TURKISH LUXURY: A DREAM ESCAPE

Welcome to Turkey! A country where rich culture and history intertwine, offering unique experiences that reflect the fusion of East and West. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary holiday. Upon arrival, you will disembark at the impressive Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in April 2019 and considered the largest in Europe. After passing through immigration and collecting your luggage, head to our meeting point at exit gate 8; a representative will be waiting to assist you with the transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and have some free time. We suggest you take advantage of the afternoon to explore the surroundings of your hotel or enjoy a typical Turkish dinner at a local restaurant.

At the scheduled time, you will begin your excursion to the Pearls of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The adventure starts in the historic Jewish quarter of Balat and the charming Greek district of Fener, where you will be able to admire the beauty of the Golden Horn. Then, you will visit the impressive Cathedral of St. George, an important center of the Greek Orthodox Church, and the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, known for its imposing dome. Next, you will immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and aromas of the Spice Bazaar, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs and typical sweets. The experience will culminate with a relaxing boat ride along the Bosphorus, where you will enjoy spectacular views of fortresses and palaces that embellish this magical strait that separates Europe and Asia. During the excursion, you will have the opportunity to enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant (included). At the end, you will be transferred back to your hotel to rest.

Today you will have a free day, but you can also opt for the optional excursion “Jewels of Constantinople”, which includes lunch at a typical restaurant. Set off to explore the historic center of the city, where you will see vestiges of the various empires that have shaped Istanbul. You will start at the Roman Hippodrome, the center of Constantinople’s social life, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine and the German Fountain. Next, you will visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. From there, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built in 537, which has served as a church, mosque and museum, highlighting its enormous dome, one of the largest in the world. The tour will continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where you will tour the beautiful gardens, kitchens and royal treasure rooms, as well as discover the enigmatic Harem, known for its luxurious decoration. Afterwards, you will visit the Aya Irini Church, a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque, and end the tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. At the end, you will return to the hotel and accommodation.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to take the domestic flight to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Continuing towards the impressive valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes you will be able to appreciate the views of the symbols of the geological formations of the region, the famous “Fairy Chimneys”. A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible panoramic views of some of the famous volcanic rock valleys with spectacular shapes. Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures, and a center for precious stones, jewelry with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Optional in Cappadocia (Price not included)

• TURKISH NIGHT: Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks
• JEEP SAFARI: adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos
• BADJOB RIDE: Departure in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Depart for Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder that features a giant waterfall, stalactites and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” comes from Greek and means “sacred city,” referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that once existed in the city. One of the highlights of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which had the capacity to hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as “Pamukkale,” which in Turkish means “cotton castle.” Pamukkale and Hierapolis are jointly included on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

At the appointed time, departure to visit the iconic House of Mary, a sacred place where, according to Christian tradition, the mother of Jesus 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 considered it a holy place. Next, you will head to Selçuk for a panoramic tour that includes the impressive Ottoman castle, the majestic Basilica of St. John and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, a symbol of the region's religious and cultural past. In addition, you will stop at a leather goods showroom, where you can admire high-quality products made from lambskin, known for its lightness and elegance. Finally, you will enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel and overnight.

*Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi depending on the season.

At the indicated time, transfer to the airport to take the domestic flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

At the indicated time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for the return flight (Flight not included).