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Arrival in Istanbul Airport.
After immigration and customs formalities, board your vehicle for the transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Optional: Dinner cruise on the bosphorus: includes unlimited local drinks, belly dance show (Turkish folk dance shows), and DJ performance.
Today after breakfast, we begin our tour of the Sultanahmet District—the heart of old Istanbul at Saint Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.
Next, we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
In the afternoon, we begin our tour at Topkapi Palace in which from the 15th to the 19th century was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabolous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest collection of early Chinese ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest features of Topkapı Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. The last stop, Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures, including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping—Ottoman style.
Overnight at the hotel (Breakfast and Lunch included).
After breakfast, start the half-day spice Market & Bosphorus cruise tour.
End of the tour. Transfer to the airport & flight to Cappadocia.
Transfer to your hotel & overnight in Cappadocia. (Breakfast)
OPTIONAL : Early morning available to make hot air balloon riding (pickup around 04:00 a.m).
Breakfast at the hotel & depart from your hotel for a Full Day tour in Cappadocia. Visit Goreme Open Air Museum in Goreme Valley to see the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescos depicting various scenes from the Bible. Visit Pasa baglari (Monk’s Valley) to see the world famous fairy chimneys which have unique shapes. Later, you will visit Avanos Town—the very well-known pottery and craft center, since Hittite times. Enjoy hand-made ceramics, and fashion design jewellery.
End of the tour. Transfer back to your hotel & overnight (Breakfast and Lunch included).
Average Pick-up time: 09:30 – 10:00
Approximate Tour Duration: 07 hrs
After breakfast, continue to explore Cappadocia. First, hiking through the Rose Valley and visiting the churches. Afterwards, visit the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop at Pigeons Valley, and then continue to see the marvel of construction, the Kaymaklı Underground City. You will also visit the Ortahisar Natural Rock Castle.
Return to your hotel & overnight (Breakfast and Lunch included).
Average Pick-up time: 09:30 – 10:00
Approximate Tour Duration: 07 hrs
After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Transfer to the airport, Flight to Istanbul & Take a connection flight to your country (Breakfast included).
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