DAZZLING TOUR OF TURKEY

Istanbul
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will explore the wonderful sites of Old Istanbul, the only city
in the world straddling two continents, Europe and Asia. You will visit the Blue Mosque, with its six
graceful minarets and famed blue Iznik Tiles, the Hippodrome, ancient Roman arena for chariot
racing and Grand Bazaar with its more than 4,000 shops. You will then visit The Topkapi Palace,
which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans. You
will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum
and has unrivaled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmakers Diamond, the 3rd largest
diamond in the world, Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably one of the world’s finest
collection of early Chinese ceramics, much of it gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the
ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. You also
visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest
features of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees, and it is easy to imagine the
sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Finally, visit the museum of Haghia
Sophia* and the Church of The Divine Wisdom. After the tour, you will be dropped back to your
hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Closed – Hagia Sophia Museum and Blue Mosque closed on Friday due to Friday Prayer / No replacement – Grand Bazaar on Sunday / Replaced with the Handicraft Store – Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesday / No replacement

Istanbul – Pamukkale
After having breakfast at the hotel, you will start your half-day Bosphorus tour and visit the 17th
century Egyptian Spice Bazaar* and embark on an unforgettable cruise on the Bosphorus, the
beautiful strait that divides Europe from Asia. Winding through forested hills, it is lined with
mosques, castles, 19th-century mansions, quaint villages, and the quirky baroque haunts of the
late Ottoman sultans. Our tour concludes with a drive across the Bosphorus from Istanbul to visit
the Rumeli Fortress, built by Mehmed the Conqueror. After the tour, you will be transferred back to
your hotel. We will pick you up again at approximately 3:00 p.m. and transfer you to Istanbul airport you will have the night free. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Closed – The Egyptian Spice Bazaar on Sunday / No replacement
One Day Tour: Half Day Bosphorus Tour 

Day 4 – Pamukkale Tour
pick up 09:30
Pamukkale-Kusadasi
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your guide and then continue to Pamukkale, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site. Also known as Cotton Castle in Turkish, this natural wonder is a sight to
behold. The rock formations contain hot springs with terraces of carbonate minerals that are
relaxing to bathe in. If you wish, take a dip in one of its many pools, or just admire them and stay
dry. From Pamukkale, continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where you’ll visit the Roman
Amphitheater, a historical museum, St. Philip’s Basilica, the Necropolis, and Cleopatra’s Pool (own
expense). Then have lunch at a local restaurant and enjoy a display of locally handcrafted ONYX
products before transfer to your hotel where the evening is free. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Hot air balloon ride over Pamukkale travertines (optional, additional cost)
Get ready for a unique wonderful experience in Pamukkale! We will pick you up from the hotel
early in the morning (depending on the location of your hotel) and transfer you to the balloon site.
Your flight will begin at sunrise, where your pilot will ascend to a comfortable altitude of
approximately 400 to 700 meters above ground level. You can see the travertines, the ancient city
of Hierapolis, the historical beauties of Pamukkale from a height of hundreds of meters and take
perfect photos and videos with your phone or camera. We are sure that these photos will take their
place in the best place in your album. You will return to your hotel at the end of your tour, where
you can rest, have breakfast, and then continue on your full day tour of Pamukkale.

Day 5 – Tour to Ephesus
pick up 08:30
Kusadasi – Ephesus – Flight back to Istanbul
Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of the site of one of the Seven Ancient
Wonders of the world, the site of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. Feel the
mystical atmosphere of the city and the stadium where chariot and horse races were once held.
You will also have the opportunity to experience some Turkish handicrafts and visit the pilgrimage
point which is said to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. At the end of the tour, you will be
transferred to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. After your arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be
transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. (Tonight’s hotel reservation is excluded)