Aegean and Anatolian treasures
Duration: 7 Days
Program only valid for private groups of 20 or more people
DAY 1: Arrival to Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. Upon Arrival in Istanbul Airport, our representative will meet you and assist you with private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.
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DAY 2: Full Day Istanbul Tour
Our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - its three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping.
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DAY 3: Full Day Istanbul Tour
Today we will visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Then we will take a boat through the Bosporus along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. Afternoon visit to the Underground cistern.
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DAY 4: Istanbul - Ephesus Tour - Kusadasi
In the morning we fly to Izmir. Following a pleasant drive we arrive at Ephesus after we visit the Artemission Temple; one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. We visit Ephesus (Acts 18:19-21), where the Apostle Paul preached and lived for three years and tour the spectacular ruins where excavations still continue in this once great city. Lunch will be served in the garden of a local handicrafts center. Continue with a visit to the House of Virgin Mary. According to tradition, Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in AD 37 and lived there until her death in AD 48. Transfer to the hotel for overnight in Kusadasi.
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DAY 5: Kusadasi - Cappadocia Tour
Transfer to Izmir airport and fly to Cappadocia. After check in to the hotel, we begin our Cappadocia tour. First visit to the Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys. Then we head on to Pigeons Valley, where the pigeons’ houses have been made to resemble human homes. Descend into the center of the earth in the Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and the deepest of the 200 found in Cappadocia. Overnight in a cave hotel.
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DAY 6: Cappadocia Tour – Istanbul
Today’s visits begin with Devrent Valley. Take a walk through this lunar landscape where different rock formations can be seen. After seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos Town, famous for its tile and pottery workshops. After lunch our next stop is Goreme Open Air Museum where you will enjoy the fantastic rock churches and beautiful frescos from various centuries. Continue to Uchisar Rock Castle for a breathtaking panorama. We end the day visiting Esentepe Windy Hill for a panoramic view and photos. We then return to Istanbul for overnight
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DAY 7: Home
After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight back home. Now that you have experienced some of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, we hope you return with us to visit more wondrous sites found in our part of the world.
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