ISTANBUL
Arrival Istanbul and meet and assist at the airport and transfer to the city centre. A full day tour with St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian); Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the “Obelisk of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. After the visit to Grand Covered Bazaar, the most attractive shopping center in the world with nearly 4000 shops, time for lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapi Palace – built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons and calligraphy section.
ISTANBUL – CANAKKALE
After breakfast drive to Canakkale with visit to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles – particularly involving the Allied Forces including Australians and New Zealanders during World War I. In the afternoon continue on to Troy, the place where the legendary Trojan War took place as described in the historical work of Homer of Smyrna. After visiting the site with nine inhabitation levels covering a period of 3000 years, drive to Canakkale for overnight.
CANAKKALE – PERGAMON – KUSADASI
Morning departure for Bergama and visit to Pergamum, impressive site of an ancient kingdom, where we visit the Asclepieum, was a famous health center where methods of treatment including blood transfusions, music therapy and meditation. Lunch will be at a local restaurant. Drive the lively coastal town of Kusadasi for dinner and over night stay.
CAPPADOCIA
Optional balloon tour. After breakfast depart for the Cappadocia tour, visit the valleys where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Visit Underground city of Ozkonak or Kaymakli. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area where monks used to live in seclusion in rock cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries. In the afternoon visit to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Stop by Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Shopping time for the well-known merits of the area. Overnight in Cappadocia.
CAPPADOCIA – ANKARA – ISTANBUL
After breakfast at your hotel drive to Istanbul. Lunch will be served on the way transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. OPTIONAL: Belly Dance Show
ISTANBUL OTTOMAN RELICS
After breakfast full day city tour of Istanbul visiting; Hippodrome : The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit you’ll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine column from Delphi, and fountain of Willhelm II. Blue Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Istanbul dating from the 17th century it is one of the principal adornments of the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. St. Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church; one of the finest architectural works in the world. It has been nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Topkapi Palace: The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Grand Bazaar: In addition to its historical importance, it’s a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewellery, leather and souvenirs. Lunch at typical Turkish Restaurant included. Also visioned during the tour: GALATA TOWER, GOLDEN HORN
KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City, one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; Visit leather products centre with fashion show and continue with Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. In the afternoon. After lunch departure for Pamukkale. Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery „Necropolis“, the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Pamukkale
PAMUKKALE – KONYA – CAPPADOCIA
Morning drive to Cappadocia. On the way, visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrival in Konya and lunch. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure, drive to Cappadocia and overnight.
ISTANBUL BOSPHORUS CRUISE
After a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar (closed on Sunday), an unforgettable excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, past the European style palaces of the Ottomans, Dolmabahçe and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden kiosks from 19th century. Also mansions and modern villas, which form the elegant sections of the city. Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence for Ottoman Sultans with 365 rooms and 22 saloons. Famous with the great collection of European antiquity furniture and 4,5 tone chandelier. Bosphorus Bridge, unique chance to step from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in 2 minutes. Camlica Hill, exposing a panoramic view of Istanbul and Bosphorus from the best point of view.
This Package Includes:
7 Nights Hotel accommodation at above listed hotels or at their very similar, including breakfast, taxes and service charges.
Meals as per itinerary,
Entrance fees to the museums and historical places,
English speaking professional guidance throughout the journey.
All parking fees and highway tolls,
Basic tip to the hotels and restaurants,
Local taxes and current VAT included in to the quotation.
This Package Does not Include:
Personal expenses such as mini bar at the hotels & soft and alcoholic drinks, normal/digital camera fees in the museums,
Any domestic/international flight fare and flight portage,
Child Policy:
0 – 2 years: Free of charge
3 – 6 years with bed: %25 reduction
3 – 6 years without bed: %50 reduction
7 – 12 years with bed: considered as adult
7 – 12 years without bed: %25 reduction