Extensions to Turkey

We’ll greet you at the airport and get you to your hotel – you’ll spend the night in the city that brings together East and West, Istanbul.

There may be no city on earth quite as beautiful – join your expert guide on a tour you’ll remember always…. Marvel at the jewel encrusted treasures of Topkapi, tributes paid to the sultans for safe passage east and west, the Emperor Justinian’s Hagia Sophia covered in glorious mosaics, the Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome (the bronze snake statue was a monument set up at Platea to celebrate the Greek victory over the Persians; it’s traveled from Persia to Greece to Rome to here…). You’ll end the day exploring the fabled Grand Bazaar – under this roof, one can find anything from linens to gold…. Watch the sun set over the Bosphorus, you’ll sleep here tonight. (B,L)

After breakfast, we’ll leave from the hotel and explore the famous Spice Bazar before we embark on a boat and enjoy a leisurely Cruise on the Bosphorus. Cruising on this “ Golden Horn”, the splendid marble palaces, ottoman- era wooden villas and modern residences lining both shores speak of the pivotal role this city has played in world events for centuries. One last night, one more glorious sunset. (B)

After breakfast, sadly, it’s time to bid farewell to this vibrant city.. we’ll make sure you get to the airport in plenty of time for your flight. (B)

Arrival to Istanbul Ataturk Airport or Pier and meeting an English speaking assistant, and transferred to your hotel.

Pick-up from hotel. Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque famous with its fine Iznik tiles and the Hagia Sophia Museum (closed on Mondays). Visit Topkapi Palace (Closed on Tuesdays) and Grand Covered Baznar (Closed on Sundays). (B,L)

After breakfast depending on the weather conditions, enjoy a half day cruise on the Bosphorus and visit Spice Market. Enjoy your afternoon at leisure to explore the city(B)

Early morning flight to Kayesri or Nevsehir. On arrival visit Rose valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia and explore the famous rock –cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin and Old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After lunch visit Ortahisar castle, followed by a visit to the underground city Kaymakli where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On our way back, stop by the panoramic Pigeon village and a local winery to taste some Cappadocia wine (B,L)

Early morning optional Hot Air Balloon Tour. Depart your hotel for Devrent Valley where various types of Fairy Chimney’s are abundant. Thereafter visit Pasabagi ( Monk’s valley) followed by a drive to Avanos( known for pottery). Also proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum to visit churches, chapels and monasteries carved into Fairy chimneys from the 10th to 13th centuries with frescos painted walls. Sometime has been set aside for shopping in the area.(B,L)

After breakfast transfer to Kayseri Airport ( B)