Daily Itinerary

DAY 1:  Arrive Istanbul
Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to your hotel.

DAY 2: Istanbul
Istanbul is the only city in the world which has been founded in two continents, Europe and Asia. It was the capital city of both Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We start our day with a a travel to the old city of Istanbul where we will discover the Byzantine and Ottoman buildings which are in excellent condition. Our visits starts with Hippodrome where the chariot races was held in Byzantine times. Its told that it could seat 100,000 people in its time. In the Hippodrome area Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column, Stone Pillar and German Fountain will be our interests. After visiting the hippodrome we will walk to the Blue Mosque which was built in the 17th century and decorated with beautiful tiles. Our visits will continue with Haghia Sophia the greatest church in Istanbul than to Topkapi Palace which was the residence of Ottoman sultans until 1853. (B, L)

DAY 3: Istanbul – Izmir –Pergamum
Transfer to airport for the flight to Izmir. Meet in Izmir and proceed to Pergamum  the ancient world's center of learning and arts. Visit the Acropolis and Asklepion, the ancient mental hospital. The city once housed the second largest library after Alexandria. Its told that Anthony sent the library as a gift to Cleopatra. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L)

DAY 4: Izmir - Ephesus - İzmir
Your day will start with a visit to the town of Selcuk which is one of the higlights of Turkey.  It is the home of Ephesus the second largest roman site in the world.  We start our visits with Mary's House on the mountain. It is believed in that Virgin Mary lived in her last days in this building which is also used as a church for many centuries untill 13th century. After visiting the house, we drive to Ephesus for about 10 minutes. Our visit in Ephesus will take us to the rich roman times while we will see the famous examples of the roman art such Hadrian's Temple,Celsus Library,beautiful mosaic arcades and the largest example of Greko-Roman theatre in Anatolia with its 24000 seat capacity. Church of St. John (one of the seven churches of the Revelation). From the church courtyard we are able to see the remains of Temple of Artemis ( Diana), one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. (B, D)

DAY 5: Izmir - Ankara -  Cappadocia
In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ankara. Meet in Ankara, and visit Anatolian Civilization Museum, and the Mausoleum of Ataturk Then, we will drive to Cappadocia and visit the underground City of Kaymakli, created for defensive purposes by the early Christians. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

DAY 6: Cappadocia
Today you will explore one of the unique landscapes in the world, Cappadocia. Full day sightseeing of the villages of Avcilar, and Uchisar, with their troglodyte dwellings, fairy chimneys, and the Goreme Valley where we will visit rocked carved churches, some of which are decorated with inscribed frescoes depicting scenes from the Bible or the Apocrypha. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia. (B, D)

DAY 7: Istanbul
In the morning, transfer to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. Meet in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to explore the city by yourself. (B)

DAY 8: Departure
Transfer to airport for your return flight home. (B)

The prices are commisinable to tour operators & travel agencies

PRICE INCLUDES:
- Accommodations at 4 star hotels.
- Meals as shown B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner in the itinerary
- Professional Government licensed English speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the sites
- Transportation with A/C

- Domestic flight tickets - Istanbul / Izmir, Izmir / Ankara, Kayseri / Istanbul

- Tips to the hotels and restaurants
- Highway tools, parking fees
- Taxes

PRICE EXCLUDES:

- Personal expenses like telephone call, laundry at the hotels.
- Drinks at the meals except breakfast.
- Tips to the guide, driver