DAY 1:
Welcome to Istanbul, crossroads of East and West, as well as the world’s only city that spans two continents. Tour enables you to discover Istanbul’s major sites on this morning’s tour. Discover the ancient Hippodrome, which once served as the public center of Byzantium for more than a thousand years. Then behold the breathtaking Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet and decorated with exquisite blue Iznik tiles. Continue to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans. After lunch we visit the magnificent Byzantine Church; Hagia Sophia, one of the finest architectural works in the world. We finish off our tour with a visit to the Basilica Cistern. This is one of the most popular visits in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 2:
Take the morning flight from Istanbul to Izmir and start a busy and exciting day in Ephesus, the principal centre on the Aegean coast under the Roman Empire and capital of the province of Asia, with a population of 400,000 in the second century AD. Today’s full day tour begins at the Ancient City of Ephesus, which has become the most extensively excavated site of the ancient world to explore its breathtaking range of buildings with its amazing two-storey Library of Celsus and the enormous theatre, originally seating 24,000 and scene of the protest against St Paul described in the Acts of the Apostles. Wander the ancient marble streets to see ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, Temple of Hadrian, and Agora and view the luxurious terrace houses with marble-lined halls, mosaics and beautiful frescoes reflecting the life of the highly sophisticated roman citizens. After lunch drive up to Bulbul Mountain to visit the chapel believed to be the house where the Virgin Mary spent the final days of her life. In complete contrast, also discover the remains of St John’s Basilica, built by the Emperor Justinian over the tomb of St John who was entrusted to care for Virgin Mary and it’s believed she travelled with him to Ephesus. After visits to the House of Virgin Mary and Basilica of St John, both are pilgrimage sites for many people of all denomination drive to Kuşadası for overnight. Your evening is at your leisure to explore this delightful town.
DAY 3:
Today, make a true archaeological voyage and immerse yourself in some of the most historic and cultural sites in the country. Leave the coast and drive into the interior of Anatolia to visit one of the most beautiful classical sites in Turkey, Aphrodisias which was the centre of a Roman cult of Aphrodite and home of an important school for the production of high-quality and widely exported sculpture, where you can find many fine examples in the museum. Take time to visit the archaeological site including Temple of Aphrodite and the largest and most complete stadium to have survived from the ancient world. Continue to Pamukkale for overnight.
DAY 4:
Enjoy a late breakfast at the hotel before our visit to Pamukkale; an unreal landscape, made up of mineral forests and outstanding universal value which is preserved as a World Heritage by UNESCO. Spend the day discovering the natural beauty and the cultural depth of Pamukkale to marvel at the extraordinary formations caused by calcite-laden water which have given rise to its Turkish name, literally translated as “Cotton Castle”. Visit Roman health spa of Hierapolis and enjoy a swim and bathe in the same pools as the Attalid kings of the second century BC. After lunch visit the nearby archaeological site of Hierapolis and its necropolis which is the largest of the ancient world. After visits drive to Kuşadası for overnight passing by beautiful countryside.
DAY 5:
Take the morning flight to Cappadocia via Istanbul and arrive at Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport where you will be met and transferred to your Cappadocia accommodation. Your first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Zelve valley, one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia with its troglodyte houses. Visit Çavuşin, an abandoned rock village known for its old Christian churches and houses. After lunch in Mustafapasa at an old Greek house hosted by a local family, drive to Kaymakli Underground City, the widest and one of the best-preserved underground cities in the region. Roam this subterranean network of homes, stables, cellars and kitchens and learn how it was used by early Christians to escape persecution. Continue to Uchisar Rock-Castle where you can enjoy a sweeping view of the area from the highest point in the region. Return to your hotel and stay overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 6:
An early wakeup call awaits you today. The fairy tale chimneys of Cappadocia rank as one of the world’s most magical destinations, but the most spectacular views are by air. During this sunrise hot air balloon ride, you’ll float above rock-cut churches, scenic valleys, and centuries-old beehive homes for an unforgettable bird’s eye panorama. After this once in a lifetime experience, head back to your
hotel for your deserved breakfast before a full day tour of Cappadocia. Immerse yourself in some of the most historic and cultural sites in Turkey. The rock formations beyond belief in Devrent Valley with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia formed millions of years ago by massive volcanoes is a perfect place to start. Visit Pasabag’s fairy chimneys and then continue on your way towards Avanos center of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town and views over the river and its production of earthenware pottery. In the afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia where you can find early Christian Churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from Bible. Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport for the evening flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 7:
Istanbul is geographically situated straddling two continents and your visit would not be complete without a tour of the Bosporus Strait that divides Europe from Asia. Let’s begin Bosphorus journey at the Dolmabahce Palace built in 19th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there. After visiting the Dolmabahce Palace, take a boat trip up the Bosphorus with authentic local atmosphere and amazing views of both the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. Depending on your flight departure time, the rest of the day is free to enjoy for last minute shopping at the worldwide famous Grand Covered Bazaar, the oldest and one of the largest covered markets in the World with its more than 4000 shops.
Transfer to Airport for the return flight back home. End of Services
Your package concludes but; you can choose to extend your stay in Istanbul to explore more.