TÜRKIYE´S ALLURE

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), you'll go through immigration and collect your luggage. Then, head to our meeting point located at Gate 9 in the arrivals area. A representative will be waiting to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Once you arrive, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. We recommend taking the afternoon to explore the area around your hotel or savor a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Get ready for an exciting adventure in this vibrant city! Overnight stay.

At the indicated time, departure to enjoy the “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” excursion (schedule to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish neighborhood in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and admire the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the St. George Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which boasts the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We will head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its colors and aromas, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The tour ends with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. We will enjoy stunning views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges that connect both sides of this magnificent city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Note: The order of excursions may vary depending on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or monument closure days.

Today you have a free day, but you can also choose the optional excursion “Jewels of Constantinople,” which includes lunch at a traditional restaurant.

You’ll start by exploring the historic center of the city, where you’ll see remnants of the various empires that have shaped Istanbul. Begin at the Roman Hippodrome, the social heart of Constantinople, where you can view the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain.

Next, visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handcrafted ceramic tiles from Iznik. From there, enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built in 537 that has served as a church, mosque, and museum, known for its enormous dome, one of the largest in the world.

The excursion will continue at the majestic Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. You’ll stroll through the beautiful gardens, kitchens, and royal treasury rooms, and discover the enigmatic Harem, known for its luxurious decor. Afterward, visit the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque, and conclude your tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. At the end of the excursion, return to the hotel for your overnight stay.

Depart for Ankara. In Turkey's capital, you’ll enjoy a panoramic tour that includes the impressive Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic. On your way to Cappadocia, you'll stop at Salt Lake, a stunning location perfect for photography. You will also visit a caravanserai, an ancient lodging from the Silk Road era, where you can learn more about the history of this important trade route. Upon arriving in Cappadocia, you’ll enjoy dinner at the hotel and have an overnight stay.

Set out to explore the fascinating region of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Your visit will begin at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery featuring chapels carved into volcanic rocks, adorned with 13th-century frescoes. Next, you’ll traverse the stunning valleys of the region, where you can admire the iconic "Fairy Chimneys" and enjoy panoramic views of the spectacular geological formations. Then, visit one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, an incredible engineering feat that ancient communities built for protection against attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a carpet center, where you’ll learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, and a gemstone center known for its uniquely designed jewelry from the region. Return to the hotel for dinner and your overnight stay.

Optional Programs in Cappadocia:

• Turkish Night: A performance of folk dances in a typical cave with local drinks.
• Jeep Safari: An adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photo opportunities.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early morning flight to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

Depart for Pamukkale, where we will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, whose Greek name means "sacred city." This historic site is famous for its numerous temples and religious sites, including its well-preserved theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators. Hierapolis became a popular spa destination due to its thermal waters and white travertine pools. The mineral-rich waters have created stunning terraces and natural waterfalls, giving Pamukkale its name, which translates to "cotton castle" in Turkish. Both Pamukkale and Hierapolis are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their historical significance and natural beauty. You’ll also have the opportunity to admire locally made textile products crafted from cotton. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before retiring for the night.

Breakfast. Departure around 8:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is revered as the last residence of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her final years in Ephesus under the care of the Apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic tour of this historically rich city, where we’ll see the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which established Ephesus as a major religious and cultural center in antiquity. We will continue with a visit to a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you’ll be able to see high-quality products made from lambskin, renowned for their lightness and craftsmanship. Transfer to the airport to take a flight back to Istanbul. Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for your departure flight. (Not included)