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| Day 01: |
Istanbul - Arrive. |
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On arrival in Istanbul you will be met by our representative and driven to your hotel. This afternoon is free for you to enjoy this beautiful city at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul. |
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| Day 02: |
Istanbul. |
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Today you will be collected from your hotel for a full day tour of Istanbul*. You will see Topkapi Palace, the official and primary residence in the city of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (excluding harem) and the Hippodrome, where the city's chariot races used to take place. You will visit the stunning Blue Mosque, famous for its ceramics, and St. Sophia (or Hagia Sofia), which was once a Church, then a Mosque, before eventually becoming a museum. You will also have the chance to visit the famous Grand Bazaar, where can test your bartering skills or simply explore. At the end of the tour you will be taken back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul. (B, L) |
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| Day 03: |
Istanbul. |
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Today you will be collected from your hotel to enjoy a half day tour of Dolmabahce Palace** or a cruise on the Bosphrous (depending on weather conditions). Dolmabahace Palace was built by Sultan Abdulmecit between 1843 and 1856 and is famous for being the first European-style palace in Istanbul. A cruise along the Bosphorous will give you the chance to see the magnificent architecture of this historical city from the water. After the tour you will be brought back to your hotel. This evening you may wish to join an Optional evening of Turkish cuisine and traditional entertainment. Overnight in Istanbul. (B) |
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| Day 04: |
Istanbul / Kayseri / Cappadocia (FLIGHT). |
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Today you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. On arrival you will be met and driven to the rock Chapels at Goreme for a guided tour. The Chapels are decorated with 6th century frescoes and are not to be missed! You will also have the chance to visit the Zelve monastery complex a short distance from Goreme, the natural citadel at Uchisar and the eight-storey underground city of Kaymakli, where thousands of early Christians hid from persecutors. Later tonight we will drive to our hotel in Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L, D) |
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| Day 05: |
Cappadocia / Istanbul / Izmir (FLIGHT). |
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Today you will be transferred to Kayseri airport for your flight to Izmir (via Istanbul). On arrival at Izmir airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Izmir. (B) |
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| Day 06: |
Izmir / Pamukkale / Izmir. |
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Today you will be driven to Pamukkale, known as the "cotton castle" for its spectacular, white limestone cascades. After spending time at Pamukkale to take in this natural wonder, we continue to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis, known for its hot springs and well-preserved ruins. Later today we return to Izmir. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L) |
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| Day 07: |
Izmir / Ephesus & St. Mary's House / Izmir. |
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Today you will tour Ephesus, one of the most magnificent excavations in the world. Visit the Odeon (concert hall), the Fountain of Trajan and the steam-heat Baths of Scolastika. Continue to the majestic Temple of Hadrian, the Latrines (public toilets) and the marble Library of Celsus, built to hold 12,000 scrolls. Also enjoy the Great Theatre, the largest one in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats where St. Paul preached. Walk along the Arcadian Way, the same path that Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. Afterwards you will visit the humble chapel on the site of the little house where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last days. Despite many controversies, the Vatican has officially sanctioned the site for pilgrimage. Later today we return to the hotel in Izmir. Overnight in Izmir. (B, L) |
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| Day 08: |
Izmir - Return. |
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Today you will be escorted to Izmir airport, where the tour ends. (B) |
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# Please be aware that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, St. Sophia is closed on Mondays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. |
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## Please be aware that Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays. |
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(END OF OUR SERVICES) |
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