Istanbul Pamukkale & joy of the sea

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant andUpon arrival at Istanbul airport, meet with your English-speaking assistant andtransfer to your hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay.

Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia,Following breakfast, our itinerary begins with a visit to the Basilica of Hagia Sophia,also known as “Divine Wisdom”. This architectural masterpiece, initially erected byConstantine the Great and subsequently reconstructed by Justinian in the 6thcentury, is renowned for its imposing dome, which soars 55 meters above the groundwith a diameter of 31 meters. During the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into amosque, and minarets were added over time. Subsequently, we will proceed to theancient Hippodrome, a pivotal site from the Byzantine era that once served as thenucleus of civic activity, hosting chariot races, gladiator contests, and imperialcelebrations. Today, it features notable monuments such as the Obelisk ofTheodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Fountain of Wilhelm II. Our next stop willbe the Blue Mosque, constructed in 1609 under Sultan Ahmet. In an ambitiousattempt to rival the splendor of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmet commissioned itsconstruction with six minarets. In the afternoon, we will explore the Museum of SaintIrene, the first cathedral of Constantinople, located in the outer courtyard ofTopkapi Palace. Originally built by Constantine V in the 8th century, it wasrepurposed as an arsenal during the Ottoman period. Our tour will continue with avisit to the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem section. This opulent residence ofOttoman sultans for four centuries encompasses pavilions, kitchens, audiencechambers, the treasury, and a series of courtyards. Our final destination will be theGrand Bazaar, a vibrant market housing over 4,500 shops organized into specializedareas such as jewelry and clothing. The excursion ends here. Free time to explorethe bazaar.

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to theBreakfast at the hotel. Departure for a half-day tour: Start the day with a visit to theSoliman Mosque, regarded as the most magnificent of Istanbul’s imperial mosques.Constructed between 1550 and 1557 by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinanduring the Golden Age of the Empire, this architectural masterpiece exemplifiesgrandeur and elegance. Next, we will proceed to the ancient walls ofConstantinople at the Mevlana Gate, erected by Emperor Theodosius II in 413. Theseformidable walls, reaching several stories in height and varying in thickness fromthree to six meters, safeguarded the city against numerous invasions by the Huns,Bulgarians, Russians, Arabs, Goths, and Turks. The walls were breached only twice:once by the Crusaders in 1204 and again by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453. Enjoy awalk through the former non-muslim districts of the Ottomans such as; Balat andFener. During this walk, partially you will be walking inside the amazing land walls ofByzantines & along the Golden Horn. This walk will be one of the highlights of theday to give you a very different & special feeling of the city. One of the oldestsynagogues of Istanbul, market of Balat and narrow streets with a beautifularchitecture of buildings will be a memorable part of it. Walk will finish at Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Church. Then drive to Eyup quarter to make a visit to a 15thOrthodox Patriarchate Church. Then drive to Eyup quarter to make a visit to a 15thcentury Mosque Eyup and take the cable car up to Pierre Loti hill for a great view ofthe Golden Horn. The excursion ends here. Free afternoon to explore the city or youcan take the optional "Bosphorus Cruise". Return to your hotel for an overnight stay.

Half board. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli. UponHalf board. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Denizli. Uponarrival at Denizli Cardak Airport (DNZ), you will be greeted by your professionalguide and transferred to Salda Lake for a visit. Often referred to as “Turkey’sMaldives,” Salda Lake is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters anddistinctive white sandy shores. Surrounded by stunning landscapes and unique flora,the lake provides a tranquil setting ideal for relaxation and photography. Proceed toPamukkale, renowned as the "Cotton Castle" for its stunning white travertineterraces. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded around 190 BC andflourishing during the Roman period. Tour the remarkable ruins, including the ancienttheater and the extensive necropolis. After your visit, transfer to your hotel inPamukkale for a relaxing overnight stay and dinner.

We will depart for Ephesus, acclaimed as Turkey's best-preserved ancient city,We will depart for Ephesus, acclaimed as Turkey's best-preserved ancient city,originally founded in 1000 BC, with the ruins we see today dating from the 4thcentury BC. Our visit will encompass key highlights such as the impressive Library ofCelsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the grand Theatre. We will also explore theremnants of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.Next, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, traditionally believed to be the sitewhere she spent her final years. At the end we will make a stop at one of the placesfor leather fashion show. After the tour, transfer to your chosen destination -Kusadasi, Bodrum, or Cesme-. Upon arrival at the hotel, the remainder of theevening is at your leisure. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in for an overnight stay.

Spend several days enjoying the sun and beach on the Turquoise Coast, inSpend several days enjoying the sun and beach on the Turquoise Coast, inaccordance with your accommodation arrangement. During your stay, you have theopportunity to explore local beaches or take a ferry to the Greek islands of Samos orChios. Lodging can be provided as per your booking

Breakfast, transfer to Izmir ADB airport for return flight via Istanbul SAW. End of ourBreakfast, transfer to Izmir ADB airport for return flight via Istanbul SAW. End of ourservices.