Best of Turkey

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. We then experience the most scenic cruise through Bosphorous strait – a natural strait and an internationally significant waterway. It forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. 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.

Today we proceed to Eskisehir – The name Eskisehir literally means 'Old City' in Turkish. Upon arrival we walk through Odunpazari- the word Odunpazari in Turkish means “wood market”, as it is the first residential area of the city. We then visit Sazova Park- a green heaven in the heart of the city. In the evening we enjoy a boat ride on the Porsuk River.

Today we proceed to Cappadocia - best known for its moon-like landscape, Underground cities, Caves Churches and houses in the rocks. Upon arrival we enjoy whirling dervish show – the part of the Turkish history, tradition, culture and beliefs.

Today 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. Upon arrival we visit Konyaalti Beach.

Today we walk through the Old Town (Kaleici)- a maze-like neighbourhood perfect to live and breathe the simple antiquated ambience. Further 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. Here we visit beautiful snow white ‘Cotton Castle’- one of the most visited places in Turkey. The word Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. It contains hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. It is located in Turkey's Inner Aegean region, in the River Menderes valley. Later we visit the ancient city of Hierapolis- a UNESCO World Heritage site. The name Hierapolis also means the sacred city. Here we visit its masterpiece theatre.

Today we visit yet another UNESCO World Heritage site and the cradle of early Christianity- Ephesus. Upon arrival we visit Great Theatre- the most magnificent structure in Ephesus ancient city. It was constructed in Hellenistic period during the third century BC and It took 60 years to complete, Temple of Hadrian- dedicated to the Emperor Hadrian, who came to visit the city from Athens in 128 A.D, Library of Celsus- built in 117 A.D, considered as an architectural marvel, and is one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire. Further we visit Textile Outlet- Textile industry is one of the most important sectors in the economy of Turkey in terms of GDP, exports, and employment. We then proceed to Kusadasi – a beach resort town.

Today we proceed to Sirince village - famous for its local grapes and the production of fruit wines. Upon arrival, we walk through this beautiful village and discover the local life in a real Turkish village. Later we proceed to Izmir – a city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, was founded by the Greeks, taken over by the Romans and rebuilt by Alexander the Great. Upon arrival, we take a photo stop at the backdrop of Izmir Clock Tower - a historic clock tower in Konak Square. We then proceed to Ayvalik- a seaside town on the north western Aegean coast of Turkey.

Today we visit Trojan Horse statue – a huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. Later we proceed to Istanbul. Upon arrival, we enjoy Turkish dinner with show.