Description

Itinerary

Day 1: ISTANBUL
On arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be transferred to the hotel. At approximately 13h00 you will go on a guided tour exploring the only city to span two continents, Istanbul, which partly finds itself split between Europe and Asia. You will go on a city tour exploring many of the old city’s highlights such as Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque; St. Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome. As you will be leaving Istanbul tomorrow already perhaps you call add an optional Bosphorus night cruise tonight to further experiencestunning views of this fascinating city whilst you are here (not included).
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2: ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA
Travel from the country’s former capital to the modern capital of Ankara. The city became Turkey’s capital in 1923 and, though it was just a small town then, has grown to become the second-largest city in Turkey. Visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue to Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 3: CAPPADOCIA – GOREME – CAPPADOCIA
You might have already caught glimpses of it yesterday but the scenery surrounding Cappadocia almost seems lunar in nature or as if you find yourself on another planet. See plenty more of that scenery as travel to Goreme Valley Open Air Museum the sight of the same rock formations known as the fairy chimneys. Explore than many layers of the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City. Thereafter you will return to the
hotel in Cappadocia. A great optional add-on for tonight would be a folklore evening complete with exotic foods, interesting tales and even some belly dancers (not included).
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 4: CAPPADOCIA – KONYA
This morning the tour will leave Cappadocia as it travels along the Silk Road to stopping at the Sultanhani Caravansary just as the ancient traders once did. Then continue further along this ancient trade route to Konya. On arrival you will visit the Mevlana Museum, the burial place of the Persian Sufi, known as both Mevlana and Rumi, who founded the order of the Whirling Dervishes. You will also visit Alaedddin Mosque before arriving at the hotel.
Overnight: Konya (BD)

Day 5: KONYA – SAGLASSOS – PAMUKKALE
Depart Konya heading for the ancient site of Saglassos. This city was conquered by Alexander the great in 333BC and then experience numerous earthquakes and a plague which saw its demise in in the year 541. Today it still stands as one of the best-preserved ancient sites to be found in Turkey with a rightful spot on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Then continue to the city known for its magnificent white calcium terraces known
as the Travertines, Pamukkale.
Overnight: Pamukkale (BD)

Day 6: PAMUKKALE – KUSADASI
Along with the Travertines some magnificent natural hot spring said to contain therapeutic properties can also be found at Pamukkale which lead to the Romans establishing an ancient centre of healing here called Hierapolis. Explore the ruins of Hierapolis including the Temple of Apollo and the Necropolis before taking a closer look at the white calcium terraces surrounding Pamukkale. Conclude your time at Pamukkale by browsing a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before travelling on to Kusadasi.
Overnight: Kusadasi (BD)

Day 7: KUSADASI – EPHESUS – SIRINCE – IZMIR – ISTANBUL
Your journey into history continues today as you go on a guided tour of Ephesus. Ephesus was the holy city of the Greek goddess Artemis and the Roman capital of Asia Minor, which today is considered to be one of the most attractive archaeological sites in the world. You will go on a guided tour showing you all the highlights including the impressive Temple of Artemis. Then continue to the Greek village of Sirince which is well-known for its fruit wines. Another long-standing tradition in Turkey is carpet-weaving and at the village you will how the carpets are made by hand and how to discern their value. Thereafter you will travel to Izmir Airport for the flight back to Istanbul. On arrival in Istanbul you will be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 7: ISTANBUL
After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport. (B)

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