Turkey’s Sights and Delights

Depart the USA on your overnight flight to Istanbul, Turkey.

Upon arrival, you’ll be met at the airport by a representative of Mayflower Cruises and Tours and transferred to the hotel. Flights should arrive by 3:00pm. Dinner is included at a local restaurant this evening. Meal: D

Begin discovering this fascinating city on a tour showcasing the highlights. Visit the remains of the Hippodrome – the former site of chariot races and focal point of civic life back in its’ heyday. Adjacent to this piece of history is the infamous ‘Blue Mosque’ which got its name from the light that shines through over 2,500 stained-glass windows and reflects onto the dark blue Iznik tiles. A masterpiece of woodworking and calligraphy, the mosque is also home to the tomb of Sultan Ahmet I. Admire the mosaic murals and colossal columns at the Basilica of St. Sophia before visiting the Topkapi Palace. Built around four courtyards, view many treasures of the Ottoman sultans including fine porcelains, gem-encrusted art objects, traditional armor, imperial costumes, and stunning tile work. Return to the hotel where dinner is included this evening. Meals: B, D

The day begins with a tour of the amazing Basilica Cistern (Sunken Palace), a majestic underground reservoir. Marvel at the architecture where over 300 ancient columns support the vaulted ceilings. You may also recognize this from scenes in the James Bond movie ‘From Russia With Love’. Return to the surface and visit the Grand Bazaar, the legendary market considered the best souk in the world featuring antiques, jewelry, and carpets. Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee in the old town before visiting the Spice Market – the second largest covered market of the city. See the vast array of herbs, spices, and dried fruit. A sampling of a local delicacy, Turkish Delight, will be provided from a local shop before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Meals: B, D

It’s time to depart Istanbul with a transfer to the airport for the flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, visit Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings from the 6th – 9th centuries, providing shelter for early Christians protecting themselves from invaders. Extending five levels below ground, see the living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables, and ventilation shafts. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening. Meals: B, D

If you choose, start the day with an optional early morning hot-air balloon ride. After breakfast explore Cappadocia with its unique landscapes formed by erosions of winds and water. Your expedition starts with a visit to the Monastic Center of Goreme, founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity during the 4th century. As an open-air museum, see the well-preserved rock-hewn churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Continue to Pasabag Valley where you will adore the view of the tower-shaped hermitages that look as if they have been sculptured by contemporary artists! Continue to the rock-carved natural citadel of Uchisar promising a superb view of the region from its top. The last stop of today’s tour is Avanos, the famous town of Cappadocia that was established by the Hittites on the riverbanks of Halys River. Visit the studio of a pottery artist and watch the interactive presentation of creating masterpieces of pottery and ceramics. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Meals B, D

After breakfast, depart by coach for Pamukkale with touring enroute. Visit the Sultanhan Caravansarai, one of the most significant attractions in the region and the most preserved Seljuk Caravansarai (rest place for travelers on caravans) in Turkey. Upon arrival in Konya, a former important post for Roman legion and control of the trade routes of antiquity, visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (founder of the Whirling Dervishes) and Sultanhan Caravanserai, a building that ranks as one of the Seljuk masterpieces. Continue on to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, D

Today’s excursion explores Hierapolis, recently appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Meaning ‘Sacred City’ in Greek, it was founded during the Hellenistic period, and was a control point of trade routes connecting East to West. In the Roman Period, it became a thermal center where massive Roman Baths were built utilizing the spring waters of the area. Wandering through the colossal tomb chambers of Necropolis, comprehend the wealth of a society that could afford such impressive graves. See the Gate of Domitianus, the Byzantine Baths, and one of the best-preserved Roman Theaters in the world of archaeology. Return to the hotel in Pamukkale for the afternoon at leisure before the included dinner this evening. Meals: B, D

Depart for Kusadasi with touring enroute. Visit the ancient city of Magnesia where current excavations are taking place to uncover the past. Not yet open to the public, we have arranged for exclusive access to the archaeological site and a private lecture by the archeologists. Continue to Sirince Village, at the end of a valley, with impressive vineyards, peach trees, and beautiful views. An old Greek village, it’s most famous for its local wine and olive oil. Today it’s a synthesis of Turkish-Greek culture with 19th-century Anatolian style houses. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner at the hotel and overnight. Meals: B, D

Explore the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology offer their majesty with incredible richness. Ephesus was the Capital of the Province of Asia Minor and famed for political intrigue, as well as its port and trade activities. A city of such importance, authority and prosperity had prestigious buildings that have stood the test of time due to preservation efforts. Pursue traces of the glorious past of Ephesus walking along the Marble Road that runs through the city, with various structures residing along it. See the unique beauty of the Temple of Hadrian, the prestigious façade of the Library of Celsus and the stunning remains of the Great Theater of Ephesus. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. Meals: B, D

This morning, depart by coach to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul to connect with your international flight home*. Meal: B

*If booking your own flights, please contact Mayflower for timing