Highlights of Turkey

<p>Upon arrival into the amazing city of Istanbul, someone will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and a delicious dinner. You will have the evening to explore Istanbul or rest at your leisure. </p>

<p>After breakfast, you will start your adventure towards Canakkale; a city full of history but mostly known for the archaeological site of Troy where you will be visiting. Get to discover where the famous Trojan battle took place and take a picture with the monument dedicated to the Trojan Horse. Continue towards Pergamon where you will take a cable car up to its Acropolis. After an intense day full of history and beautiful landscapes you will head to your hotel.</p>

<p>Your day of discovery takes you to the magnificent site of Ephesus. The first stop will be at the Ancient Greek Temple of Artemis, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It is believed that this was the first marble monument ever built. Next, head over to the magical archaeological site of Ephesus; an ancient Greek city built in the 10th Century B.C. and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. </p><p></p><p>Be amazed as you walk on the original marble street which will take you to the famous and impressive Celsus Library with its beautiful façade still standing; one of the most important libraries of ancient times. Discover the impressive ancient theater with a capacity of 25,000 spectators which still holds concerts to this very day. On a biblical note, it is believed that John’s Gospel was written in Ephesus and the Virgin Mary spent her last days here. </p><p></p><p>After this exciting visit you will taste the famous and traditional Turkish Delight. Next, you will stop at a leather shop which will give you an opportunity of shopping very fine and authentic Turkish leather goods. Lastly, you will head to Pamukkale where your hotel is located at. </p>

<p>Visit the stunning natural thermal water pools of Pamukkale which form remarkable terraces. Next head to Hierapolis, an ancient Roman Spa built in 190 B.C. Next, cruise through the Ancient Silk Route where you will stop at Sultanhan Kerevansaray, a 13th Century caravanserai where merchants used to stop and rest. The Kerevansaray is a beautiful fortified structure built in 1229. The journey continues to Cappadocia where you will enjoy a unique experience and unforgettable stay at a cave hotel. </p>

<p>Before breakfast you will have the option to enjoy a hot air balloon adventure allowing you to admire Cappadocia’s fascinating landscape from the air (this is optional and not included in the tour package price). After breakfast you will be exploring the beautiful landscapes of the open-air museum of Goreme; an outstanding site with caves, chapels, monasteries, and frescos built between the 10th and 12th Centuries. Next, visit the Pasabag Valley, the Fairy Chimneys, and the Devrent Valley also known as Imagination Valley and characterized by impressive rock formations. This is where the famous Cappadocia’s Rock Chimneys can be found. </p><p></p><p>After a fantastic day of unique views, you will continue to a jewelry and Turkish carpet store for a shopping opportunity. You will then have an evening off to enjoy and relax in your exceptional cave hotel. </p><p></p>

<p>Today you visit the impressive underground city of Kaymakali; built in 8 B.C. by the native Europeans. During Roman Times, the traditional language was forgotten and substituted with Greek. This underground city was inhabited by Christians during the Ottoman Empire. Christians expanded the city by building chapels and adding inscriptions. The Christians where hiding in the underground city during the Ottoman persecution. In 1923 they were expelled and the tunnels where then abandoned. After your visit you will head to the airport to take a flight to Istanbul. </p>

<p>We left the best for last. Today you will be exploring the magical city of Istanbul, known as Constantinople in the past and built by the Roman Emperor with the same name. Not only is this a beautiful city with a rich history, but its geographic location is interesting too. This city is built on two continents, Europe and Asia. </p><p></p><p>When visiting Istanbul, you will understand why visitors fall in love with this picturesque city. First, you will visit the Sultan’s Palace of Topkapi; immerse yourself in the world of the Sultan when visiting the interior of the palace. This visit doesn’t include the harem. Continue your tour to the ancient Hippodrome, built during Roman Times and see the Egyptian Obelisk of the Pharaoh Thutmose III. Continue to the beautiful Blue Mosque of the Sultan Ahmed for an inside visit, built between 1609 and 1616 and still functions as a mosque today. </p><p></p><p>Next, journey under Istanbul to the ancient cistern where you will be able to see a column with Medusa’s head; the cistern worked as a water reservoir for the city. A must visit is the Grand Bazaar; the oldest and biggest bazaar in the world; approximately 4,000 stores are found inside for you to discover souvenirs, carpets, leather, and jewelry and provides you an opportunity to practice your bargain skills before settling into your hotel for the evening.</p><p></p><p></p>

<p>Enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait and admire the view of this magical city from the water. The Bosphorus not only divides the city, but also separates the European Continent from Asia.</p><p></p><p>It also connects the Marmara Sea with the Black Sea. Continue to the famous Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar and built in 1660, where you can find all types of spices that contribute to the delicious Turkish Cuisine. </p><p></p><p>Visit the famous Aya Sophia Museum, one of the most impressive structures in the city; Aya Sophia was original built as a Greek Orthodox Church then later served as a Mosque and finally transformed into a museum. </p><p></p><p>You will admire its imposing dome and lovely Byzantine architecture that is believed to have changed the history of architecture at that time. </p>

<p>Today you will be the transferred to the Istanbul International Airport to fly back home. We are sure you will be going back home with wonderful memories of this gorgeous country and possibly planning your next visit. </p>