TÜRKIYE, LAND OF SULTANS

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), you will go through immigration and collect your luggage. Then, head to our meeting point located at Gate 8 in the arrivals area, where a representative will be waiting to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time. We suggest 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! Accommodation.

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.

Enjoy a free day with the option to join the fascinating excursion “Gems of Constantinople with lunch” (not included). Our adventure begins at the Roman Hippodrome, the heart of ancient Constantinople, where you will explore the remnants of this iconic social center, admiring the Theodosian Obelisk, the Constantine Obelisk, and the German Fountain, each with its own fascinating history. Next, we will visit the famous Blue Mosque, known for its stunning interior decorated with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik, which will take your breath away with its combination of six minarets and magnificent dome. From a panoramic view, you will appreciate Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece built in 537, which has served as a church, mosque, and museum throughout its history, with a dome that remains one of the largest in the world. Then, we will head to the majestic Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where we will explore the beautiful royal gardens, kitchens, and impressive rooms that house the empire's treasures, not forgetting the mysterious Harem, famous for its luxurious decoration and the intriguing life of the sultan’s wives and children. We will continue our visit at the Aya Irini Church, a Byzantine gem that did not become a mosque, making it even more special. To conclude the tour, we will head to the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where you can enjoy the experience of bargaining, a vibrant tradition in Turkish culture.

After a day filled with history and culture, transfer to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.

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

Today, we will explore this marvelous region with its fascinating and unique landscape, formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Our first stop will be the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery featuring chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Next, we will visit the stunning valleys of the region, known for their “otherworldly” landscapes. You’ll have the chance to appreciate the iconic geological formations of the area, including the famous "Fairy Chimneys." We will make a stop to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of Pigeon Valley, named for the numerous pigeons that nest in the rocks, which have historically provided food and fertilizer for the locals. Next, we will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, an impressive engineering feat constructed by ancient communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. After our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these true treasures. We will also explore a gemstone center known for its exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel for dinner and accommodation.

Optional Programs in Cappadocia:

• Turkish Night: Presentation of folk dances in a traditional cave with local drinks.
• Jeep Safari: Adventure through the mystical valleys of the region, with stops for the best photo opportunities.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Today, we will depart for Pamukkale to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the stunning Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder featuring giant waterfalls, stalactites, and thermal pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek, meaning "sacred city," reflecting the numerous temples and religious sites that once existed there. One of the most notable features of Hierapolis is its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and remains largely intact today. The city gained fame as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white travertine pools. These mineral-rich waters have created impressive natural terraces and cascading formations known as "Pamukkale," which translates to "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and breathtaking beauty. Enjoy dinner at the hotel followed by accommodation.

Today, we will begin our journey with a visit to the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is revered as the final resting place of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the care of the Apostle John. The house is now an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, regarded as a sacred place. Next, we will take a panoramic tour of Selçuk, where you can appreciate the rich history of the city. Highlights will include the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which established Ephesus as a significant religious and cultural center in antiquity. After exploring Selçuk, we will visit a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can admire high-quality products made from lambskin, known for their lightweight and durability. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for accommodation.

At the designated time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for your departure flight. (Flight not included).