TURKEY

The first stop is the Hippodrome. This circus dating from Roman times was originally used for chariot racing and other public events and eventually became the social and cultural heart of Constantinople, the scene of riots, palace intrigues, love affairs and horse races throughout Byzantine history.

Next, visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its decoration with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. This splendid building with its six minarets has dominated the Istanbul skyline ever since its construction by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century. Continue as you head to Hagia Sophia, considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Having been used as both a Christian cathedral and a mosque, this vast and intricate building is now a fascinating museum.

From here, make the way to the Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of streets and narrow passageways where you will find over 4000 shops and stalls with separate areas for different crafts. This is an ideal place to stock up on traditional Turkish handicrafts such as colourful hand-painted earthenware and hand-burnished copper, brass and onyx.

The tour will end with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans between the 15th and 19th centuries. This sumptuous building houses an exquisite collection of precious gems, jewelry, royal thrones, and vestments as well as wonderful Ottoman-style miniatures. At its peak, the palace was a mysterious city within a city, home to as many as 4,000 people, covering a large area with an extensive shoreline along the Bosphorus.

Breakfast at hotel. In evening proceed for Dinner cruise including dinner & soft drink. Spend a memorable all inclusive evening cruising around the Bosphorus Strait in İstanbul. Enjoy spectacular views of historical places, Ottoman palaces and the two beautiful bridges enchantingly illuminated at night. Delicious cuisine and a rich Turkish Night show program will perfectly compliment an unforgettable evening.

Today after breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to airport to board a flight to Cappadocia. On arrival transfer from airport to hotel. Rest of the day free at leisure. Overnight at hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Today we will visit to Pigeon Valley near Uchisar; then proceed to the Open Air Museum in Goreme through Avcilar Valley and visit to the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Lunch at local restaurant and then visit to Kaymakli Underground City, the place early Christians hid from persecutors. Pasabagi in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping facilities for the world-wide famous handicrafts. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning drive to Konya. En route visit 13th century Sultanhani Caravanserai built on the famous silk route. In Konya visit to Mausoleum of Mevlana, the worldwide famous mystic. Continue to Pamukkale. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. In the morning visit to Pamukkale Cotton Fortress, ancient city of Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Later drive to Kusadasi. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Morning tour to Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses are excluded). Ephesus, Roman capital of Asia Minor. Visit the ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and the fantastic Greco-Roman theatre. Also you will visit, House of Virgin Mary and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

Breakfast at hotel. Check-out from hotel and transfer to Izmir Airport to take a domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Ataturk airport connect to your international flight back to India.