Best of Turkiye

Arrival at Istanbul Airport and transfer to the hotel Overnight.

Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half-day tour “BYZANTINE”: We will start by
visiting the Soliman Mosque, considered the most beautiful of the
imperialmosques in Istanbul,it was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the
famous architect of the OttomanGolden Age. Then we will go to the ancientwalls
of Constantinople at the current Mevlana Gate, built by Emperor Theodosius II in
413. These solid walls with a height of several stories and a thickness of between
three and six meters, protected the city from constant attacks by the Huns,
Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths and Turks. The walls were only crossedtwice,
by the crusaders in 1204 and by Mehmet “the Conqueror” in 1453. Next, we will
visit the Monastery of the Virgin of the Fountain, according to thehistorians
Procopio and Cedrenus, the church was originally built by EmperorJustinian in the
last yearsof his reign, near a water source formerly known as the “fountain of
miracles” from a sacred well located outside the walls of Theodosius II in
correspondence with the current Silivri Gate. The excursion ends in Eminönü
district (the area where the Spice Bazaar is located). Free afternoon to explore
the city or you can take the optional “Bosphorus” excursion. Overnight. (B)

Breakfast at hotel. Departure for half day tour “CLASSIC”: We will start by visiting
the Hagia Sophia “Divine Wisdom”, it is unquestionably one of the most fantastic
buildings of all times. It was built by Constantine the Great and rebuilt by
Justinian in the 6th century, its immense dome rises 55 meters from the ground,
with a diameter of 31 meters. Duringthe Ottoman Empire it was converted into a
mosqueand over time minarets were added. We will continuevisiting the old
Hippodrome thatbelongs to the Byzantine era, which was the centerof civil
activity in the country and where not only horse races and gladiatorial combats
were held, but also celebrations in honor of the Emperor. Today it preserves the
Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Columnand the Fountain of Emperor
William. Finally, visit Blue Mosque, which was built in 1609 during the Sultanate of
Ahmet, famousfor its blue tiles and six minarets.The excursion ends here. Free
afternoon to explore the city or you can take the optional "Topkapi Palace" tour.
Overnight. (B)

Transfer to the airport for Domestic flight to Dalaman (PC228206:35-07:50).
Arrival and drive to Dalyan to take a small boat that will take us to the
magnificent Iztuzu beach; famous for the breeding of the “Caretta Caretta”
loggerhead turtles. See the magnificent Lycian rock tombs that were excavated
in the cliffs along the Dalyan River. Free time to enjoy the sea at Iztuzu beach.
Then departure to Fethiye, the largest current town on the Lycian coast. Visit the
rock necropolis, on the cliffs on the outskirts, which is its main attraction where
we will see splendid temple-tombs, including the Tomb of Amyntas. Transfer to
the hotel and overnight. (B)

Departure to the ancient city Patara, which was a prosperous maritime and
commercial city on the southwest coast of Lycia, anciently famous for its oracle
of Apollo, second in importance after that of Delphi. The ruins of this ancient city
are scattered along the path that leads to the beach. The Street of the Colums,
which is considered the largest boulevard of the ancientcity, is surrounded by
shops and ends at the Agora,is located in this city. Transfer to the coastto take a
small boat that will take us to Kekova Bay.We will discoverthe submerged part of
the ancient city of Simena. Drive to Antalya. Dinner at hotel and overnight.
Important note: Depending on the weather conditions, the boat tour to Kekova
bay may be canceledand replaced by a visit to the old Myra and the Church of
Saint Nicholas) (B/D)

In the morning we will make a panoramic visit of the city including the Roman
wall, Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower, and the Yivli Minaret constructed by the
Seljuk Turks in the 13th century, considered the symbol of the city. At the end we
will arrive at the charming little port, which once served as a base for the
Crusader Knights. Next we will visit the Greco-Roman theaterAspendos, a second
centurymasterpiece built under Emperor Marcus Aurelius, it is probably the most
impressive and best preserved in all of Asia Minor. Drive to Cappadocia. Upon
arrival transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B/D)

Optionally, you can take a spectacular hot air balloonride at dawn.
Departure to visit this fantastic region,where Saint Georgewas born, with its
fascinating and original landscape, formed 3 million years ago by lava thrown
from the Erciyes and Hasan Volcanoes. Visit to the underground city of Ozkonak
(or anothersimilar one) built by the Christian communities to protect themselves
from Arab attacks. We will make a stop at a carpet and kilim workshop. In the
afternoon, visit the numerous monasteries and chapels of Goreme, carvedinto
the rocksand decorated with frescoes. We will also pass throughthe Güvercinlik
Valley and admire a wonderfulpanoramic view of the Uchisarcastle, located on
top of a promontory of volcanic rock pierced by tunnels and windows. At the end
we will make a stop at an artisan workshop for decoration, typical stones and
jewelry from Cappadocia. Transfer back to your hotel. Dinner at hotel and
overnight. At night you can optionally attend a “Turkish folk dance show”. (B/D)

Early departure to visit the Seljukian Caravanserai “Sultanhani”, located on the
legendary Silk Road, and which served as a stoppingplace for trade,pilgrimage
or militarycaravans. Continuation to Pamukkale (cotton castle), a small town
famous for its petrified white travertine pools formed by the lime that contains
the water from the thermal springs that emanate in the area. Transfer to the
hotel. Dinner at hotel and overnight. (B/D)

In the morning, visit Hierapolis, an ancient spa city founded around 190 BC. by the
king of Pergamon prospering greatly during the Roman era, it was built on top of
the pools with a beautiful theater and large necropolis. Departure to Ephesus,
the best preserved classical city in Turkey built in the year 1,000 BC (the remains
we see today are from the 4th century BC) where we will highlight: the Library of
Celsus, the temple of Hadrian and its great theater. Later, we will visit the
Basilica of Saint John, built by Emperor Justinian over the tomb of the Apostle
Saint John, who died in Ephesus. It was erectedin 548 at the foot of the ancient
acropolis of Ephesus and wasdestroyed due to wars, conflicts and earthquakes.
Currently only its ruins remain. At the end we will make a stop at one of the
places for leather fashion show. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner at hotel and
overnight. (B/D)

Day at leisure with the possibility of visiting its beaches or the Greek island
SAMOS. Dinner at hotel and overnight. (B/D) Optional: Possibility to extend by regular gulletfrom Bodrum.

Transfer to Izmir airportfor home flightOR possibility to extend accommodation in
Kusadasi/Bodrum/Foca. End of our services. (B)