Description

Full Itinerary

Day 1: ISTANBUL
After arrival at Istanbul Airport you will be transferred to the hotel. What remains of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2: ISTANBUL
Today you will explore Istanbul’s historical heart. The first visit will be to Topkapi Palace, the court and residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to the imperial treasury. Then continue to the Saint Sophia, ‘The Church of Holy Wisdom’, a marvelous basilica built in the 6th century and widely regarded as a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. It was the largest church in the world for an entire millennium and its interiors are decorated with stunning golden mosaics. After lunch the exploration will continue to the Blue Mosque signified by its six elegant minarets and home to a striking display of blue Iznik tiles and intricate patterns on the inside. Then you will take a stroll through the ancient Hippodrome that once served as the centre for sports and entertainment in the ancient Constantinople (as Istanbul was once known) as well as a very important political spot. Thereafter visit the Basilica Cistern, an impressive underground water reservoir from the 6th century. The final visit of the day will be to the Grand Bazaar, considered to be largest and most attractive covered bazaar in the world.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 3: ISTANBUL – IZMIR – EPHESUS
After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for the flight to Izmir. On arrival in Izmir you will be taken to Ephesus, once the holy city of Artemis and the Roman capital of Asia Minor and today one of the most attractive archaeological sites in the world. You will see the ruins of the Odeon, Hadrian’s Temple, the Celcus library, Fountain of Trajan and many more. You will see the immense theatre that was built here seating over 20 000 people with some really amazing acoustics, so amazing in fact that even today it still occasionally serves as a venue for big international concerts. After lunch you will then visit the House of St. Mary, where it is said that Mary the mother of Jesus spent her final years on earth. Continue then to a leather shop in the city where you will attend a small fashion show and have some time to appreciate the leather goods for yourself.
Overnight: Kusadasi (during the months June, July & August overnight in Izmir instead) (BD)

Day 4: IZMIR/KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE
Today you will visit Pamukkale, a famous natural site often called the “Cotton Castle” due to the dazzling formation of white calcium cascades. The calcium comes from the mineral springs at the ruins of the Roman health spa at Hierapolis which you will also visit. In the afternoon you will be transferred back to your hotel and whatever remains of the day will be at your leisure.
Overnight: Kusadasi (during the months June, July & August overnight in Izmir instead) (BD)

Day 5: IZMIR/KUSADASI – CAPPADOCIA
This morning you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for the flight to Kayseri Airport. On arrival in Kayseri you will transfer to Cappadocia and immediately begin sightseeing. Your first visit is to Goreme Valley, home to magnificent rock-hewn churches with decorated Byzantine frescoes. The next stop after that is at the breathtakingly beautiful Avcilar Valley. After lunch you will visit Pasabag Valley (Valley of the Monks), known for Kayamakli underground city where monks used to live in seclusion. Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel.
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 6: CAPPADOCIA
You may wish to pre-book a Cappadocia balloon tour for early this morning before breakfast. Viewing Cappadocia and its beautiful surroundings from this unique and special angle is an experience not to be missed (not included, not suitable for children under 6, approximately USD 280 per person until May, thereafter increase likely). After breakfast your first visit will be to the Red Valley, also called Devrent Valley. Then you will visit Uchisar Castle from which some of the most dramatic and astonishing views of Cappadocia can be seen. Your next destination Avanos, famous for its pottery and rugs since biblical times, here you will visit a carpet manufacturer and pottery workshop. After lunch you will be taken to Ortahisar village where you will have some leisure time to go exploring by yourself. The village is to this day a quaint farming village and it is the perfect place to take a seat at a café and just observe and talk with the people to get a better understanding of life in the Turkish countryside. Your final visit before returning to your hotel will be at Cavusin village.
Overnight: Cappadocia (BD)

Day 7: CAPPADOCIA – ISTANBUL
Transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel and balance of day at leisure.
Overnight: Istanbul (B)

Day 8: ISTANBUL
After breakfast, transfer to airport (B)

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