TASTE OF TURKEY

8 Nights / 9 Days
TASTE OF TURKEY

Day 01
Arrive in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Pick up service at airport. Transfer to hotel Afternoon tour to; Bosphorus Cruise on private boat enjoying the straits of both Europe and Asia with a possibility to photograph the unique beauties of the Bosphorus.Rumeli Fortress (from the boat - no interior visit), historical armament built by the Conqueror to control and protect the Bosphorus. A unique example of military architecture. Golden Horn (from the bus), the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of İstanbul where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. The residential area for Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-muslim minorities. Drive along the traces of history at Balat viewing Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and 22 kms. long Byzantine City Walls, strongest fortification of the middle age. Cable car (teleferique) to Pierre Loti Coffee House.

Day 02
Tour of “Sultan Ahmet Center", the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled.Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian.Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue İznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware and souvenir. (Art demonstration of handmade Turkish carpets upon request) Lunch at a Turkish Restaurant. Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program) Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia.The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.(B,L).

Day 03
Check out from hotel and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Arrive in Kayseri or Nevsehir Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia (B,D).

Day 04
Optional balloon tour. Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak river, the longest river of Turkey. In the afternoon, visit Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Various panoramic viewpoints of castles and fairy chimneys such as Esentepe for Goreme valley, Uchisar and its castle, Pigeon Valley. Then to Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City, the place where early Christians hid from persecutors. Returning to the hotel (B,L,D)

Day 05
Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. On the way visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrival in Konya. Visit to the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic figure. Then continue on to Pamukkale and overnight (B, L, D).

Day 06
Tour the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre. In the afternoon tour Aphrodisias, the city of Aphrodite; visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon, and the Bishop's Palace. Proceed to the hotel in Kusadasi for overnight (B, L, D).

Day 07
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City, impressive structures we will see include the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. (Hillside Houses are excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins; After visiting Virgin Mary’s House and Church of St. John time for shopping. Overnight in Kusadasi (B, L, D).

Day 08
Early departure for Bergama and visit to the Asclepion with the well preserved remains. 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 (B, L, D).

Day 09
After breakfast sail to the other side of Dardanelles by a ferryboat and drive to Istanbul 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. Arrive in Istanbul late afternoon and transfer to the airport (B,L).

Inclusions
2 nights accomodation in Istanbul BB
2 nights accomodation in Cappadocia HB
1 night accomodation in Pamukkale HB
2 Night accomodation in Kusadasi HB
1 night accomodation in Canakkale HB
Airport transfers are on SIC basis
Tours are as per the itinerary
Entrance fees to the mentioned sights
English speaking guidance
Local lunch during full day tour

Exclusions
Airfare (Istanbul-Kayseri)
Visa
Portorages
Personel expenses
Meals If not mentioned in the itinerary
(B:Breakfast /L:Lunch /D:Dinner)
Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

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