DAY 2: ISTANBUL – FULL-DAY CITY TOUR

After breakfast full day to visit Istanbul. We begin our tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses (closed on Mondays).

Next, we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons and leather goods (Closed on Sundays).

Lunch in a local restaurant and continuation of our tour. Our afternoon will begin at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans (closed on Tuesdays).

Little Agia Sophia Mosque is known as one of the oldest standing churches in Istanbul dating back to the 6th century. It is an early domed-basilica architectural plan of the famous Agia Sophia which was applied here for the first time in history.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA

In the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight to Ankara. Our Ankara Cappadocia Konya Pamukkale and many more interesting places start now. Arrival in Ankara & continuing to the city to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Kemal Ataturk Mausoleum. Lunch and continuation to Cappadocia. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA

We will visit the spectacular region of Cappadocia, unique for its fascinating and unique landscape formed by the lava thrown by the volcanoes Erciyes and Hasan, 3 million years ago. Visit the numerous monasteries and chapels of Goreme, a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, excavated in the rock and decorated with frescoes of the tenth century (some of them very well preserved). Pass and enjoy a panoramic view of Uchisar Castle on top of a mound of volcanic rock traversed by tunnels and windows and Avcilar Valley. Lunch and in the afternoon, visit the town of Avanos, famous for its crafts and valleys and Góvercinlik Valley (Valley of the Doves). Visit the underground city of Kaymakli or Serhatli, one of the 36 underground cities of Cappadocia that served as a refuge for Christians. Return to the hotel and dinner.

DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA – KONYA – PAMUKKALE

In the morning, departure to Konya. On the route visit the Caravanserai of “Sultanhan”. Arrive in Konya, and visit the Mevlana Museum and the Theological School of the Dervises. Lunch & continuation to Pamukkale. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 6: PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – IZMIR

In the morning, we can enjoy Pamukkale, a spectacular place unique in the world, for its dazzling white waterfalls and natural pools. On the way to Kusadasi, we will visit the ancient Hierapolis, the Necropolis that contains more than 150,000 tombs. Lunch. Continue to Ephesus. The ancient city of Ephesus was an important centre for early Christianity. In the book of Revelation, Ephesus was one of the seven churches led by Christ in a vision. This is where the Temple of Artemis is located, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Your guide will also show you the Grand Theater, the Library of Celsius, the ruins of the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, the Agora and the Greco-Roman Theater.
visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where he spent the last days of his life. Authenticated by Pope Paul VI in 1967, the cabin is a place of pilgrimage for many believers.

Arrival in Kusadası, accommodation and dinner.

DAY 7: IZMIR – PERGAMUM – TROY – CANAKKALE

Departure to Pergamum, one of the most important cultural, commercial and medical centres of the past. Visit its Acropolis next to the ruins of the Temple of Athena and the Library stand out at the Great Theater with the greatest inclination in the world and the Temple of Trajan. Continuation after lunch to Troy to visit the legendary city described in the Iliad of the poet Homer. After the visit to the temple of Athena then to Canakkale. Dinner and accommodation.

DAY 8: CANAKKALE – BURSA – ISTANBUL

After Breakfast, depart Istanbul via Bursa which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa renowned city for its mosques, fountains, baths Turks and for the production of silk. We will visit the Great Mosque of the 14th century, the Mosque and the Green Mausoleum and the local silk bazaar. Lunch and departure to Istanbul Arrival at the hotel late. Arrival in Istanbul and transfer to the chosen hotel

DAY 9: ISTANBUL 

A free day to the mythical city of Istanbul. A full day in the ancient city with countless elegant minarets and mosques. The mix of East and West has resulted in some of the most impressive architectural monuments worldwide as Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace.

Another important thing to experience in Istanbul is to be lost in the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world of its kind, where the colours and smells of the mountains of spices, colourful clothes and silver jewellery and intoxicate our hours. Haggling is, of course, the standard through the purchase.