Arrival to the hotel in Istanbul, and have rest. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
 

Day 2: Cappadocia

Morning transfer to the Istanbul airport for one hour flight to Kayseri. Arrival in Kayseri, departure for Urgup (70 km). Before lunch visit some of the amazing fairy-chimneys around Urgup area. After lunch we begin our tour of this wonderful region by visiting the natural rock castle at Uchisar, Devrent Valley and the beautiful open-air museums at Zelve and Goreme, where the remains of churches and Christian settlements date back thousands of years. Stay overnight in Cappadocia.

              

Day 3: Cappadocia

  For a bird's eye view of Cappadocia, an optional hot air balloon ride (at additional cost) is available at dawn. After breakfast, we will be transfered to Ihlara to take a walk off the beaten path, to discover the unique Ihlara Valley. Then we will visit the underground cities of Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Descend beneath the surface of the earth to the underground city with its wine cellars, classrooms and tombs where early Christians, fleeing persecution, lived for months at a time undetected. Approximately 15,000 people used to live in these underground cities.

 

 

Day 4: Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale

Today we will leave Cappadocia and go through to Hierapolis (Pamukkale) among Konya. Before Konya we will see Sultanhan Caravanserai. Konya, the center for Whirling Dervishes is the tomb of their founder, Mevlana. We will see the Mevlana Museum and mosque in Konya. Strolling through the streets of Konya for shoppping, we will have lunch at a local restaurant before heading on to Pamukkale. Dinner, and overnight in Pamukkale.

 

 

Day 5:  Pamukkale - Hierapolis

On Pamukkale we will see the famous "cotton castles" to view the snow-white terrace pools, swim in the therapeutic waters and visit the ancient tourist resort of Asia Minor, Hierapolis. On route we enjoy a relaxing lunch on Egirdir Lake. Stay overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 6: Ephesus - Selcuk

A step back in time as we wander around the ancient streets of Aphrodisias and Ephesus. The buildings in these two ancient cities have been superbly restored almost to their original splendor. We also pay a visit to the holy site of the House of the Virgin Mary. Stay overnight in Selcuk.

Day 7: Selcuk - Sirince - Istanbul

We take a visit to the Selcuk Museum, exhibiting excellent finds from the site of Ephesus, and the Church of St. John, before we head for the Greek town of Sirince. Another step back in time, wandering through the little narrow streets of this picturesque village with its beautiful wooden houses. Evening transfer to the airport for your one hour flight to Istanbul. Arrival in Istanbul and check-in hotel.

 

 

 

Day 8: Istanbul

A tour is given in Istanbul visiting the world-famous Sultanahmet Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque); the home of the sultans - Topkapi Palace; the Underground Cisterns; the superb Grand Bazaar and the impressive Hagia Sophia Museum. Stay and overnight in Istanbul.

Day 9: Istanbul

Morning half-day departure for Bosporus Cruise Tour from the hotel. Cruise on the Bosporus, the winding strait that separates Europe from Asia. Enjoy the view of the old wooden villas, marble palaces and the ancient fortress. Disembark on the European side. Return to the hotel. Rest of day is free.

Day 10: Istanbul