Turkey Tour

Day - 01 - Arrive
Arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. You will be met & accompanied during your transfer to the hotel. If time allows, you will have an orientation walk with one of our guides around Sultanahmet to get acquainted with the neighborhood. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day - 02 - Istanbul
Breakfast at your Hotel. In the morning to visit the spectacular Blue Mosque decorated with beautiful 17th century Iznik tiles. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were once held. Continue with the Hagia Sophia / St. Sophia Museum. An early Christian church, later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule.This magnificent temple now serving as a museum with all the artifacts from the Byzantine era intact is especially famous for its mosaics. After lunch break, driving across the intercontinental bridge ‘the Bosphorus’ we spend time at the summit of Camlica Hill, which offers 360° panoramic views of Istanbul overlooking the Sea of Marmara. Driving from Asia back to Europe, we visit Dolmabahce Palace, with more than 340 rooms & eight Turkish Baths the Imperial Residence of the last six Sultans, is sure to fascinate its visitors. Transfer to Hotel with evening at leisure. Overnight at your Hotel in Istanbul.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day - 03 - Istanbul / Cappadocia
Breakfast at your Hotel. Transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for Cappadocia flight (1.2hr). Transfer to Urgup upon arrival (1hr) to cave hotel, which was carved in the landscape centuries or possibly 3000 years ago by its inhabitants. We start our day with a gentle hike through orchards, unusual volcanic rock formations, rock-cut houses at Red Valley & Pasabagi where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Visit the old Christian Village of Cavusin, followed by lunch break & then an excursion to Pigeon Valley. Then continue on to Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches, monasteries decorated with striking frescoes from early Christianity. Our last stop for today will be the panoramic view point offering spectacular views of the landscape from the natural rock castle at Uchisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day - 04 -Cappadocia
Breakfast at your Hotel. Full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City, we'll walk through the underground city, where an entire community of Christians lived in a system of subterranean caves & tunnels for centuries without being noticed. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream & visiting some of the churches dug into the walls of the gorge. Rock-cut churches, spread across a wild plantation, surprise you with their successfully painted representations from the Bible. We have lunch in Belisirma, a traditional village where every day life goes on as it used to for centuries. Then continue on to Selime for a panoramic view. Our last stop will be at the Agzikarahan Caravanserai built by the Seljuk Turks to accommodate travelers on the ancient Silk Road. Overnight in Cappadocia.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day - 05 - Cappadocia / Izmir
Breakfast at your Hotel. Free at Leisure. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Optional Activities:

• Hot air balloon ride over the lunar landscape early in the morning
• Horseback riding in the valleys
• ATV 4*4 off road 2hr ride
• Cross Golf, a kind of golf played in natural environments & respecting nature.

Transfer to Kayseri by noon (1 hr) for the flight to Izmir at 15:35. Upon arrival to Izmir at 17:10 you will be transferred to Kusadasi(1hr). Check in to Hotel. Kusadasi was much-frequented place of birds during the seasonal migrations, during Ottoman reign it was named as Kusadasi (Bird Island). Bird island is connected to the mainland with a mole. Centuries ago the island was used for securing the shores & for preventing the attacks from the sea. Today, it is an ideal place to watch the panoramic view of the city & the approaching & departing cruise liners. You can also sip your drink at one of the cafes on the island or shop at the nearby local markets.

Day - 06 - Ephesus / Kusadasi
Breakfast at your Hotel. A short drive with your guide to visit the Ancient City of Ephesus which is among the best places in the world enabling one to genuinely 'soak in' the atmosphere of Roman times & one of the best preserved Greco-Roman Cities in the world. Soon you'll find yourself on the Marble Sacred Street connecting the Great Theatre with the Library of Celsius, the facade of which has been fully restored. Agora, connected to the Library Square by the Gate of Augustus, beautiful sidewalks for pedestrians paved with mosaics, Temple of Hadrian, little shops, State Agora are just a few of the places we will see. After lunch, we depart to visit the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to be brought here by St. John & have spent the last of her days. We will see the shrine & small chapel which is a pilgrimage sight just recently visited by Pope Benedict. The tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple. Overnight in Kusadasi.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).

Day - 07 - Pamukkale / Denizli / Istanbul
Breakfast at your Hotel, and then check out from your Hotel. After leaving Kusadasi we drive for 3.5 hours to reach Pamukkale, you stop for lunch. After lunch we will continue the day with visit to Pamukkale. This natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone & travertine cascading down the mountain slope, which resemble a frozen waterfall. There will be free time to walk on the terraces (where allowed). We then visit Hierapolis, which is adjacent to Pamukkale. The ruins of the ancient city cover more than a mile. End of tour transfer to Izmir (3.5 hr) for the flight to Istanbul at 22:30. Upon arrival to Istanbul at 23:35 you will be transferred to your Hotel. Overnight at your Hotel in Istanbul.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day - 08 - Istanbul
Breakfast at your Hotel. Proceed to the Golden Horn, to explore the bustling EgyptianSpice Market of 17th century origin a colourful bazaar heaped with spices, Turkish sweets, dried foods & much more. Walk accross to Eminonu Harbour to embark on the ferry which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul. The Bosphorus ferry will take us to both European & Asian shores of the city. Alongside million dollar mansions we will see the two bridges linking Europe & Asia by road, as well as the seaside summer palaces & unique wooden houses not to mention the natural beauty of the forests above. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Then we continue to Topkapi Palace which is the crown jewel of the Ottoman Empire. Your visit to Topkapi promises to be a truly fascinating experience. Walk to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) where you can shop or haggle with local merchants over unusual antiques, colourful spices, beautiful jewelry or carpets, richly textured fabrics & more. Overnight at your Hotel in Istanbul.(Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day - 09 -Departure
Breakfast at your Hotel. Check-out (12:00) from hotel. Remainder of day will be at leisure till your transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your homebound flight.(Meals: Breakfast)