TURKISH JEWELS FROM PANAMA

Departure from Panama on an international flight to Istanbul with Turkish Airlines. We recommend arriving at the airline counter at the airport at least 3 hours in advance for luggage check-in. Overnight on board.

Welcome to Türkiye, a country rich in culture, history, and unique experiences where East and West blend harmoniously. Get ready for an extraordinary vacation. Upon arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in April 2019 and now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world, you will proceed through immigration and baggage claim. Afterward, head to our designated meeting point (refer to your voucher) where our team will greet you. Following this, you will meet our drivers for transfer to the hotel. Check-in and accommodation at the hotel.

Departure for a panoramic excursion through one of the oldest areas of the city, where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368 AD. We will continue to admire the Walls of Constantinople, reminders of their once invincible status, which limited access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli" or Inner City, possibly contributing to the name Istanbul. Passing over the Galata Bridge spanning the Golden Horn, we will enjoy a panoramic view dominated by minarets, the Tower that gives the bridge its name, and the Asian side. Next, we delve into the Beyoglu district to experience the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center bustling with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars along its famous pedestrian street with a nostalgic tram. At the end of the visit, you will have free time. Return to the hotel will follow after optional excursions, depending on schedules and meeting points.

There is an option to take the "PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS" excursion (includes lunch at a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Visit the Cathedral of St. George, the principal patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church, followed by the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, boasting the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. We then head to the Spice Bazaar, renowned for its charm, colors, and aromas, where you can purchase teas, herbs, nuts, sweets, and, of course, spices. The culmination of this optional excursion includes a boat ride on the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. Marvel at the breathtaking views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of this magnificent city. Transfer back to the hotel.

Accommodation.

Free day.

Optional excursion suggested: "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE" (includes lunch at a typical restaurant): Explore the historic heart of the city, where you can observe remnants from various empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the social center of Constantinople for centuries, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Constantine Obelisk, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik; the Basilica Cistern, featuring more than 300 marble columns rising from water; followed by panoramic views of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Conclude our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets, where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel.

Accommodation.

Departure towards Ankara to visit the capital of Türkiye and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic. (Lunch not included) En route to Cappadocia, we will pass by the Salt Lake, where we will make a stop for photographs at this spectacular location. Next, we will visit a Caravanserai, a lodging from the time of the Silk Road. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Begin at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with frescoes from the 13th century. Proceed to explore the stunning valleys of the region known for their "otherworldly" landscapes, where you can marvel at the iconic geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." We will make a stop to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of Pigeon Valley, named for the numerous pigeons nesting in the rocks, which have long been a source of food and fertilizer in Cappadocia. 

Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves throughout history. After the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the craftsmanship behind these treasures, followed by a visit to a gemstone center showcasing exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Optionally (prices not included), we offer:

• HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE: Approximately 1 to 1.5 hours duration / Spanish-speaking assistance / Transfers to and from the hotel (subject to weather conditions).
• JEEP SAFARI 4x4: Approximately 3 hours duration / Transfers to and from the hotel.
• TURKISH NIGHT SHOW: Approximately 3 hours duration / Transfers to and from the hotel / Unlimited local drinks and "Meze" snacks included.

Free day.

Option to participate in optional excursions based on the season and weather conditions:

• WINTER CAPITAL OF CAPPADOCIA – ERCIYES SKI RESORT (excursion operated approximately from December 16 to April 15): Enjoy a unique snow experience including transfers, rental of appropriate clothing, cable car ascent, and a Turkish-style barbecue included in the price. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
• AUTUMN COLORS IN CAPPADOCIA (excursion operated approximately from October 16 to December 14): Departure to visit Ihlara Valley, renowned for its beautiful vegetation that turns into various shades of green, yellow, and orange during autumn. Visit Selime Monastery, Sivrihisar Red Church, and stop at Belisırma village for lunch at a riverside restaurant. Dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation.

Departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a natural wonder featuring a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" is derived from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that once existed in the city. One of the most remarkable features of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and remains largely intact today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white calcareous pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which in Turkish means "cotton castle." Pamukkale and Hierapolis are jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Visit Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, renowned for treasures such as the Roman Theater, the Library of Celsus, and Marble Street. We will also visit the House of Virgin Mary, believed to be the last residence of Jesus' mother and now a place of pilgrimage. Continuing our tour, we will visit a leather goods store. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: Accommodation will be in Izmir or Kusadasi depending on the season.

Free day.

We suggest participating in the optional excursion "CHIOS - A GREEK PARADISE." Transfer from the hotel to the port of Cesme. After immigration procedures, we depart for the island of Chios to explore: the production of mastic, the village of Mesta with its labyrinthine Byzantine-era streets, Pyrgi known for its houses decorated in black and white, and finally, visit a wonderful beach on the Aegean Sea. Transfer back to the port and return to Cesme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

We will continue with a visit to a specialized leather goods store renowned for its lightweight pieces. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to explore locally-made textile products.

Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: Accommodation will be in Izmir or Kusadasi depending on the season.

Departure towards Bursa and panoramic visit of this important city, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) and the Green Mausoleum (Yesil Turbe), both symbolic landmarks of the city named for their rich decoration of Iznik tiles. Continuing our journey to Istanbul, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your onward flight to Panama.