Country Information
TURKEY – Turkey is a transcontinental country located mainly on the Anatolian Peninsula in Western Asia, with a smaller portion on the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe. Turkey is steeped in history, with a diverse cultural heritage that spans thousands of years. It was the center of several ancient civilizations, including the Hittites, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, and later the Ottoman Empire.
Turkey's rich history, stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality make it a captivating destination for travelers seeking an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether exploring ancient ruins, relaxing on pristine beaches, or savoring delicious cuisine, Turkey offers something for every type of traveler. Turkish cuisine is renowned for its delicious flavors, fresh ingredients, and diverse influences from the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Central Asia. Visitors can savor dishes such as kebabs, mezes (appetizers), baklava, Turkish delight, and çay (tea) at local restaurants, cafes, and street food stalls.
City Information
Istanbul – Turkey’s largest city, straddles the continents of Europe and Asia and serves as the country's cultural and economic hub. It is famous for its iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar. Visitors can explore vibrant neighborhoods, enjoy traditional Turkish cuisine, and cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
Cappadocia – Lying in south central Turkey, the moonscaped region of Cappadocia, southeast of Ankara, is most famous for unique geological features called fairy chimneys. The large, cone-like formations were created over time by erosion of the relatively soft volcanic ash around them. Past cultures have dug into them to create dwellings, castles (like Uchisar) and even entire underground cities like Kaymakli and Derinkuyu, used as hiding places by early Christians. Nearby Kayseri is the gateway to the area.
Itinerary
ISTANBUL
Arrival to Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the day on Leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
ISTANBUL
After the breakfast, we begin our tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia (Hagia Sophia mosque from Outside). Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses. Next, we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. After lunch break we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace (from Outside) which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Final visit will be to the Grand Bazaar which was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.
ISTANBUL
If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us abroad a ferry boat for the charming Princes’ Islands. Our destination is Büyükada (Pringipo), the largest of the island chain. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is now the electric vehicles as horse-drawn carriages are banned due to a law). Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
ISTANBUL / CAPPADOCIA
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer. Overnight in Cappadocia.
CAPPADOCIA
Our first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley. We visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos center of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river and is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. A visit to ceramic & tile center to see how the ceramics made by hand. After lunch we visit the famous Zelve Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. People of Goreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realized that these soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. These frescoes are a unique artistic achievement from this period. You visit a carpet cooperative, where you'll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. We complete the tour with a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia.
CAPPADOCIA/AIRPORT
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for the flight to Istanbul to take the international flight.