TURKEY by Irfan Biyik Discovery Tours
Specializing in Turkey and World's Top Destinations
USD 3,999
Istanbul
The Blue Mosque
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi palace
The Bosphorus
Pamukkale
Hierapolis
The White Travertines
Cappadocia
Goreme Open Air Museum
Underground City
Fairy Chimneys
Cave Dwellings
Bodrum
The Castle of the Knights
Antalya
Aspendos Theatre
Old city
Ephesus
The Antique City
The Great Theater
ITINERARY
APRIL 01 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul. Check in the hotel and relax until welcome dinner in town
APRIL 02 ISTANBUL / CAPPADOCIA ( Approx. 1 hour 15 min flight )
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 world 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. Late in the afternoon, we are off to the airport for our an hour and fifteen minute flight to Cappadocia and check in to our cave ! Yes, Cave !
APRIL 03 CAPPADOCIA
This morning, we depart our hotel to discover Cappadocia's 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.
DAY 04 KONYA
Today we leave the hotel for Konya, the fifth largest city of Turkey. We'll visit the 13th century roadside inn SULTANHAN where once traders travelling long distances on camel back used to be accommodated
DAY 05 ANTALYA
Today, we head to Antalya's old town to discover its little, winding streets which house some great Roman and Selcuk Empire buildings.The city is the provincial capital of the Mediterranean region and due to its great climate and crystal clear waters, it is one of the top destinations in the world and rightfully deserves to be one! . In the afternoon, we are back to the hotel and you are free to enjoy swimming in the Mediterranean see.
DAY 06 ANTALYA / PAMUKKALE ( 240 Km )
Today our departure is for the UNESCO 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.
APRIL 07 PAMUKKALE / BODRUM ( 246 Km / Approx. 2,5 hours )
This morning we head for Bodrum located on the spectacular Aegean coast, here we'll visit the Castle of St. Peter, a 15th century crusader fortress that now houses the Museum of Underwater Archaeology to see its impressive collection of items excavated from ancient shipwrecks found along the Turkish coast.
APRIL 08 BODRUM / EPHESUS, IZMIR ( 171 km )
Today, following a three hour drive, we are arriving at 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 and Terrace Houses and elaborate water systems and beautiful mosaics.
APRIL 09 IZMIR TO ISTANBUL ( Approx. 1 hour by flight )
Today we are off to the Izmir Airport to fly back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we drive to see the 15 th century Topkapi Palace from which the Ottoman Empire was ruled for 400 years and then walk to the Grand Bazaar to see thousands of shops within one covered market. Late in the afternoon, we'll be heading to the pier to cruise along the Bosphorus Strait between Europe and Asia. During the private boat ride you'll be seeing great Ottoman Palaces and some of the most luxurious and expensive houses in the world. Farewel Dinner in the evening.
APRIL 10 DEPART
Private transfer to the Istanbul International Airport.
COST : USD 3,999
Includes :
Private Transportation, Private Guiding, Entrance fees, Breakfasts & Dinners, Domestic flights
Excludes :
International Flights, Drinks, Lunches
Hotels : ( For details please click on the hotel names below. The hotels could be replaced by the same or upper category ones )
IRFAN BIYIK STYLE OF TRAVEL
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Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
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Accommodation in the very best luxury hotels
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Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations
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Tailor made itineraries that perfectly fit your preferences, interests and schedule
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Upgrades
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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
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Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
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Unique, insider travel experiences and access to Irfan Biyik network of experts around the world