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ITINERARY
Arrive in Istanbul where you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel.
This evening, enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus. Traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. Explore the sights of the European side of the city for around 1 hour, passing historical monuments such as Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Ortaköy Mosque and the fortress of Rumelihisarı, built by the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II in the 15th century.
Continue to the second bridge to head to the Asian side of Istanbul. Visit Küçüksu Palace, built in the 19th century as a hunting lodge for the Ottoman sultans. Make your way back to the city center, following the Asian coast, and get a look at the Anatolian Fortress (Anadoluhisarı) and Turkey's oldest military school at Kuleli Military High School.
Admire the elaborate Beylerbeyi Palace, built as a summer residence for the Ottoman rulers in the 1860s, and see the Maiden’s Tower guarding the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait as you get ready to disembark.
Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for guided city tour of Istanbul. Today you will visit Topkapi Palace. The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed. Next on the list is the Sultan Ahmet Imperial mosque. Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles, unique with its six minarets.
Outside the Blue Mosque we find the Hippodrome. The Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment. The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the Grand Spice Bazaar for shopping. After the shopping tour return to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed to the airport for your flight to Kayseri (Flight cost not included). On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in.
Later this evening, feast on a lavish buffet spread with local delights.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
After breakfast, drive to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best preserved Underground cities in Cappadocia. Than visit to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of Cappadocia. After Uchisar, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses.
After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to enjoy lunch. After lunch, visit a pottery work shop, to watch artesans at work while they create beautiful ceramic pottery. Thereafter, visit Love Valley - a hidden valley with scenic formations to say the least. Despite the resemblance to man hood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. After Love Valley visit another workshop to see Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations resembling animals. No trip to Cappadocia is complete without sampling the Capadoccian wine. Enjoy some wine tasting in Urgup before heading to view the Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. Evening, approximately at 18.00 and you will return to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia
A leisurely breakfast and time to transfer you to the airport for your flight to Istanbul and onwards home with wonderful memories of your Turkish experience with Airtours Holidays India!