Day 1: Istanbul
Saturday: Arrive ISTANBUL
Arrival at Istanbul Airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 2: Istanbul
Sunday: ISTANBUL
Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half-day tour “BYZANTINE”: We will start by visiting the Soliman Mosque, considered the most beautiful of the imperial mosques in Istanbul, it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the famous architect of the Ottoman Golden Age. Then we will go to the ancient walls of Constantinople at the current Mevlana Gate, built by Emperor Theodosius II in 413. These solid walls with a height of several stories and a thickness of between three and six meters, protected the city from constant attacks by the Huns, Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths and Turks. The walls were only crossed twice, by the crusaders in 1204 and by Mehmet “the Conqueror” in 1453. Next, we will visit the Monastery of the Virgin of the Fountain, according to the historians Procopio and Cedrenus, the church was originally built by Emperor Justinian in the last years of his reign, near a water source formerly known as the “fountain of miracles” from a sacred well located outside the walls of Theodosius II in correspondence with the current Silivri Gate. The excursion ends in Eminönü district. (the area where the Spice Bazaar is located.) Free afternoon to explore the city or you can take the optional “Bosphorus” excursion. Overnight. (B)
Day 3: Istanbul
Monday: ISTANBUL
Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half day tour “CLASSIC”: We will start by visiting the Hagia Sophia “Divine Wisdom”, it is unquestionably one of the most fantastic buildings of all times. It was built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters from the ground, with a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire it was converted into a mosque and over time minarets were added. We will continue visiting the old Hippodrome that belongs to the Byzantine era, which was the center of civil activity in the country and where not only horse races and gladiatorial combats were held, but also celebrations in honor of the Emperor. Today it preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column and the Fountain of Emperor William. Finally, visit Blue Mosque, which was built in 1609 during the Sultanate of Ahmet, famous for its blue tiles and six minarets. The excursion ends here. Free afternoon to explore the city or you can take the optional "Topkapi Palace" tour. Overnight. (B)
Day 4: Cappadocia
Tuesday: ISTANBUL - CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Dinner at hotel and Overnight. (B/D)
Day 5: Cappadocia
Wednesday: CAPPADOCIA
Option to take a spectacular hot air balloon ride at sunrise.
Breakfast at hotel. Departure to visit this fantastic region, where Saint George was born, with its fascinating and original landscape, formed 3 million years ago by lava thrown from the Erciyes and Hasan Volcanoes. Visit to the underground city of Ozkonak (or another similar one) built by the Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab attacks. We will make a stop at a carpet and kilim workshop. In the afternoon, visit the many monasteries and chapels of Goreme, dug out of the rocks and decorated with frescoes. We will also pass through the Guvercinlik valley and admire a wonderful panoramic view of the Uchisar castle, located on top of a volcanic rock promontory pierced by tunnels and windows. At the end we will make a stop at an artisan workshop of decoration, typical stones and Cappadocian jewelry. Dinner at hotel and overnight. At night you can optionally join a “Turkish folk dance show”. (B/D)
Day 6: Pamukkale
Thursday: CAPPADOCIA - PAMUKKALE
Breakfast at hotel. Early departure to visit the Seljukian Caravanserai “Sultanhani”, located on the legendary Silk Road, and which served as a stopping place for trade, pilgrimage or military caravans. We continue to Pamukkale (cotton castle), a small town famous for its petrified white travertine pools formed by the lime contained in the water from the thermal springs that emanate in the area. Dinner at hotel and overnight. (B/D)
Day 7: Izmir
Friday: PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS - IZMIR
Breakfast at hotel. In the morning, visit Hierapolis, an ancient spa city founded around 190 BC by the King of Pergamon. Prospering greatly during Roman times, it was built on top of the pools with a beautiful theater and large necropolis. Then, we depart to Ephesus, the best preserved classical city in Turkey built in 1,000 BC (the remains that we see today are from the 4th century BC) where we will highlight: the Library of Celsus, Hadrian's temple and its great theater. Later, we will visit the Basilica of Saint John, built by Emperor Justinian over the tomb of the Apostle Saint John, who died in Ephesus. It was built in 548 at the foot of the ancient Acropolis of Ephesus and was destroyed by wars, conflicts and earthquakes. Currently only its ruins remain. At the end we will make a stop at one of the places for leather fashion show. Transfer to your hotel. Dinner at hotel and overnight. (B/D)
Day 8:
Saturday: IZMIR Departure (OR BLUE CRUISE EXTENSION OR BEACH EXTENSION)
Transfer to Izmir airport for home flight OR Beach Extension OR Regular Gullet Extension from Bodrum. End of our services. (B)