PEARLS OF TURKEY

Welcome to Türkiye, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where the differences between East and West 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, passing through immigration, and claiming your luggage, head to our meeting point at exit gate 9. Following this, meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest.

Note: If you cannot find our representatives at the meeting point, please contact our emergency number.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS.” Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish neighborhood in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. Next, we head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its colors and aromas, the perfect spot to acquire teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and of course, spices; culminating 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 back to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: The order of the excursions in Istanbul may vary according to operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or monument closure days.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour in the historical center of the city, where you can observe a variety of remnants from the different empires that shaped modern Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years, where you can also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. From the outside, the structure impresses with its enormous dome, which was an astonishing technical achievement in its time and remains one of the largest domes in the world. We continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where we will visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, and the royal treasury rooms. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan's wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decor.

We continue with the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that did not become a mosque, and we will finish our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: For entry to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, please check for additional fees.

Breakfast. Departure to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia (flight not included - check mandatory supplements; transfers are included to operate as a single group). Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 08:00 to visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Starting at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Next, we will head to the impressive valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes, where you can appreciate the views of the geological formations known as the famous "Fairy Chimneys." A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of some of the famous valleys with spectacular rock formations. We continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of 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 jewelry with exclusive regional designs. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” featuring folk dance performances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 06:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" is derived from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which had the capacity to hold 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 travertine pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to learn about locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is revered as the last resting place of Jesus' mother, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her final years in Ephesus under the care of the Apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred place. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic visit of this historically rich city, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which established Ephesus as an important religious and cultural center in antiquity. We will continue the visit in a showroom specialized in leather goods, where you can appreciate high-quality products made from lambskin, famous for their lightweight designs. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

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

Breakfast. Transfer to the port/airport.

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