Turkish Wonders | 9 Days

DAY 1:                                     ISTANBUL

Transfer from New Airport to your hotel. The rest of your day is at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 2:                                     ISTANBUL

Enjoy a guided tour including Topkapi Palace (closed Tuesdays), the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia (external visit), and the Grand Bazaar (closed Sundays). (B,L)

DAY 3:                                     ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI – ISTANBUL

Pick up from Istanbul hotel at 6:30am. Drive along the Marmara Sea to Gallipoli and visit ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, Johnston’s Jolly, The Nek and Chunuk Bair. Return to Istanbul. (B,L)

DAY 4:                                     ISTANBUL – KAYSERI – CAPPADOCIA

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri (flight included) where you will be picked up and taken to Cappadocia. Visit the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. In the afternoon visit Open Air Museum in Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D)

DAY 5:                                     CAPPADOCIA

Optional balloon tour. Depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the other participants and a tour with hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterwards visit to the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop for lunch near Pigeons Valley and then continue to see the Kaymakli Underground City. You will also visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,L,D) 

DAY 6:                                     CAPPADOCIA – KAYSERI – IZMIR  

Transfer to Kayseri airport for your flight to Izmir (flight included). Transfer to your hotel. Rest of the day at leisure. (B)

Note: Depending on schedule flight from Kayseri to Izmir may go via Istanbul.

DAY 7:                                     IZMIR – PAMUKKALE – IZMIR 

Travel to the white lime cascades of Pamukkale. After touring the Hierapolis Roman health spa ruins, return to Izmir. (B,L)

DAY 8:                                     IZMIR – EPHESUS – IZMIR  

Explore the exciting ancient site of Ephesus with its theatre, library of Celsius, gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Continue with a visit to the stone cottage of the Virgin Mary. (B,L)

DAY 9:                                     IZMIR – ISTANBUL 

Transfer to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul (flight included). End of services. (B)

ACCOMMODATION (or similar):

STANDARD CLASS:

ISTANBUL: Asur Hotel

CAPPADOCIA: Burcu Kaya Hotel

IZMIR: Best Western Plus Hotel Konak

SUPERIOR CLASS:

ISTANBUL: Kent Hotel

CAPPADOCIA: Yusuf Yigitoglu Cave Hotel

IZMIR: Best Western Plus Hotel Konak

Includes:

–          Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle

–          Accommodation as listed below or similar

–          Flights: Istanbul – Kayseri – Izmir – Istanbul 

–          Meals as per itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner)

–          Touring with English speaking guide

–          Entrance fees and local taxes

Additional Notes:

–           Internal visit to St. Sophia is not included