ITINERARY

Day 1: March 25 - ISTANBUL
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your selected hotel. Accommodation.

Day 2: March 26 - ISTANBUL / ISTANBUL TOUR (B - L)
Breakfast. Full-day tour of the magnificent city of Istanbul. We will view the exterior of the Hagia Sophia Basilica, the pinnacle of Byzantine art and the pearl of Istanbul. We will also visit the famous Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries, including the treasury and sacred relics. At noon, enjoy a typical lunch at a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area, followed by a visit to the Blue Mosque, a marvel of harmony and elegance, and the Hippodrome, which preserves the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the German Fountain, and the Egyptian Obelisk. Late in the afternoon, we will visit the famous Grand Bazaar with free time to explore its four thousand shops. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 3: March 27 - ISTANBUL / BOSPHORUS TOUR / BALAT (B - L)
Breakfast. Panoramic visit to the famous and artistic Balat neighborhood, renowned for its colorful houses. Next, enjoy a boat trip along the Bosphorus, the strait separating Istanbul into two continents, offering views of Sultans' palaces and traditional wooden houses. We will then visit the star attraction, the Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans five centuries ago. In the afternoon, we visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, situated atop Eminönü hill. After lunch, we cross the Bosphorus Bridge to visit Beylerbeyi Palace on the Asian side, which uniquely preserves all its original decorations. Finally, we visit Çamlica Hill, the highest point in Istanbul, also located on the Asian shore. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

Day 4: March 28 - ISTANBUL / TRAIN / ANKARA (B - D)
Breakfast box. Departure toward Ankara, passing through the Bolu Mountains. Arrival in Ankara, the modern and cosmopolitan capital of the Turkish Republic. We visit the Anitkabir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the founder of the Republic and a symbol of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 5: March 29 - ANKARA / CAPPADOCIA (B - D)
Breakfast. Visit to the Citadel of Ankara and Ankara Castle (Ankara Kalesi), the city's most imposing monument overlooking the old town. Its streets are lined with Ottoman houses and restaurants within 7th and 9th-century fortifications. We then visit the Hamamönü neighborhood, famous for its ancient Seljuk and Ottoman-style houses. Leaving Ankara, we head toward Cappadocia, passing by the Salt Lake, the second-largest in Turkey. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 6: March 30 - CAPPADOCIA (B - D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Optionally, we recommend a spectacular hot air balloon ride at sunrise. Departure to visit this fantastic region, the birthplace of Saint George, featuring a unique landscape formed by volcanic lava. Visit the monasteries and chapels of Göreme, carved into the rocks and decorated with frescoes. We will stop at a carpet and kilim workshop, pass through the Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik), and admire the panoramic view of Uchisar Castle. Finally, we stop at an artisan workshop specializing in typical stones and Cappadocia jewelry. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 7: March 31 - CAPPADOCIA / PAMUKKALE (B - D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Early departure toward Pamukkale. Arrival and visit to Hierapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city in ruins. Visit the famous "Cotton Castle," a natural wonder of white travertine terraces, stalactites, and natural thermal pools. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 8: April 01 - PAMUKKALE / EPHESUS / KUSADASI / IZMIR (B - D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in Turkey, featuring the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theater. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years. In the late afternoon, we stop at a fashion shop for an authentic leather clothing runway show. Continuation to İzmir. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 9: April 02 - IZMIR / PERGAMUM / TROY / CANAKKALE (B - D)
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Pergamum to visit the Asclepieion, an ancient therapeutic center dedicated to the god of medicine. After lunch (not included), continue to the legendary city of Troy, made famous by Homer’s "Iliad." Visit the ruins. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Day 10: April 03 - CANAKKALE / BURSA / ISTANBUL (B)
Breakfast. Departure for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Ulucamii Mosque, the Kozahan Silk Bazaar, and the Green Mausoleum. Continuation to Istanbul. Arrival and accommodation.

Day 11: April 04 - ISTANBUL / FREE DAY (B)
Breakfast and free day for personal exploration.

Day 12: April 05 - ISTANBUL / AIRPORT (B)
Breakfast and, at the indicated time, transfer to the airport. End of services.