ITINERARY DETAILS
DAY 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. After clearing customs and immigration, your representative will meet you at the airport and assist you to your private transfer to your five-star hotel. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure in Istanbul.
DAY 2
Istanbul – Istanbul Classics Tour
After breakfast enjoy a half-day tour of the classical sites of Istanbul. Begin at the magnificent Hagia Sophia. This marvelous Byzantine basilica was built in the sixth century and today is sometimes called the Eighth Wonder of the World. Continue to the Blue Mosque, one of the best examples of classical Turkish architecture, this 17th-century Ottoman mosque is famed for being the only in the world with six minarets. You will visit the Hippodrome, the former centre of sporting and political activities in Constantinople. During the visit you will be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi and the fountain of Willhelm II. Your tour will end at the Grand Bazaar, which in addition to its historical importance, is a bazaar that will tempt you with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.
DAY 3
Istanbul
Spend a day at leisure exploring the amazing sites and vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul or take an optional Bosphorus Cruise. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant about their favorite sites and activities in Istanbul.
DAY 4
Istanbul, Cappadocia
This morning you will be transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, transfer to your luxury Cappadocia hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure or take an optional tour.
DAY 5
Cappadocia – Goreme Tour
After breakfast your half-day private tour begins by visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia's most famous attraction, a complex of several painted cave-churches carved out by Orthodox monks between 900 and 1200 A.D. The paintings and decoration represent the flowering of a uniquely Cappadocian artistic style. Afterward, you will visit the small villages of Cavusin and Ortahisar, admiring their rock-cut dwellings and stone houses that have long since been abandoned. After the tour you can either return to your hotel for a leisurely afternoon or extend your day with an option tour of Kaymakli Underground City.
DAY 6
Cappadocia
Enjoy a day of leisure admiring the breathtaking landscape of Cappadocia. There are many wonderful things to experience such as an optional hot-air balloon ride or an optional tour of the Cappadocia region, including Uchisar, the regions highest spot, Soganli Valley, with churches dating back to the 9th to 13th centuries, and Ihlara Valley, known for its rock-cut underground dwellings.
DAY 7
Cappadocia, Kusadasi/Izmir
After breakfast you will transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival in Izmir a private transfer will take you to your hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi where you will enjoy the rest of your day at your leisure.
DAY 8
Kusadasi/Izmir/Sirince – Ephesus Tour
After breakfast depart for your private full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus. Ephesus is among the best-preserved ancient sites in the Mediterranean. Your tour will begin at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theatre and Odeon. Following the archeological site, visit the House of the Virgin Mary. In the afternoon return to your hotel for relaxation.
DAY 9
Kusadasi/Izmir/Sirince
Spend a relaxing day enjoying the crystal clear waters of the Aegean or sent off on further exploration of the region’s wonderful ancient sites such as Pergamum, Hierapolis, Aphrodisias and more. Ask your Leisure Travel Consultant for additional sightseeing recommendations.
DAY 10
Departure
Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul where you will meet your connection home.
