Magic of Turkey Tour

Afternoon connecting flight from Istanbul to Kayseri for those who arrive same day or transfer from any hotel in Istanbul to the airport for an afternoon flight to Kayseri (airfare included). Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight at MDC Cave Hotel or similar a wonderfully designed cave style hotel surrounded by typical Cappadocia’s rock formations. (D)

Early morning optional Balloon tour floating amongst the fairy chimneys and soaring over magnificent Cappadocia. After breakfast full day guided tour of Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscape and as one of the most important places in the spreading periods of the Christian religion. The first Christians trying to escape from the Roman soldiers have settled in the region of Cappadocia which was so suitable for hiding. Visit Kaymakli Underground City - hiding places of early Christians, admire Open Air Museum in Goreme with rock-cut churches and natural fortress in Uchisar. Lunch in a cave restaurant to taste famous pottery Kebap. Visit to local handmade carpets and pottery factories. Evening optional show with dinner. Overnight Cappadocia. (B, L) 

On the way to Pamukkale visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai, before arrival in Konya town known mostly as a home of Whirling Dervishes. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay. Your hotel features outdoor and indoor thermal pools. Overnight at Edem Pira Hotel. (B, D)

After breakfast visit Pamukkale - an unusual natural and historical site with its sparkling white castle like cascades. The site is named in Turkish as “Pamukkale”, that means “cotton castle”, parallel to the glorious and spectacular view of the site. The dazzling white calcareous castles are formed by limestone-laden thermal springs, creating the unbelievable formation of stalactites, potholes and cataracts. Visit includes also ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Necropolis. After lunch break drive to Selcuk to visit remains of the Temple of Artemis “one of Prestige. (B, D)

Full day sightseeing of famous sites nearby. Morning drive to ancient city of Ephesus. This ancient Greek city, and later a major Roman city is the most visited site in Turkey. Ephesus had a population of more than 250,000 in the 1st century BC, which means it was the second largest city in the world at the time. Admire the famous sites such as library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, theater, and even the latrine. Lunch in nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Afternoon visit to traditional local village of Sirince. The village is located on the top of a mountain providing impressive views of the vineyards and peach trees. In the narrow streets women sell handcrafts of all kinds and olive oil. Dinner and overnight at Kaya Prestige. (B, L, D)

After breakfast drive north to Pergamum and visit the famous Asklepion which gained in prominence under the Romans in the 2nd Century AD as a medical centre. See pools and fountains, used for bathing, drinking, and various other forms of treatment. Continue to Troy the site where the legendary Trojan War took place. This was the first war in the world between the east and the west. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight. Kolin Hotel. (B, D) 

After breakfast cross the Dardanelles and continue to Gallipoli. Honour the members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Visit Anzac Cove (This is where the amphibious invasion took place by the ANZACS on 25 April 1915), The Nek, a narrow stretch of ridge in the Anzac battlefield on the Gallipoli peninsula, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, and see the 57th Regiment Memorial. Continue to Istanbul for overnight at Kent Hotel old town Istanbul. (B)

Full day guided tour of Istanbul. Visit Topkapi Palace - home for the Ottoman Sultans, currently a Museum reflecting the glory of Ottoman Empire, Sultans and their way of living. Tour Blue Mosque - impressive structure with its beautiful domes and semi domes, nice courtyards and six slender minarets. Admire Hagia Sophia from outside, one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture and the fourth biggest Cathedral in the world. Continue on to the Spice markets to take in the amazing atmosphere and smells. Overnight at Kent Hotel. (B) 

After breakfast transfer to Ataturk airport. (B)