FROM THE MIDDLE EAST TO EUROPE FROM PANAMA

Arrival at Panama International Airport to board international flight TK 800, scheduled to depart at 6:45 PM. Passengers are advised to arrive at the airline’s check-in counter at least 3 hours prior to departure to complete the baggage check-in process. Overnight on board.

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport, the world’s third-largest airport, at 3:30 PM. Welcome to Turkey, a country rich in culture, history, and unique experiences, where the differences between East and West come together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation.

After disembarking, completing immigration procedures, and collecting your luggage, proceed to our meeting point at Exit Gate 9. You will then meet our drivers for your transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

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

At the indicated time, depart to enjoy the full-day excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND THE BOSPHORUS”, departing at approximately 8:00 AM (schedule to be confirmed by the guide). The excursion includes lunch at a restaurant serving traditional cuisine. Visit the former Jewish neighborhood of Balat and the Greek neighborhood of Fener, while enjoying magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then, visit the Church of St. George, the main seat of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and featuring one of the largest domes among Istanbul’s mosques.

Continue to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place known for its vibrant 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 Istanbul between Europe and Asia. Enjoy spectacular views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, waterfront mansions, and the bridges connecting both sides of the city. Return to the hotel. Overnight.

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

At the agreed time, depart for Safranbolu. Along the way, stop for a walk through the streets of Yoruk Village, an old Ottoman village offering magnificent views. Continue to Safranbolu, arriving and stopping at Hıdırlık Hill, a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the city. Free time for lunch (not included) in the city’s Old Town. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

Today, depart for Cappadocia. Along the way, enjoy views of the Salt Lake, where we will stop to take photographs at this spectacular location. Then, visit a caravanserai, a historic lodging site dating back to the era of the Silk Road. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

In the morning, we suggest taking the optional Hot Air Balloon Ride (subject to weather and weather conditions). Departure is around 5:30 AM to allow enough time, as balloons can only fly during the early morning hours to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and avoid stronger air currents. The capacity of each basket depends on the balloon, but generally accommodates 20 to 24 people. Once at the launch site, at approximately 6:00 AM, you will have the opportunity to watch the balloon being prepared. It is a beautiful sight to see as the burners gradually inflate the balloon with hot air while it lies on the ground. Once the balloon is ready and breakfast has been served, everyone will board the basket.

Departure at approximately 8:00 AM to explore this marvelous region, with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Begin with a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery featuring chapels carved into volcanic rock and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continue to the region’s impressive valleys, with their otherworldly landscapes, where you can admire the iconic geological formations known as the famous “Fairy Chimneys.” A stop will be made to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of some of the region’s renowned valleys, featuring spectacular volcanic rock formations. Lunch en route (not included). Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.

In the evening, there is an opportunity to take the optional “Cappadocia Underground City” excursion, one of the many impressive engineering feats 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 traditional craftsmanship behind these pieces, which are true treasures, as well as a gemstone and jewelry center featuring exclusive designs from the region.

At the agreed time, depart for Ankara for a panoramic tour of the capital of Turkey and a visit to Atatürk’s Mausoleum, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. Continue to Istanbul. Arrival in Istanbul. Overnight at the hotel.

Free day for personal activities. Check-out at 12:00 PM. (Passengers may leave their luggage in the hotel’s luggage storage until it is time to transfer to the airport.)

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board flight TK 1037 to Budapest, departing at 7:05 PM. Upon arrival at Budapest International Airport at approximately 7:15 PM, a Spanish-speaking representative will meet you and assist with your transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.

Today, we will explore the beauty of Budapest. Often referred to as the “Pearl of the Danube,” Budapest is divided by the majestic river into two distinct areas. Buda, located on a hill, is home to Buda Castle and offers panoramic views of the city, while Pest, situated on the plain, is the vibrant center of nightlife and cultural life.

We will embark on a panoramic tour of Budapest, a city that seamlessly blends its imperial past with a vibrant present. We will begin at the impressive Heroes’ Square, a monument commemorating the leaders of the seven Magyar tribes who founded Hungary. We will then pass by the magnificent Hungarian Parliament, one of the largest legislative buildings in the world, with its impressive Neo-Gothic façade overlooking the Danube. St. Stephen’s Basilica, the largest religious building in Budapest, will also be part of the tour. Overnight at the hotel.

Possibility of taking any of the following optional excursions (additional cost applies):

1. GUIDED TOUR TO DISCOVER THE PARLIAMENT AND THE JEWISH QUARTER: A tour designed to explore the Parliament, one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks (entrance and audio-guided tour included). We will then continue with a tour of Budapest’s Jewish Quarter, where you will learn about Jewish history and culture in Hungary. Visit the Great Synagogue, the second-largest synagogue in the world, and learn about the local Jewish community, its tragic history during the Holocaust, and its revival in modern times. The neighborhood is also filled with street art, trendy cafés, and a vibrant nightlife scene. Continue to the Carl Lutz Memorial, honoring the Swiss diplomat who saved many Jewish people, followed by the Ángel Sanz Briz mural, commemorating the Spanish diplomat who saved approximately 5,000 people. We will then explore the Status Quo Synagogue, designed by Otto Wagner, and visit the last remaining section of the former ghetto on Király Street. Before concluding the tour, we will stop at Vásárcsarnok (Central Market Hall) and take a walk along Váci Street. We will also head to the majestic Buda Castle. Finally, the tour will conclude with a panoramic stop at the magnificent Budapest Opera House, where we will admire its impressive façade and learn about its history.*
2. NIGHT CRUISE ON THE DANUBE TO ADMIRE THE ILLUMINATED CITY: A magical experience that allows you to admire Budapest’s architectural treasures from the Danube River. As the sun sets, the city’s buildings light up, creating an enchanting atmosphere. The Parliament, Chain Bridge, and Buda Castle are reflected in the river, offering an unforgettable view of the city at night.
3. GYPSY NIGHT: We invite you to enjoy our “Gypsy Night,” a Hungarian folklore show celebrating the rich Romani culture of Hungary. In a welcoming atmosphere, enjoy traditional Hungarian dishes, beginning with the famous goulash soup and delicious meats for an unforgettable culinary experience. You will also have the opportunity to taste Hungary’s famous red and white wines, available without limitation as part of the menu. During dinner, enjoy live Romani music while watching traditional Hungarian folk dances performed by artists in traditional costumes. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Hungarian culture through its music, dance, and cuisine.

We will leave Budapest and head to Austria’s capital, Vienna.

On the way, there is an opportunity to take the OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO BRATISLAVA: the small but charming capital of Slovakia. In Bratislava, enjoy a walk through the historic city center, where modern sculptures and medieval monuments blend harmoniously. Highlights include St. Martin’s Cathedral, a Gothic building that was once the coronation site of Hungarian kings, and St. Michael’s Gate, one of the few city gates that has survived intact.

Arrival in Vienna, the elegant capital of Austria. The journey will allow us to admire the Central European countryside along the way. Upon arrival, there will be an option to enjoy a panoramic tour in the afternoon. Vienna, a city steeped in imperial history, is renowned for its refined architecture, particularly along the Ringstrasse. Here, landmarks such as the Vienna State Opera and Parliament are sure to take your breath away. The city was the center of Habsburg power for centuries, and its legacy can be felt around every corner. In the Hofburg Imperial District, you can imagine royal life as you explore the historic halls where decisions were made that changed the course of history. Free afternoon. Overnight at the hotel.

We suggest taking the OPTIONAL IMPERIAL PALACES TOUR: Explore the impressive residences of the Habsburg dynasty on this fascinating tour. We will begin at Hofburg Palace, where we will make a panoramic stop to admire its diverse architectural styles and learn about the famous Spanish Riding School. We will then continue to Schönbrunn Palace, known as the “Beautiful Well.” Here, we will enter the palace grounds to explore its beautiful gardens and climb to the Gloriette for magnificent views. There will also be time to visit Europe’s oldest zoo, located within the palace grounds. Finally, we will make a panoramic stop at Belvedere Palace, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, before returning to our hotel.

Free day to enjoy the city at your own pace. Overnight at the hotel. Possibility of taking any of the following optional excursions (additional cost applies):

1. IMPERIAL MELODIES (Includes visits to Mayerling, Seegrotte, and Baden): We will begin our tour through the Vienna Woods, the northeastern extension of the Alps. Our first stop will be Liechtenstein Castle, a medieval fortress perched on a cliff, famous for its impressive Gothic architecture and panoramic views of the surrounding area. This historic castle, restored in the 19th century, transports us back in time with its fairytale atmosphere and connection to Austria’s noble history. We will continue to Seegrotte, a former mine used by the Nazis during World War II, where we will enjoy a spectacular boat ride on Europe’s largest underground lake. We will then continue through the magnificent forests outside Vienna until reaching the Mayerling Hunting Lodge, known for the Mayerling tragedy and now converted into a Carmelite convent. We will conclude the tour with a visit to the charming spa town of Baden, which inspired Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. There, we will enjoy some free time before returning.
2. DREAMLIKE MELODIES: CONCERT IN THE CITY OF MUSIC: Get ready to experience an unforgettable evening in Vienna, the capital of classical music. On this exclusive optional tour, enjoy a spectacular concert by Vienna’s famous salon orchestra, which has helped put the city on the world musical map. The performance will feature outstanding soloists who will captivate you with their talent, while the melodies of the waltzes transport you to a world of elegance and sophistication. Every note and chord will resonate in a magical atmosphere, turning the evening into a truly unique experience. After the concert, we will provide comfortable transportation back to your hotel, where you can reflect on a wonderful evening filled with music and art.

Departure for Prague. Upon arrival in Prague, a panoramic tour of the historic city center will give you the opportunity to admire the magnificent Old Town Square, home to the famous Astronomical Clock, a medieval masterpiece that continues to keep time with remarkable precision. Nearby, the Church of Our Lady before Týn, with its distinctive Gothic towers, dominates the skyline, while the majestic Charles Bridge, spanning the Vltava River, offers unforgettable views of the city.

During the tour, you will also see other historic sites, such as Republic Square, home to the Powder Tower, one of the original gateways to the Old Town, and Wenceslas Square, the setting for important historical events such as the Velvet Revolution. Prague’s Jewish Quarter is another fascinating area, with a rich history dating back centuries, as well as St. Nicholas Church, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture.

Known for its narrow streets, historic squares, and fairytale-like buildings, Prague is a city where every corner is worth photographing. You can choose to wander through the charming Lesser Town (Malá Strana), stroll through the gardens of Prague Castle, or simply sit at a traditional café and enjoy a Czech beer while watching the city go by. Overnight at the hotel.

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

We suggest taking the OPTIONAL KARLOVY VARY EXCURSION. Located just two hours from Prague, a visit to Karlovy Vary is an experience not to be missed. This city was once one of Europe’s most famous health and spa destinations, long before the development of modern medicine.

Our tour begins at the Karlsbad Plaza Hotel, next to the Teplá River, where we will start exploring this charming city. We will visit the famous “Lázně,” historic thermal springs restored for public use, where you can taste the mineral-rich waters using the traditional porcelain cups sold throughout the city. As we walk, we will admire Karlovy Vary’s fascinating architecture and take photographs along the river. The tour concludes at the other end of the main avenue.

At the end of the tour, there will be free time to explore the shops selling garnets and porcelain, known for their excellent quality and attractive prices compared to Prague.

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

*We suggest taking the OPTIONAL DRESDEN EXCURSION. On this optional tour to Dresden, we will explore the charming capital of Saxony, known as the “Florence of the Elbe.” We will begin with a visit to Hof Cathedral, Zwinger Palace, and the Semper Opera House. We will admire the Fürstenzug (Procession of Princes), made of Meissen porcelain, the iconic Frauenkirche, and the statue of Martin Luther.

We will walk along Brühl’s Terrace, the historic Altmarkt Square, and the shopping district of Prager Strasse. At the end of the walking tour, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace.

Free day for personal activities. Check-out at 12:00 PM. (Passengers may leave their luggage in the hotel’s luggage storage until it is time to transfer to the airport.)

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport to board flight TK 1770, departing at 7:25 PM for Istanbul. Overnight on board.

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport at 12:05 AM. (Approximate waiting time at the airport: 8 hours.) You will then connect to flight TK 801, departing at 8:00 AM for Panama City, with a technical stop in Bogotá.