Turkish Delight

Welcome to Istanbul! This magical meeting place of East and West has more top-drawer attractions than it has minarets (and that's a lot), a richly historical land with some of the best cuisine you will ever taste, scenery from beaches to mountains and the great city of Istanbul. Istanbul’s strategic location has attracted many tourists over the centuries. Upon your arrival in Turkiye you will have a shared / private transfer to the hotel (Standard Check in time at the hotel is 03:00 pm or as per the discretion of the hotel). Rest of the day is free. Overnight in Istanbul

Breakfast at hotel. Today you will have a sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Tour of "Sultan Ahmet Center" the heart of the "Old City" from where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet. Hippodrome, center of sportive events (chariot races, athletics) and political activities of the old city. Serpentine Column, Obelisk of Theodosius and German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Grand Covered Bazaar, most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherwear and souvenir. Lunch at Local Restaurant. Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics of Prophet Mohammed, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Live guide commentary is not allowed in special sections. (Harem is not included in the program) Sultan Tombs, there are five tombs of Ottoman Sultans within the graveyard at Hagia Sophia. The ceramic panels are the most beautiful examples of the 16th century with purple, red, green and blue flower motives. Prince robes and a small piece from the Kaaba covers are displayed on the sarcophaguses.

Today after breakfast, you will have a private airport transfer for the flight to Cappadocia. Welcome to Cappadocia! As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here. Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Nevsehir Airport (NAV), you will have a private / shared transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and free time for dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. You will walk through this amazing valley. After visiting Devrent, 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 at local restaurant, 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. Overnight in Cappadocia (B, L, D)

Today after breakfast, you will have a private / shared airport transfer for the flight to Antalya. Welcome to Antalya! Once seen simply as the gateway to the Turkish Riviera, Antalya today is very much a destination. Situated right on the Gulf of Antalya (Antalya Korfezi) the largest city on Turkey's western Mediterranean coastline is both classically beautiful and stylishly modern. Upon arrival at Antalya Airport (AYT), you will have a private / shared transfer to the hotel. Check in at the hotel and free time for dinner. Overnight in Antalya (B, D)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will start sightseeing by exploring the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos. The tour will start with a visit to Perge. Tour the stadium, Roman Gate, Nymphaeum, Roman Bath, Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Main Street, and the Agora. Lunch at Local Restaurant After lunch, we will visit Aspendos which is known for its well-preserved theatre. There will then be time for shopping and a visit to the beautiful beaches of Side. Overnight in Antalya (B, L, D)

Breakfast at the hotel, check out formalities and free time depending on the flight back home. 3 - 4 hours prior to your departure flight – shared / private transfer to Antalya Airport (AYT), for your flight back to home via Istanbul (B)