THE MUSTS OF TURKEY – Istanbul & Cappadocia – 5 nights 6 days
Day 1: Istanbul
‘New Rome’, as Constantine the Great meant to name her, Constantinople was the center of the greatest political power of the ancient and medieval world. In the grounds of the city Roman builders exhibited the best of their talents, and their efforts were reflected in monumental achievements during the long saga of the creation of a new world religion and its imperial capital. Constantinople was not at all less impressive than Rome, and due to its unequaled natural setting, even more fascinating to the visitors.
After breakfast, meet your private guide at your hotel at 09:30am and start your day with Blue Mosque and you’ll see why it carries the name. Inside are 21.000 shimmering blue tiles broken by 260 stained-glass windows. The light-filled mosque is an elegant tribute to Ottoman genius of the 17th century. With six graceful minarets adorning the imperial building, this masterpiece is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
Next is 6thc Basilica Cistern – perhaps the most unusual structure in Istanbul, exhibiting the engineering marvels that solved water supply problems. It comprises more than two acres and 336 columns over 8m high support its ceiling.
Visit St Sophia, which is one of the most extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. When a previous church on the site was burned in 532, Justinian ordered to build a structure worthy of his empire. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques – and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that ‘The dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens…
In the afternoon, explore Topkapi Palace which was the center of Ottoman government and the court, the Turks ruled most of Europe and the Middle East from here. Covering the prime property on the peninsula, the court-defined grounds of the Palace express in the architectural sense the Ottoman ideal of the perfect life balanced between its formative components. Explore breath-taking grounds, domes, porticos, terraces, halls of the Palace. You will also visit the Harem Section of the Palace…Return to your hotel at the end of your day.
Meet your guide at the port. Continue straight to the airport for your short flight to Cappadocia. Turkish Air TK#2026 leaving at 09:50am and arrives at 11:10am. Upon arrival meet your guide & vehicle and start exploring this magical land…
During the time you spend in this magical fairy land, you are able to explore the three faces of Cappadocia: By plenty of panoramic viewings and several opportunities for hiking and ballooning that will take you off the road into the very heart of the landscape, you will meet the face created by Nature. By guided visits to its fascinating rock-carved churches and subterranean settlements, you will marvel at the face created by faithful and industrious men. And by scheduled and optional wonderings, that of its fascinating culture today; the art, creativity and endeavor of its men and women manifest in its pottery and its weavings. Later in the day, visit a marvel of the region: the ‘underground city’ (as the locals call them) at Kaymakli. Check in you hotel in the late afternoon/evening.
Day 2: Cappadocia
Today, early in the morning (pick up time from hotel will be advised by your guide a day before), Hot Air Balloon ride over the Cappadocian landscape (subject to weather conditions). Many report this to be an experience of a lifetime and recommended by National Geographic as the most suitable landscape and climate…
After breakfast, meet your private vehicle and guide and explore Cappadocia to encounter an extraordinary treasure of sacred art; Rock-carved churches of Goreme, today an ‘open-air museum’ including the most famous of those rock temples, “Dark Church” with stunning fresco art on the walls. After lunch, continue with breathtaking vistas and visit Avanos town on the Red River (river Halys) – time allowing – visit a potter’s workshop carved in the rocks and learn about this timeless art of Cappadocia, giving life to the clay from the riverbeds.
Day 3: Cappadocia – Istanbul
After your breakfast, transfer to Kayseri Airport at 9:30am for your domestic flight on TK#2027 leaving at 11:55am and arriving in Istanbul at 13:25pm. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver and drive straight to Old Town.
‘New Rome’, as Constantine the Great meant to name her, Constantinople was the center of the greatest political power of the ancient and medieval world. In the grounds of the city Roman builders exhibited the best of their talents, and their efforts were reflected in monumental achievements during the long saga of the creation of a new world religion and its imperial capital. Constantinople was not at all less impressive than Rome, and due to its unequaled natural setting, even more fascinating to the visitors.
Step into the Blue Mosque and you’ll see why it carries the name. Inside are 21.000 shimmering blue tiles broken by 260 stained-glass windows. The light-filled mosque is an elegant tribute to Ottoman genius of the 17th century. With six graceful minarets adorning the imperial building, this masterpiece is one of the city’s most recognized landmarks.
Continue to the Topkapi Palace which was the center of Ottoman government and the court, the Turks ruled most of Europe and the Middle East from here. Covering the prime property on the peninsula, the court-defined grounds of the Palace express in the architectural sense the Ottoman ideal of the perfect life balanced between its formative components. Explore the breath-taking grounds, domes, porticos, terraces, great halls of the Palace.
Stroll through the busy market area into the Spice Bazaar where you will find all manners of wonderful things. This charmingly busy neighborhood perfectly narrates the Ottoman ideal of a balanced social existence. Stroll through the busy market area to find all manner of wonderful things. At the end of the tour, transfer to your hotel in the evening.
Day 4: Istanbul
After breakfast, meet your guide and vehicle and ‘enjoy another day of touring Istanbul’. Visit “The Hippodrome” which was a colossal stadium where the socio-political life of the Roman capital was centered.
Visit 6th century Basilica Cistern– perhaps the most unusual structure in Istanbul, exhibiting the engineering marvels that solved water supply problems. It comprises more than two acres and 336 columns over 8 meters high support its ceiling. It can hold 18 million gallons.
Next is the Hagia Sophia (The Church of Divine Wisdom), which is one of the extraordinary buildings in the history of architecture. When a previous church on this site was burned during the Nikka Revolt in 532, Justinian ordered to build a structure worthy of his empire. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques- and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that ‘the dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens.
In the afternoon, visit the most dazzling of all the bazaars; the Grand Covered Bazaar; built in 1461, and in service ever since…Along with magnificent mosques and complexes, undoubtedly, the mother of all bazaars was a monument of rise of Istanbul. It contains more than 3.500 shops and employing more than 20.000 people under same roof. Everything imaginable: gold & silver jewels, old & new rugs, antiques, tiles, leather & souvenirs. Just seeing and experiencing this venue is worth the trip. Return to the hotel in the late afternoon/evening.
Day 5: Istanbul – USA
After breakfast, meet your vehicle and transfer to airport for your international flight.
LEGENDS OF THE ANCIENT WORLD
Six Nights Journey to Istanbul, Cappadocia & Ephesus
(6 Night / 7 Days)
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel by Marmara Tours’ English speaking rep and your private deluxe vehicle.
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and start your day with “The Hippodrome” which was a colossal stadium which the socio-political life of the Roman capital was centered.
Visit the Blue Mosque, competitor of St. Sophia and unique with its six minarets. Interior housing 21.000 Iznik (ancient Nicea) tiles, considered as masterwork of Ottoman Architecture.
Proceed to Basilica Cistern from 6 hundreds – an extraordinary architecture of water reservoir that had supplied water which was very precious to Byzantium same as today for Istanbul. The cult James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’ was filmed here having inspired Harry Saltzman by the 336 columns of 8meters high laid underneath the Stoa Basilica. The Ottomans called it Sunken Palace since they had other water sources at Topkapi Palace around the corner.
Continue to “A World Heritage“, an architectural masterpiece, Hagia Sophia, as so wished by Justinian to represent the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the power of Christendom the same time, was completed in 537. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques – and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that ‘the dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens with its breathtaking biblical mosaics on upper gallery walls. Under Ottoman rule in 1453 and on being converted to mosque and as of 1935, has been serving to humanity as a cultural museum…
Topkapi Palace, the home and the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Empire until mid 18 hundreds, located on the strategic hill which stood the acropolis to Byzantine rulers looking over a wide angle to the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Asian Istanbul and Marmara Sea where the Ottoman ruler could see the world going by on Italian trade vessels trafficking from the Orient to Occident. The palace accommodated 5,000 permanent residents including guards so that elaborate facilities were also designed to be there taking Sultan’s Harem and recruiting units also into account, all within behind the walls in a vast environment however very humble. We walk back to the exit after having seen the treasury, costumes worn daily, collections and even the relics.
Day 3: Istanbul
Start your day with Sinan’s wonderful Rustem Pasa Mosque in the Blacksmiths Market next to the Spice Bazaar, known for its outstanding Iznik tiles. This charmingly busy neighborhood perfectly illustrates the Ottoman ideal of a balanced social existence. Stroll through the busy market area into the Spice Bazaar. We will spread out in the Spice Bazaar to find all manner of wonderful things.
Your chauffeur awaiting you will drive you through almost untouched Istanbul since last century, to Chora Church Museum still bearing the biblical illustrations in frescoes and mosaics on its walls and domes. Here, feel free to take your own shots but with fake lights especially when catching the eyes of Jesus gazing at you at any angle you look at him. As you walk out, you might hear some musical rehearsals from the school ‘Music for Peace’ around the curve – the children of all ages devoted to music will welcome you with love if your time permitting from touching the ancient City Walls from 4AD by Theodosius, just prompting to join with Attila the Hun.
In the afternoon, visit the most dazzling of all the bazaars; Explore the Grand Covered Bazaar of 3,500 shops assembled under cover in 1461 connecting the hans(small size of caravanserais for merchants and their needs) to the two bedestans served as bank and auction hall where the transactions handled -acted as ‘Wall Street’ of those days, valuables, gold, jewellery and oriental rugs, fabrics of course. Some ‘hand’ arts on cosy-dim backyards are still resisting to go extinct. Just seeing and experiencing this Mother of the Bazaars is worth the trip…
Day 4: Istanbul / Cappadocia
Transfer to airport for your domestic flight. At arrival, meet your private vehicle and start touring.
Welcome to Cappadocia of a Dream-like land
Start exploring a unique nature! This magical fairy land has saved a history to mankind as remarkable as its landscape that has evolved a surreal moon-like landscape of the lava transforming to tuff rock and sculpted it like an artist not revealing the motive but make us the audience wonder the mysteries behind. This is why we, they, come to Cappadocia to unveil this charm. Cappadocia exposes herself to visitors with her another face each time. We, her beloved, whirl around it like a dervish. You as of now have become one!
The three faces of Cappadocia:
By multiple panoramic viewing options of hiking and ballooning take you off the road into the very core of the landscape to observe the face nature has formed. Later in the day, we shall visit an ‘underground city’, Kaymakli.
Day 5: Cappadocia
(OPTIONAL) ‘Hot Air Balloon’ ride over the Cappadocian landscape. An opportunity of a lifetime and this ‘flight’ experience is recommended by National Geographic as of perfect combination of landscape and climate.
After breakfast, at 9am your guide meets you at your hotel to continue exploring Cappadocia to encounter an extraordinary treasure of sacred art; Rock-carved churches of Goreme, today an ‘open-air museum’ including the most famous of those rock temples, “Dark Church” with stunning fresco art on the walls.
In the afternoon, drive to Avanos town on the Red River and visit a potter’s workshop to learn about this timeless art of Cappadocia, giving life to the clay from the riverbeds.
Day 6: Cappadocia / Izmir
After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. At arrival, meet your guide and private vehicle at the airport and drive to Ephesus.
Visit the remains of the great Ionian city of Ephesus, lying at the foot of Mount Pion. Ephesus, for its sheer size and grandeur, is unmatched as an archaeological site and is the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. Your tour includes “spectacular” Terrace Houses (villas) located on the slope of the hill within the city of Ephesus. The Terrace Houses were brought to light in excavations carried out since 1980s. Along with those in Pompeii, they constitute some of the most vivid examples of Roman domestic architecture to survive to the present. Also visit the House of the Virgin Mary and the Ephesus Museum in Selcuk.
Day 7: Izmir / Istanbul / International Departures
In the morning transfer to Izmir airport for your domestic/international flight.
Recommended Hotels in Cappadocia region
* Argos In Cappadocia Hotel, Uchisar
* Museum Hotel, Uchisar
* Cappadocia Cave Resorts (CCR Hotel), Uchisar
* Cappadocia Estates, Sinasos
* Taskonaklar, Uchisar
* Nina/Anka Cave Suites, Ibrahim Pasa Village
Recommended Hotels in Ephesus region
* Swiss Hotel, Izmir
* Key Hotel, Izmir
* Kismet Hotel, Kusadasi
* Nisanyan Houses, Sirince Village
*The itinerary above is customized per your specific interests, travel dates, hotel category, features to be included.
BREEZES OF ANTIQUITY
Six Nights Journey to Istanbul, Bodrum & Ephesus
(6 Nights / 7 Days)
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel by Marmara Tours’ English speaking rep and your private deluxe vehicle.
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and start your day with “The Hippodrome” which was a colossal stadium which the socio-political life of the Roman capital was centered.
Visit the Blue Mosque, a competitor of St. Sophia and unique with its six minarets. Interior housing 21.000 Iznik (ancient Nicea) tiles, considered as masterwork of Ottoman Architecture.
Proceed to Basilica Cistern from 6 hundreds – an extraordinary architecture of water reservoir that had supplied water which was very precious to Byzantium same as today for Istanbul. The cult James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’ was filmed here having inspired Harry Saltzman by the 336 columns of 8meters high laid underneath the Stoa Basilica. The Ottomans called it Sunken Palace since they had other water sources at Topkapi Palace around the corner.
Continue to “A World Heritage“, an architectural masterpiece, Hagia Sophia, as so wished by Justinian to represent the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the power of Christendom the same time, was completed in 537. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques – and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that ‘the dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens with its breathtaking biblical mosaics on upper gallery walls. Under Ottoman rule in 1453 and on being converted to mosque and as of 1935, has been serving to humanity as a cultural museum…
Topkapi Palace, the home and the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Empire until mid 18 hundreds, located on the strategic hill which stood the acropolis to Byzantine rulers looking over a wide angle to the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Asian Istanbul and Marmara Sea where the Ottoman ruler could see the world going by on Italian trade vessels trafficking from the Orient to Occident. The palace accommodated 5,000 permanent residents including guards so that elaborate facilities were also designed to be there taking Sultan’s Harem and recruiting units also into account, all within behind the walls in a vast environment however very humble. We walk back to the exit after having seen the treasury, costumes worn daily, collections and even the relics.
Day 3: Istanbul
Start your day with Sinan’s wonderful Rustem Pasa Mosque in the Blacksmiths Market next to the Spice Bazaar, known for its outstanding Iznik tiles. This charmingly busy neighborhood perfectly illustrates the Ottoman ideal of a balanced social existence. Stroll through the busy market area into the Spice Bazaar. We will spread out in the Spice Bazaar to find all manner of wonderful things.
Your chauffeur awaiting you will drive you through almost untouched Istanbul since last century, to Chora Church Museum still bearing the biblical illustrations in frescoes and mosaics on its walls and domes. Here, feel free to take your own shots but with fake lights especially when catching the eyes of Jesus gazing at you at any angle you look at him. As you walk out, you might hear some musical rehearsals from the school ‘Music for Peace’ around the curve – the children of all ages devoted to music will welcome you with love if your time permitting from touching the ancient City Walls from 4AD by Theodosius, just prompting to join with Attila the Hun.
In the afternoon, visit the most dazzling of all the bazaars; Explore the Grand Covered Bazaar of 3,500 shops assembled under cover in 1461 connecting the Hans (small caravanserais for merchants and their needs) to the two bedestans served as bank and auction hall where the transactions handled -acted as ‘Wall Street’ of those days, valuables, gold, jewellery and oriental rugs, fabrics of course. Some ‘hand’ arts on cosy-dim backyards are still resisting to go extinct. Just seeing and experiencing this Mother of the Bazaars is worth the trip…
Day 4: Istanbul / Bodrum
In the morning, meet MarmaraTours’ rep at the hotel lobby and transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your domestic flight to Bodrum. At arrival, meet your private guide, vehicle and visit Bodrum Castle and ruins of the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus. There is nothing quite like the harbor of Bodrum (ancient Halicarnassus): White-washed Aegean houses climbing the hills around two semi-circular ports which unite in an islet topped by a 14th-century castle built by the Knights of St John.
A ‘must see’ is the Castle of Knights of St. John.
Bodrum Castle and within the “Museum of Underwater Archaeology” provides a channel into the worlds of ancient mariners and maritime activities. The shipwrecks exhibited in the venue are fascinating. Bodrum market place is also phenomenal for souvenirs by local artists.
Day 5: Bodrum / Kusadasi
In the morning, meet your guide in the lobby and drive to Kusadasi.
Your first visit will be the ruins of Great Temple of Apollo at Didyma, which meant “twins” and it was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo, which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 12 mile sacred road.
Next, you will stop at Priene. The ancient harbor city of Priene probably changed its location when the silt of the Meander River threatened to bury it. Now it is nearly 10 miles away from the sea. The original place of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. Priene was laid out on a Hippodamian system of grid plan at the foot of a spectacular cliff on mount Mycale and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture.
Day 6: Ephesus
After breakfast, meet your history hub guide in your hotel lobby for the day tour of antique Ephesus (1hr South of Izmir) that will feature the remains the best preserved Ionian site in Roman times in Eastern Mediterranean which was the leading trading city – also a center for the cult of Cybele/Artemis.
Program today will also feature the spectacular Terrace Houses located on the ramp of Ephesus where the wealthy Ephesians lived having decorated with spectacular mosaics and frescoes. These houses were brought to light after completion of excavations in 1980s constituting the best-preserved examples of domestic architecture ever found. Return to Izmir to hotel in late afternoon. Also visit the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus Museum in Selcuk.
Day 7: Izmir / Istanbul / International Departures
In the morning transfer to Izmir airport for your domestic/international flight.
Recommended Hotels in Bodrum region
* Amanruya Bodrum, Turkbuku
* Casa Dell’Arte, Torba – Bodrum
* Maca Kizi Hotel, Golturkbuku – Bodrum
* The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum
* Kempinski Hotel, Barbaros Bay – Bodrum
Recommended Hotels in Ephesus region
* Swiss Hotel, Izmir
* Kismet Hotel, Kusadasi
* Charisma Hotel, Kusadasi
CLASSICAL EMPIRES
Eight Nights Journey to Istanbul, Cappadocia Ephesus & Bodrum
(8 Nights / 9 Days)
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul, Turkey
Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel by MarmaraTours’ English speaking rep and your private deluxe vehicle.
Day 2: Istanbul
After breakfast, meet your guide in the lobby of your hotel and start your day with “The Hippodrome” which was a colossal stadium which the socio-political life of the Roman capital was centered.
Visit Blue Mosque, a competitor of St. Sophia and unique with its six minarets. Interior housing 21.000 Iznik (ancient Nicea) tiles and also considered as masterwork of Ottoman Architecture.
Proceed to Basilica Cistern from 6 hundreds – an extraordinary architecture of water reservoir that had supplied water which was very precious to Byzantium same as today for Istanbul. The cult James Bond film ‘From Russia with Love’ was filmed here having inspired Harry Saltzman by the 336 columns of 8meters high laid underneath the Stoa Basilica. The Ottomans called it Sunken Palace since they had other water sources at Topkapi Palace around the corner.
Continue to “A World Heritage“, an architectural masterpiece, Hagia Sophia, as so wished by Justinian to represent the grandeur of the Roman Empire and the power of Christendom the same time, was completed in 537. The building inspired countless generations by its colossal definition of what the interior space in a domed basilica was to be and by its innovations in weight-support and construction techniques – and what a dome it was: the popular belief was that ‘the dome was suspended from Heaven by an invisible golden chain’. In reality it was work of men, but a worldly simulator of the Heavens with its breathtaking biblical mosaics on upper gallery walls. Under Ottoman rule in 1453 and on being converted to mosque and as of 1935, has been serving to humanity as a cultural museum…
Topkapi Palace, the home and the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Empire until mid 18 hundreds, located on the strategic hill which stood the acropolis to Byzantine rulers looking over a wide angle to the Golden Horn, Bosphorus, Asian Istanbul and Marmara Sea where the Ottoman ruler could see the world going by on Italian trade vessels trafficking from the Orient to Occident. The palace accommodated 5,000 permanent residents including guards so that elaborate facilities were also designed to be there taking Sultan’s Harem and recruiting units also into account, all within behind the walls in a vast environment however very humble. We walk back to the exit after having seen the treasury, costumes worn daily, collections and even the relics.
Day 3: Istanbul
Start your day with Sinan’s wonderful Rustem Pasa Mosque in the Blacksmiths Market next to the Spice Bazaar, known for its outstanding Iznik tiles. This charmingly busy neighborhood perfectly illustrates the Ottoman ideal of a balanced social existence. Stroll through the busy market area into the Spice Bazaar. We will spread out in the Spice Bazaar to find all manner of wonderful things.
Your chauffeur awaiting you will drive you through almost untouched Istanbul since last century, to Chora Church Museum still bearing the biblical illustrations in frescoes and mosaics on its walls and domes. Here, feel free to take your own shots but with fake lights especially when catching the eyes of Jesus gazing at you at any angle you look at him. As you walk out, you might hear some musical rehearsals from the school ‘Music for Peace’ around the curve – the children of all ages devoted to music will welcome you with love if your time permitting from touching the ancient City Walls from 4AD by Theodosius, just prompting to join with Attila the Hun.
In the afternoon, visit the most dazzling of all the bazaars; Explore the Grand Covered Bazaar of 3,500 shops assembled under cover in 1461 connecting the hans(small size of caravanserais for merchants and their needs) to the two bedestans served as bank and auction hall where the transactions handled -acted as ‘Wall Street’ of those days, valuables, gold, jewellery and oriental rugs, fabrics of course. Some ‘hand’ arts on cosy-dim backyards are still resisting to go extinct. Just seeing and experiencing this Mother of the Bazaars is worth the trip…
Day 4: Istanbul / Cappadocia
Transfer to airport for your domestic flight. At arrival, meet your private vehicle and start touring.
Welcome to Cappadocia of a Dream-like land
Start exploring a unique nature! This magical fairy land has saved a history to mankind as remarkable as its landscape that has evolved a surreal moon-like landscape of the lava transforming to tuff rock and sculpted it like an artist not revealing the motive but make us the audience wonder the mysteries behind. This is why we, they, come to Cappadocia to unveil this charm. Cappadocia exposes herself to visitors with her another face each time. We, her beloved, whirl around it like a dervish. You as of now have become one!
The three faces of Cappadocia:
By multiple panoramic viewing options of hiking and ballooning take you off the road into the very core of the landscape to observe the face nature has formed. Later in the day, we shall visit an ‘underground city’ , Kaymakli.
Day 5: Cappadocia
(OPTIONAL) ‘Hot Air Balloon’ ride over the Cappadocian landscape. An opportunity of a lifetime and this ‘flight’ experience is recommended by National Geographic as of perfect combination of landscape and climate.
After breakfast, at 9am your guide meets you at your hotel to continue exploring Cappadocia to encounter an extraordinary treasure of sacred art; Rock-carved churches of Goreme, today an ‘open-air museum’ including the most famous of those rock temples, “Dark Church” with stunning fresco art on the walls.
In the afternoon, drive to Avanos town on the Red River and visit a potter’s workshop to learn about this timeless art of Cappadocia, giving life to the clay from the riverbeds.
Day 6: Cappadocia / Izmir
After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. At arrival, meet your private vehicle at the airport and drive to Ephesus.
After breakfast, meet your history hub guide in your hotel lobby for the day tour of antique Ephesus (1hr South of Izmir) that will feature the remains the best preserved Ionian site in Roman times in Eastern Mediterranean which was the leading trading city – also a center for the cult of Cybele/Artemis.
Program today will feature also the spectacular Terrace Houses located on the ramp of Ephesus where the wealthy Ephesians lived having decorated with spectacular mosaics and frescoes. These houses were brought to light after completion of excavations in 1980s constituting the best-preserved examples of domestic architecture ever found. Return to Izmir to hotel in late afternoon.
Also visit the House of Virgin Mary and Ephesus Museum in Selcuk. In the evening check in your hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi…
Your first stop will be Priene. The ancient harbor city of Priene probably changed its location when the silt of the Meander River threatened to bury it. Now it is nearly 16 km away from the sea. The original location of the city has never been found but it was probably a peninsula with two harbors. Priene was laid out on a Hippodamian system of grid plan at the foot of a spectacular cliff on mount Mycale and contained many famous examples of Hellenistic art and architecture.
Day 7: Ephesus / Bodrum
In the morning, meet your guide in the lobby and drive to Bodrum.
Next, you will visit Didyma. The world Didyma meant “twins” and it was associated by some as being the meeting place of Zeus and Leto to have their twins Apollo and Artemis. Didyma was famed as a prophecy center dedicated to Apollo, which served a similar purpose as the Delphi of Anatolia. It was not a city but a sanctuary linked to Miletus by Milesians with a 12 mile sacred road. Continue to Bodrum and check in your hotel in the late afternoon.