Istanbul • Cappadocia • Ephesus (7 Nights / 8 Days)

Note: For those who wish to have more time in Istanbul, we are happy to book additional nights for you, either before or after the main trip.

Day 1: Arrival at Istanbul Ataturk airport
Transfer to your hotel; orientation walking tour of the neighborhood with your private guide. Some good local restaurants can be pointed out for dinner this evening.

Hagia Sophia - Sultanahmet - Istanbul

Ortakoy mosque and Bosphorus bridge - Istanbul

Balloon flight - Cappadocia

Fairy chimneys - Cappadocia

Celsius library - Ephesus - Selcuk

Sirince old Greek village - Selcuk

Day 2: Istanbul
Sightseeing includes the Roman Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
If you feel energetic enough, we are happy to expand the tour to include other interesting aspects hidden in the less touristy areas of the district. (B)

Day 3: Istanbul
Sightseeing includes Topkapi Palace and The Harem, the Spice Market, a boat ride on the Bosphorus Strait for about an hour and a backroads walking tour. (B)

Day 4: Istanbul / Cappadocia – Flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir
Upon arrival, start to discover the wonders of this incredible region. Enjoy beautiful panoramas at the Ortahisar Valley and visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. (B)

Day 5: Cappadocia
Optional early morning balloon ride is available. After breakfast, included visits to the remarkable Underground City of Kaymakli, Uchisar town and fortress, Pasabag and the small town of Avanos where the pottery and rugs are splendid representatives of the Turkish handicraft tradition. (B)

Day 6: Cappadocia / Istanbul / Ephesus and Sirince old Greek Village – Flight to Izmir via Istanbul
We arrive in Izmir in early afternoon and begin our drive to Kusadasi. Visit a beautiful village located on top of a hill and have lunch. Originally a Greek-Orthodox village, Sirince is now the pretty example of Turkish-Greek culture. In the afternoon, just before entering Kusadasi, we visit the old Basilica of St. John. (B, L)

Day 7: Kusadasi / Ephesus
Visit the ruins of Ephesus, including the Roman period villas known as the Terrace Houses. After this visit, we drive to the local village of Sultankoy. Here we break for a grilled lunch and have the opportunity to learn about some local crafts, such as rug-weaving. We may also be able to see demonstrations performed by local craftsmen. Our final stop of the day will be in the town of Selcuk where you can visit the Museum of Archaeology. (B, L)

Day 8: Kusadasi / Istanbul - Homebound departure
Transfer to Izmir Airport for a flight to Istanbul, connecting to your flight home. (B)

Price of the trip package: $1,990
Price is per person, in USD and based on double occupancy at hotels
Single Supplement: $450

Maximum number of participants on this small group tour is 14
2012 scheduled dates (Istanbul arrival dates): May 16, June 20, July 11, July 25, September 12, September 26, October 10

Price of the trip package includes:

1. Accommodation:
   3 nights Istanbul: Hotel Central Palace
   2 nights Cappadocia: Hotel Uchisar Kaya
   2 nights Kusadasi: Hotel Kismet

2. Domestic flights in coach class within the program (Istanbul to Kayseri or Nevsehir, then to Izmir via Istanbul and Izmir to Istanbul).

3. Meals as indicated by (B, L, D) - B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner
   9 Meals: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches include bottled water.

4. Services of a private licensed, professional English-speaking guide throughout your trip.

5. All transfers and travel by private, modern, air-conditioned, chauffeur driven vehicles.

6. All entrance fees to the sites and museums mentioned in the program.

7. Parking, ferry, and toll road fees. Not applicable if you are driving a rental car.

8. Gratuity at restaurants where a meal is included in the program.

9. Porterage fees at hotels & airports.

1. Airfare for international flights.

2. Beverages other than water during included meals.

3. Optional gratuities to the tour guide(s), driver(s). Also the Gulet crew when applies.

4. Travel insurance.

5. Visas, laundry, and personal items.