31/07/2023
Welcome to Turkey.
Sample Private Tour.
8 days/7 nights
Istanbul – Cappadocia – Istanbul
Day 1 Meet & Greet at Istanbul Airport, transfer to your hotel. Day at leisure.
MEALS: N/A
Day 2 We begin our tour with a visit to Hagia Sophia, which is considered one of the Eight Wonders of the World, occupies a unique place in the history of architectures one of the rare works of this size and age that still survives. Our next visit will be The Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the world famous exquisite blue Iznik tiles decorating its interior. Also it is the only imperial mosque in the world that was originally built with six minarets. We continue to the Hippodrome Square, the sporting and social center of old Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire such as the Egyptian Obelisk, and the Serpent Column. Next, we visit Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered bazaar in the world. It was the center of trade and commerce in Istanbul with more than 4000 shops. After Grand Bazaar, we will have Lunch at local restaurant in the old city. Then we visit the Topkapı Palace, the residence of early and mid-era Ottoman Sultans. It was principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans and the center of administration of the Ottoman Empire from 15th to 19th century. During our visit we will see the fabulous Imperial Treasury, the Baghdad Kiosk, Holy Relics and the Kitchen Section including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics. The Harem is also located inside the palace which was forbidden to anyone except the Sultan. Drive back to Hotel.
MEALS: B, L
Day 3 We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions. Next, we travel the Golden Horn on our way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisarı, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. After the lunch we begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge, which for a time was the world’s longest suspension bridge, and head for the summit of Çamlıca Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes’ Islands. From here a short drive brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls with Bohemian crystal chandeliers and Sèvres and Chinese vases, including a main salon with an indoor fountain. The sultans’ guests at the palace included Empress Eugénie of France, Shah Nasruddin of Persia and Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia. Drive back to Hotel.
MEALS: B, L
Day 4 After breakfast depart from the hotel, catch your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Transfer to your hotel. Day at Leisure.
MEALS: B
Day 5 Early in the morning depart from your hotel for your hot air balloon ride. Afterwards continue your tour with a visit to Devrent Valley that is noted for its many strange shaped rock formations, which with a little imagination can be likened to seals, kneeling camels and various other animals. We will walk through this amazing valley. Afterwards we continue to Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, proceed to Avanos which attracts great attention for its locally produced red earthenware pots and jugs. After the lunch we drive to Goreme Open Air Museum to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries that were completely carved into rocks from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Lunch at local restaurant. Before returning back to our hotel we will make an orientation tour around the region to take the photos of the unforgettable landscape of Cappadocia.
MEALS: B, L
Day 6 Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting in the hotel and depart for Full Day Cappadocia Tour incl lunch. Visit Rose Valley and discover the rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, that was used as a settlement during the ages. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City was designed and built over many generations as shelter against threats and invasions in both pre-Christian and Christian eras. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley, a picturesque maze of exceptional rock formations, cave dwellings and a distant volcano, and a visit to Derviş Evi for the Whirling Derwish.
MEALS: B, L
Day 7 After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to airport catch your domestic flight to Istanbul. After your arrival in Istanbul transfer to your hotel. Day at Leisure.
MEALS: B
Day 8 After breakfast depart from your hotel to Istanbul Airport.
MEALS: B
END OF OUR SERVICES.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
• Domestic Flights ( Economy Class with 25 kg. luggage allowance per person )
• English speaking Guide
• A/C Luxury vehicles
• Entrance fees for the museum and sites mentioned in the itinerary
• Hot air balloon tour in Cappadocia.
• Meals mentioned in the itinerary
• 4* BB Basis, standard room hotel accommodation
• Parking and toll fees
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
• Gratuities for guide and drivers.
• Hotel incidentals including room service and mini bar.
• International flights
• Visa
Destination Specialists Tailor made Package Tours are on request.
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