Turkey
Day 01 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.
Day 02 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.
Day 03 CANAKKALE - PERGAMON – KUSADASI
Morning departure for Bergama and visit to Pergamum, impressive site of an ancient kingdom, where we visit theAsclepieum, 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.
Day 04 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
Day 05 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.
Day 06 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 Pasabagiin 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.
Day 07 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
*** Domestic flight is available from Cappadocia to Istanbul up on any request.
Day 08 ISTANBUL
After breakfast free time until transfer to the Airport for your homebound flight or to your hotel for your extension stay.