Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights Sites: Istanbul, Pergamum, Ephesus, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia Run: Everyday
Tour Code : can10
DAY 01 – Arrival in Istanbul
After clearing customs, you will be met and transferred to your hotel with the remainder of the day at your leisure. Your first night will be in Istanbul, the only city which overlaps two continents - Europe and Asia.
DAY 02 – Imperial Istanbul Sightseeing Tour
Your imperial Istanbul sightseeing tour starts with the Ancient Hippodrome, followed by the visits to the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace (Harem section excluded) and Suleymaniye Mosque. Your lunch will be provided in a local Turkish restaurant.
DAY 03 – Flight to Izmir / Pergamum Tour
Check-out and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for the flight to Izmir. Meet your guide at Izmir and proceed to Pergamum where you will visit Asklepion and Acropolis with steep Theater, the Sacred Way, the Serapis Temple, the Red Basilica complex and the Altar of Zeus. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kusadasi for your overnight stay.
DAY 04 – Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Your guide will meet you at the hotel for the full day touring of the Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis, Cave of Seven Sleepers, House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus Archaeological Museum and Sirince Village. After the tour, you will have the evening at leisure to relax with the view of Aegean Sea from your hotel.
DAY 05 – Hierapolis, Pamukkale Tour / Bus to Antalya
Check-out and depart for the ancient city of Hierapolis. The hot springs at Hierapolis (which still attract visitors today) were believed to have healing properties. People came to the city to bathe in the rich mineral waters in order to cure various ailments. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, gave the site the name Pamukkale ("cotton castle"). At the end of the tour, you will take the day coach to Antalya where you will spend next two nights.
DAY 06 – Mediterranean Jewels Tour
Your guided tour today starts with a visit to Perge Ancient City, which once was one of the most important cities along the Mediterranean coast. From here you will visit the world famous ancient Greco - Roman Amphitheater Aspendos, which is the most well preserved example in the world. After visiting this impressive site, you will have a lunch break followed by a visit to Side, an ancient site with attractions including Agora, the Gymnasium, the Apollo Temple and the ancient harbour. Evening is at your leisure to explore the old town by night.
DAY 07 – Travel to Konya / Konya Tour / Travel to Cappadocia
After check-out from your hotel you will be transferred to the Antalya Central Bus Station, to board the intercity day coach to Konya. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide fort he tour of Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century and home of the Mevlana Museum is also known for its theological school of whirling dervishes After the tour you will take the bus to Cappadocia with early evening arrival. Tonight will offer you the unique opportunity to sleep in a traditional Cappadocian cave hotel.
DAY 08 – North Cappadocia Tour with Goreme
Your journey today begins with a visit to Devrent Valley and then onto Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys. After lunch in Avanos your tour continues on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Next stop, the panoramic views of Esentepe and on to the natural rock citadel of Uchisar.
DAY 09 – South Cappadocia Tour
The second day in Cappadocia begins with a mountain top view of the famous Rose Valley. Your tour proceeds to Cavusin Village, one of the oldest settlements in the area, followed by a 5km hike through the Gulludere Valley. After lunch you will be driven to the south of Cappadocia to visit Kaymakli Underground City, the largest underground city of Cappadocia region. Bringing the tour to an end, will be a visit to the Ortahisar castle.
DAY 10 – Flight to Istanbul / Free Day in Istanbul
Check-out and transfer to Kayseri Airport for the flight to Istanbul. Your last day and night of your vacation will be in Istanbul, the city where the continents meet.
DAY 11 – Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
After you have checked-out from your hotel, we will arrange for the transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your return or onward flight.
