Day 1: Arrival Istanbul
Following our arrival in Istanbul we are met at the airport and transferred to our hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Istanbul (B/L)
After breakfast we set off on a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. We will start with a visit to the renewed Sultanahmet Mosque, known popularly as The Blue Mosque an incredibly beautiful mosque known for its blue Iznik (Nicaea) tiles are unique for the fact that it has six minarets. We continue on to the Hippodrome once the vast arena that functioned as the heart of sporting (chariots races and athletics) events and political activities of the old city. From here we go to the nearby Hagia Sophia the Church of Divine Wisdom. Ranking as one of the greatest marvels of world architecture, this awe-inspiring building was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. After lunch our next visit will be Topkapi Palace which for more than 400 years was the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans; now home to the priceless collections porcelain, jewelry, calligraphy and many masterpieces of art. The tour will end with the visit to the Grand Bazaar, the vast and legendary covered market that is the biggest souk in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry and carpets. UNIQUE MOMENTS: During the visit of the Grand Bazaar we will be experiencing Turkish coffee from Sark Kahvesi, historical coffee roasters located in the Grand Bazaar. Each variety has been prepared with a blend of traditional knowledge, experience and an abiding “Love of Coffee”
Day 3: Istanbul / Cappadocia (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will have halfday sightseeing tour in Istanbul. We will start with a visit to Spice Market, Egyptian Bazaar built in the 17th century, this is the second largest covered bazaar in Istanbul. On to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, where the pungent and savory aroma of exotic oils, herbs and spices have perfumed the arched stone corridors for nearly 350 years. Now also proferring nuts, honey, dried fruits, traditional sweets and herbal remedies, the Spice Bazaar’s redolent wares will transform you into a veritable spice trader. After than, we will continue our tour with Bosphorus Cruise in a regular boat. A traditional boat tour through the waterway separating Asia and Europe. Seeing along the way the old Ottoman wooden mansions, marble palaces, foreign embassies estates and small fishery villages, located at the Asian and European sides. Do not miss important sightseeing spots at the Bosphorus such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress and Beylerbeyi. The end of tour, we transferred to Istanbul airport for our departure flight to Kayseri. Arrive in Kayseri airport, we transferred to our hotel in Cappadocia.
Dinner and overnight at hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 4: Cappadocia (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we will explore the famous valleys of Cappadocia. It is a unique location in the world with one of a kind natural rock formation. A very long time ago, volcanic eruptions caused the lava flow that dried above the Earth’s crust and formed tufa rocks. Erosion shaped them into famous formations called “fairy chimneys,” but it is not only the landscape that makes this place unique. Hittites chiseled the soft tufa stones to carve out this fairy tale world into homes, stables, shops, churches, hospitals, etc., etc. Early Christians carved caves and made frescoes of Biblical scenes on the walls of these rock-carved chapels. Some of these frescoes are still incredibly vivid, attesting to the skills and religious fervor of the faithful. Within the Cappadocia region we will visit Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent, Pasabag, Uchisar Valley (Panoramic view), Avanos and Urgup ( Three beauties ) the latter providing us with the opportunity to purchase some pottery made by kick-wheel method.
Dinner and overnight will be at the hotel.
Day 5: Cappadocia / Istanbul (B)
After breakfast, we drive to Kayseri airport for our domestic flight back to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul, we transferred to our hotel in Istanbul.
Day 6: Istanbul / Fly Back Home (B)
After breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for our departure flight back home,
