Turkish Delight

Itinerary

Day 01: Arr1ve Istanbul

Arrive Istanbul. Meet and transfer to hotel. Afternoon free at leisure. Evening enjoy relaxing Bosphorus cruise. Cruise by ornate Ottoman palaces and grand villas... See the skyline touched with great rounded domes aside elegant minarets. Watch the city lights dancing across the waters from Europe to Asia, fusing reflections of golds, reds and oranges. Visit spice market – Second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand bazaar. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02: Istanbul

After breakfast, we proceed to visit Byzantine Hippodrome - was the heart of Constantinople's political and sporting life, and the scene of games and riots through 500 years of Ottoman history as well. It's now a calm city park called the At Meydani (Horse Grounds) because of its function in Ottoman times. Facing one another across the park are the Blue Mosque and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art.Blue Mosque, which has six minarets and a middle dome of 109 feet. Finally visit the Grand Covered Bazaar, which covers over 4,000 shops under one roof. Evening free at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Istanbul – Ankara - Cappadocia

After early breakfast, We transfer to airport for our domestic flight to Ankara. Arrive at Ankara – the capital city of Turkey in central Anatolia. Visit Anatolian Civilisations Museum which is a beautifully restored portion of the old bazaar. It contains priceless artifacts belonging to the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras as well as the Hatti, Hittite, Phrygian, Urartu and Roman civilizations. Also visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, symbol of the new Ankara, is located on the Anit Tepesi, beyond the railroad station, about 2.5km/1.5mi southwest of Ulus Meydani. Designed by the Turkish architect Emil Onat and erected between 1944 and 1953, the mausoleum is a notable example of modern Turkish architecture. After this tour enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Ankara. After lunch proceed to mysterious Cappadocia. Arrive in Cappadocia and check in at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Cappadoc1a

After breakfast, we proceed for city tour of Cappadocia, Kaymakli Underground City. It was carved out underneath of rock hill. It has 8 storey and More than 5000 people can live in it. Next visit will be the natural citadel of Uchisar, the tallest point in Cappadocia. The main reason visitors go there is to climb to the top of the tall rock outcrop via tunnels and enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of Cappadocia. After this visit enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch proceed to visit Goreme Open-Air Museum, which is full of pink, rose and white tapering columns. The caves were settled in the 4th century as monasteries. Tour will end with visits to Pasabag Valley and Avonos Village. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 05: Cappadocia – Konya - Pamukkale

After breakfast at hotel. We continue our journey to Konya, En route visit 13th century Sultanhani Caravanserai built on the famous silk route. Arrive in Konya our first visit is Mausoleum of Mevlana, Jelaledin Rumi who was the founder of the Wh1rl1ng Derv1shes & the worldwide famous mystic. We will proceed to Pamukkale, is famous for its calcium-rich thermal water cascades forming unique white terraces with small basins in them. The Turkish name of Pamukkale translates as the cotton castle.
Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Pamukkale – Aphrodisias – Kusadasi

Breakfast, at the hotel. Morning free at leisure. Stroll through the ruins of ancient Roman city Hirepolis. After proceed to Kusadasi - is reputed for one of the most attractive city of the Aegean, as it is close to the important historical sites including Ephesus, Didyma, Priene, Miletos-the principals of ancient times, and ideal for sightseers. Enroute enjoy lunch at local restaurant. After lunch proceed to visit Aphrodisias, is one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey. Dedicated to the ancient Mother Goddess and then the Greek goddess Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a renowned school of marble sculpture. The Temple of Aphrodite later became a Christian basilica through an impressive swapping of columns. Check in at Hotel at Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight at the Hotel.

Day 07: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Izmir

After breakfast we proceed to visit the House of Virgin Mary - is believed to be the last residence of the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus. We will continue our journey to Ephesus, Roman capital of Asia Minor. Visit the ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and the fantastic Greco-Roman theatre. After lunch visit the Basilica of St. John and proceed to Izmir. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.

Day 08: Izmir

Breakfast at the hotel. Full day free at leisure. Iamir the "Pearl of the Aegean" -- is Turkey's third largest city and second most important port. A city of palm-lined promenades, avenues and green parks set in sweeping curves along a circular bay. Turkey's Aegean shores are among the loveliest landscapes in the country. The magnificent coastline, lapped by the clear water of the Aegean Sea, abounds in vast and pristine beaches surrounded by olive groves, rocky crags and pine woods. Dotted with idyllic fishing harbors, popular holiday villages, and the remains of ancient civilizations. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 09: Depart Istanbul

Breakfast, day at leisure. Transfer to the airport for flight back home.
It’s time to say good bye to all new friends you have made and take back warm memories of your trip

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email : rupal@activetravels.co.in / info@activetravels.co.in