Bridging Asia on one hand and Europe on the other Istanbul is a unique city where one can come across people from different countries and see how diverse cultures merge in harmony. Istanbul has dazzling array of tourist attractions ranging from historical peninsula to numerous scenic beauties. Istanbul consists of a mosaic of many civilizations and cultures combined. Every evening the magnificent view of the setting sun illuminates the city like a painting. The candle- like silhouettes of the mosques greet the city as the day turns into night while the sun and the moon salute each other
Arrive at International Airport. Meet our company representative, who will assist you in immigration and custom formalities. The company representative will then escort you to the hotel in an air conditioned deluxe coach. Check in the hotel and spend overnight in the hotel. Have a nice sleep to refresh yourself for the next day.
Have your breakfast at the hotel and at around 8.30 a.m hit the roads to explore Old Istanbul City. The first stop for the day is St. Sophia which was once a church, later a mosque and now a museum. Everyday thousands of tourists visits Hajia Sophia to learn about its unique history. During the first day of Ramadan the museum remains closed.
Across Hajia Sophia is located Sultanhmet Imperial Mosque which is commonly known as Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. The key places that ought not be missed include HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
Next destination for the day is Topkapi Palace- one of the oldest and largest palace in the world. The palace showcases cyrstal, silver and Chinese porcelain robes which were worn by the sultans and their families. Famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed are also put on display.
Post lunch explore the labyrinth of streets of the Grand Covered Bazaar where you can shop at more then 4,000 shops of different trade. The 4000 shops have their dedicated area like the goldsmiths' street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays and many other. As the day retires you will be transferred back to your hotel to spend overnight.
After a scrumptious breakfast, at 8.30 you will be picked up from your hotel for the wonderful Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Shopping Tour. The adventurous tour will begin with a visit to Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar. While strolling through the elegant corridors lined with stalls breathe in the enticing aromas of herbs and spices.During your walk, you will come to know why the Spice Bazaar is so very popular with both visitors and locals.
Depart the marketplace and drive to the waterfront for your Bosphorus Strait cruise- traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. To make your journey more memorable click the pictures of the shore which is all decked up with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses and small fishing villages. The excursion will wont bore you as one after the other amrvellous sights will capture your attention. En route you will come across the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace and the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.
Continue to Ciragan Palace located on the coastal edge of the aforesaid park to admire the marble facade which faces the water Later arrive at Ortakoy, where huge number of artists gather every Saturday and Sunday to showcase their work along the long stretches of the street. Pass through one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world Rumeli Fortress. Next see summer residence of Ottoman sultans at BEYLERBEYI PALAS (PALACE) from outside only.
Cruise under the Bosphorus Bridge that provides a golden chance to step from one continent to another. Climb and explore the highest point of Istanbul at Camlica Hill. From the top take in the elegant views of Istanbul and Bosporus from the landscaped in traditional Turkish Ottoman style.
Finally its time to shop and see how the Turkish women weave traditional silk at the carpet weaving courses provided by The Ministry of National Education. You will get the opportunity to see and buy jewelry, handicrafts, modern leatherwear and more.
Have breakfast at the hotel, head towards Istanbul Ataturk Airport to board domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival spend the day at your own leisure. As the day ends retire back to the hotel to spend overnight in Cappadocia.
The tour will begin after breakfast with pickup from your hotel in the company of a professionally licensed, English speaking guide who are well versed with Cappadocia history and culture. Cappadocia is a beautiful horse country of honeycombed hills and is an unbelievable strip of land, enchanting and mysterious.
The tour begins with a visit to Uchisar Castle which is the tallest point in Cappadocia and is nothing but a natural rock citadel. Head towards the Göreme Open-Air Museum which is most famous sight in Turkey's Cappadocia region. If visiting during summers try to visit early in the morning else the scorching heat will not let you enjoy. Next stop is Cavusin which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses.
Want to try your hand at pottery making, then Avanos is the place to be. Post lunch visit a pottery work shop where you can see workers making household pottery as well as industrial materials like building blocks and roof tiles. While returning from Avanos on the road to Zelve visit Pasabagi famous for its three-headed fairy chimneys located in the middle of the vineyard. While walking you will be astonished to see several tuff cones standing right next to the road. Next head towards another workshop of handwoven carpets and kilims.
Another spot to be visited on Cappadocia Tour is Dervent Valley or the imagination valley or the pink valley. The fact is that it does not boast any church like the other valleys of Cappadocia . Dervent valley is famous for the lunar landscape which is formed by the small fairy chimneys. The valley also has many animal shaped rock formations. There is a rock pillar which almost look like Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ. Then you head to a wineshop in Urgup for wine tasting. Planning to have a Hot Air Balloon Flight then Urgup is the place to be. The tour will come to an end at 1800 hours and you will be transferred back to hotel to have a peaceful sleep.
Have breakfast at the hotel, head towards Kayseri Airport to board domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival spend the day at your own leisure. As the day ends retire back to the hotel to spend overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast enjoy shopping some famous things of Istanbul to have them as a memoir. Later depart for Airport for domestic flight to Istanbul for further flight to home.
