Essential Turkey

Discover the highlights of Turkey, on this 7-night trip that begins in Istanbul, where your tours include a cruise up the Bosporus toward the Black Sea, an unforgettable excursion that takes you between Europe and Asia. Also, visit the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia, which contains some of the finest mosaics from the Byzantine period, Fly to central Turkey and visit the city of Cappadocia, where a day of touring includes Goreme National Park and its incredible rock formations, a ceramic cooperative, and the valley of churches. Back in eastern Turkey, take an excursion to the ancient city of Ephesus, a World Heritage Site where the renowned ruins are among the most extensive in the world. Starting at $2699, land only, with guaranteed weekly departures.

Day 1 – Arrive Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul, where you are met and transferred to your hotel in the center of the city. Rest and refresh at your hotel.
Istanbul is a treasure chest of East and West and a unique destination, which served as the capital of empires, religions, cultures and cuisine. It is one of the very few existing cities of the world that contributed to any existing cultures and peoples for thousands of years. Bringing together elements from Byzantine, Greek, Roman, Ottoman and Turkish civilizations, a visit to Istanbul is like walking through a time tunnel where history and tradition live alongside in perfect harmony. (Best Western Antea Palace Hotel or similar)

Day 2 – Istanbul
Begin your tour with Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays), which was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultansfrom the 15th to the 19th century. Visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. Also, visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards’ ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire.
Next visit the Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Built by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 17th century and designed by a pupil of Sinan, the greatest of Ottoman architects, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Its courtyard is especially grand. Nearby is the Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, which held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi survive.
Lunch at a local restaurant. continue your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is also famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses and a poignant Virgin and Child.
The final visit of the day is the Grand Bazaar, which was the commercial heart of the old city. Its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. (B/L)

Day 3 – Istanbul/Cappadocia
In the morning, cruise the Bosphorus, and from the deck take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, lined with historic villages, grandiose waterfront mansions, imposing fortresses, like Anadolu Hisari, and the Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After your cruise, travel along the breathtaking Golden Horn to the Spice Bazaar. The Spice Bazaar may be visited prior to the Bosphorus Cruise. Enjoy a thrilling riot of colors, sounds and the smells of exotic spices. Final stop, the New Mosque, or Yeni Cami, is new only in the extended timeframe of Turkish history. The New Mosque overlooks the harbor next to the Galata Bridge on the Golden Horn. The beautiful exterior consists of a great courtyard, two slender minarets, and a cascade of domes tumbling down from a central dome. Hundreds of pigeons make their nests among the architecture.
Transfer to the domestic airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and be transferred to your cave hotel. Afternoon is at leisure. (Mahzen Cave Hotel or similar) (B)
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Day 4 – Cappadocia
Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi (Monk's Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos, which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay that is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch, proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescoes painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotels. (B/L)

Day 5 – Cappadocia
In the morning visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkoak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Drive back to the hotels. (B/L)

Day 6 – Cappadocia/Izmir/Kusadasi
After breakfast at the hotel, you are transferred to Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul, which connects with your flight to Izmir. You are met at the Izmir airport and transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. (Lavista Boutique Hotel & Spa or similar) (B)

Day 7 – Ephesus
Today, experience the ancient city Ephesus. Located within what was once the estuary of the River Kaystros, Ephesus comprises successive Hellenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations, which followed the coastline as it retreated westward. First visit Virgin Mary House. This place was discovered by Lazarist priests after a German nun described the house and the mountain as the last residence of Virgin Mary after she had some visions about the place. Today this place is Muslim and Catholic, being cared by Lazarist Fathers. Lazarist Fathers still celebrate the mass every day. Then drive to Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in the antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. In Ephesus see Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan and the Theater. Later on visit Isa Bey Mosque, which was built in 1375 by Anatolian Seljuks. The last stop of the tour is the Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus antique city. (B)

Day 8 – Kusadasi/Izmir/Istanbul
In the morning, a drive of about 1-1/2 hours takes you to Izmir International Airport, where you board a short flight to Istanbul. Connect with your departure flight from Istanbul. (B)

TOUR FEATURES

Included

• Private arrival and departure transfers with comfortable A/C vehicles
• 7 nights’ hotel accommodations at 4-star hotels listed in itinerary or similar
• Open-buffet breakfast daily
• Lunches as per itinerary, except drinks
• Touring with professional licensed English-speaking local tour guides (2 days in Istanbul, 2 days in Cappadocia, 1 day in Ephesus)
• Domestic Flights (Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir, Kayseri to Izmir via Istanbul, and Izmir to Istanbul)
• All sightseeing and admission fees for museums indicated in the program
• Expenses for public transportation for Istanbul
• Private A/C luxury minivan in Cappadocia and in Kusadasi
• Welcome packages, including wet napkins, maps, bookmarks and postcards
• Bottled water in minivans during transfers
• Local taxes, VAT, and service charges

Not Included

• International airfare
• Customary tips to local guides and drivers
• Meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary
• Optional tours
• Personal expenses
• Visa fees
• Optional travel insurance
• Any expenses of personal nature such as tips, laundry, table drinks, telephone calls, etc
• Any item not mentioned above

Remarks

• If hotels listed are not available at the time of reservation, alternative hotels at the same category could be used. Prices may differ.
• During trade fairs season and during Christmas and New Year’s Days, some hotels may require surcharges. The prices may increase.
• Full payment must be received 90 days prior to departure
• Major credit cards accepted; credit card authorization required
• Change and cancellation penalties ($250-$600 per person) apply; Pacific Holidays’ general cancellation policy applies
• Hotel upgrades, additional hotel nights and extensions are available