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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 Bazaar for shopping. After the shopping tour return to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul
Box breakfast will be arranged this morning, before you are transferred for your early morning flight to Kayseri (Flight cost not included)
Upon arrival at Kayseri Erciyes Airport meet our local representative and drive to the Cappadocia Region, where you will visit the Red Valley which is one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in area. Explore the famous rock-cut churches as you hike through the valley.
Break for a rest in the old Cavusin village a characteristic Greek village in Cappadocia. The village is known for its houses and churches of the Christian clergymen. After lunch at a local restaurant visit the Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors. Finally visit the Pigeon valley.
Thereafter, transfer to your hotel and relax for the evening.
Overnight in Cappadocia
After breakfast in the hotel proceed for a full-day tour of Cappadocia.
Visit to Devrent Valley which has various types of fairy chimneys. Pasabaglari (Monk’s Valley) with some other types of fairy chimneys. Avanos Region, known for its pottery, a craft dating back to Hittite period.
After lunch at local restaurant visits the Goreme open-air museum, which is full of pink, rose and white tapering columns. These tall free standing cones of stone curve and twist as if pulled from earth like taffy. Others are tall like fairy chimneys. The caves were used in the 4th century as monasteries. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches. Stop at the Citadel of Uchisar and Esentepe for beautiful view of Cappadocia. You will also have a chance to take photo in these places.
Overnight in Cappadocia
After breakfast at hotel, transfer to Kayseri Erciyes Airport to take a domestic flight to Izmir (can be via Istanbul as per the travelling date, flight cost not included). Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi.
Check in and the rest of the day is at leisure to explore the corniche or simply relax with a hukkah at one of the coffee shops dotting the coastline.
Overnight in Kusadasi
Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast in your hotel and then absorb yourself in history with a guided tour of the site of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the world, the site of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus.
Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. You will also have the chance to experience some Turkish handicrafts and to visit the pilgrimage point claimed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Your day ends with a visit to Sirince Village which is located on the top of a mountain and famous for its local wines which you can taste.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
This morning, post breakfast, drive to Pamukkale for full-day tour.
Visit the Cotton Fortress and Hierapolis Ancient Site, including magnificently preserved Necropolis, the main street gates, the thermal baths, the Greco Roman theatre and the Basilica of St. Philippe. Swim in a therapeutic bath of hot spring mineral waters for relaxation.
Thereafter, return to your hotel.
Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast at hotel check out and transfer to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport to connect your flight to Istanbul and onwards home with wonderful memories of your Turkish Experience with Airtours Holidays India!!