Turkey as a Gift: Discover Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus

Description

Turkey as a gift on an unforgettable journey, with daily departures except Fridays

Day 1 Turkey as a Gift: ISTANBUL

Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Day 2: ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Departure to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, located on the third hill of Istanbul, offering one of the city’s most iconic views. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the renowned imperial architect Sinan. We will also visit Hagia Sophia, the culmination of Byzantine art and Istanbul’s crown jewel; and the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries.

Typical lunch at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area. We will then admire the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of harmony, proportion, and elegance, and the Hippodrome, which retains the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, the German Fountain, and the Egyptian Obelisk. In the late afternoon, we’ll visit the famous Grand Bazaar, with free time to explore its 4,000 shops.
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 Turkey as a Gift: ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait separating Europe and Asia. See the palaces of the sultans, old wooden houses, and a different perspective of the city’s history. We’ll then visit the Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans five centuries ago and still in use. The tour ends at the bazaar, where you’ll have free time to enjoy the atmosphere and variety of shops.

In the afternoon, we’ll have a guided visit with lunch to the Asian side of the city, exploring Beylerbeyi Palace, an old summer residence of the Ottoman sultans. We’ll also see the famous Bosphorus Bridge connecting the city’s European and Asian parts. After lunch, we’ll visit Camlica Hill, located in the Üsküdar district—one of Istanbul’s seven hills and the highest point in the city, offering panoramic views from 268 meters above sea level. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.

Day 4: ISTANBUL / ANKARA / CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast. Departure to Ankara, passing through the Bolu mountains. Ankara is Turkey’s capital and the second most populous city, modern and cosmopolitan yet steeped in ancient history. We continue the journey to Cappadocia, passing Salt Lake, the second-largest in Turkey, and a 13th-century caravanserai (medieval inn). Arrival in Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight stay. (Some departures may take a high-speed train or domestic flight from Istanbul to Ankara for operational reasons.)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 5 Turkey as a Gift: CAPPADOCIA

Breakfast at the hotel. Explore this fascinating region, shaped by lava from the Erciyes and Hasan volcanoes 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Valley, a spectacular Byzantine monastic complex with rock-carved churches and stunning frescoes. Continue to the Avcilar and Pigeon Valleys, offering the best views of the volcanic formations known as “fairy chimneys.” Visit local workshops of carpets and onyx and turquoise stones. Dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 6 Turkey as a Gift: CAPPADOCIA / PAMUKKALE

Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure to Pamukkale. Upon arrival, visit Hierapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city now in ruins. Visit the famous Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of white cascades, stalactites, and pools formed over centuries by mineral-rich thermal waters. Arrival at the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 7: PAMUKKALE / EPHESUS / KUSADASI or IZMIR

Breakfast at the hotel. Morning departure to Ephesus, a Greco-Roman city, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Visit the Temples of Hadrian and Trajan, the theater, and the Library of Celsus. Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Continue to Kusadasi or Izmir. Dinner and overnight stay. (In summer months, accommodation may be in or near Izmir instead of Kusadasi.)
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.

Day 8: KUSADASI or IZMIR / BURSA / ISTANBUL

Breakfast. Depart for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Grand Mosque (Ulucamii), the Silk Bazaar (Kozahan), and the Green Mausoleum. Continue the journey to Istanbul. Arrival and overnight stay. (Some departures may fly from Izmir to Istanbul, skipping Bursa due to operational reasons.)
Meals: Breakfast.

Day 9: ISTANBUL / AIRPORT

End of Turkey as a Gift. Breakfast and transfer to the airport at the scheduled time.
Meals: Breakfast.

INCLUDED SERVICES

• 4 nights of accommodation and breakfast in Istanbul, based on selected category.
• 4 nights of accommodation during the Anatolia circuit in 4* hotels.
• Half board (breakfast and dinner) during the Anatolia tour.
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure from Istanbul (IST). Supplement of USD 40 per way applies for Sabiha Gökçen Airport.
• Visits listed in the itinerary.
• Visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque.
• Excursion in Istanbul (Bosphorus cruise and Spice Bazaar).
• Spanish-speaking professional guide.
• Entrance fees and guided tours as per itinerary.
• 24/7 traveler assistance in Spanish.
• 9-day medical travel insurance for travelers under 70 years old.

NOT INCLUDED SERVICES

• Optional excursions or personal expenses.
• Tips for drivers, porters, and waiters: USD 45 per person, payable on-site.
• Hotel taxes: USD 10 per person.
• Any service not mentioned as included.

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