TÜRKIYE WITH A CRUISE FROM BOGOTÁ

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

Welcome to Türkiye, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where the contrasts between East and West blend together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation. Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport at 5:05 PM. Opened in April 2019, it is currently the largest airport in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, going through immigration, and collecting your luggage, you must proceed to our meeting point at Exit Gate 9. You will then meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation.

Note: If you are unable to find our representatives at the meeting point, please contact our emergency number.

At the indicated time, departure to enjoy the full-day excursion “Pearls of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus” (without lunch). Approximate departure at 08:00 hrs (time to be confirmed by the guide). Visit the former Jewish neighborhood in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy the magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church. Continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which features the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We then head to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place filled with colors and aromas, and the perfect spot to purchase teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course spices. The day concludes with a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. We will enjoy wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, mansions, and the bridges connecting both sides of this vibrant city. Return transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

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

Departure towards Ankara. In the capital of Türkiye, 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 can learn more about the history of this important trade route. Arrival in Cappadocia 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 for approximately 5:30 a.m. in order to take advantage of the first hours of the day, when balloons are able to fly and you can enjoy the sunrise while avoiding air currents. Each basket’s capacity varies depending on the balloon, with an average of 20 to 24 people. Upon arrival at the site around 6:00 a.m., you will be able to watch 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 a.m. for a visit to this impressive region, known for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. The tour begins at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rock and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. The journey continues through the valleys of the region, 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 well-known volcanic rock valleys. Lunch en route (not included). Continue to an underground city of Cappadocia, one of the most remarkable engineering works built by ancient local communities as a refuge from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet workshop to learn about the traditional handmade production of these pieces, considered true regional treasures, as well as a gemstone center featuring exclusive jewelry designs from the area. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Departure at approximately 06:00 hrs (to be confirmed by the guide) towards Pamukkale to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder featuring a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” comes from Greek and means “sacred city,” referring to the many temples and religious sites that once existed in the city. One of its most remarkable features is its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city became a renowned spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created the stunning terraces and natural cascades known as “Pamukkale,” which means “cotton castle” in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and there will be an opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

At the scheduled time, departure to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is venerated 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, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic visit of this city, rich in history, where we will see the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which established Ephesus as an important religious and cultural center of antiquity. We will continue to a showroom specialized in leather goods, where high-quality products made from sheepskin can be appreciated, famous for their lightweight design and craftsmanship. Dinner. Overnight stay.

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

At the indicated time, transfer to the port of Çeşme to board the Selectum Blu Cruises ship, which will sail through the Greek Islands. (The itinerary through the islands is subject to weather and sea conditions.) Embarkation. The ship departs at 16:00 hrs. After completing the check-in procedures, guests may enjoy the services offered on board. Overnight on board.

Arrival in Rhodes at 09:00 hrs. Time to enjoy the island.

The island of Rhodes, the largest of the 12 Greek islands, is located in the Aegean Sea, directly opposite Marmaris. Rhodes relies almost entirely on tourism. The city of Rhodes, considered the island’s center, is divided into two parts: the Old Town and the New Town.

The Old Town, as its name suggests, is the area where the historical buildings are located. Surrounded by 12-meter-thick walls, the city reflects the influence of the Knights and the Ottoman period. The Old Town is the part of the island that attracts more tourists than the others, with its narrow streets once traveled by knights, the mystical atmosphere of the castle, churches, and mosques. The Archaeological Museum, which once served as a hospital for knights, and the statue of Aphrodite in this museum are among the places worth visiting.

Lindos is the most visited place on the island after the Old Town. Located 47 km from the city of Rhodes, Lindos is a favorite among tourists with its whitewashed houses, cube-shaped architecture, indigo-blue window frames adorned with geraniums, narrow winding streets, and the ancient castle that opens a window into history upon reaching the top of the town. The locals have also considered those who are too lazy to climb up to the castle and have introduced donkey taxis.

The ship departs at 23:59 hrs bound for Kos. Overnight on board.

Arrival in Kos at 07:00 hrs. Time to enjoy the island.

Kos, one of the Greek islands of the Dodecanese, is famous for its lush sandy beaches. It also has an abundance of Greek and Roman historical monuments, particularly in the town of Kos and its surroundings. This port city is dominated by the 15th-century Neratzia Castle. South of the castle are the ruins of the ancient Agora, featuring a temple, a sanctuary, and columns.

The ship departs at 14:00 hrs bound for Samos, arriving at 19:00 hrs.

The island of Samos is located in the eastern Aegean Sea in Greece. It has been influenced by many civilizations throughout history and has hosted significant historical, cultural, and natural wealth. Samos, an important ancient Greek cultural center alongside Miletus, is known for its ancient structures such as the Temple of Artemis and the Heraion. The island is also famous as the birthplace and home of the renowned mathematician and philosopher Pythagoras. It stands out for its natural beauty, historical ruins, and rich cuisine.

Although the island is notable for its mountainous and forested landscape, it is a popular destination for its beaches, bays, and mountain views. Its capital features narrow streets adorned with traditional Greek architecture, tavernas, and a harbor. Samos cuisine is known for its Aegean flavors and is especially famous for wines made from the renowned Muscat grape.

Enjoying the beach, practicing water sports, hiking, visiting ancient ruins, and exploring charming villages are some of the activities on the island, which has offered visitors unforgettable experiences for centuries with its history, nature, and traditional atmosphere.

The ship departs at 02:00 hrs bound for Patmos.

Arrival in Patmos at 08:00 hrs. Time to enjoy the island.

Patmos is a small Greek island in the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea. It is widely known for its mention in the Book of Revelation, where it is stated that the author, John, was exiled to Patmos and had his encounter with God in the so-called Cave of the Apocalypse, which is said to have inspired the writing of the book. Early Christian traditions identified this figure with Saint John the Evangelist.

The ship departs at 01:00 hrs bound for Çeşme.

Breakfast.

Arrival in Çeşme at 07:30 hrs. Guests may disembark the ship after breakfast. Disembarkation. Transfer to the hotel in Kuşadası / Izmir. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Departure approximately at 08:00 hrs (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit Bursa. There, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. We will admire the impressive Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, iconic monuments known for their exquisite decoration. Then, we continue towards Istanbul, arrival in the city. Overnight stay.

With the possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure approximately at 08:00 hrs (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the historic city center, where you will see the various remnants of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul. You will visit the Roman Hippodrome, the center of Constantinople’s social life 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, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. Enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. From the outside, the structure is impressive with its massive dome, a remarkable engineering achievement of its time and still one of the largest domes in the world. Next, visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, including 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. Continue to the Church of Hagia Irene, a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque, and finish the tour 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.

Note: Entrance to Hagia Sophia is subject to an additional fee payable on site.

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

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to take flight TK 800 departing at 09:40 hrs bound for the city of Bogotá. Arrival at 15:05 hrs.