With an abundance of important historic buildings and exciting new art galleries and museums, visitors have more than enough to see during the day, but it's at night that the place swings into high-velocity, mega-stylish action.
Istanbul is the capital for art and culture with a rich tradition in opera and ballet, theatres, concerts, art exhibitions, festivals, auctions, conferences and of course unique museums. Being an imperial capital for 1500 years, Istanbul has acquired a highly original personality. At every turn in the city, you are faced with Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman palaces, mosques, churches, monasteries, monuments, walls and ruins. Yet Istanbul is not a city living only on its past but it is a vibrant, modern and future oriented metropolis.
Day 01 : Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey the Land of Exotic Cultures!
In the afternoon enjoy Bosphorus Cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe & Asia. Bosphorus coastline is a delightful mixture of the past and the present where one can enjoy the grand splendour and quaint beauty of the ancient wooden mansions, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages and visit of Spice Market (closed on Sundays).
Enjoy Bosphorus Cruise,Istanbul
Day 02 Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
This morning you will be transfer to the airport for early flight to Ankara. The capital of Turkey and one of the fastest growing cities in the world with a history that can be dated back 3000 years. Upon arrival visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, which also exhibits the remains of Catalhoyuk, the Neolithic village dating back to 6500 BC. Then visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ankara, destination is the mysterious Cappadocia. Visit Agzikarahan Caravanserai en route.
Day 03 Cappadocia
Today enjoy Sightseeing of Cappadocia. Visit to Pigeon Valley and the natural citadel of Uchisar, followed by Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is full of pink, rose and white tapering columns. These tall free standing cones of stone curve and twist as if pulled from earth like taffy. Others are tall like fairy chimneys. The caves were settled in the 4th century as monasteries. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches. Lunch at a typical restaurant of the region and visit Kaymakli Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with the last one 250 feet underground. It is connected to Derinkuyu Underground City by six miles of tunnel. Drive to Pasabagi in Zelve Region and then to Avanos Village. Time for shopping. Sightseeing of Cappadocia,Cappadocia
Day 04 Cappadocia - Ankara - Izmir
Transfer to Ankara airport for flight to Izmir. Arrival transfer to the hotel.
Day 05 Izmir - Ephesus - Istanbul
Today visit Ephesus, visit the House of Virgin Mary. Continue to Ephesus, Roman Capital of Asia Minor. Visit the ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and fantastic Greco-Roman theatre. After lunch visit the Basilica of St. John. Later drive to Izmir Airport your flight to Istanbul.
Day 06 Istanbul
Enjoy Istanbul city tour. Visit Byzantine Hippodrome, in which stand the obelisk brought from Egypt by Theodosius and the Serpent Column taken from Delphi by Constantine, followed by the visit to Blue Mosque, which has six minarets and a middle dome of 109 feet. The last stop is the Grand Covered Bazaar dating back to 15th century. It covers over 4,000 shops under one roof. Evening is free for leisure. Istanbul City Tour,Istanbul
Day 07 Depart Istanbul
Your arrangements conclude with a departure transfer to the airport.
Inclusions
Exclusions
