|
Land
of Contrasts - Option A |
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS |
| $1,325 per person double occupancy
(single supplement $375) |
Weekly
guaranteed departures |
Day 1 Thursday: Arrive Istanbul
Immediately after passing customs at IST -
Istanbul Ataturk Airport, we will greet you; look for your name on a hand-held
sign. Transfer to your centrally located hotel. Due to differing arrival
times of guests, the rest of the day is at leisure.  Additional
services can be arranged.
Day
2 Friday: Istanbul
Visit
the Medieval Egyptian Spice Bazaar,
known to stimulate the five senses and where merchants offer a
variety of natural remedies. Short
cruise on the Bosphorus, pass under the huge suspension
bridge connecting Europe and Asia. See the fortresses, palaces,
historical mansions and countless other points of interest that line up the
busy waterway. We visit the Asian side of Istanbul by crossing the Bosphorus
Bridge. We go to Camlica Hill for a panoramic view of
Istanbul and visit Beylerbeyi Palace (the imperial summer
place). (B)
 Day
3 Saturday: Istanbul
Today we will visit the fabulous six minaret Blue Mosque built
in 1616. It is one of the world's biggest mosques. It is adorned
with exceptional Iznik tiles and stained glass. Next we stroll to the
adjacent site of the Hippodrome. View the obelisk from
Egypt, serpentine column from Delphi and fountain of Willhelm II. Later we
visit the majestic Hagia Sophia Church Museum with its Byzantine
mosaics, built in 535. It has been considered to be the 8th wonder of the
world by many. Afterwards we visit the Ottoman Empire's Topkapi
Palace, walk through its rooms full of exquisite art and view
the Emperors' personal artifacts, armory and
other priceless collections. Visit the dazzling Grand
Bazaar. It is the world famous ancient bazaar with a maze
of covered streets housing over 4,000 small artisan shops. Choose: Fly to
Ankara after tour ~7:00 PM or early morning Monday, ~7:00 AM. (B)
 Day
4 Sunday: Ankara - Cappadocia
Today visit the world famous Museum
of Anatolian Civilizations, housed in 15th century buildings.
View the outstanding collection of artifacts from the Hittites,
Phrygians (King Midas' tomb), Lydians, Romans, Greeks, Persians,
Galatians, Seljuks and also from the earliest known human
community, Catal Hoyuk. Afterwards head to Cappadocia and
drive by scenic Salt Lake to Seljukian
Agzikarahan Caravanserai, a 13th century inn used by travelers on
the silk and spice routes.
 Day
5 Monday: Cappadocia
Discover the land that has been
sculpted for centuries by the forces of man and nature. Dominated
by Mt. Argeus, inhabited by Hittites,
Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, it
offers magnificent rock carved monasteries and churches
ornate with frescoes. Visit Goreme Open-Air
Museum, Zelve rock cut city, Uchisar (huge
natural rock fortress), Kaymakli (underground
city built by the early Christians to escape from the invading Roman
armies). (B,L,D)
 Day
6 Tuesday: Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale
In the morning we leave the unique
scenery behind and go to Konya, an important
Roman city and capital of the Seljuk Empire. Visit the Museum
of Mevlana 'Rumi', founder of the Whirling Dervishes. We
end the day by driving to Pamukkale also known as "Cotton
Castle". (B,L,D)
Day 7 Wednesday: Pamukkale/Hierapolis
- Aphrodisias - Izmir (or Kusadasi)
Visit the ruins and the museum of
the Roman city of Hierapolis. Next enjoy the
picturesque scenery of white limestone tiers on the hillside. Next
we go to Aphrodisias, city dedicated to the goddess
of love, Aphrodite/Venus. Visit the temple, restored theater, baths and the huge
stadium. End the day in Izmir (or Kusadasi) on the Aegean Coast. (B,L,D)
 Day
8 Thursday: Izmir - Ephesus - Izmir
Today we take you to Seljuk and visit Ephesus, the
most important and best preserved antique city. We walk on marble paved
roads, see the sites: Celsus Library, Great Theater, Roman Baths, Agoras,
fountains and temples including the site of one of the Seven Wonders of
the World, Artemis Temple. Next we visit the House of Virgin Mary
and then to the tomb of St. John and Basilica.
Transfer to Izmir airport or Kusadasi (B,L)
Please indicate if you want additional services like flight back to Istanbul.
TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES
Double occupancy at Four Star and Deluxe Special hotels including a
cave hotel.
Click here
English speaking professional tour guide (full-time)
Sightseeing as per the itinerary
All escorted airport/hotel transfers
Meals: Daily open buffet breakfast. L-Lunch and
D-Dinner as per itinerary.
Transportation by newer deluxe vehicle with A/C.
All Entry fees to the sites & museums
Portage at hotels
Service charges & local taxes
Local airfare (including taxes, fuel surcharge):
Istanbul - Ankara
EXCLUDES
International flight, visa, drinks, personal expenses, tips, trip
insurance.
Guaranteed Weekly Departures!
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Toll Free: 1-TO-MY-TURKEY (1-866-988-7539)