Day 1: Istanbul - Izmir
Arriving to Istanbul Airport and meeting with your guide
at the airport. Take the evening flight to Izmir airport.
You are transferred to our hotel for dinner and overnight
in Izmir.
Day 2: Ephesus - Sirince
In the morning, explore Ephesus, one of the most complete
cities of antiquity. Ephesus reached its peak as capital
of the Roman Province of Asia, making it one of the five
largest cities in the Roman Empire. Stroll the 2,000 year
old marble streets past reminders of its grand past such
as the Library of Celsius, Roman villas and the theater
where St. Paul Preached. A short distance away you will
visit the home of the Virgin Mary and make a photo stop
near the unique column left from the Temple of Artemis
which used to be one of "Seven Wonders of the World"
St. John’s Basilica and the village of Sirince.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Izmir.
Day 3 : Izmir - Aphrodisias - Pamukkale
Your Greco-Roman journey continues with a visit to the
ancient city of Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess
of love. A center of the arts, Aphrodisias was known through
the ancient world for its school of sculpture. Sit in
the largest stadium of antiquity and view the outstanding
collection of ancient statues in the local museum. Proceed
to Hierapolis where you will discover the most important
necropolis of the Roman Era. Enjoy the beauty of nearby
Pamukkale, famed for the healing powers of the mineral
water that filled the immense tiers of white limestone
in ancient times, which still cascade down the hillside.
Dinner and Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 4: Aspendos - Antalya
Cross Taurus Mountains to reach the Mediterranean and
visit the Roman theater in Aspendos, one of the best-preserved
ancient theatres in the world, which is still in use today.
Return to Antalya and see treasures, which range from
the Paleolithic age to artifacts from the last century
in the Archeology Museum. The rest of your day is free
to enjoy the “Old Harbor” at your leisure.
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Day 5: Phaselis - Demre - Myra - Kekova
Driving west along the scenic Mediterranean coastline,
you’ll stop to visit Phaselis’ Roman ruins
and Demre, known in ancient times as Myra. It was here
St. Nicholas served as bishop during the 4th century.
Surrounded by Lycian tombs carved into the hillside and
a vast Roman theater built directly into a sheer cliff.
In the afternoon explore Kekova Bay on a relaxing boat
trip. Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Day 6: Perge - Konya - Cappadocia
In the morning, explore the ancient ruins of Perge. Stroll
through the ancient agora and sit in the stadium that
once echoed with the roar of 15,000 spectators. On the
way to Cappadocia, you’ll visit the Mevlana Museum
in Konya, which is the burial place of Mevlana Celaleddin
Rumi, an Islamic mystic and founder in the 13th century
of the Mevlevi order of the Whirling Dervishes. Observe
the difference in accommodations for travelers in the
13th century during a visit to Sultanhani Caravanserai.
Continue to Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 7: Cappadocia
Relive the early days of Christianity as you visit the
Byzantine churches of Goreme carved into the cliffs and
caves with colorful frescoes dating to the 7th century.
Learn how the colorful kilims (carpets) that echo the
earth tones of the region are made during a demonstration
by local weavers. After lunch continue to explore Cappadocia's
beauty in the Valley of the Monks, Dervent Valley also
called the “Red Valley” and a photo stop near
Uchisar where you can take the best shots of this unique
region. In the evening, attend a performance of mystic
whirling dervishes in a rock carved lounge. Dinner and
overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8: Cappadocia
For a bird's eye view of Cappadocia, an optional hot
air balloon ride (at additional cost) is available at
dawn. After breakfast, take a walk off the beaten path,
to discover the best “fairy chimneys”, some
undetected rock carved churches and the volcanic nature
of the region. Picnic lunch and literally walk in the
footsteps of early Christians during a morning visit of
the underground city of Derinkuyu. Descend beneath the
surface of the earth to the underground city with its
wine cellars, classrooms and tombs where early Christians,
fleeing persecution, lived for months at a time undetected.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 9: Istanbul
Transfer to Kayseri airport for flight to Istanbul. Drive
to Topkapi Palace with a visit to the jeweled captivity
of its legendary harem. Enjoy a lunch overlooking the
same Bosphorus view that the Sultans must have enjoyed.
Return to your hotel the same way the Sultan must have
with a cruise on the Bosphorus disembarking on the banks
of an old summer palace, your hotel Ciragan Kempinski
-- yes, it IS good to be Sultan! Dinner and overnight
in Istanbul.
Day 10: Istanbul
Today is designed to experience and celebrate the universal
nature of Turkey's art throughout history from the Christian
& Islamic splendor of St. Sophia and The Blue Mosque
to the Byzantine Hippodrome to the Palace of Ibrahim Pasha
and the Grand Vizir Of Suleyman The Magnificent. Lunch
is at the famous Pandelli in The Spice Bazaar with time
to stroll through this antique mall. Then, visit the Mosque
of Rustem Pasha with its beautiful blue Iznik tiles before
strolling through the labyrinth tunnels of the Grand Bazaar
for a chance to barter for colorful kilims, Jewellery
and leather. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11: Istanbul
Morning visit of the Baroque pleasures of the Palace
of Dolmabahce, the last palace of the Ottoman royal family.
Your afternoon is free to savor palace life. This evening
enjoy a drink at the legendary Pera Palace, where Agatha
Christie wrote, "Murder on the Orient Express."
Then, bid farewell with a panoramic view of Istanbul and
fine dinner at the antique Tower of Galata. Dinner and
overnight in Istanbul.
Day 12: Istanbul
Today is the last day in Turkey. After transfer to Airport
leaving Turkey.
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