TREASURES OF TURKEY 2024-2025

Welcome to Turkey, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where Eastern and Western differences blend together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation. Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, going through immigration, and collecting your luggage, you will need to head to our meeting point (check your voucher), where our team will meet you. Following this, you will meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, which was completed during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens in the year 368. We will continue by viewing the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were considered invincible, limiting land and sea access to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli" or Inner City, possibly the origin of the name Istanbul. We will pass by the Galata Bridge over the “Golden Horn,” where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the tower that gives the bridge its name, and the Asian side. We will then head to the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classic European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, filled with shops, cafés, restaurants, and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic tram. At the end of the visit, you will have free time; return to the hotel will be after the optional excursions and will depend on schedules and the meeting point.

We continue with “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish neighborhood of Balat, the Greek neighborhood of Fener, and enjoy the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the St. George's Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and featuring the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We will head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm due to its color and aroma, the ideal spot to purchase teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets, and, of course, spices. The tour ends with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, where we will appreciate the wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of this metropolis. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional tour “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Explore the historic center of the city, where you can observe a variety of remnants from the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and blend of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.

In the afternoon, there will be an opportunity to take a special optional tour “ISTANBUL STREET FOOD”: This culinary tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of Istanbul's most historic region, in the heart of ancient Constantinople, inviting diners to savor a selection of typical and traditional bites. On this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbul’s flavors through a combination of textures and artistic presentations. Participants have the chance to explore and appreciate the diversity of the city's gastronomy while enjoying a feast for the senses. It’s an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients, and culinary techniques, and appreciate the art and passion behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a culinary adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable experiences.

Breakfast. Departure to the airport for a flight (not included in the program price – consult the mandatory supplement) to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Starting with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continuing to the region’s impressive valleys with their “otherworldly” landscapes, you will view the iconic geological formations of the area, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." There will be a stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of Pigeon Valley, named after the numerous pigeons nesting in the rocks. In Cappadocia, these birds have long been a source of food and fertilizer. Next, we will visit the underground city of Cappadocia, one of many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. After the tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces, which are true treasures, and a gemstone center, showcasing exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Folkloric dance presentation in a traditional cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the region’s mystical valleys with stops for the best photo opportunities; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient 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 numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of Hierapolis’ most notable features was its famous theater, which had a capacity to host thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created stunning natural terraces and 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. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure to Izmir, where we will visit Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which features treasures such as the Roman Theater, the Library of Celsus, and Marble Street. We will visit the last house of Jesus’ mother, now a pilgrimage site. The tour will continue with a visit to a leather shop. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

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

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional tour “CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE”: Transfer from the hotel to the Çeşme port. After immigration, depart for the island of Chios to explore: the production of mastic, the village of Mesta with its Byzantine labyrinthine streets, Pyrgi with its black-and-white decorated houses, and the volcanic Mavra Volia beach in Empoios. Transfer to the port and departure for Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. We will then visit a leather shop known for its lightweight pieces. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to see locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Transfer to the next destination. End of our services.