Code: WB-006

 

Day 1 – Sat - Istanbul

• Arrival to Istanbul airport and meet your local guide, then drive to the 'Old City' where we visit the Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, and Haghia Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome.
• Next we visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace that was built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul. This huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852). We see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese porcelain and more. 
• We will finish up the day in the bustling Grand Bazaar that is an attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world. 
• Dinner and overnight                                                                                                                                      

 

Day 2 – Sun - Istanbul / Ankara                                                                                     

·         Departure in the morning.

·         We enjoy a scenic drive to Ankara. Visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum and Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara.

·         Dinner and overnight.

 

Day 3 –Mon - Ankara / Cappadocia

·         We will leave our hotel early and drive to Cappadocia to see the hollowed out dwellings of the early Christians who sought refuge in these caves to escape their Roman and Byzantine persecutors.

·         We visit Ozkonak or Kaymakli underground city.

·         Dinner and overnight at Cappadocia.

 

Day 4 – Tue - Cappadocia

·         Following breakfast first visit will be to the Goreme Valley of the churches followed by the Pasabag Valley of the fairy chimneys, the natural citadel of Uchisar and pottery center of Avanos.

·         Ample time will be allocated for your shopping pleasure on Turkish carpets, jewelry, pottery and Cappadocia souvenirs.

·          Dinner and overnight.

 

Day 5 – Wed - Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale                                                                                                     

·         Early in the morning, we drive to Konya stopping by and viewing the Seljuk Sultanhani Caravanserai on the way.  

·         We visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana in Konya. Lunch will be served on the way.

·         Arrive in Pamukkale and enjoy the sunset with its unique formation of petrified calcium cliffs.

·         Dinner and overnight.

 

Day 6 – Thu - Pamukkale / Kusadasi                                                                                                                 

·         After breakfast, we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis in detail. Necropolis, Nymfaeum, Main Street and calcified travertine.

·         Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and overnight. 

 

Day 7 – Fri - Kusadasi / Istanbul

·         In the morning, we visit the house of Virgin Mary.

·         Continue to the Ionian city of Ephesus, the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. We visit the ancient city covering Bouleterion, Prytaneum, Celcius library, Hadrian’s temple and theater..

·         We will enjoy a fashion show on leather goods during the day.

·         Drive to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul connecting to your international flight back home.

Note: Departure only on Saturdays.