Itinerary

Day 1 Istanbul

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Situated in the heart of downtown Istanbul, Yasmak Sultan (4*) neighbours celebrated museums, mosques, palaces shopping areas. Just a short walking distance from St.Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Grand Covered Bazaar, the centre of old city Istanbul awaits discovery. Hotel Yasmak Sultan brings a refreshing alternative to the typical Istanbul Hotel, pairing boutique style with elegant guest service. Friendly, multilingual staff looks forward to welcoming you to the Yasmak Sultan Hotel.

Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*).

Day 2 Istanbul

Enjoy a privately guided full day tour of Istanbul and see the most important sights. Visit the St. Sophia Church, the pride and glory of the Byzantine architecture (excluding the Gallery floor); the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles; Byzantine Hippodrome, where once chariot races were held; and the Grand Bazaar, world’s largest covered bazaar with 4000 shops. Visit Topkapi Palace, the famous residence of the Sultans (The Harem section is not included in the tour).

Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*).

Day 3 Istanbul

Enjoy a full day with your own private car and guide. Cross the Bosphorus by driving through the Intercontinental Suspension Bridge to go over the Asian side of Istanbul. A visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, the white marble summer residence of Ottoman Sultans used in the 19th century. Enjoy a cruise by boat on Bosphorus, the unique winding strait separating two continents.

Overnight at Yasmak Sultan (4*).

Day 4 Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey, largely in Nevsehir Province. The name was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage. The term, as used in tourism, roughly corresponds to present-day Nevsehir Province. In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates and the Armenian Highland, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Capadoccia. The flight duration is about 1 hour.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car and guide in Cappadocia. You will be driven to Devrent Valley and then to Pasabagi Valley, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. From here you will be driven to Avanos, the famous pottery town, to have lunch. After lunch depart from Avanos to see the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the churches of Goreme Open Air Museum. Then you will be driven to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia. Conclude with a visit to the Pidgeon Valley.

Gamirasu Cave (4*) is an exquisitely restored 30 room, troglodyte cave house opened in 1999, in Ayvali Village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which, has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Gamirasu cave Hotel is featured in major international travel guides as one of the best cave hotels of Cappadocia. It is often mentioned as a romantic escape for honeymooners in wedding magazines.

Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*).

Day 5 Cappadocia

Enjoy a full day tour in Capadoccia and visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit the subterrenean city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several levels underground. You will be driven to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red valley, finally a visit to a Winery, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area.

Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*).

Day 6 Bodrum

Bodrum is a Turkish port town located southwestern Aegean Region of the country, on the Gulf of Gökova, and facing the Greek island of Kos. It is an international center of tourism and yachting. The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times. The Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was here. Bodrum Castle, built by the Crusaders in the 15th century, overlooks the harbor and the International Marina. The castle grounds includes a Museum of Underwater Archeology and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy your domestic flight from Kayseri to Bodrum with a stopover in Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 4 hours.

Enjoy an airport transfer with your private car and driver.

The Marmara Bodrum (5*) is located over Bodrum, on the main road that leads to the town. 96 spacious and comfortable standard rooms come with balcony or terrace and comfortable seating indoors and out. The Marmara Bodrum hotel boasts full amenities. The Tuti restaurant delights with panoramic views of the hotel setting as well as with its new trend Turkish cuisine. There are two swimming pools, one outdoor and a semi-olympic swimming pool as well as a gym, various tennis courts and squash. For guest's rest and well-being, the hotel also disposes of a Turkish steam bath, a Jacuzzi, and a sauna with views of Bodum. The spa provides a wide assortment of treatments for body detoxification, relaxation of the mind and skin revitalisation.

Overnight at Marmara Bodrum (5*).

Day 7 Bodrum

Enjoy a private tour of Bodrum and visit the Castle of St. Peter, a beautiful castle built by the Knights of St. John. A look at the remains of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, then proceed to see one of the windmills, a symbol of the region. En route visit the ancient amphitheatre. (Karia Princess and Underwater museum's entrance fees at the castle are not included in the tour price and need to be paid on the spot).

Overnight at Marmara Bodrum (5*).

Day 8 Izmir

Izmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. Izmir has almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly that much more of advanced human settlement. Modern Izmir also incorporates the nearby ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai.

Enjoy a full day tour with your private car and guide. Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library. Your day ends with a drop off at your Izmir Hotel.

Hilton Izmir Hotel (5*) is located on the west coast of Turkey, overlooking Izmir Bay. The hotel is 20 minute`s drive from Adnan Menderes Airport and just a few minute`s walk away from the shopping district and the Ataturk Museum. Enjoy Izmir attractions like the Archeological Museum, Ephesus ruins and the Virgin Mary's House. Squeeze in Sardis, Pergamum and the Citadel of Kadifekale. All Hilton Izmir hotel rooms have great views and are equipped with modern amenities. Have breakfast in the Colonnade Restaurant or end the day by watching the sun set across Izmir Bay from the 31st-floor Windows of the Bay Restaurant or Bar. Admire city views from the Hilton Izmir hotel's Health Club while are you relaxing or pampering yourself.

Overnight at Hilton Izmir (5*).

Day 9 Izmir

Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car to Pergamum. You'll visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, and the Pergamum Acropolis where you can find the Altar of Zeus (said to be "the place where Satan has his throne"). Other spectacular relics are the Trojan Temple, and the world's steepest ancient theater. After the drive back to Izmir you will be transfered back to your hotel.

Overnight at Hilton Izmir (5*).

Day 10 Istanbul

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a domestic flight from Izmir airport to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour.

Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart.

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