ROAD TRIP ON A ANCIENT ASIA MINOR 8N-9D


Day 1 Istanbul Arrival
⦁ Upon collecting your luggage, please proceed to the arrivals hall and look for a transfer representative at GATE 14. The representative will hold a sign with your name on it and assist you in reaching your designated vehicle.

Day 2 Istanbul Old Town Tour 
Begin your day with a delightful breakfast, then meet up with your guide in the hotel lobby to explore the captivating city of Istanbul. The historical peninsula served as the capital city for 1400 years and holds stories of joy, hope, and sorrow.
⦁ Your day will begin by visiting the Hippodrome, once the place where chariot races were held. This bustling center of the city provided entertainment for the public. Afterward, you will proceed to the Blue Mosque. Here, you will learn about the unique iznik tiles that decorate the walls and gain insight into Islam and the Muslim religion. The next stop is the imperial church of the capital, Hagia Sophia. Prepare to be impressed by the grandeur of the dome and the architectural beauty of the building. Afterward, you will have time for lunch to savor some delicious Turkish cuisine, such as richly flavored kebabs and freshly dressed salads with olive oil.
⦁ After lunch, you will visit the Topkapı Palace, a magnificent structure that was more than just a palace; it was like a city within a city. This was the administrative center, and it also housed the sultan and his family in the Harem. The palace consists of four courtyards and is now a large museum. After exploring the Topkapı Museum, the last stop of the day is the Grand Bazaar, where you will have some time for shopping and further exploration.
⦁ At the end of your experience, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Day 3 Drive To Canakkale Visit Troy, And Overnight In Ayvalik
Early morning, check out from the hotel for your road trip to Canakkale. This drive will take approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival, lunch in a fish restaurant first, then explore the city for an hour. After that, drive to Troy Ancient City. The city of love, the city of blood, the city of war on behalf of the love of Helen and Paris. After exploring the ancient town, drive to Ayvalık. It has one of the longest sand beaches in Turkey. You will enjoy your stay, and if you wish, you can walk by the beach. Overnight in Ayvalık

Day 4 pergamon Ancient City, Drive To Ephesus And Visit Ephesus Ancient Site
After breakfast, check out from the hotel to drive to Pergamon Ancient City. The city of Pergamon is well-known for several remarkable specialties. It is noted for its library, which was a massive producer of parchment in Anatolia. Pergamon is accepted as the birthplace of the Galen. The city of Pergamon is also renowned for its mention in the biblical Book of Revelation, adding to its historical and cultural importance.
Upon visiting the site, drive to Selcuk for lunch (2.5 hours). After lunch, arrive at the house of the Virgin Mary. At the end of your visit, go to your hotel. Check in.

Day 5 Visit Ephesus Drive To Pamukkale 
Early in the morning, check out from the hotel and drive to Ephesus Ancient City. A UNESCO heritage site place. The site was once one of the most prestigious cities of the Romans in the known world. On the way, you will see The Celsius Library, The Théâtre, The temples, and many more. This will take approximately more than two hours.  
Lunch in Selcuk
Afterward, drive to Pamukkale (approximately 3 hours), visit the ancient site of Hierapolis, and then take the time to relax and enjoy the travertines. You can also visit the Cleopatra Pool.
Once you arrive, check into the hotel and spend your evening enjoying the facilities it offers.

Day 6 Drive To Sagalassos, Enjoy A Boat Tour In Egridir, And Drive To Konya
Check out the hotel for a unique experience. Start by driving to Sagalassos Ancient City. This ancient city is rich in history and offers a glimpse into the past with its well-preserved ruins. (182 KM )
Next, you will visit a fascinating place where you can learn about the art of felt-making. Felt is a textile type created without a weft or warp. Traditionally, it was used to make rugs, tents, and clothing. Today, this technique is still used to create interesting items. You will be able to see and learn about this craft in Yalvac. After that, you will proceed to Egridir Lake, Turkey's fourth-largest lake. Enjoy your lunch by the lake and go boating before continuing to Konya. Overnight stay in Konya. (204KM)

Day 7 Visit Mevlana Museum Drive To Cappadocia
Check out from the hotel and visit The Mevlana Museum, which is dedicated to the founder of the whirling dervishes in Anatolia, a scholar and a lover of God. Explore his tomb and the museum to learn about the Dervishes. Afterward, drive to Cappadocia, which will take approximately 3 hours. After arrival, enjoy your lunch at a local restaurant before embarking on your adventure.
Start by visiting Pigeon Valley to learn about the dove-cotes and admire the Uchisar Castle. Then, proceed to Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley, where you can marvel at naturally shaped rock formations resembling camels, ducks, and even the Virgin Mary. Next, head to Pasabag, a famous spot known for fairy chimneys. Discover how these unique formations were created and take a leisurely stroll among them to appreciate their beauty. Finally, drive to your hotel, check-in, and take some time to rest.

Day 8 Full-Day tour In Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon Ride (OPTIONAL)

In the morning, you will be picked up by the balloon company and taken to the balloon preparation location. You can take pictures and enjoy a cup of coffee while the balloon is being inflated. The balloon ride will last for an hour, and at the end of the experience, you will be dropped off at your hotel. You will have enough time to have breakfast before meeting your driver and guide to explore the remaining highlights of Cappadocia.
Your first stop is 'Kaymaklı,' the largest underground city in the region. This architectural masterpiece has tunnels, storage areas, kitchens, and stone doors to explore.
Afterward, enjoy lunch at a local house to try the delicious pottery kebab. This meat stew is cooked in a unique pot and served with dough, and it has been cooked for three hours.
After lunch, you will explore The Goreme Open Air Museum. A big monastery complex that was designed as a town for the monks and nuns. Walk and follow their steps and learn about their daily routine while visiting and getting astonished by the wall paintings inside the churches.
Last, drive to Avanos, a town where the Red River flows. Avanos is famous for ceramic and pottery making, with many family-owned places. Stop along the way to learn about the art of ceramics and tiles. Watch a demonstration of red clay on an ancient kick wheel and even try making your own pot.
After your visit, proceed to the hotel and complete the check-in process. The remaining part of the day is yours to relish and enjoy at your own pace.

Day 9 transfer To The Airport
Check out from the hotel according to your flight time. Drive to the airport for your flight to Istanbul Airport.

Tour Package Inclusions:

⦁ Experienced tour guide accompanying you during visits to specified locations. 
⦁ Comfortable private vehicle with a dedicated driver for seamless transfers. And all through the tour 
⦁ Boat tour in Egridir
⦁ Delight in delicious lunches provided for 8 days during the tour.
⦁ All entrance fees are covered for the attractions listed in the tour schedule.
⦁ Transfers from and to the airport 

Exclusions:
⦁ Kindly note that the driver and tour guide tips are not included.
⦁ Personal expenses incurred during the tour are excluded.
⦁ Drinks and lunches during the tour are not included.
⦁ Dinners are not part of the package.
⦁ Hot air balloon ride
⦁ Tickets for Harem in Topkapı Palace, terrace houses in Ephesus, Cleopatra pool in Pamukkale, and Dark Church in Cappadocia are not covered by the tour company.

Special Notes:
⦁ Children under 5 years old will receive a 50% discount.
⦁ For children under 2 years old, a discount of 80% will be applicable.
⦁ Children aged 6 to 9 years old will be eligible for a 30% discount.

ROAD TRIP ON A ANCIENT ASIA MINOR 8N-9D

Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

Destinations: Istanbul, Canakkale, Pergamon Ancient City, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Sagalossos, Egridir Lake, Konya, Cappadocia

Travel Style: Culture, Nature, History

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