Escorted Tour / JEWELS OF TURKEY-CAVE OPTION


Itinerary

Day 1     Fri : Arrive Istanbul

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

 

Day 2     Sat :  Tour  Istanbul

A fascinating full day tour of the old city  includes the Topkapi Palace ; the former imperial residence. Then we will continue to the ancient Roman Hippodrome ; the former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. After this we will see  Hagia Sophia; the magnificent Byzantine Church of all times; one of the finest and largest architectural works of art in the world. We will continue our Sultanahmet tour with the Blue Mosque; famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles . and  finally we will stop at Grand Covered Bazaar;  which is the most attractive place for shopping.(B)

 

Day 3     Sun:  Istanbul to Cappadocia

Today after early breakfast we drive to Cappadocia. En route we will stop by Ankara where we will visit Mausoleum of Ataturk dedicated to the national hero who founded Modern Republic of Turkey. Then we depart for Cappoadica via Salt Lake. Arrive Cappadocia in the late afternoon. (B,D)

 

Day 4     Mon:  Cappadocia  Tour

In the morning you will have an optional balloon tour . After breakfast start full day excursion in Cappadocia including visits to the Kaymakli which is the biggest underground city where christians lived in fear and faith. Then we will see Goreme Open Air Museum; the first Christianity traces, the first examples of cave Churces and fresques, the biggest cave monastic complex in Anatolia. Finally visit Natural Fortress in Uchisar before transferred back to your hotel. (BL)

 

Day 5    Tue: Cappadocia to Pamukkale

Today early departure for Pamukkale. On the way, we will  visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai before arrival in Konya. We will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana also known as the Green Mausoleum or Green Dome, is the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes, a mystical Sufi Muslim group.We continue our drive to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.    (BD)

 

Day 6     Wed: Pamukkale to Izmir

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Nekropol with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The sacred pool also is one of the highlights of the site. We will continue our drive to Temple of Artemis ‘’one of the seven wonders of the ancient world ‘’. Drive to our hotel in Izmir for overnight (BD)

 

Day 7      Thu: Ephesus  Tour

Today we will  make a short drive and visit Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. Continue to marvelous village of Sirince where you be able to experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. After tour, we will drive back to our hotel in Izmir. (BLD)

 

Day 8      Fri:  Izmir to Canakkale

After early breakfast we drive to Canakkale. En route first we will visit Bergama and Asklepion: The ancient medical centre.We then continue north and visit Troy; the site where legendary Trojan War took place. Drive to Canakkale for overnight stay (BD)

 

Day 9   Sat: Canakkale to Istanbul

Today we cross The Dardanells via ferry and  arrive  Gallipoli and  you will visit, The World War I open air museum, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston’s jolly (Turkish and Allied Trenches and tunnels), The Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. You will stop for lunch and then continue your tour. After tour you will be transferred back to your hotel in Istanbul. (B)

 

Day 10  Sun: Depart Istanbul

Your program ends after breakfast with a transfer to Istanbul  airport. (B)