9 Nights - 10Days Magic Carpet Tour

9 Nights - 10Days Magic Carpet Tour

Istanbul - Cannakale - Kusadasi - Pamukkale – Cappadocia – Istanbul

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR ITINERARY :

Discover the wonders of Turkey on this 10-day tour which starts in City of Civilizations Istanbul and visit the Gallipoli Battlefields, Ancient Ruins of Troy, Pergamum Acropolis Theatre and Ephesus before heading inland to see the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Cappadocia with its lunar-like landscape.

Day 1 - Saturday: Istanbul

Arrive to Istanbul International Airport, after custom and clearance, meet and greet with your transfer assistance at the airport, (ETA: ….) transfer to your hotel for Check in and Overnight.

Day 2 - Sunday: Istanbul                                                                                                        (B)

*After Breakfast at your hotel Our full day tour includes sightseeing outstanding Byzantine and Ottoman edifices and monuments which takes place in the ancient city centre. Our journey begins with the heartland of the archaic Constantinople, The Hippodrome dating back to early 3rd century AD, which functioned as the recreational and ceremonial hub of the city as well as hosting the chariot races. We will be taking a closer look at the picturesque antiquities such as the Egyptian Obelisk, The Serpentine Column and The Walled Obelisk, which once adorned the arena, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II symbolizing the alliance and amity between the German and the Ottoman Empire in the late 19th century. Next, we step into the Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for its adagial tiles mainly in blue and turquoise. Besides seeing the striking decorative elements, it is worth hearing the rumours about its six minarets and the construction phase of the mosque. Our next spot is the unequivocally one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul, The Hagia Sofia. Having been destructed twice by two insurrections in the capital of the Empire, The Hagia Sofia found another chance to resurrect in 532 AD. Justinian I commissioned two virtuosos, Isidorus of Miletos and Anthemius of Tralles, in an attempt to rebuild the revered church. The outcome of their work along with the admirable mosaics and resplendent dome was so awe-inspiring that people believed the new Hagia Sofia was by “divine intervention”. This stately edifice was converted into a mosque following the conquest of Constantinople by Mehmet II, the victorious Ottoman Sultan. Although it has been used as a mosque for centuries -except a break from 1934 to 2020-, the opulent mosaics and Christian relics can still be seen except the praying hours. After Lunch break at Sultanahmet area, in the afternoon Our next point in the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace which was both the administrative centre of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultan until the second half of the 19th century. Consisting of four large courtyards and numerous premises, the palace both reflects the sense of art of the Ottomans in different eras and accommodates various mini museums in which objects used by Ottomans Sultans, Islamic relics and prominent pieces like The Dagger of Topkapı (Topkapı Hançeri) and Spoonmaker’s diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması) will be feast for the eyes.

*After this in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace there is The Church of Hagia Eirene (“Divine Peace”) is a Byzantine church located within in the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace. After Hagia Eirene built by Constantine burned down, it was rebuilt by Justinian in the 6th century and extensively rebuilt by the Iconoclast emperor Constantine V in the 8th century, when its apse was decorated by a simple mosaic cross. After functioning as an arsenal or armory for centuries in the Ottoman era, it became the first museum of the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century. Hagia Eirene, which was also known as the “Old Church”, served as the cathedral of Constantinople until the inauguration of Hagia Sophia in 360.

In the first courtyard of Topkapı Palace, Hagia Irene, a church known to have been built even before  Hagia Sophia, is located. The church was partly damaged by the earthquake in the midts of the 8th century and repaired. After the conquest of the City by Mehmet II, unlike most of the chruches in the City, it was never converted into a mosque. Instead, was used as an arsenal of the Topkapı place. Later in the 19 th century when the lapsed warfare materials were discovered, the church was commenced to be used as a museum of antqiue warfare.

*After visiting the Hagia Irene, proceed to visit which Known to have been built to replace a church which was destroyed during Nika Revolt in 532 AD., The Basilica Cistern with an estimated capacity of 100000 tons of water was aimed to supply water for the Byzantine palaces and the premises in the environs. Sunk in to oblivion in Ottoman times, the structure is now a tourist attraction with its brick walls, 336 columns, upside down Medusa heads used as pedestals and a mystical ambiance.

 Day 3 - Monday: Istanbul - Gallipoli Battlefields  - Canakkale                 (B/D)

After Breakfast depart from Istanbul for Canakkale, Today Lunch break will be given Enroute Next visit to WW1 BATTLES Once one of the most important fronts of the First World War, Battlefields of Gallipoli are now a place of serenity with numerous monuments and graveyards of Anzac, British, French and Turkish forces. While walking around the original trenches of the battlefield, you will witness the severity of the war and avail gain a broader aspect of the WW I and its consequences. In the tour, we visit Anzac Commemoration Area, Anzac Cove, Nek, Conk Bair, Lone Pine and 57.th regiment memorial Chunuk Bair, Johnston Jolly and the trenches of the battlefield. After this continue the drive to Canakkale enroute we will cross the Asia Side of Turkey from Galipoli by Ferry. Dinner & Overnight at Hotel in Canakkale.

Day 4 - Tuesday: Canakkale – Kusadasi                                                              (B/D)

*After Breakfast at your hotel, today your Tour will start with visit the Ruins of Troy its famed Trojan Horse. Having been built as a fortress by the sea approximately 5000 years ago, Troy developed into a commercial centre in time and was one of the most affluent cities of the bronze age. However, what rendered the city immortal was “Iliad” of Homer in which heroes like Achilles, Hector, Paris and Gods and Goddesses of Pagan theology – Zeus, Aphrodite, Hera, Athena - are introduced. Having been unearthed by Schliemann in the late 19th century, Troy is now an archaeological site, which offers a rare chance to indulge in the ruins from the bronze age, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Thereafter continue the Journey for Pergamon. Upon Arrival Lunch Break will be given at Bergama Town. In the afternoon visit

*The Hellenistic Pergamon Acropolis Theatre, known as the steepest theater in ancient history, is situated on the southern slope of the Acropolis has been inhabited since the 6th century BC. At the beginning of the Attalid dynasty, and renovated extensively by King Eumenes II (ruled 197-159 BC). Later additions included a marble stage house, a royal box and a 246.5 metre-long, 17.4 metre-wide Doric colonnaded terrace, the longest stoa in the Hellenistic world, leading to the Ionic Temple of Dionysos Kathegemon. Today, all that remains of the monumental terrace is a footpath, along which lie some of the fragments of the stoa (colonnade). This theater was known as the most magnificent theater of Asia Minor in ancient times. The view from the top rows of the theater, which has been very well preserved until today and is made of andesite stone, is breathtaking. Next drive to Kusadasi for overnight.

Day 5 - Wednesday: Kusadasi                                                                                 (B/D)

After Breakfast depart from hotel, today first with in your appreciation will visit World Famous Turkish Leather Outlet Center (including Light Fashion Show) for shopping.  Next proceed to visit Next proceed to visit one of the world’s most outstanding archeological sites Ancient City of Ephesus which is listed by UNESCO Heritage, one of the world’s most outstanding archeological sites. Ephesus was an ancient Greek city on the west coast of Asia Minor, Walk in its well preserved marble streets to Library of Celcius, the Odeon, Grand Theathre, Temple of Hadrian, Roman Bath etc. Here you may sights to see the Artemis Temple  which is one of the ancient seven wonders of the world. View of St. John Basalica and Castle where the john the Baptist resting today.  Ancient City of Ephesus was a major trading center in its time. A must-see for history enthusiasts.

*After Lunch break, continue the Journey with visit the former Greek village of Sirince which is listed by UNESCO Heritage, famous for its fruit wines and Traditional Greek Settlement, here you will have some free time for rest and leisure.  Today Lastly visit the World Famous Turkish Delight – Candy and Olive Cosmetics Local producers shop.

Finaly return back to hotel for Dinner and Overnight. 

Day 6 - Thursday: Kusadasi – Pamukkale                                                          (B/D)

After Breakfast, depart from hotel for Pamukkale, we will drive 4hrs for a tour of Pamukkale Hot Springs and Ancient City of Hierapolis which are listed by UNESCO. Upon Arrival Lunch break will be given at Pamukkale with a lovely view of Travertines.  In the afternoon proceed your tour to visit the Ancient City of Hierapolis in the afternoon. If time permits you may take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times. Finaly Check in to your hotel for Dinner and Overnight.

Ps: We have Free Time to enjoy with our Thermal Bath in our Hotel. Kindly bring your Swimming  Clothes 

Day 7 - Friday: Pamukkale – Konya  - Cappadocia                                         (B/D)

After breakfast, depart from hotel for Cappadocia via Konya. Upon Arrival Konya Lunch break will be given at Local Restaurant, next visit the Museum of 13th century Philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi which used to be the cloister for Mevlevi Dervishes. Next proceed to Cappadocia enroute photo stop will be givenat a 700 year old Ancient Caravanserai Sultanhani  (a’hotel’ for ancient traders and travelelers on silk road).  Finaly reach to Cappadocia Check in to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Cappadocia Hotel. 

Day 8 - Saturday: Cappadocia                                                                                 (B/D)

Today Early Morning Optionaly If you would, you may join Hot Air Balooning over the Charming Landscape during sun rise is this morning time.

Following the breakfast at hotel, today we are starting Full Day Cappadocia Tour with visit magnificent Valley of Fairy Chimneys, it is most unique formations area of Cappadocia. Today be enchanted by the incredible Underground City of Cappadocia one a place of refuge for 15000 Christians. Our Next stop at Esentepe Hill, where we will be able to see all Cappadocia with Birth Eye view. After Lunch break will be given at Local Restaourant, in the afternoon continiue the journey with visit the Pasabag / Pigeon Valley and Then proceed to the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum to visit the Goreme National Park the rock carved churches hollowed out of volcanic ash. Followed by the famous local pottery and carpet shows allowing ample time for shopping in the afternoon Picture stops will be given at the Valley of the Birds and at the foot of the Uchisar Castle. Our next visit will be World Famous Turkish Snack Cookies, Nuts Center, here you will able to Taste & Shopping Fresh Nuts. Today If the Time permits set on the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River) After free time. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Today Evening Optionaly you may join Turkish Traditional Folkloric Night Show including with soft drinks

Day 9 - Sunday: Cappadocia – Ankara – Istanbul                                          (B)

In the morning, drive to the nation's capital, Ankara via drive pass picturesque Salt Lake, which is second biggest lake in Turkey, Today Lunch break will be given enroute Upon Arrival Ankara visit the Ataturk Mausoleum (1881-1938) founding father of the Turkish Republic. Next Proceed to Istanbul, Upon Arrival Istanbul C/in to your hotel for Diner Overnight.

Day 10 - Monday: Istanbul                                                                                        (B)

After Breakfast at hotel, free time until Check out time, finaly Transfer to the Istanbul International Airport for your homebound flight.

Included: Accommodation in good 4-star hotels, meals as specified, transport using aircon vehicles, local English speaking guides.

Prices quoted are only indicated and are based on Low Season Dates in US Dolar. Subject to change due to fluctuation in exchange rates.

INCLUDES :

·         Transportation by AC Coach over 2015 year throughout the tour.

·         Hotel Accomodation proposed as in above mentioned itinerary  Five & Four  (5*) Category Hotels

ð  ISTANBUL                : YASMAK SULTAN HOTEL or Similar Category 4 Stars Deluxe

ð  CANAKKALE           : TROYA TUSAN HOTEL or Similar Category Hotels 4 Stars Deluxe

ð  KUSADASI                : FAUSTINA BEACH HOTEL or Similar Category Hotels 4 Stars

ð  PAMUKKALE          : TRIPOLIS THERMAL or Similar Category Thermal Hotels 4 Stars Thermals

ð  CAPPADOCIA         : MUSTAFA HOTEL  or Similar Category Hotels 5 Stars Deluxe

·          

·         Professional English – Spanish – Portoguese – German – Japanese – Chinese (Mandarin) Speakings Official Guiding Service throughout the tour ( from arrival to Dept )

·         Meals as per itinerary  

·         Museum Enterence fees as mentioned in itinerary

·         ¼ 1,5Lt. for Person Water during the meals ( Breakfast & Dinner)

·         Daily x for Per Person 2x500ml Miniral Water will be provided Onboard Coach through the itinerary.

·         Parking Fees & Highway Fees

·         All Taxes of services within the itinerary

·         Public Ferryboat arrangement for journey After Istanbul between Canakkale &Istanbul

EXCLUDES

·         All Tippings Guide and Driver

·         Porterage services  in out at Airport

·         SWAB PCR TEST will be provided 48 Hours before your Flight to Back Home (USD 30,)

·         Bosphourus Cruise Boat Arrangements (Aprox 1hr)

·         Personel Expensens

·         Bellydance in Cappadocia Cave Restaurant with Unlimited Local Drinks

·         International and Domestic Flights

·         Which is not mentioned clearly above itinerary