Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure to get acquainted with the city. Tonight’s Welcome Dinner” will give you a genuine “taste” of Turkey. Overnight in Istanbul. (D)
Day 2 – In Istanbul (Full Day Tour)
After breakfast, you begin a tour of Istanbul’s Byzantine and Ottoman heritage. Highlights include: the Sultan Ahmet Center in the heart of the “Old City”; Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel originally constructed as a Christian basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian; the magnificent “Blue Mosque”, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six towering minarets; the ancient Roman Hippodrome, site of chariot races and other sports events; and the illustrious Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman Sultans. You will also see the Fountain of Wilhelm II, and visit the exotic “Grand Covered Bazaar”, the largest covered “souk” (bazaar) in the world. You will have some free time to wander among the tiny shops that line the Bazaar’s virtually endless maze of winding passageways. (B, L)
Day 3 – In Istanbul (Half-Day Bosphorus Cruise)
This morning, you’ll be picked-up at your hotel and proceed to the “Spice Bazaar” (also known as the Egyptian Bazaar). With its array of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, Lokum (“Turkish Delight”) and other exotic edibles, the Bazaar has the fragrance and atmosphere of the Middle East. Then you continue to the embarkation point of your Bosporus cruise. The relaxing cruise offers wonderful views of Istanbul’s European and Asian shorelines with their Ottoman palaces, citadels, and centuries-old mansions. At the end of the cruise (approx.1:00 pm), you will be driven back to your hotel. The balance of the day is free for independent activities. (B, L)
Day 4 – Cappadocia Full day Tour
Early this morning you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be met and proceed through Cappadocia’s Martian-like landscape via the Dervent Valley, to see Pasabag’s “Fairy Chimneys”. Here it is said that “the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies”. Moving on, you’ll enjoy a visit to the Avanos Center of Terracotta Art, followed by lunch. After lunch, you visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. Then you proceed to the Uchisar Rock Castles, from where you’ll have a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding valleys. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B, L)
Day 5 – In Cappadocia to Kusadasi
The day begins with a visit to the “Red Valley” where you explore the famous rock-cut churches. Then it’s on through the Gulludere Valley to visit the ancient village of Cavusin. After lunch, you continue to the “Pigeon Valley” for a visit to the Underground City, one of the most fascinating underground settlements in Cappadocia, where early Christians lived in fear and faith.The underground city was originally eight floors, of which for can be visited today. The tunnels are still used today as storage areas, stables, and cellars. After the tour transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your fight to Izmir. Arrival and transferred to Kusadasi for overnight. (B, L)
Day 6 – In Ephesus
After breakfast you motor to the ancient Roman city of Ephesus, with a visit to the impressive Isa Bey Mosque, en route. Upon arriving in Ephesus, you begin your walking tour along it marble streets viewing the Celsus Library, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Trajan Fountain. At the end of your walk, you will see the “Great Theater” where St. Paul preached. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy a Turkish buffet lunch. After lunch, you visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. Then you proceed to the Shrine of Mother Mary, the house believed to be where Mary spent the last years of her life. After visiting the Shrine, the Temple Of Artemis (Diana), the site of one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Overnight in Kusadasi (B, L)
Day 7 – To Fethiye for cruise to Gocek Islands
After breakfast, we drive to Fethiye, all of the guests after coming to the our marina office to passes that our boats is waiting in the harbor. The captain the completion of the output process from the port authority then takes the anchor and the blue cruise starts to Turunç or Tarzan bay. After swimming break for the dinner and overnight stay will on Tersane Island.(B, L ,D)
Day 8 – Gulet Cruise
After breakfast we depart for go to the Cleopatra’s Bay. You will enjoy a swim in the ancient ruins of these Roman Baths. Then depart again to Sarsala Bay for the lunch and swimming break. The dinner and overnight stay will on Bedri Rahmi Bay.
Day 9 – Gulet Cruise
After breakfast we will start cruising again. The lunch break is in the Yassıcalar island, it has become almost a symbol of Gocek. The dinner and overnight stay will on Kızıl island or Samanlık Bay.(B, L ,D)
Day 10 – to Fethiye
After the breakfast we hope that you cheerful, happily and peaceful somehow the disembarkation in the harbour of Fethiye at 10:00am(B)
Day 11 – In Fethiye
A full day at leisure for sunning, shopping and exploring in and around. Overnight in Fethiye. (B)
Day 12 – Fethiye to Istanbul
This morning you will be transferred to the airport where you board your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for independent activities. A special “Farewell Dinner” will top off your family vacation in Turkey, (D)
Day 13 – Departure
Free time until you are transferred to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)