Arrival to İstanbul Atatürk Airport and by domestic airlines flight to İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport (app. 30 min.) Drive to Kuşadası and check-in to the hotel. (92 km.) Free day.
Visits of the ancient city of Ephesus; one of two most preserved ancient city of the world, Ephesus Museum, The Temple of Arthemis; one of the seven wonders of ancient world, The House of Virgin Mary where she spent her last years.
Visits of ancient cities of Aphrodisias; the city of Aphrodite, goddess of love and one of the most important sculpture cities of ancient world, Hierapolis, the ancient city of Pamukkale with the largest necropolis of the world, the unique calcium cascades of Pamukkale. Check-in to the hotel.
Early departure from hotel. After lunch visit of Mevlana Museum; the place of Whirling dervishes in Konya, visit of 13th century Seljuk Khan of Sultanhanı. Drive to the hotel and check-in.
Full day Cappadocia among the world-unique fairy chimneys and fantastic landscapes of the region. The Open Air Museum of Zelve, Open Air Museum and carved-out churches of Göreme, Uçhisar Castle, fairy chimneys of Paşabağı, Lectures about earthenware pots, tiles and Turkish handcraft arts. After dinner optional Turkish night with local drinks, belly dancer or whirling derwishes, folk dances and turkish music.
The Derinkuyu Underground city; 18 stories with the capacity of 20.000 inhabitants, Tracking in Ihlara Valley. After lunch via Tuz Golu (salt lake)drive to Ankara; the capital city of Turkey, before check-in visit of Anıtkabir; the mausoleum of Atatürk; the founder of the Republic of Turkey.
In the morning the visit of The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations rewarded as the best museum of Europe 1997, Drive to Gordion; the capital of Phrygian Kingdom and the city of legendary king Midas. Drive to Bursa; the capital city of Ottoman Empire before Istanbul and check-in to the hotel.
Visits of Ulucami; the grand mosque of Ottoman sultans, Kozahan; the old market place of the city, Yesil; the mosque and monumental tomb of sultans. After lunch drive to Istanbul and check-in to the hotel.
Visits of Haghia Sophia; the forth biggest church of the world with its 1700 years history, Topkapı Palace; the most extensive and fascinating monument of Ottoman civil architecture in existence, Blue Mosque; the only mosque in Islam art with its six minarets and 24.043 pieces tiles, Hippodrome; the civil centre of ancient Istanbul, The Underground cistern; the water supplication system of Byzantine Palaces and its romantic atmosphere under lights, The Grand Bazaar with its over 4500 covered shops.
Free day in Istanbul and departure from Istanbul Atatürk Airport.
* Museums closed on Mondays in Turkey. The Topkapı Palace closed on Tuesday.
Last day a boat trip along the Boshphorus between two continents can be arranged if it is requested.
To give the last shape to the programme; flight details must be known.
Lectures about Turkish kitchen are given by head-cooks at hotels.
Lectures about traditional games such as backgammon are given at hotels after dinners.
Prices on HB basis.
Tours are guided by a professional tourist guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
Entrance fees and tips are excluded.