NEW YEAR IN TÜRKIYE AND DUBAI FROM BOGOTA

Departure on an international flight from El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá to board Turkish Airlines flight TK 800, scheduled to depart at 4:35 PM, with a technical stop in Panama before continuing to Istanbul. It is recommended to arrive at the airline’s check-in counter at the airport at least 3 hours in advance for baggage check-in. Overnight on board.

Welcome to Türkiye, a destination rich in culture, history, and unique experiences, where the traditions of East and West come together.

Upon your arrival on an international flight at Istanbul Airport (IST) at 5:05 PM opened in April 2019 and recognized as the largest in Europe and one of the most important in the world you will need to complete immigration procedures and collect your luggage. Afterwards, please proceed to the meeting point located at Exit Gate 9, where you will meet our drivers for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation.

Note: If you are unable to locate our representatives at the meeting point, you will need to contact our emergency number.

At the scheduled time, departure for a full-day excursion PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS (no lunch included). Departure is approximately at 8:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide). Visit the former Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church. Continue to the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which features the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. Next, head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its colors and aromas, and the ideal spot to purchase teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The excursion concludes with a boat ride along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, where you will admire wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of this vibrant city. Transfer back to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: The order of the excursions in Istanbul may be changed depending on operational conditions such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or monument closing days.

Free day to enjoy the city at your own pace. Accommodation.

Optional possibility to take the excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional local restaurant): departure approximately at 8:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the historic old city center, where you will discover the variety of remnants from the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul. Visit the Roman Hippodrome, once the social center of Constantinople for thousands of years, where you can also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Continue to the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. Enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. From the outside, its massive dome is still one of the largest in the world and an impressive engineering achievement of its time. Continue to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Visit its beautiful royal gardens, kitchens, and treasury rooms. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration. Then visit the Church of Hagia Irene, a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque. The tour ends at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a long-standing tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: Entrance to Hagia Sophia is subject to an additional supplement payable at destination.

Departure to Ankara. In the capital of Turkey, you will enjoy a panoramic tour that includes the impressive Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic. During the journey to Cappadocia, you will stop at Salt Lake, a spectacular location ideal for taking photographs. You will also visit a Caravanserai, an ancient inn from the Silk Road era, where you will learn more about the history of this important trade route. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight accommodation.

In the early morning, we suggest taking the optional HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE (subject to weather and climatic conditions). Departure is scheduled at approximately 5:30 AM in order to take advantage of the first hours of the day, when balloons are able to fly, allowing you to watch the sunrise and avoid air currents. The capacity of each basket varies depending on the balloon, with an average of 20 to 24 people. Upon arrival at the site around 6:00 AM, you will witness the preparation of the balloon, an interesting process in which it is inflated using burners until it takes shape on the ground. Once ready, all passengers board the basket.

Later, departure at approximately 8:00 AM for a full-day visit of this impressive region, known for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. The tour begins at the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery featuring chapels carved into volcanic rock and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Then continue through the region’s valleys, where you can admire unique landscapes and the famous geological formations known as “Fairy Chimneys.” A stop will be made to enjoy a panoramic view of the famous volcanic rock valleys. Lunch en route (not included). Continue to visit one of Cappadocia’s underground cities, one of the most remarkable engineering works built by ancient local communities as a refuge against invasions throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet workshop to learn about the handmade production of these pieces considered true treasures, and a gemstone center featuring exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Departure at approximately 6:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide) towards Pamukkale, where you will visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder composed of waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” comes from Greek and means “holy city,” referring to the many temples and religious spaces it once housed in ancient times. Lunch en route (not included). One of the most remarkable structures in Hierapolis is its theater, with a capacity for thousands of spectators, which is still largely preserved today. The city was recognized as an important destination for rest and healing due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone terraces. These mineral-rich waters formed the natural travertine terraces known as “Pamukkale,” which means “cotton castle” in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, offering the opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Departure at approximately 8:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide) towards the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is recognized as the last residence of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her final years in Ephesus under the care of the Apostle John. Today, it is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. Lunch en route (not included). Continue to Selçuk, where you will enjoy a panoramic visit of this city of great historical value, including the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which made Ephesus an important religious and cultural center in antiquity. Later, visit a leather showroom specializing in high-quality leather goods made from lambskin, known for their lightweight and finely crafted designs. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

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

Free day to enjoy the city at your own pace. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

We suggest taking the optional excursion to CHIOS. Departure approximately between 6:00 and 7:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide). The day begins with a transfer from the hotel to the port of Çeşme. After passing through immigration control, we will take a ferry to the charming island of Chios. Upon arrival, we begin our tour with a visit to the picturesque village of Mesta, a fascinating maze of narrow cobblestone streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Afterwards, we continue to Pyrgi, one of the most distinctive villages on Chios. Its houses are decorated with black-and-white geometric patterns known as “xysta,” creating a striking and unique visual contrast. Pyrgi is not only famous for its architecture, but also for its history and traditions that are still preserved today. We then visit the Mastic Museum, dedicated to the unique resin obtained from trees that grow only in this region, where you will learn about the harvesting and production process of this ancient and highly valued product. To end the day, we will visit a beautiful Aegean beach, where you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and peaceful scenery of the region. Finally, return to the port for the ferry back to Çeşme, Turkey.

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

Departure at approximately 8:00 AM (time to be confirmed by the guide) towards Bursa. Upon arrival, a panoramic tour of this historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, will take place. You will be able to admire the iconic Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, known for their refined decoration and architectural value. Afterwards, continue the journey to Istanbul, with arrival in the city. Transfer to the airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK 762 to Dubai.

Departure at 12:40 AM. Arrival at Dubai Airport at 6:10 AM. Meet and assist upon arrival and transfer to the hotel. Room check-in. Breakfast. Free afternoon. Accommodation.

At the scheduled time, begin a city tour of Dubai, a city that rises from the desert and stands out in the Gulf region for its modernity and striking contrasts. The tour starts with views of Dubai Creek, passing through the historic Bastakiya district, known for its old houses with wind towers built by wealthy merchants. Next, visit Al Fahidi Fort, over 225 years old, home to the Dubai Museum, which preserves important records of the city’s history and its different stages of development. Afterwards, board a traditional “abra” boat to cross the creek and visit the Spice Souk and the Gold Souk. Transfer to Dubai Mall and enjoy free time for shopping at one of the largest shopping centers in the world, with more than 1,200 stores and over 160 dining options. In the afternoon, depart in 4x4 vehicles towards the desert. During the drive across the red sand dunes, the driver will showcase impressive driving skills. After watching the sunset, arrival at the camp where you will enjoy a traditional Arabian evening with an oriental buffet, soft drinks, a short camel ride, henna tattoos, shisha, and a belly dancing show. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Departure to Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates and seat of the Federal National Council. As one of the world’s leading oil producers, Abu Dhabi has, in recent years, promoted economic diversification through investments in financial services and tourism. The journey begins from Dubai, with an approximate two-hour drive, passing through Jebel Ali, home to the largest man-made port in the world. Along the way, you will see the modern additions to Abu Dhabi’s skyline, as well as the impressive Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, considered one of the largest in the world. The tour continues through the city center, including a visit to the well-known Union Square, famous for its monuments representing the country’s traditions. Afterwards, following a drive up a hill, visit the Heritage Village, created by Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan to preserve and showcase the nation’s history and culture for future generations. There will also be an opportunity to visit shops at the Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi. At the end of the tour, transfer back to Dubai. Arrival at the hotel. Accommodation.

Free day to enjoy the city at your own pace. Check-out is at 12:00 PM (passengers may leave their luggage at the hotel for storage until it is time for the transfer to the airport).

We suggest taking the optional excursions MODERN DUBAI TOUR / DHOW CRUISE. Enjoy a visit to modern Dubai, including Dubai Marina, where you can admire some of the tallest residential buildings in the world, including the famous twisting tower. Continue to Palm Jumeirah, with a photo stop in front of the Atlantis The Palm hotel. Then visit the Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a traditional-style market, followed by a photo stop in front of the Burj Al Arab, often referred to as the world’s only 7-star hotel. Continue to the Mall of the Emirates, home to the indoor ski slope, and conclude the tour at Dubai Mall, where you can take photos in front of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Return to the hotel. Free afternoon.Optionally, in the evening, enjoy the sights and sounds of Dubai Creek on a two-hour cruise aboard a traditional dhow. The journey begins at the mouth of the creek and continues along its waters to the illuminated Dubai Creek Golf Club, shaped like the sails of a ship. Buffet dinner included. Return to the hotel.

At the scheduled time, transfer to Dubai International Airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK 761.

Departure at 1:55 AM to the city of Istanbul. Arrival at the international airport at 5:45 AM, where you will connect with Turkish Airlines flight TK 800, scheduled to depart at 9:40 AM for your return to Bogotá. Arrival at 3:05 PM.