24/02/2015
DO YOU HAVE 1 WEEK FOR TURKEY THIS YEAR????
Day 1 – Istanbul (Arival Day)
On arrival at Istanbul you will be met by our representative with a sign bearing your name. You will be transferred to your hotel. Rest of the day is free.
(Depending on arrival time we can do an optional Bosphorus Tour by day or an evening dinner cruise.)
Day 2 – Istanbul
A busy day ahead, first an informative and fascinating tour of the ancient heart of Istanbul, Sultanahmet, including Topkapi Palace, Aya Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. We will then explore the world famous Kapali Carsi (Covered or Grand Bazaar) (B)
Day 3 – Istanbul - Cappadocia
This morning you will fly to Cappadocia. You will be met and transferred to your hotel. After check in you will have to freshen up before then meet your guide for your first tour in the region. We will drive to Zelve Open Air Museum which was used as a village and early Christian Monastic centre since early Christian times. We’ll then travel to nearby Pasabag which has incredible examples of peribacasi or ‘fairy and then to Devrent which has many fascinating rock formations, many telling stories. We return you to your hotel. Why not try another Turkish cultural icon, the Turkish Bath then tonight take in the mysterious rituals of the Whirling Dervishes. (B)
Day 4 – Cappadocia
This morning you have the option of a Hot Air Balloon flight.
To experience Hot Air Ballooning in such a unique and challenging environment you need to rise well before sunrise. It’s all about the wind and weather conditions so our experienced pilots and ground crew will decide where or even ‘IF’ we take off. Once you arrive at the launch site, it’s all hands on as you get involved in actually getting these huge balloons unfurled and inflated. No place on earth compares to Cappadocia when it comes to ballooning. The unique terrain allows experienced pilots to navigate through small valleys and ascend to dizzying heights. An unforgettable experience for all those that participate. After the flight you will be transferred back to your hotel where you will have breakfast and a chance to freshen up for the day ahead.
After breakfast you will meet your guide for an unforgettable day of adventure. You will first do some light walking through one of the valleys of Cappadocia. Then you will drive to Goreme Open Air Museum where you will see the best Byzantine frescoes dating from the post-iconoclastic period. We will then drive to Kaymakli Underground City.
So far they have discovered more than 36 underground cities in the region and this is the largest one with its 9 levels cleared and open to adventurous travellers. Legend has it that these, and yet undiscovered underground cities stretch all the way across Cappadocia to Kayseri. Used initially as storage for animals and crops during winter they were developed as shelter for the inhabitants to remain safe during times of war and persecution. After exploring this site you will drive to Uchisar Castle. A huge outcrop used as a refuge and citadel from early times. We will also make a few panoramic stops to see the region from different angles. We will then drive back to the hotel. After some time to rest and then you will be picked up again for the Turkish Folklore Show. This event showcases some amazing cultural examples of dance, song, food and wine. There is no limit on food, local wine, spirits and beer. Don't forget to take your camera with you. You will leave with lifelong memories of this and of all your experiences in Cappadocia. After the show you will be transferred back to your hotel. (B)
Day 5 – Cappadocia – Ephesus
Today you will fly to Izmir. When you get there you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Selcuk. After check in you will meet your guide and drive to Sirince Village. This village was founded by Greeks but the inhabitants are Turkish today since the population exchange between Turkey and Greecein the 1920’s. The village is famous for beautiful white Greek houses, fruit wine and Turkish pancakes. You will wander the alleyways of the village and enjoy a pleasant dinner. Back to your hotel, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy the local cafes and nightlife. (B)
Day 6 - Ephesus – Istanbul
Today you will first drive to Virgin Mary’s house, this is the last known refuge of the Virgin Mary. From here you will drive the best preserved Hellenistic Roman city of Ephesus. We will walk the marble streets, visit the bo****lo and the acoustically impressive 25,000 seat ampitheatre. We’ll also pay a short visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World After visiting the site we will drive to another village which is called Kirazli (Sour Cherry). Here you will have a chance to experience first hand, local village life. We will enjoy lunch with a local family. We will drive back to the hotel and relax before our evening flight back to Istanbul. (B,L)
Day 7 – Istanbul
Tour finishes after breakfast. Depending on your flight time, you may still have time for some final shopping and exploring. Airport transfer is included. (B)
