Istanbul Kusadasi Cappadocia

Fly / Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, depart for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, and the Baroque summer palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar (closed on Sundays), a thrilling riot of colours, sounds, and the rich smells of exotic spices. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul
After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Sultanahmet district at the heart of old Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia (On Mondays replaced by the Chora Church Museum), 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. Next, 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. Walk through the Hippodrome, the stadium of the ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Finish the tour at the Grand Bazaar, which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays), you may indulge in a little shopping, Ottoman style. Overnight in Istanbul.

Istanbul
After breakfast, free at leisure or take one of the optional tours. In the afternoon transfer to the airport for onward flight. Overnight in Istanbul.

Cappadocia
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the early flight to Kayseri (suggested flight is at 07:30 hours TK 2010). Upon arrival transfer to Cappadocia and start the sightseeing of the area including; the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. Drive to the city of Avanos for lunch. In the afternoon visit Open Air Museum at Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Lastly, before returning to your hotel, visit the natural castle at Uchisar. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia
After breakfast depart from the hotel at 09.30-10.00 depending on the arrival time of the participants from the other hotels, for a tour with 4kms hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterwards visit to the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop for lunch near Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the Kaymakli Underground City. You will also visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle. Transfer back to the hotels. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia / Kusadasi
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Izmir directly or via Istanbul. Upon arrival transfer to the hotel. Free for the rest of the day. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi
After breakfast depart for the sightseeing of Ephesus, the cradle of early Christianity ( rev: 2-1-7.) Visit the House of Virgin Mary, where she spent her last days. Proceed to visit Ephesus, and see the spectacular ruins from the period of St. Paul, some of which are recently excavated. See the Odeon, Bouleterion, Fountains, Temples, Brothel, Library, Agora, Great Theater, (act.19-20), Gymnasıums, Double Churches, Stadium. After lunch, visit the Archaeological Museum, Temple of Diana (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.). Overnight in Kusadasi.

Kusadasi
After breakfast free till check-out (latest check-out time is 1200 hours) and departure transfer to the airport to catch the flight to the next destination via Istanbul.