvana, the 13^th Century founder of the Mevlevi Dervish Sect better known as the “Whirling Dervishes”. Overnight in Konya.

Day 13- Drive south to visit the ancient sites of Aspendos and Perge and Manavgat Falls.  Overnight in Antalya.

Day 14-Antalya; Drive to the ancient harbor of Phaselis and  Cıralı. After lunch visit Antyalya’s archaeological museum, one of the best. overnight in Antalya

Day 15- Drive to Pamukkale stopping at ancient  Termesos on the way. Free time to use termal pools before dinner.

Day 16-   On to the ancient city of Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis which was one of the 7 Wonders of the World, Ephesus Museum and Gold workshop. Drive to İzmir for  flight to İstanbul. Overnight in İstanbul.

Day 17 (Aug 16th) - transfer to international airport to get back to home

Contact us for further details and prices