Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus ( 7 nights / 8 days )
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
We meet at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul and transfer to our hotel
located in the modern city center, just a few steps away from Taksim Square.
After check-in we meet for a welcome briefing and orientation tour of the hotel
area. We proceed to Taksim Square for a walking tour of Istiklal Street. Here is
where we end our tour, leaving the rest of the day to enjoy at our leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul
We meet this morning and transfer to Sultanahmet for a full-day tour. Our day
begins with a visit to the ancient Hippodrome, an area that was once the center
of Byzantine civic life. We continue to Sultan Ahmet Mosque, more familiarly
known as the Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent paneling
of blue and white 17th century Iznik tiles. Next we visit Hagia Sophia, often
described as the greatest work of Byzantine architecture. After these visits, we
break for lunch on our own before proceeding with the rest of our tour.
Our next stop is the Basilica Cistern, the largest and most ornate of several
hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. In its
construction, columns and capitals of earlier temples were used, providing a
very decorative appearance. We finish the day at the famous Grand Bazaar. This
bazaar will tempt even non-shoppers with nearly 4,000 shops exhibiting a rich
collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather, antiques, and
souvenirs.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Istanbul
This morning we meet again for another full day of sightseeing. We begin at
Topkapi Palace. Today it is a spectacular museum with one of the largest
collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain and the very famous treasury of
the Ottoman Sultans. Next we visit the Spice Market which was built as part of
the Yeni Cami complex and has since been an exciting covered market filled with
the fragrant scent of spices from the Orient. Here is were we break for lunch on
our own at one of the nearby restaurants overlooking the Golden Horn.
Our tour continues as we embark on a public boat and start our cruise of the
Bosporus Strait. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and
Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. This boat ride takes us past
the late Ottoman palaces, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden
mansions and modern villas of the 19th and 20th centuries which form this
elegant section of the city. After the cruise we transfer to the hotel for an
evening at leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Istanbul / Cappadocia
After departing from Istanbul in the morning, we arrive in Kayseri were we begin
our tour of breathtaking Cappadocia. This area is renowned for its awe-inspiring
natural rock formations that were utilized for everything from housing, to
churches, and even complete underground villages. We first visit Goreme’s open
air museum which consists of steep cliffs and many hidden churches dating from
the second half of the 9th century and later. We continue to Uchisar where we
visit the Uchisar Fortress. With a breathtaking view of the surrounding
Cappadocia formations, this 60-meter high fortress was not built but carved out
of a natural hill dominating the area. After this visit, we check into our hotel
and spend some time at leisure. In the evening we can choose to join an optional
program.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Cappadocia
This morning we continue to explore Cappadocia with a visit to the remarkable
underground city of Derinkuyu. Beginning in the 2nd century, as successive
armies swept across Asia Minor, the resident of Cappadocia created uniquely
defensible communities by digging approximately eight stories down into the
volcanic tufa stone. Next we visit Pasabag—a site of natural beauty with a
remarkable landscape of tufa cones. We then drive to the small town of Avanos
which is famous for its pottery and carpets. At the Avanos Handcraft Center we
learn about these regional crafts and may also see demonstrations performed by
local craftsmen. We return to town in the early evening and have time at
leisure.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Cappadocia / Kusadasi
After breakfast we transfer to the Kayseri airport for a flight to Izmir. Once
in Izmir we meet our guide and begin our drive to Kusadasi stopping for the
lunch on our own en route. Kusadasi is set in a superb gulf and is known for its
sparkling water, broad sandy beaches, and large marina. Here is where we enjoy
an evening (day) at leisure on our own.
Included meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Ephesus Sites
This morning we depart for a full day of sightseeing. First we visit the Ephesus
archaeological site which is perhaps the world’s best preserved ancient city and
its ruins attract visitors from across the globe. The most significant relic of
the site is the immense amphitheater. Next we visit the village of Sirince. This
pretty, old Orthodox village of perfect Turk-Greek culture is located on the top
of a mountain where we enjoy impressive views of the vineyards and peach trees.
As we wonder the narrow streets of the village lined with typical Greek houses,
we come across woman selling handcrafts of all kinds and other local village
products. Here we have chance to socialize with locals and taste the simple but
delicious meals of Aegean cuisine at a home-hosted lunch. After lunch we visit
the House of the Virgin Mary. The chapel is built on the foundation of the house
where the Virgin Mary is believed to have lived. Our final stop of the day will
be in the town of Selcuk where we visit the Ephesus Archeology Museum. Almost
all of the exhibits are findings from Ephesus, the most spectacular being two
life-size statutes of Artemis Ephesia, both dating from the middle Roman
imperial era.
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Return Home
After breakfast we transfer to the Izmir airport for the return flight to
Istanbul.
Included meals: Breakfast
Price of the package includes:
Accommodation in hotels :
3 nights Istanbul: Central Palace
2 nights Cappadocia: Yunak House
2 nights Kusadasi: Kismet
Domestic flights within our program itinerary (Istanbul-Kayseri,
Kayseri-Izmir, and Izmir-Istanbul)
Meals: 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch
Services of a professional tour guide (private)
Modern, A/C, comfortable minibus for land transportation and driver (private)
Admission fees to sights and museums
Parking, portage, ferry, toll road
Gratuity (except guide & driver) |
