Magical Turkey – 9 nights

Day 1: Istanbul

Embark on a private boat for a nice cruise along the Bosphorus, a natural water channel dividing the two continents. Besides its cultural and historical heritage its geography played a major role in Istanbul’s character. Wooden mansions and Ottoman Palaces along the shores which are surrounded by colorful trees ornate this indispensable landmark. You will be briefed by your guide about Istanbul.

Overnight Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul

Full day tour to explore Istanbul, a fascinating city straddling two continents which, under the name Byzantium and Constantinople was the capital of the Roman and Byzantine Empires, and in 1453, became the third and last Capital of the Ottomans. Visit the Blue Mosque, recognizable from its six minarets, built between 1609 and 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I and decorated inside with 21,043 tiles from Iznik in a dominant blue color; the Hippodrome where political, cultural, and sports activities took place during Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman times; Hagia Sophia, once the Great Cathedral of Constantinople, then the Imperial Mosque of Ottoman Istanbul is now a museum with exceptional mosaics, architecture and incomparable dome structure dating back to 6th c AD and the Underground Cistern, also known as Basilica Cistern is magnificent construction with more than 300 columns arising out of water to 9m height was built during Emperor Justinian’s time at 6th c AD to provide water to the Great Palace. Free time to wander and shop at the historical Grand Bazaar.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara

In the morning, visit Topkapi Palace, the first Residential and Administrative Palace of Ottoman Empire. Four courtyards consist of beautiful gardens, pavillions exceptionally decorated with tiles and woodwork, Palace Kitchens, Chamber of Treasury and Holy Relics. After lunch drive to Ankara, Capital of Turkey.

Overnight in Ankara.

Day 4: Ankara-Cappadocia

Visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations which displays rich and unique collections such as the treasures and the Mouseleum of Ataturk, the Founder of Turkish Republic. Drive to Cappadocia. Lunch on the way.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5: Cappadocia

Full day tour to explore Cappadocia, a fantastic region with lunar landscapes. Drive to the rock formations beyond belief in Devrent valley; visit to Pasabag “fairy chimneys” Continue visiting the famous Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century). Stop by Uchisar Rock-Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. After lunch visit to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia, a labyrinth organized on seven levels and used as shelter by the local population in period of invasions. Continue to Avanos, centre of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC. and a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop.. Learn about arts and crafts of rural Turkey with a pottery atelier visit and attend a lecture on Turkish hand-made rugs. Dinner at a local Turkish Night Show

Overnight Cappadocia.

Day 6: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

Early morning departure from the hotel and drive through the Plain of Konya, the granary of Turkey. En route, stop at the Sultanhan Caravanserai built during the Seljuk period in the 13th century and which is the largest in Anatolia. Upon arrival in Konya, ancient Ikonium, a holy city for different cultures throughout centuries, and the capital of the Seljuk Turks, visit the Museum of Mevlana, the famous mystic and poet who founded the Sufi Order of the Whirling Dervishes in the 13th century.

After lunch in Konya and continue driving to Antalya. Arrive to Antalya in the late afternoon.

Overnight Antalya.

Day 7: Antalya – Pamukkale

In the morning, walk in the Old City of Antalya and visit the Archeological Museum of Antalya where finds from the nearby ancient Lycian, Pamphylian and Pisidian settlements are exhibited along with the finest sculpture from Perge Theater and sarcophagai from the area.

After lunch continue driving to Pamukkale.

Overnight Pamukkale.

Day 8: Pamukkale – Izmir

Visit this natural site; ” Cotton Castle ” where the hot waters, leaving their limestone deposits, have created an unreal landscape with petrified waterfalls and basins; and Hierapolis, an ancient Roman health spa whose well preserved necropolis is one of the largest in the ancient world.

Then, drive through the plain of the Meander River to reach the imposing city of Ephesus, one of the most fascinating in the ancient world. After lunch, visit the site where you will see the Marble Street, the Agora, the Odeon, the Nympheaum of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, the Theatre, the remains of the Temple of Artemis which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary which has been designated by the Vatican as a place of pilgrimage and which is located in a remote setting in the heights of Ephesus. Continue to Izmir, the third largest city in Turkey known as “The Pearl of the Aegean”.

Overnight in Izmir.

Day 9: Izmir-Bursa-Istanbul

Early departure from the hotel and continue to the lovely city of Bursa the first capital of the Ottomans between 1326-1364. Visit the Green Mosque, renowned for its interior tile decorations in brilliant shades of turquoise, green and blue; and the Green Mausoleum of Sultan Mehmet I.

After lunch continue to Istanbul and cross the Bosphorus that separates Asia from Europe and connects the Marmara Sea to the Black Sea over the bridge.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 10: Istanbul-Home Flight

Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to Ataturk Airport