Thursday, 15 May (Istanbul)

Arrival into Istanbul, the only city in the world spanning two continents. After clearing Passport and Customs Controls, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. (B).

 

Friday, 16 May(Istanbul)

A full day tour at the Old City where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian; Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the “Obelisk of Theodosius” from Egypt, “Serpentine Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. After the visit to Grand Covered Bazaar, the most attractive shopping center in the world with nearly 4000 shops, time for lunch. In the afternoon, proceed to Topkapi Palace - Harem section is excluded - built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. The last visit will be to the Suleymaniye Mosque, masterpiece of Sinan, the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire, built in the name of the Sultan Suleyman, the Magnificent, during the 16th. century, considered as the best amongst the imperial mosques. Return to the hotel (B, L).

 

Saturday, 17 May (Istanbul-Cappadocia)

Transfer to the airport to fly to Kayseri. On arrival, proceed to Cappadocia for touring with Pasabagi in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping facilities for the world-wide famous handicrafts. After lunch proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme and visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Overnight Cappadocia (B, L, D).

 

Sunday, 18 May (Cappadocia)

Begin the day with a spectacular balloon flight (optional extra) over the deep canyons and lush fertile valleys which provide the balloons with an ideal playground for the unique and memorable flight.

 

Full day touring in Cappadocia with Pigeon Valley by driving along the Uchisar Fortress; Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors and Soganli Viilage, an interesting valley with around 150 churches, some of which are in good condition. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, L, D).

 

Monday, 19 May (Cappadocia-Adana)

Drive to Adana via Eski Gumusler Monastery and Cilician Gates (B, L, D).

 

Tuesday, 20 May (Adana-Antakya-Adana)

Drive to Antakya - Antioch on the Orontes - and visit Antakya Mosaic Museum which houses one of the best collections of Roman mosaics in the world; and St. Peter’s Church, the earliest Christian church ever built. Drive back to Adana and overnight (B, L, D).

 

Wednesday, 21 May (Adana-Tarsus-Konya)

Tarsus, the birth place of St. Paul. It was also here where Marcus Anthony reputedly met Cleopatra. Visit St. Paul’s Well and Cleopatra Gate before continuing to Alahan. Then continue on to Konya to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-famous mystic and, time permitting, Karatay Theological School in which  beautiful tiles are on display. Overnight in Konya (B, L, D).

 

Thursday, 22 May (Konya-Yalvac-Pamukkale)

Drive to Pamukkale via Yalvac (Antiochus in Pisidia). On arrival visit the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Overnight Pamukkale (B, L, D).

 

Friday, 23 May (Pamukkale-Sardis-Izmir) 

After visiting Laodicea, the site of the Revelations, drive on to visit Phidalephia (Alasehir) and Sardis, the capital of the Lydian Kingdom, which houses one of the seven churches. Overnight in Izmir (B, L, D).

 

Saturday, 24 May (Izmir-Ephesus-Izmir)

Drive to Ephesus to visit Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded), Virgin Mary’s House, Selcuk Ephesus Museum and St. John Church. Drive back to Izmir for overnight (B, L, D).

 

Sunday, 25 May (Izmir-Pergamum-Bursa)

Drive to Pergamon, the capital of Pergamon Kingdom to visit the Asclepion and Acropol. Then continue on to Bursa via Thyatira, the location of the church of Revelations(B, L, D).

 

Monday, 26 May (Bursa-Iznik-Istanbul)

After visiting Bursa with Koza Han, the silk cocoon caravanserai, with shops selling beautiful silks and brocades, Grand Mosque, the Green Mosque, considered to be one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture, and the Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Sultan Mehmet I drive on to Iznik (Nicea). Overnight Istanbul (B, L).

 

Tuesday, 27 May (Istanbul)

A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities, also known as Egyptian Bazaar as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark the regular public ferry. Sailing through the waterway separating the two continents - Asia and Europe - with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges as well as Rumelian Fortress, historical armament built by the Conqueror in 1452 to control and protect Bosphorus, will be visible from the sea. Leaving the boat and getting into the coach to proceed to Chora Museum for a final visit. Free afternoon (B).

 

Wednesday, 28 May  

The tour ends after breakfast this morning.  Transfer to the airport for the departure flight (B).

 

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

 

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