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Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to the splendor that is Istanbul – home to the masterpieces of Byzantine and Ottoman art, culture, and history. As you are driven to your hotel, enjoy views of Istanbul’s skyline along the Sea of Marmara before passing through the ancient city walls into old town. After checking in, take time to explore the neighborhood around your hotel and feel the vibrant pulse of the city. Your Turkish adventure is just beginning. |
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Istanbul Guided Tour
After enjoying a Turkish breakfast, meet with your tour guide. Today you will see the highlights of Byzantine and Ottoman architecture. Your first stop is the Hagia Sophia, which served as the cathedral of Constantinople for over 1,000 years. Next, head underground to see the dramatically lit 6th century Basilica Cistern built by Emperor Justinian. Continue past the Blue Mosque to the nearby Hippodrome, which served as the center of Byzantine social life. The Hippodrome was used during Roman times for horse races, gladiator contests, and public celebrations. Step inside the Ibrahim Pasa Palace to see the extraordinary collections of the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts. Following lunch at a historic Sultanahmet eatery that specializes in kofte (tasty flame-grilled meatballs), take a stroll through the less-touristy streets of Istanbul to a coffee shop to enjoy a rich Turkish coffee. Browse through the Spice Market to sample the different flavors of Turkey, from Turkish delight to varieties of olives and cheeses. Later, explore the blue tiles in the magical Rustempasa mosque, built by Sinan, architect for Suleyman the Magnificent. |
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Istanbul Guided Tour
Today’s tour begins with Topkapi Palace, from where Ottomans ruled over most of Europe and the Middle East. Admire the riches of the Treasury and the sultans’ private quarters in the Harem. Continue onto Eminonu to enjoy a fish sandwich – freshly caught and grilled and served from a boat near the shore. Walking past locals fishing off of the Galata Bridge, we proceed to Europe’s first metro which carries you to a whole new Istanbul. Climb up Galata Tower; in the 17th century, an Ottoman inspired by DaVinci ‘s drawings strapped on wings and flew over the Golden Horn to Topkapi Palace. Meet the modern face of Istanbul as you join the thousands of people on the pedestrian walkway of Istiklal Street. Board your craft for an afternoon cruise between Europe and Asia along the Bosphorus Strait. Take advantage of the afternoon light to photograph palatial estates and Ottoman palaces along the water as you sail past the Bosphorus Bridge. |
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Fly Istanbul - Cappadocia
An early morning transfer takes you from your hotel in Istanbul to meet your flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia), where you are greeted by your licensed tour guide.Your first stop is Devrent Valley, where you walk among the animal-like natural rock formations. Next, head to Pasabaglari to explore the distinctive fairy chimneys Cappadocia is known for. A short drive takes you to the pretty town of Avanos for an a la carte lunch at a restaurant along the Kizilirmak (Red River). After lunch, drive to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia's moonscape. Climb up the castle to enjoy a breath-taking view of the surrounding valleys and Mt. Erciyes. Your next stop is a visit to a six floor cave house in the Uchisar Valley. Explore the cave house, browse the wares of nearby street vendors, or enjoy the serene environment over a cup of Turkish tea. A stop at Esentepe allows you to enjoy scenic views of the town of Goreme. The highlight of the day is the Goreme Open Air Museum, showcasing beautiful Byzantine art in churches carved into the rock.The stunningly well-preserved frescoes in the Dark Church are sure to make a lasting impression. Transfer to tonight's accommodations at one of our select hotels in Cappadocia. |
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Cappadocia Guided Tour and Fly to Ephesus
After an early breakfast at your hotel, Today's tour takes us to the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia, Red and Rose Valleys, where we have a pleasant walking tour of 2 hours among the volcanic rock formations, rock-hewn churches and monasteries. The difficulty of the walk can be adjusted to your comfort level, including a path that is primarily flat and downhill. Our walk also takes us to Cavusin Village to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until the mid-20th century. We then explore Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest underground settlements in the region. This underground city acted as a short term shelter for early Christians who fled persecution from the Romans, and then later from raiding Muslims. After the tour, you are transferred directly to the Kayseri Airport to board an afternoon flight to Ephesus (Izmir ADB Airport), where you are greeted and driven to one of our select hotels in Kusadasi or Selcuk. |
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Ephesus Guided Tour
After breakfast, meet your tour guide and start today's explorations at the Temple of Artemis, one of the original Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. Next, head to the Isa Bey Mosque for an impressive display of 14th century Turkish architecture. Continue on to visit the Basilica of St John, part of the magnificent church built over the tomb of St. John the Evangelist by Emperor Justinian in the sixth century. St. John is said to have lived in Ephesus with the Virgin Mary up to the time of his death. Following lunch at a local eatery specializing in Cop Sis (tasty flame-grilled lamb skewers), visit the superbly presented Ephesus Archaeological Museum. This collection of artifacts from Ephesus includes furniture and personal items from the Terrace Houses, fabulous marble statuary, and a gladiator exhibit featuring skeletal remains showing evidence of these warriors' fatal injuries and the weapons that inflicted them. A short drive takes you to the House of the Virgin Mary, authenticated by Pope Paul II in 1967 and a pilgrimage site for many religions. Next, we explore the unmatched archaeological site of ancient Ephesus. The sheer size and grandeur of the site make this the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. As you wind your way down through the city of colonnaded avenues, you will see the magnificent façade of the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, City Hall, the public baths, marketplaces, courthouses, fountains, the theater, as well as a brothel and public latrine. Your tour also includes a visit to see the Terrace Houses - well-preserved private homes of the Roman upper-class with many intact mosaics and frescoes. |
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Fly Ephesus/Istanbul/Home
You are transferred to Izmir Airport for a morning flight to Istanbul, Transfer to the airport for your departure flight. |
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- An incredible experience without the horde of tourists
- 6 Night accommodation with breakfast at the Select Rooms of your choice
- Domestic Flights
- Air-conditioned vehicle with non-smoking private driver
- Entrance to all sites
- Guided tour at sites by licensed non-smoking private tour guide
- A la carte lunches with beverages
- Airport transfers in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus
- Complimentary bottled water throughout the day tour
- Taxes
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"I have traveled quite a bit over the years and you are perhaps the best travel agency I have ever dealt with. Cappadocia should be on everybody’s travel list, and you really made it possible to really get as much as possible out of a short visit. The small group size of your tours and personal attention from staff makes the trip much more satisfying than a “big bus” experience. I would recommend a trip to Cappadocia with you to everyone."
Danielle from USA |
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| Hello! I am Ozgur, your friendly local travel consultant in San Francisco, and state-licensed tour guide in Turkey from Spring through Fall. From November through March, I live in San Francisco, Call / Text or Whatsapp me at +1.415.786.9486, or reach out to me by clicking here, have a wonderful day... |
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