Itinerary

Introduction

Turkey has a very colourful history and evidence has been found of the earliest forms of civilizations living in the lands that now are classed as part of this country.

1

Day 1

Arrival Istanbul

Arrival Istanbul... Meet with the driver and transfer to the hotel (early check in subject to availability)
At around 1300h meet with the guide for half day. Boat Trip on The Bosphorus and amazing cruise between the two continents Europe and Asia. The Rumeli Fortress (from the sea, no interior visit)
Cable Car and Pierre Loti Hill was named after the Famous French writer you will enjoy magnificent scenery of Golden Horn and the city. Overnight at hotel

2

Day 2

Istanbul

Breakfast at hotel. At around 0800h meet with the guide.
Hippodrome, The scene of ancient chariot races, the ancient Hippodrome, with its four monuments; the GERMAN Fountain of Wilhelm II, the Obelisk of Thedosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque Across from St. Sophia built in the 17th century by the architect Mehmet, this is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
St. Sophia (closed on Mondays) This ancient basilica, built by Constantine the Great, in the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, is one of the architectural marvels of all time.
Grand Covered Bazaar (closed on Sundays) In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4000 shops with each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as handpainted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brasware and trays, water ewers, onyxware and meerschaum pipers.

3

Day 3

Istanbul / Kayseri (B,L,D)

Transfer to the airport, fly to Kayseri. On arrival start visits including; Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak river, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotels 

4

Day 4

Cappadocia

Optional Hot Air Balloon tour. Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahısar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Dinner and overnight at hotel. 

5

Day 5

Departure

Breakfast at hotel. Transfer to Kayseri airport. Fly back home via Istanbul