"Best of Turkey"
Best of Turkey (08 Days)
Day 01 : Arrival to Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul International Airport, you will be met by an Ayala Travel representative and transferred to your hotel. You have theremainder of day free to relax and explore the city. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 02 : Imperial Istanbul Sightseeing
After breakfast at hotel, join to full day tour at the Old City where the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires were ruled. St.Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian (Closed on Mondays; replaced with a visit to the St. Chora Museum); Blue Mosque, facing St.Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, one of the best examples of classical Turkish art; Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus; after lunch proceed to Topkapi Palace (Closed on Tuesdays; replaced with a visit to the Archaeological Museum), built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years and exhibiting imperial treasury, Chinese porcelains, weapons, calligraphy section, etc. (excluding extra entrances to Harem rooms); Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), the most attractive shopping center in the world with nearly 4000 shops. We will finish the day with a visit to Suleymaniye Mosque, dedicated to Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, built by the famous Turkish architect, Sinan. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 03 : Bosphorus Cruise and Dolmabahce Palace Tour
After breakfast, again meet you tour guide for another full day tour. We first visit the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar) (Closed on Sundays) built in 1664, the perfect place to shop for herbal medicine, Turkish Delight (lokum), spices, teas, caviar and many other flavours. We then walk across the road to Eminonu Harbour to embark the ferry which has become one of the symbols of Istanbul. The Bosphorus is a narrow, navigable strait between Europe and Asia connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea. It is about 31 km/20 miles long and varies between 1 and 2.5 km/ 0.5 and 1.5 miles in width. The Bosphorus ferry will take us to both European and Asian shores of the city. Alongside million dollar mansions we will see the two bridges linking Europe and Asia by road, as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses not to mention the natural beauty of the forests above. Time for lunch a local Turkish restaurant. From there on we will drive you by coach over the Intercontinental Bosphorus Bridge to take you to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Camlica is the highest hill in Asiatic Istanbul where you will enjoy breathtaking views of two shores. Driving back to Europe within minutes, we stop at Dolmabahce Palace (Closed on Mondays and Thursdays; replaced with a visit to the Chora Museum) which was the residence of the late royal Ottoman family with original furniture in more than 350 rooms and magnificent gardens. At the end of the tour the guide will take you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY 04 : Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Tour
Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to Istanbul Airport, fly Izmir. After an hour flight, arrive Izmir, meet your guide and driver at the airport. Depart for a full day tour of Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. Then, not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Moutain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. Overnight in Kusadasi.
DAY 05 : Pamukkale and Hierapolis Ancient City Tour
After having breakfast at the hotel, journey inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the "Cotton Castle". This name is truly fitting, the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a Castle made of Cotton. We also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of the largest and most diverse necropoli in the world. After the tour you will be transferred to Pamukkale bus station for the overnight intercity bus to Cappadocia. Overnight onboard bus.
DAY 06 : North Cappadocia Tour
On your arrival to Cappadocia bus station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a short break before the tour. Depart on to visit Devrent Valley, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Continue for a panaromic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a natural rock castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 07 : South Cappadocia Tour and flight to Istanbul
After breakfast at hotel, another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravansarai is included. At the end of the tour you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for the domestic flight to Izmir. On your arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met at the Airport for the transfer to your hotel in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 08 : Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
Breakfast at hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport, regarding to your depature details.
Please take note of the following:
* This tour can be done in reversed for the ones who may wish to continue to Greece and Greek Islands
What's Included:
* Hotel accommodations in 3* with breakfasts included
* All noted sightseeing tours on regular group basis
* Professional Tour Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Main entrance fees to sights visited and lunches on full day tours (drinks extra)
* Required land transport including roundtrip airport/bus station transfers
* Domestic flights, economy class between Istanbul-Izmir, Kayseri-Istanbul
* Intercity overnight bus ticket from Pamukkale to Cappadocia
* Local taxes and handling services
What's NOT Included:
* International flights to/from Turkey and personal travel insurance, any other expenses not noted in the above included section or airport tax, visa for Turkey (if required), any tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels, items of a personal nature, hotel extras (minibar, telephone/internet usage, laundry, etc), drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.
To contact this tour operator please use the contact form next to the map on the right.
Price/Person: 680 EUR
Number of participants
Duration: Hours
Area: Turkey
Accomodation is included in this tour: All accommodation in 4* & 5*
The Guide is able to understand this language also
german
english
italian
spanish
Special Hints: Travel to the highlights of Turkey, Istanbul, Ephesus, Cappadocia
edited at 26.11.07 | 10:04 PM
last update 30.03.08 | 08:26 AM
Guide details
Web: To contact this tour operator please use the contact form above.
Phone Number: ---
Vita
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Exclusive Travel Turkey is a website of Ayala Tourism a country wide specialist travel agent, working with you and for you. Our passion is to customize personal trips for people, from individuals to large groups, arranging all the details. We also design and create theme tours to offer our clientele all year round with our professional staff.
We take the time to really get to know you and your preferences and find the best places and activities for you, with no prejudice toward certain vendors. We will get you the best rates and help you make the most of every moment of your special trip. You arrive at your destination with a professional plan in place: no waiting in lines at museums, no confusion about buying train/coach/flight tickets and no unhappy surprises with hotels or tours.
edited at 10.05.06 | 06:17 AM
last update 03.10.06 | 12:15 AM
