Türkiye Sapphire Luxury

Information

9 days to discover the main tourist attractions of the country: The beauty of Istanbul, the unique landscape of Cappadocia, the white travertines in Pamukkale and the best preserved ancient city in history: Ephesus. Exclusive hotels with an ideal location and in Cappadocia you will turn the experience with its cave-type hotels, it will be like being in an underground fairy tale.

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Tour Plan

• DAY 01: [-/-/-] ARRIVAL - ISTANBUL
  Welcome to Türkiye, a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West come together in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), opened in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. Assistance and transfer from the Airport (IST) to your luxury hotel located in the city center, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy your free time walking around some of the famous streets and visiting international brand stores or prestigious restaurants.
• DAY 02: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, whose construction was completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to appreciate the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli/ or Inner City", possibly from where Istanbul got its name. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn" where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Tower that gives the bridge its name and the Asian side. Then we will enter the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic train.
  
  We continue with “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Mosque of Suleymaniye the Magnificent, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm for its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culminating with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 03: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and mix of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.
  
  During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional “ISTANBUL STREET GASTRONOMY”: This food tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of the most historic region of Istanbul in the heart of ancient Constantinople that invites diners to taste a selection of typical and traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbulite flavor through a combination of textures and artistic presentations, participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the gastronomic diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques, appreciate the art and passion hidden behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable memories.
• DAY 04: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - FLIGHT - CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Departure to the airport to take a flight (not included in the program price - check the mandatory supplement) to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
• DAY 05: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Visit to this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Starting with the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Continuing towards the impressive valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes you will appreciate the views of the symbols of the geological formations of the region, the famous “Fairy Chimneys”. A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks. In Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. Continuation to the Cappadocia Underground City, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures, and a center for precious stones, jewelry with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.
  
  Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
• DAY 06: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA - PAMUKKALE
  Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, a giant waterfall, stalactites and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” is derived from Greek and means “sacred city”, referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theatre, which had a capacity to hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These waters, loaded with minerals, created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as “Pamukkale”, which in Turkish means “cotton castle”. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.
• DAY 07: [B/-/D] PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS – IZMIR/ KUŞADASI*
  Breakfast. Departure for Izmir where we will visit Ephesus, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which preserves treasures such as the Roman Theatre, the Library of Celsus and Marble Street. We will visit the last house of Jesus' mother, today a place of pilgrimage. Continuing with a visit to a leather shop. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
  
  *Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi depending on the season.
• DAY 08: [B/-/-] IZMIR/ KUŞADASI* - FLIGHT - ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Transfer to Izmir airport for return flight to Istanbul (not included in the program price - check the mandatory supplement) . Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
• 9 DAY 09: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport (IST) for the return flight. End of our services.
  
  Important notes : Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season. The order of the itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and closing days of the monuments, always respecting the visits to be made. The order of the optional excursions between days 2 and 3 may also be changed. Closing days for visits: Sunday - Grand Bazaar | Tuesday - Topkapı Palace. Similar visits are offered or the order of the day is changed in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end (as published) // or // 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end. In case the Grand Bazaar is closed, the Spice Bazaar will be visited.