SEPTEMBER 19 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

 

Welcome to Istanbul. Check in the hotel and relax until welcome dinner in town

 

SEPTEMBER 20  ISTANBUL 

 

Today we get over jet lag by spending an exciting day seeing the many sites of the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul. Highlights will include the Blue Mosque, or Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I, one of the biggest mosques in the city whose 17th century blue tiles and 6 minarets help shape the skyline of Istanbul; the iconic HagiaSophia, built as a church by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century and converted to a mosque some 900 years later; and the Hippodrome, which was the former center of coronations and chariot races in what was then Constantinople.

 

SEPTEMBER 21  ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA

 

This morning, we are off to the airport for our hour and fifteen minute flight to Cappadocia to discover the surreal volcanic moonscape, whittled into unique formations by wind and rain over millions of years. In the third century, Christians fleeing Roman persecution carved churches and entire villages into niches in the volcanic tuff. We will tour the Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex of frescoed medieval cave churches cut into the tuff and the four-story deep underground city of Kaymakli, dating back to the era of the Hittites Upon arrival we will transfer to our Cave Hotel.

 

 

SEPTEMBER 22 CAPPADOCIA TO KONYA

 

In the morning, you are hopping on your hot air balloon to fly over Cappadocia that will leave you amazed and then make picture stops at the best areas of the region before we depart for Konya; one of the oldest cities in the world and was home of the Whirling Dervishes. Along the way we will visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai; a roadside inn that welcomed traders travelling on their camel back. 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 23  KONYA TO ANTALYA ( 304 Km / Approx. 3,5 hours )

 

This morning we depart the hotel for Antalya. En route, we'll visit the the best preserved Roman Theatre in the world dating back to 2nd century. Upon arrival, we head to the old town to discover its little, winding streets which house some great Roman and Selcuk Empire buildings.

 

SEPTEMBER 24 ANTALYA

 

Free day to enjoy the Mediterranean city on your own. Swimming in its crystal clear waters is a must! 

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SEPTEMBER 25 ANTALYA / PAMUKKALE ( 240 Km / Approx. 3,5 hours )

 

Departure for the spa town of Pamukkale best known for its healing waters since Roman times. The white terraces formed by its mineral waters attract visitors from all corners of the world.

 

SEPTEMBER 26 PAMUKKALE / EPHESUS ( 180 Km / Approx. 3 hours )

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Departure for the three hour drive to Ephesus, the largest archeological site in Turkey. First founded around 2000 BC,

Ephesus was once home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. It is one of the best preserved Greco-Roman cities with its Great Theater, elaborate water systems and beautiful mosaics

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SEPTEMBER 27 EPHESUS / CESME / MYKONOS, GREECE 

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Drive from Kusadasi to Cesme, Izmir the third largest city of Turkey. Board the ship and relax. The ship departs at 14:00 and arrives in Mykonos at 20:00. Here, you can walk through the vibrant streets of the island until 3:00 in the morning.

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SEPTEMBER 28 MYKONOS / SANTORINI 

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The ship departs Mykonos at 4:00 and arrives at Santorini at 10:00. Enjoy your free time on the island on your own.

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SEPTEMBER 29 MYKONOS / SANTORINI 

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The ship departs Santorini at 20:00 and arrives at Athens at 9. You are free to enjoy the city on your own. We meet on the ship at 16:00 . The boat leaves Athens at 17:00. 

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SEPTEMBER 30 ATHENS, GREECE / CESME, TURKEY

 

Arrival at Cesme, Turkey at 7:00. This is the end of the tour. You can extend your trip adding other destinations or purchase a flight to Istanbul and travel back home. 

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COST : USD 6,999  ( Best Rate and Best Service...Guaranteed !! )

 

Includes :

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Great hotels throughout the trip, Private Transportation, Private Guiding, Entrance fees, Breakfasts & Dinners, Light Lunches, One Domestic flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia.

 

Excludes : 

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International Flights

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IRFAN  BIYIK STYLE OF TRAVEL

 

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers

• Accommodation in the very best luxury hotels

• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations 

• Tailor made itineraries that perfectly fit your preferences, interests and schedule

• Upgrades

• VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations, performance tickets, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, top restaurant reservations, private airport transfers, internal transportation

• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip

• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to Irfan Biyik network of experts around the world

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