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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 in your hotel, transfer to Kayseri Erciyes Airport to board a domestic flight to Antalya via Istanbul (Flight cost not included). Upon arrival at Antalya airport meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel in Antalya.
Rest of the day free at leisure. Explore the old town and port of Antalya on own.
Overnight in Antalya
A day to explore Antalya after breakfast. A beautiful Turkish resort town with a yacht filled old harbour and beaches flanked by large hotel on the Mediterranean coast. Its perfect for a relaxed getaway! It's a gateway to Turkey's southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters. Remnants remain from Antalya's time as a major Roman port. These include Hadrian’s Gate, built to honor the Roman emperor’s visit in 130 A.D and 2nd-century Hidirlik Tower, with harbor views.
Discover ancient Hellenistic and Roman treasures, including the unspoiled ruins of Perge, the magnificently preserved 15,000 person theater of Aspendos famous for its acoustics and Kursunlu Waterfalls.
Overnight in Antalya.
Enjoy breakfast in your hotel and then check out for your transfer to the airport, to connect your flight back home with wonderful memories of your Turkish Experience with Airtours Holidays India.