Package Description:With its unique location, Turkey is a bridge between not only the continents, but also among Eastern & Western cultures. It is because of this unique feature, Turkey has always been an attractive destinations for travellers.
ITINERARY:
Day1 : Istanbul
Arrive to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, meet and transfer to the hotel.- Afternoon cruise at thebophorus.- Embark the ferry and cru?se along the European and Asian Shores.- Evening – return to your hotel.
Day2 : Istanbul
Morning departure from the hotel for a fullday city tour w/l. Visit the Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque- Lunch will be served in the area.- Afternoon visit the St-Sophia Museum and the Grand Bazaar. Evening return to your hotel.Overnight in Istanbul
Day3 : Ankara
In the morning transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Ankara – upon arrival visit tothe Anatolian Civilizations Museum at which numerous remnants from Stone Age, Neolithic Age, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians and many others are on display; Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. Then continue on to Cappadocia with lunch on the way. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake visit to the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai Agzikarahan. After visiting Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors, proceed to the hotel for overnight (L, D).
Day4 : Ankara
Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants and visit the Imagination Valley where animal-like natural formations like camels and fair chimneys are abundant. Drive on to Pasabagi in 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. After lunch break visit to the Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Continue on to Open Air Museum in Goreme to visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. After shopping time for the wellknown merits of the area, drive back to the hotel (B, L, D).
Day5 : Konya
Today’s ride will be fairly long and tiring due to the long distance between Cappadocia and Pamukkale and lack of convenient lodging location. Drive to visit to the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and arrive in Konya. Lunch. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic and then proceed to Karatay Theological School in which beautiful tiles are on display. After lunch time drive to Pamukkale and overnight (B, L, D).
Day6 : Kusadasi
Tour the beautiful snow-white "Cotton Castle" and the ruins of Hierapolis including the magnificently preserved cemetery "Necropolis", the Main Street and Gates, the Thermal Baths, the Roman Theatre and the Museum. After lunch 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 (B, L, D).
Day7 : Istanbul
Morning tour to Ephesus area with Ephesus Antique City (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; Virgin Mary’s House, where St. Mary is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John. Lunch. Selcuk Ephesus Museum or St. John Church.Time for shopping and then drive to Izmir and transfer to the airport.for your international flight to Bombei via Istanbul
