SHADES OF TURKEY

Welcome to Türkiye, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where the differences between East and West come together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation.

Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration, and claiming your luggage, please head to our meeting point at exit door 8. You will meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to rest.

Note: If you cannot find our representatives at the meeting point, please contact our emergency number.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS.” Departure around 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy the magnificent views of the "Golden Horn"; then visit St. George's Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which features the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. Next, we will head to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place known for its colors and aromas, the perfect spot to buy teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and of course, spices; conclude with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, admiring the wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of this metropolis. Transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: The order of the excursions in Istanbul may be reversed based on operational conditions such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or monument closure days.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional excursion “GEMS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure around 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the historic center of the city, where you can observe the various remnants of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years, where you will see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural wonder that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. The structure impresses with its huge dome, a remarkable technical achievement in its time and still one of the largest domes in the world. We will continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, visiting the beautiful royal gardens, kitchens, and royal treasure rooms. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan's wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration.

We will continue to the church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that did not become a mosque, and end our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: For entry to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, please inquire about additional fees.

Breakfast "lunch-box" and early departure (around 6:00 - time to be confirmed by the guide) to Ankara for a panoramic visit of Türkiye’s capital and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, you will be able to see Lake Salt, where we will stop for photographs at this spectacular location, followed by a visit to a Caravanserai, an ancient lodging along the Silk Road. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure around 08:00 to visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Starting at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continuing to the impressive valleys of the region with their "otherworldly" landscapes, you will appreciate the views of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." There will be a stop to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of some of the famous volcanic rock valleys with spectacular shapes. Next, we will visit the underground city of Cappadocia, one of many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities for protection from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, which are true treasures, and a gemstone center featuring exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Folkloric dance presentation in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos; “HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the earth's most beautiful landscapes.

Breakfast. Departure around 06:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which had a capacity to hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white travertine pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and cascades known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure around 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This place is venerated as the final resting place of Jesus' mother, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the care of the apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic visit of this historically rich city, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which has established Ephesus as an important religious and cultural center of antiquity. We will continue the visit in a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can appreciate high-quality products made from sheep leather, famous for their lightweight pieces. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi depending on the season.

Breakfast. Transfer to the port/airport.

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