October 15, 2015

DISCOVER TURKEY 10 DAYS & 9 NIGHTS 5* CULTURAL ESCORTED PACKAGE

Written By Admin

Highlights: Istanbul, Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Konya, and Cappadocia

Filled with unforgettable sights and scenery, this 10-day sojourn features comprehensive sightseeing in Istanbul, the historic battlefield of Gallipoli, and the legendary cities of Troy and Pergamum. Other highlights include: ancient Ephesus, once a center of the Roman Empire; ancient Heiropolis; the thermal baths of Pamukkale; mystical Konya; and the Martian-like landscape of Cappodocia, with it’s remarkable rock-cut churches, and “Fairy Chimneys”.

ITINERARY

DAY 1, Monday – Depart for Turkey

Depart for Turkey

Day 2 –Tuesday Arrival in Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure.

Day 3 – Wednesday Byzantine and Ottoman Heritage Tour (2010 European Capital of Culture (UNESCO World heritage Site)

After breakfast at your hotel, you begin a full day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Highlights include a visit to the illustrious Topkapi Palace (harem section is optional), the ancient Roman Hippodrome (site of chariot races) and the Hagia Sophia. You will also visit the famed “Blue Mosque” and the Grand Bazaar, (B, L)

Day 4 – Thursday Istanbul, TROY (UNESCO World heritage Site) Ayvalık  

This morning we drive through the country site to the Dardanelles. This is the battle field of WWI. Afterwards, we cross the world famous straits to Canakkale, crossing from Europe to Asia to arrive the legendary city of Troy. Became famous by Homer ancient poet writer, discovered and excavated by the German archeologist Heinz Schliemann. We will explore the legendary Troy which was declared a Unesco World heritage site in 1998 lunch on the way. Overnight stay in Ayvalik. (B, L, D)

Day 5 – Friday, Pergamon, (UNESCO World heritage Site) Kusadasi

After breakfast we drive to Pergamon, one of the locations the seven churches of revelation it was famous with its ancient library centers of the Hellenistic and Roman civilizations. After a visit to its Acropolis, you continue to Kusadasi for the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 – Saturday Ancient Ephesus, Church of St Mary, Temple of Artemis Wonder of the world 

Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along its marble streets viewing the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached than we walk to Church of . Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a buffet lunch at a Turkish restaurant. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Before returning to Kusadasi, you’ll see a fashion show at a well-known leather outlet. (B, L, D)

Day 7 – Sunday Kusadasi to Pamukkale (UNESCO World heritage Site)

This morning we will enjoy jewelry demonstration and proceed to Pamukkale, famed for its healing thermal/mineral baths and amazing, snow-white “petrified waterfalls”. After lunch, you visit Hierapolis, where you’ll see its magnificently preserved Necropolis, main street, and gates. Then it’s on to Pamukkale for the night. (B, L)

Day 8 – Monday Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia

Early this morning you depart for Konya, where you visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader, who founded the sect of ”Whirling Dervishes”, and break at the 13th century Seljuk caravanserai, Afterwards, you continue to Cappadocia. (L, D)

Day 9 – Tuesday Cappadocia Goreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO World heritage Site) (Optional Hot air Balloon)

Your first encounter with Cappadocia’s almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent Valley, where you’ll see Pasabag’s “Fairy Chimneys”. Here it is said that “the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies”. Moving on, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Avanos Center of Terracotta Art, followed by lunch. After lunch, you visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in the region. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D) (Optional Turkish bath)

Day 10 – Wednesday Cappadocia, Under Ground City Istanbul

After breakfast, you’re off to the “Red Valley” to explore its famous rock- cut churches. Continue on 2 km hike through the Gulludere Valley to visit the ancient village of Cavusin. After lunch, you motor to “Pigeon Valley” and visit the fascinating “underground city” of Ozkonak, where early Christians lived in fear and faith. Afterwards, you’ll be transferred to the airport to board your flight back to Istanbul. (B, L)

Day 11 – Thursday Departure

Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. Or you can continue your vacation with one of our short stay packages or cruises. (B)

WHAT THE PRICE INCLUDES:

• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure
  • 9 Nights’  Accommodation at 4 and 5 Star Hotels, 3 nights Istanbul 1 night Ayvalık, 2 Nights Kusadasi 1 Night Pamukkale , 2 nights Cappadocia
  • 24 Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner ) 10 Breakfast, 8 lunch, 6 dinner
  • Transportation by non-smoking, air-conditioned mini/midi bus
  • Services of a professional English-speaking escort/guide
  • Entrance fees to the sites visited, per itinerary
  • Hotel taxes and services charges
• Airport  Tax (Air and Land package)NOT INCLUDED
• Gratuities to tour staff
  • All items of a personal nature (laundry, taxis, etc.)
  • Beverages (except for those served with breakfast).
• Domestic flight from Cappadocia (Kayseri /Nevsehir airport to Istanbul $69)
  • Visa fees

Your optional discounted Services upon Request: $279 per person

Hot Air Balloon, Turkish Night, Turkish bath, Whirling Dervish Show package can be purchased at destination (Value of $340)

Dates and prices 2015 in US$ per Person in double room