BEST OF TURKEY

Day 01   ARRIVE ISTANBUL Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport.  Transfer to hotel. 

Day 02   ISTANBUL After breakfast a full day excursion in Istanbul including the Hagia Sophia,; the Blue Mosque; the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Topkapi Palace. Night at the hotel in Istanbul.(B-L)

Day 03                ISTANBULQANKARA/CAPPADOCIA After breakfast check out for the Ankara flight. Upon arrival, visits in Ankara -the capital city of Turkey-, including the Anatolian Civilization Museum, where archaeological pieces dating as far back as the prehistoric age are exhibited; the Mausoleum of Ataturk, where the founder of the Turkish Republic lies; and finally a visit to the Ancient Citadel. After lunch in Ankara depart for Cappadocia. Dinner at hotel in Cappadocia. (B-L-D) 

Day 04                CAPPADOCIAAfter breakfast a visit to the natural citadel of Uchisar, for a panoramic view of the region; then visit the Subterrenean City of Kaymakli, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several floor levels. After lunch, an extensive visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum, with its 10th century churches cut out of soft rock with beautiful interior frescoes, then brief visits to Cavusin; Pasabag Valley, and finally Avanos Village, famous for its pottery and handicrafts.  Some time for carpet show and shopping. (B-L-D) 

Day 05                CAPPADOCIA / Ankara  Q  IZMIR After breakfast, first visit the authentic town of Urgup, then the natural citadel of Ortahisar.  Depart for Ankara.  Lunch en-route. Fly to Izmir.  Meet at the Izmir Airport and transfer to hotel. . (B-L) 

Day 06   IZMIR / Ephesus / Virgin Mary / IZMIRAfter breakfast at hotel drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Marble Street (Arcadian Way), the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library.  Light lunch in Selcuk.  In the afternoon a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years.  Drive back to Izmir, and drop off at the hotel.  Rest of the day is at leisure to enjoy the lively atmosphere of Izmir. Overnight at the hotel. (B-L) 

Day 07   IZMIR / Pergamum / Izmir Q ISTANBUL After breakfast departure for Pergamum to visit the Asklepium Sanctuary and the Acropolis including the Altar of Zeus,  the Trojan Temple; and the world's steepest antique-theater. Lunch is included. Return to Izmir.Transfer to airport for the Istanbul flight. Arrive in Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transfer to hotel.. (B-L)

Day 08   ISTANBULBreakfast. All day at leisure. Possibility of joining the optional Bosphorus cruise and tour of the Asian part (B)

Day 09   DEPART ISTANBUL : After breakfast transfer to airport.  End of services. (B)

Prices Include

? 8 nights accommodation at hotels as per respective category.

?  8 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 2 Dinners.

? Professional guide during the transfers and excursions.

? Transfers and excursions* by car/minibus/coach depending on the number of participants. ? Entrance fees, service charges, tips for hotels and restaurants, and all taxes.

Prices Do Not Include

? International flights to and from Turkey.

? Domestic flights in Turkey (if tickets are issued by us the fix airfare is $90 per person per leg.)  ? Beverages during meals. 

? Tips for the guide and the driver.

? Visas.

Comments:  This is an excellent program to be offered year-round. An ideal add-on to a trip to Greece, Syria, or Egypt.

*  Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If  the excursions are on the days that these attractions are closed, they  might either be skipped or substituted with other attractions depending on the convenience of the program's schedule.