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 Hagia 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 center 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 (BL)

Day 3:  ISTANBUL – EPHESUS

After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul airport for flight to Izmir. Upon arrival to our representative will meet you from airport and transfer to Kusadası. Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of the site of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held.  You will also have the chance to experience some Turkish handicrafts and your last visit will be Sirince village which is located on the top of a mountain and famous with wines that you can taste. After the visit of Sirince you will turn back to your hotel.
Overnight:  Kusadasi (BLD)

Day 4:  PAMUKKALE  

After breakfast, you will visit Pamukkale, cotton castles and Heirapolis, including magnificently preserved necropolis, the main street, gates, the thermal baths, the Greco Roman theatre and the Basilica of St. Philippe. Swim in a therapeutic bath of hot spring mineral waters. The rest of your day will be at leisure.
Overnight:  Kusadasi (BLD)

Day 5:  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.  You will be at leisure for the rest of your day.
Overnight:  Cappadocia (B)

Day 6:  CAPPADOCIA

Your first visit is to Goreme Open Air Museum, home to magnificent rock-hewn churches with decorated Byzantine frescoes. The next stop after that is at the Uchisar Castle which is situated at the highest point in Cappadocia.  The top of the Uchisar Castle, provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area with Mount Erciyes in the distance. Continue to Devrent Valley and fairney chimney.  Devrent Valley which is also known as Imaginary Valley revels many different rock formations.  The small fairy chimneys in the valley form a lunar landscape, or moonscape, by their strange look.  The valley also has many animal shaped rocks and looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature.  There is even a rock pillar which looks like Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ.
Overnight:  Cappadocia (BL)

Day 7:  CAPPADOCIA

This morning, we head to Pigeon Valley and then Red Valley which is famous for the red-rose colour of the rocks, it is one of the most stunning of the many valleys in the Cappadocia region. There are many opportunities for hiking, quad biking and horseback riding through the valley. After visiting the village of Cavusin, Cave churches and head to Kaymakli Underground City, the biggest in the region.
Overnight:  Cappadocia (BL)

Day 8:  ISTANBUL

After breakfast & check-out and transfer to airport for your outbound flight.  (B)

Rates

Includes: Arrival and departure airport transfers in Turkey; 7 night/8-day tour including accommodation (4- and 5-star hotels); Local professional English-speaking guide in each location; Transportation with new model vehichles; Airport Transfers; Entrance fees to museums; English Speaking Local tour Guides; Daily Excursions as per itinerary on Small Group basis; Domestic flights as per itinerary; meals as indicated in itinerary.

Note: Single room supplement refers to a third person wishing to stay in a single room. This tour is not available for single travelers.
Domestic flights in Turkey have a luggage limit of 8kg carry-on and 15kg check luggage.
This tour operates on a private basis unless other ITT passengers happen to be scheduled on the same day for any sightseeing.

All rates will be converted at time of final payment according to ITT’s bank selling rates. Please double check the final ZAR amount with us on day of payment. All services are subject to availability at time of booking and subject to the General Terms and Conditions of ITT Inspirations Travel & Tours (PTY) LTD.