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Turkey is rich with historical, religious and cultural traditions that span centuries. This tour touches on the historic sites, people and events that shaped the ancient world and influence us today. Savor the natural beauty and man made marvels of this amazing country.
- 8 nights accommodation at 4 star hotels
- Daily buffet breakfast.
- 6 luncheons (excluding beverages) during full day tours.
- 2 dinners (excluding beverages) at the Cappadocia hotel.
- Private roundtrip airport transfers.
- Entrance fees with English speaking guide for sightseeing as listed
DAY 01: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul Airport where you will be met by one of our drivers and transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 02: ISTANBUL (Full Day Istanbul City Tour)
After breakfast in the hotel visit to the Topkapi Palace, located on the peninsula that overlooks the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus and the Sea of Marmara, this Ottoman palace was completed in 1479 after 14 years of work. Typical of Turkish palaces, it has a series of open tree-lined courtyards connecting buildings like the Harem with about 400 rooms. The Harem was the domestic realm of the Sultan where he kept his wives, children, eunuchs and concubines (closed on Tuesdays). Additional visits on this tour include Saint-Sophia Museum, built by Emperor Justinian in 6th Century A.D., the largest church in the then-known Christian World. In 15th century, Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II conquered Istanbul converting the city to Islam and changing the Christian church to a mosque (closed on Mondays) Blue Mosque with 260 windows and 6 minarets forming an impressive skyline from the sea the inside is covered by more than 20,000 Iznik tiles. Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, former Palace of Ibrahim Paºa, today a museum depicting the old Turkish way of life and Hippodrome, the former center of sports and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi and Fountain of Wilhelm II. Grand Bazaar, the Grand Bazaar’s labyrinth tunnels contain over 4.000 shops where all kinds of carpets, trinkets, jewelry, antiques and leather clothes can be purchased.(closed on Sundays) B/L
DAY 03: ISTANBUL
After breakfast in the hotel visit to the Spice Bazaar, then embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. Winding between wooded hills, it is lined with mosques, castles, 19th century mansions, picturesque villages and the extravagant baroque places of the late Ottoman sultans. Our tour concludes with a drive along the Bosphorus to visit the Sadberk Hanim Museum, Istanbul’s best ethnological museum. B
DAY 04: ISTANBUL - CAPPADOCIA
Early morning departure from hotel, transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to Kayseri. On arrival at Kayseri Airport you will be met and begin a day touring the surrounding valleys to see the remnants of some older churches, rock formations and Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians hid from persecutors. Afternoon check-in to Cappadocia hotel. B/L/D
DAY 05: CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast in the hotel continue your tour of the area with a visit to Imagination Valley with its lunar-like landscape and amazing rock formations. Drive on to Pasabagi in the Zelve area where Christian monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where the Kizilirmak (Red River), the longest river of Turkey, cuts through the town leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon we will visit the Open Air Museum in Goreme to see the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible then stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. There will be ample time for shopping throughout the day for the area’s well-known treasures. An optional balloon tour (cost not included) will be offered. B/L/D
DAY 06: CAPPADOCIA - KAYSERI - IZMIR
After breakfast, departure for Kayseri Airport and flight to Izmir. B
DAY 07: Izmir
After breakfast in the hotel, we embark on a visit to Ephesus, one of the most impressive and well-preserved archaeological sites in the world. Spend the morning strolling through the street, temples and fountains of the ancient metropolis. After lunch visit the Archaeological Museum, the Basilica of St John, where the apostle is buried and the House of Virgin Mary, where it is believed that she has spent her last days. B/L
DAY 08: IZMIR
After breakfast in the hotel, today’s adventure takes you to Pergamum, home of the Hellenistic Attalaid kings. Visit the Acropolis, Asclepion and the Red Basilica - famed for its great library the citizens of ancient Pergamum invented parchment for writing when the supply of papyrus was cut off. Pergamum's Asclepion was the most famous classical medical center. B/L
DAY 09: IZMIR DEPARTURE
After breakfast departure to Izmir airport and farewell to exotic Turkey. B
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