Best of Turkey

Today we indulge in the mesmerizing experience of a hot air balloon tour over Cappadocia. As we soar high above the picturesque landscape, the unique rock formations and ancient caves dwellings unfold beneath us, creating an unforgettable and breathtaking panorama. Later we enjoy Cappadocia city, we visit the famous valleys of Cappadocia like Devrent Valley – also known as Imagination Valley. It was never inhabited by humans. There are no rock-hewn churches or ancient castles, nor are there any troglodyte caves or pigeon homes. Instead what draws visitors to Devrent Valley is the incredible pink hued rock formations and geological anomalies that have been formed by centuries of erosion, Pasabag Valley – also known as Monk Valley. Pasabag contains some of the most striking fairy chimneys in Cappadocia with twin and even triple rock caps - formations that are unique even for Cappadocia! Locals refer to them as the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, Goreme open air museum- the UNESCO World Heritage site which hosts the most important Byzantine cave churches in the world that where the monks and nuns pursued monastic life, Kaymakli underground city - one of the most famous and the widest Underground city of the Cappadocia. Kaymakli’s history dates back to Hittites and Phrygians Period in the 7th and 8th century B.C. Kaymakli Underground City has acted as a safe haven for those fleeing from religious persecution, and it was mainly used by Christians during the Byzantine era for protection from invading Arabs. They estimate that up to 3,500 people once lived here. In the evening, we visit Ceramic Workshop - the area is famous for the art work, souvenirs and household utensils all made from the red clay of the Avanos River.

Today we proceed to Antalya – a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. En route, we visit the Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya, also known as the Green Mausoleum or Green Dome. This site is the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes and houses the tomb and shrine of Mevlana. It remains an important place of pilgrimage.

Today we explore Antalya, we walk through Kaleici a charming old town with narrow cobbled streets and historic architecture, it is a perfect place to experience the city’s rich history and culture, we then take a short boat tour which provides a completely different experience of seeing Antalya. Later we see the Hadrian’s gate - a stunning historic ruin that dates back to 130 AD and served as an entrance to the ancient city of Attaleia, Further we take a photo stop near ancient clock tower - this tall tower stands as a testament to Ottoman architecture and serves as a symbol of Antalya's rich history. Later we proceed to visit Lower Duden Waterfalls – formed by the Duden River, which cascades down the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. In the evening we have free time to relax at Konyaalti beach.

Today we visit Perge Excavations- a magnificent ancient city Invaded by Alexander the Great. Here we visit The Theater, The Stadium and The Roman Bath. We then proceed to Pamukkale – known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside.

Today we visit the beautiful snow-white 'Cotton Castle,' one of the most visited places in Turkey. The word 'Pamukkale' means 'cotton castle' in Turkish. It features hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals formed by flowing water. Located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley. Later, we explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name 'Hierapolis' also means the sacred city. During our visit, we explore its masterpiece theatre.

Today we proceed to Izmir, a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans, and later rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Enroute we drive through the beach town of Kusadasi. Further we visit another UNESCO World Heritage site and the cradle of early Christianity – Ephesus. Upon arrival, we explore the Great Theatre, the most magnificent structure in the ancient city of Ephesus, constructed during the Hellenistic period in the third century BC. It took 60 years to complete. We also visit the Temple of Hadrian, dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city from Athens in 128 A.D. Additionally, we explore the Library of Celsus, built in 117 A.D., considered an architectural marvel and one of the few remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire. Later we visit Sirince village, renowned for its local grapes and the production of fruit wines. Upon arrival, we stroll through this beautiful village, immersing ourselves in the local life of a traditional Turkish village.

Today we proceed to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we have free time to relax and explore the surroundings.

Today we enjoy Istanbul city, we visit Topkapi Palace – the largest and oldest palace in the world and the heart, brain and centre of the Ottoman Empire, Hippodrome square - also known as Atmeydani (Horse Square), Sultan Ahmet Tsami popularly known as Blue Mosque- a historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design, Hagia Sofia Museum – once the former Greek Orthodox Christian patriarchal cathedral, later an Ottoman imperial mosque and now a museum. Later we visit Grand Bazaar – the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. Here we can shop for famous flavoured Turkish tea, Turkish Ceramics, Carpets, textiles. Further we enjoy Turkish dinner with show.