Day 1 (Fri): Arrival Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (new airport), you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 (Sat): Istanbul
After breakfast, begin your full day tour of Istanbul. You will visit the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (excluding Harem Section) and Grand Bazaar. Lunch included. (B-L)
Day 3 (Sun): Istanbul / Ankara / Cappadocia
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for flight to Ankara (*). Upon arrival, visits in Ankara – the capital city of Turkey, including the Hittite Museum, where archaeological pieces dating as far back as the prehistoric age are exhibited and the Mausoleum of Ataturk, where the founder of the Turkish Republic lies. After lunch depart for Cappadocia. Dinner at hotel in Cappadocia and overnight. (B-L-D)
Day 4 (Mon): Cappadocia **
After breakfast a visit to the natural citadel of Uchisar; then visit the Subterranean City of Kaymakli, built in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several floor levels. After lunch, visit the Göreme Open Air Museum; the Pasabag Valley, and finally Avanos Village. The visit will end in a factory / shop artesenía typical of the region. Return to hotel. Dinner at hotel and overnight. (B-L-D)
Day 5 (Tue): Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale ***
It’s a long day, but well worth it! Drive along the winding mountain roads to the holy city of Konya. On the way visit the 13th century Seljukian Caravanserai “Sultanhan”. In Konya, visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the great mystic who inspired the Whirling Dervishes. Stop for lunch on the way. Drive to Pamukkale. Arrive at the hotel and dinner. Overnight. (B-L-D)
Day 6 (Wed): Pamukkale / Kusadasi
Tour the ruins of Hierapolis – the ruins of the biggest Necropolis Graveyard of the ancient world, Roman Baths, Basilica and calcium cliffs. Drive to Selcuk and visit the Shrine of Virgin Mary. After lunch continue to Ephesus, the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. See the Agora, Odeon and the Temple of Hadrian before continuing along the marble road to the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre of the city. Transfer to hotel and dinner. Overnight. (B-L-D)
Day 7 (Thu): Kusadasi / Pergamum / Troy / Canakkale
After breakfast departure for Pergamum. After lunch visit to the Asclepium Sanctuary. Continue for Troy. The legendary town in the iliad of Homeros, visit the Athena Temple. Drive to Canakkale. Dinner at hotel in Canakkale. (B-L-D)
Day 8 (Fri): Canakkale / Istanbul
After breakfast, depart for Istanbul, cross Dardanelles by ferry. Arrive at hotel in Istanbul. Overnight. (B)
Day 9 (Sat): Istanbul Departure
Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Istanbul International Airport (new airport) for your flight. (B)
Please note:
* Arrival at Ankara airport should be by TK2108.
** In winter weather conditions may be rough in Cappadocia.
*** Cappadocia to Pamukkale is a long and tiring leg (about 10 hours including visits and stops).
