Ancient Civilizations Small Group Guided Tour (8 Nights / 9 Days )

DAY 01: ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL (Sat)
Arrival to Istanbul International Airport and meet for transfer to hotel.
In the evening all participants will meet for a group dinner to get toknow each other. Orientation and discussion with the guide.
Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02: ISTANBUL HISTORICAL TOUR (Sun)
Breakfast, then we move on to visit some of the most important historical
sights of Istanbul such as the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Grand Bazaar
Hippodrome/Obelisk and Topkapi Palace (Harem roomsoptional extra).
In the evening back to hotel ,
Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 03: ISTANBUL to CAPPADOCIA via ANKARA (Mon)
Breakfast, check out and transfer to Istanbul Domestic Airport for
morning flight to Ankara. On arrival meet with the tour coach and
move on to visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, founder of modern Turkey,
and the museum of Anatolian Civilizations with its Hittite treasures and
artifacts from the world's oldest city. En route to Cappadocia, famous
for its "moon like" landscape and underground cities, tour the 13th
century Seljuk Caravanserai of Agzikarahan.
Overnight in Cappadocia

DAY 04: CAPPADOCIA (Tue)
Breakfast then on to tour Goreme Open Air Museum with its 6th to
10th century rock chapels decorated with Christian frescoes after
which we will also make visits to Kaymakli Underground City and the
pottery making village of Avanos. The days touring also includes a
visit to Zelve's Byzantine monastic complex and fairy chimneys.
Overnight in Cappadocia

DAY 05: CAPPADOCIA to KONYA (Wed)
Breakfast at hotel and some free time before we depart on the drive
to Konya where we visit the Whirling Dervishes (Mevlana) Mausoleum
and the Karatay Koran School, displaying colorful Turkish tiles.
Overnight in Konya

DAY 06: KONYA to PAMUKKALE (Thu)
Breakfast and we depart to Pamukkale, literally translated as "Cotton
Castle", describing the white lime cascades (travertens) formed by mineral springs. Here we will also visit the ruins of Hierapolis before check-in. At the hotel you will also have the opportunity to enjoy a thermal mineral spring bath.
Overnight in Pamukkale

DAY 07: PAMUKKALE, APHRODISIAS and EPHESUS(Fri)
Depart on the drive to Selcuk and along the way we will make a stop
to visit the amazing ruins of Aphrodisias which were dedicated to the
Godess of Love, Aphrodite. On arrival to Selcuk we visit the famous
site of Ephesus, one of the world's finest archaeological sites. Walk in
its well preserved 2000 year old marble streets to the theatre, Library
of Celsius, gymnasium, Hadrian's Arch etc. Also during the day visit
the House of Virgin Mary before driving on to Izmir airport.
Evening flight to istanbul & Overnight in istanbul

DAY 08: BOSPHOROUS CRUISE (Sat)
Breakfast at hotel after which we drive Eminonu Port to board the regular city boat for a 2 hour Bosphorous Cruise. Enjoy this relaxing cruise along the shoreline while your guide explains to you the history of sights seen while onboard. We then continue on land to visit the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace and then also visit Camlica Hill for panoramic views over the city.
?n the evening a perfect way to end your time in Turkey, we proceed on to a special venue to enjoy our last meal accompanied by a show of traditional folklore dances and music.
Overnight in Istanbul

DAY 09: DEPARTURE FROM ISTANBUL (Sun)
Breakfast at hotel, check out and as per your international flight
departure time, transfer on to Istanbul Airport.