DAY 01 ARRIVE IN ISTANBUL

 

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

 

DAY 02 ISTANBUL TO CANAKKALE

 

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. In the afternoon, depart for Canakkale crossing the Gallipoli Strait, the site of the famous Gallipoli battlefields between Europe and Asia 

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DAY 03 CANAKKALE / TROY TO EPHESUS

This morning depart for the legendary city of Troy which goes all the way back to Bronze Age. The area is located on the southern shore of the Dardanelles strait and has been a major strongpoint in the defense of the Dardanelles from the time of the Trojans through World War I. Following our visit at the site continue 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 and Terrace Houses and elaborate water systems and beautiful mosaics.

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DAY 4 EPHESUS TO PAMUKKALE

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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. Here, make sure you take off your shoes and soak your feet in the warm waters. It feels great !

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DAY 5 PAMUKKALE TO KONYA

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Today we're driving to Konya passing by the opium fields. Turkey is the second largest opium producers in the world. In the afternoon, we'll reach the city of Konya, a 13th century capital of the Seljuk Turkish Empire thus embellished with impressive structures. Upon arrival free time in town...

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DAY 06 KONYA TO CAPPADOCIA

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Today, we're heading to Cappadocia to discover the surreal volcanic moonscape, whittled into unique formations by wind and rain over millions of years. Along the way we will visit the Sultanhan Caravanserai; a roadside inn that welcomed traders travelling on camel back. Upon arrival we'll be touring the Goreme Open Air Museum, a vast monastic complex of frescoed medieval cave churches cut into the tuff.

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DAY 07 CAPPADOCIA TO ANKARA

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This morning drive to the most popular vantage points to know why millions pour into the region making it one of the most visited sites in the world. Then, visit the four-story deep underground city of Kaymakli, dating back to the era of the Hittites . They built caves underground to protect themselves from the harsh winter conditions and wild animal attacks. Later in the third century, christians fleeing Roman persecution continued using them. In the afternoon, depart for Ankara, the Turkish capital passing by one of the largest salt lakes in the world.

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DAY 08 ANKARA TO ISTANBUL

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Today, drive back to Istanbul and visit Beyoglu, the Turkish version of the Times Square where you can mingle with locals from all walks of life. Enjoy cruising on the Bosphorus...

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DAY 09 ISTANBUL

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End of the trip.

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COST : USD 2,999  

 

Includes :

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Accommodation at modest, nice hotels, Private Transportation, Private Guiding, Entrance fees, Breakfasts

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Excludes : 

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Flights, lunches & dinners

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