TURKEY AND DUBAI 2X1

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

Arrive on an international flight to 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, clearing immigration, and baggage claim, you will proceed to our meeting point at Gate 8. Afterward, meet our drivers for transfer to your hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to rest.

Note: If you do not find our representatives at the meeting point, please call our emergency number.

Breakfast. Free day.

Option to take the optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND THE BOSPHORUS.” Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant). Visit the old Jewish Quarter in Balat, the Greek Quarter in Fener, and admire 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 Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and boasting the largest dome of any mosque in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place of special charm due to its color and aroma, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and, of course, spices. The tour culminates with a boat ride across the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. We'll enjoy wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges that connect both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Note: The order of the Istanbul excursions can be reversed, depending on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or days when monuments are closed.

Breakfast. Free day.

Option to take the optional "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE" excursion (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the city's historic center, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped modern-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of Constantinople's social life for thousands of years, where you can also 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 imported from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. From the outside, the structure impresses with its enormous dome, which was an astonishing technical achievement in its time and remains one of the largest domes in the world. We continue to the city, home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. We will visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, and the royal treasury rooms. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan's wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decor. We continue to the Aya Irini Church, a Byzantine church that was not converted into a mosque, and conclude our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay. Note: For admission to the Hagia Sophia, please inquire about the supplement.

During the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional tour, "ISTANBULIAN STREET FOOD." This food tour is a unique experience, walking through the streets of Istanbul's most historic region in the heart of ancient Constantinople, inviting diners to savor a selection of typical and traditional dishes. With this food tour, we'll explore the hidden treasures of Istanbul's flavors through a combination of textures and artistic presentations. Participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the culinary diversity while enjoying a feast for the senses. It's an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques, and appreciate the artistry and passion behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates lasting memories.

Lunchbox breakfast and early departure (approximately 6:00 a.m. - time to be confirmed by the guide) to Ankara for a panoramic tour of Turkey's capital and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, you will admire the Salt Lake, where you will make a photo stop at this spectacular site. Then, a visit to a caravanserai, a Silk Road lodging establishment. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. to visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique 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, we continue to the region's stunning valleys with their otherworldly landscapes, where you can appreciate views of the iconic geological formations of the region, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." We will stop to enjoy the incredible and expansive panoramic views of some of the famous valleys of volcanic rocks with spectacular shapes. Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these truly treasured pieces, and a gemstone center for jewelry with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: "TURKISH NIGHT" Folk dance performance in a traditional cave with local drinks; "JEEP SAFARI" adventure through the region's mystical valleys with stops for the best photos; and "BALOON RIDE" early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 6:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by your guide) for Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true 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 existed in the city. One of Hierapolis's most notable aspects 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 limestone pools. These mineral-laden waters created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which in Turkish means "cotton castle." Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together 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'll have the opportunity to learn about locally made textiles. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (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 the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her final 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 site. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic tour of this city rich in history, 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 ancient times. We will continue the visit to a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can see high-quality products made from sheepskin and famous for their lightweight construction. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Note: Overnight stays may be in Izmir or Kuşadası depending on the season.

Breakfast. Free day.

Option to take the optional excursion “CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE”: Departure approximately between 6:00 and 7:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide). Begin the day with a transfer from your hotel to the port of Iesme. After passing through immigration control, we will depart by ferry boat to the charming Chios. Arrival and start our tour by visiting the picturesque village of Mesta, a fascinating maze of narrow, cobblestone streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Afterward, we will head to Pyrgi, one of the most distinctive villages on Chios. Its houses are decorated with black and white geometric patterns, known as "xysta," which create a spectacular and unique visual contrast. Pyrgi is not only famous for its architecture but also for its history and traditions, which remain alive to this day. We continue to the Museum dedicated to mastic, a unique resin obtained from the trees that grow only here, to learn about the collection and production process of this resin, valued since ancient times for its many uses. To close with a flourish, we'll visit a wonderful Aegean beach. Here, you'll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and serene landscape that characterize this region. Finally, we'll return to the port for our return trip to Iseşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by your guide) for a visit to Bursa. There, you'll take a panoramic tour of this historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Admire the impressive Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, iconic monuments known for their exquisite decoration. We'll then continue to Istanbul, where we'll check into your hotel upon arrival.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport (IST) for your flight to Dubai. (Suggested flight TK764 NOT INCLUDED). Arrival at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Assistance from our staff and transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. This tour will take you to the magnificent views of Dubai Creek, passing through the Bastakiya Heritage Area and its fascinating old houses with characteristic wind towers built by wealthy merchants. Next, we will take you to the 225-year-old Al Fahidi Fort. It is here that the Dubai Museum houses valuable archives about the city's past, as well as chronicles of its different phases of development. You will then board a traditional Abra boat to cross the creek and visit the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. Then, along Jumeirah Road, you will see the Jumeirah Mosque. A photo stop will be made at the Burj Al Arab, the only seven-star hotel in the world. We will pass by the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, the World Trade Center, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, before returning to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Free day. Overnight stay.

Optional excursion available.

ABU DHABI TOUR: A 2-hour drive from Dubai, passing by Jebel Ali Port, the world's largest man-made port, to the capital of the Emirates. We'll stop for photos at Jazirra Residence, the former residence of Sheikh Zayed. We'll admire the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the third largest mosque in the world, as well as the tomb of Sheikh Zayed, the former president of the Emirates and the father of the nation. We'll continue to Al Maqta Bridge, passing through one of Abu Dhabi's most affluent areas, the Ministers' Area. We'll arrive at the Corniche, often compared to Manhattan. We'll stop for photos at the Emirates Palace Hotel. This hotel boasts its own helipad and marina and is known for its lavish construction. We'll continue to Al Bateen Area, home to the palaces of the Royal Family. Return to Dubai.

Breakfast. Free day. Overnight stay.

Optional excursion available.

4x4 SAFARI / BBQ DINNER: Our most popular excursion. Land Cruisers (6 people per vehicle) will pick you up for an exciting drive across the fantastic high dunes. You'll have the opportunity to take unique photos of the Arabian sunset. Once the sun disappears behind the golden sand dunes, we'll head to our Desert Camp. The aroma of freshly grilled kebabs and lamb, the campfires, the scent of traditional water pipes, and the relaxing sounds of Arabic music will invite you to an unforgettable evening. After replenishing your energy with a sumptuous dinner, a belly dancer will showcase the ancient art of belly dancing. Sand skiing and henna painting are also included, as are water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Return to the hotel.

Breakfast and at the agreed time, transfer to the airport for your return flight. (Suggested flight: TK 761 (not included in the program, see supplement).