What makes this tour special?

• Istanbul where the "East meets West"

• The stunning Topkapi Palace, elaborate mosques and ancient markets sit amongst busy ferry terminals, modern shopping malls, tramlines and large adverts for films and concerts.

• Ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world

• Cappadocia: A unique landscape of strange conical rock formations, early churches carved out of the rock and underground cities

• Living in a " Cave Hotel "

• Optional Hot air balloon ride

• The cup-shaped limestone falls of Pamukkale

• The ancient city of Hierapolis

• Enjoy Cruise on Bosporus

​ITINERARY:

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Day 1 Arrive Istanbul – Ankara (DINNER)

Upon arrival in Istanbul, we pick you at the airport and after freshening up we drive straight to Ankara, reaching Ankara have Dinner and rest overnight.

Day 2 Ankara - Cappadocia (BREAKFAST/DINNER)

After breakfast, drive to Cappadocia. We visit the Salt Lake on the way to Cappadocia. Lake Tuz is a saline lake (Tuz is Turkish for “salt”) located on the Central Anatolia plateau. Fast disappearing, this pink lake is a must witness before it dries up completely. On arrival we have lunch and visit The Goreme Open-Air Museum –the compound comprises some 29 rock cut churches, some as old as 6th century with beautiful frescoes depicting the Bible. Followed by visit the famous local pottery work shop. Make photo stops at Valley of the Birds. Transfer to hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 3 Cappadocia (BREAKFAST/DINNER)

Very early in the morning enjoy a Hot Air Balloon ride! A highlight of your Turkey Tour! Enjoy an unforgettable sunrise hovering above the limestone terrain of Cappadocia from high up in the sky. This is an Optional activity (at extra cost).

After breakfast, visit Pigeons Valley Then photo stop at Dervent valley. Continue to visit Uchisar - this old village consists of small dwellings carved into huge rock. The contemporary village is at the skirts of the rock. If time permits, you may visit one of these homes and experience life in here. Lunch will be at Avanos Village followed by visit to famous local pottery workshop and state carpet co-operative allowing ample time for shopping in the afternoon. Then Pasabag valley with unique volcanic formations. Finally visit Underground City. Transfer to hotel for dinner & overnight.

Day 4 Cappadocia – Pamukkale (BREAKFAST/DINNER)

After breakfast, drive to Konya. We will visit the 13th century Caravanserai where Silk Road tradesmen accommodate in those days. Lunch at Konya. Konya was the centre of the Seljuk Empire as well as the city of Mevlana and his Whirling Dervishes. After visiting the Mevlana Museum, we will continue drive to Pamukkale. Visit Textile Outlet Centre in Pamukkale. Textile is the major export of Turkey. Dinner & overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 5 Pamukkale – Kusadasi (BREAKFAST/DINNER)

After breakfast proceed to the Antique City of Hierapolis, where Calcareous Thermal Springs descending over cliffs have created fascinating travertines in the form of white terrace and basins also known as the Cotton Castle. Following lunch, drive to Selcuk. We will visit Ephesus. This is one of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the world, and was once the commercial centre of the ancient world. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Then shopping stop at Turkish Delight (Candy) & Olive Oil Outlet. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6 Kusadasi – Istanbul (BREAKFAST)

After breakfast, visit Leather Outlet Center for live fashion show. Drive to Istanbul. Lunch enroute. After dinner transfer to hotel.

Day 7 Istanbul (BREAKFAST/LUNCH)

After breakfast, depart to Old City – Sultanahmet to visit Roman Hippodrome where horse chariot aces and events were held. Proceed to visit the Blue Mosque which Sultan Ahmet I set out to build at 1616. The layout of the Blue Mosque is classic Ottoman design. The forecourt has an ablutions fountain in its centre. The portico around three sides could be used for prayer, meditation or study during warm weather. Continue to visit Topkapi Palace which was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries and is Istanbul's premier must-see attraction. After lunch, continue visit Ortakoy, a popular by Bosphorus with cafes, restaurants and souvenir shops. Free time to enjoy the scenery with coffee or shopping. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 8 Istanbul (BREAKFAST)

After breakfast, we visit Spice Market which is also called Egyptian Bazaar. Then take Bosphorus Cruise along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. Numerous summer palaces and palatial homes will pass by on either side. After lunch, visit famous Grand Covered Bazaar of Istanbul which covered by hemispheric domes-houses 4,000 shops. Free time for shopping. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9 Departure Istanbul (BREAKFAST)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight…