| | Best of Turkey / 9 Day Turkey Tours by flight
Istanbul, Ephesus, Pergamon, Pamukkale and Aphrodisias, Cappadocia |
| DAY 01 | ARRIVAL
Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in 4* hotel.
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| DAY 02 | ISTANBUL
Today we will visit the St. (Haghia) Sophia, which was built by the Emperor Justinian. It was the largest building in the world for over 1000 years. See its intricate mosaics and huge central dome. (St Sophia is closed on Monday) Continue to the Topkapi palace, which was used by the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. We will also see the impressive collection of priceless jewels, crystal, silver and porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and relics of the prophet Mohammed. (Entrance to the Harem is extra). After lunch we will see the Blue Mosque, built for Sultan Ahmet I, which is a unique piece of architecture with its six minarets and features 20,000 beautiful Iznik tiles. Visit the ancient Hippodrome with Obelisk of Theodosius, Snake Pillar and German Fountain of Wilhelm II. Walk through the back streets of Old Istanbul and visit the elegant little Sokullu Pasa mosque and the hidden underground Theodosian Cistern (Or instead of the last two a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque may be made). See the Grand Covered Bazaar. This tour may be done all or partially as a walking tour.
Overnight in 4* hotel in Istanbul.
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| DAY 03 | EPHESUS - HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY- BASILICA OF ST JOHN - KUSADASI
06:00 Pick up from your hotel early in the morning
07:45 Fly from Istanbul to Izmir
08:15 You will be arriving at the Izmir airport a representative holding your name will be present to pick you up and transfer to Ephesus. You will begin the tour.
Today we will visit the house of Virgin Mary, then Ephesus with the Library of Celsius, temple of Hadrian, agora and fantastic Greco-Roman theater and the Isabey Mosque..
Overnight in 4* hotel in Kusadasi
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| DAY 04 | KUSADASI - PERGAMON
Today we will visit Pergamon, with its impressive theater and acropolis high atop the hill. Was famous for the Zeus Temple. We will also visit the Asclepion, which as a famous center of healing in the ancient world.
Overnight in 4* hotel in Kusadasi
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| DAY 05 | PAMUKKALE - APHRODISIAS - CAPPADOCIA
Today we will visit the ancient site of Hierapolis, including theater, Apollo Temple and necropolis, then the calcium terraces of Pamukkale. Today we will also visit the Greco-Roman site of Aphrodisias.
After the tour, you will be transferred to bus station.
Overnight bus to Cappadocia.
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| DAY 06 | CAPPADOCIA
Arrive to Cappadocia. Upon arrival your Tour Guide will meet you at the Bus Station and you will have a full day city tour.
Today we explore Cappadocia Zelve open air museum where three canyons meet in the valley.Then visit Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabag (Monks Valley) to see most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to the city of Avanos for lunch. In the afternoon visit Göreme Open-Air Museum where the remains of rock-hewn churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Before end of the tour visit the naturel Castle at Uchisar. After the tour transfer back to the hotel.
Overnight in 4* hotel or (Cave Hotel). in Cappadocia.
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| DAY 07 | CAPPADOCIA -ISTANBUL
Today we will visit the Derinkuyu Underground City to visit the huge refugee settlement carved by early Christians, where they used to hide from persecutors. From Derinkuyu continue to the beautiful Valley of Ihlara, formely known as Peristerema. Explore the famous rock-hewn churches and hike 4 km through the valley. On the way back to monasteries in Selime Village and 13th century Caravansaray built by Selcuk Turks on the Silk Road. After the tour transfer to Kayseri airport.
18:00 Airport transfer
20:25 Fly from Kayseri to Istanbul
21:55 Arrive in Istanbul and pick up from Istanbul airport to your hotel.
Overnight in 4* hotel in Istanbul
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| DAY 08 | BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Breakfast at hotel after which we drive Eminonu Port to board the regular city boat for a 2 hour Bosphorous Cruise. Enjoy this relaxing cruise along the shoreline while your guide explains to you the history of sights seen while onboard. We then continue on land to visit the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace and then also visit Camlica Hill.
Overnight in Istanbul
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| DAY 09 | DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for departure.
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