Turkey Holiday Package, Turkey Vacation Packages, Turkey Tour Packages, Istanbul Tour Packages

Discover various arts and crafts of Turkey, Marvel at the many minarets of Istanbul, Taste traditional Turkish fruit wines, Admire the travertine pools of Pammukkale. Explore the ruins of Ephesus.

Tour Itinerary:

DAY 1- ISTANBUL.
Arrival and Transfer to the hotel. Overnight Istanbul.

DAY 2 - ISTANBUL.
In the morning visit to the Hippodrome Square where ancient chariot races were held, the infamous Blue Mosque, and the St. Sophia Church. In the afternoon visit the Topkapi Palace (Imperial Home of Ottoman Sultans) and it's Treasury Section. Then visit the famous Grand Bazaar complex including 4,000 tiny shops followed by a visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Market. (B)

Day 3- ISTANBUL.
Visit the Turkish Islamic Art Museum with a vast collection which includes notable examples of Islamic calligraphy, tiles, and rugs as well as ethnographic displays on various cultures in Turkey, particularly nomad groups. This museum houses a rich collection of old Turkish rugs from all over the country. There will be a famous expert on rug history, sharing his vast knowledge with you during your visit to this museum. After lunch we will make our way to Cafer Aga Medresesi Built in 1559 by Sinan on the order of one of the eunuchs to the harem. A rare "living and breathing historical place," offering art and music exhibitions, as well as workshops and courses on a variety of traditional Ottoman art forms. There, you will have an opportunity to join either an Ebru or Calligraphy workshop for 1, 5 hours. (B)

DAY 04 - IZNIK (Nicaea) - BURSA (Pumukkale).
This morning we will leave Istanbul and head towards the Sotheast to Iznik ( Nicea ) This is where the world famous Iznik Tile reached its zenith in the 16th-17th centuries in the Ottoman period, then mysteriously ceased production in the 18th century. Through many years of research and experiments, the Iznik Foundation rediscovered the process and the list of materials, and by employing traditional methods, have recreated these extraordinary tiles. In the religious buildings of Istanbul and Iznik we will see some of the most beautiful examples of Iznik from 16th century to contemporary designs. Then, drive to Bursa, once the capital of the Ottoman Empire. Upon arrival, you will visit the Silk Bazaar, Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bursa. (B,D)

DAY 05 - ANKARA via ESKESEHIR.
Eski?ehir is one of the oldest settlements (3500 BC) in this region. It was founded in the 1st millennium BC by the Phrygians and an important settlement during the Ottoman Empire time. Visit the Ottoman House Museum which is a fine example of the 19th century domestic architecture has the local ethnographical items. Learn about Meerschaum, a soft white mineral sometimes found floating on the Black Sea. Most of the meerschaum in commerce is obtained from Asia Minor, chiefly from the plain of Eski?ehir in Turkey, between Istanbul and Ankara. Have free time in the hearth of the Meerschaum production centers to see the amazing sculptures, pipes carved out of Meerschaum. Afterwards, continue onwards to Ankara. (B,D).

DAY 06 - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA.
Depart from the hotel to the Galatians' Ancyra to visit the museum of Anatolian civilizations. This visit will take you as far back as the Paleolithic age. Their exhibit includes miraculously preserved wooden furniture from the tomb of Phrygian king Midas. Next walk to the Bakircilar Carsisi (Quarter of the Coppersmiths ) with its narrow alleys and old styled shops where the merchants are still creating copper art, passed down for thousands of years. Watch the artisans hammering their copper plates, and see this artistry unfold before your eyes. Leave Ankara and drive to Cappadocia. (B,D).

DAY 07- CAPPADOCIA.
Today we will have a half day visit, beginning with Goreme's "Caves of God" an Unesco world heritage site. See natural formations from the landscape of Avcilar and Red Valley of Dervent will offer you a large palette of colors through the hours of the day. You will see the ongoing erosion on the fairy chimneys of Pasabagi, and the natural fortress of Uchisar after your lunch in an authentic restaurant. This afternoon we will have a Turkish rug weaving workshop in a renowned production center of Cappadocia. First a seminar will be given from an expert on the history, tradition and importance of the rug weaving for the Cappadocians. Next weave rugs for 45 minutes, accompanied by one of the professional weavers of the rug production center. (B,D).

DAY 08 - CAPPADOCIA.
Begin with a half day visit to Cappadocia ' s underground city , with photo oportunities. After a lunch break, enjoy learning about the two major arts of the old world: Pottery and Tile making in the town of Avanos. Learn the extensive history of pottery in Turkey which began during the Stone Age and learn about Avanos tiles which are unique and exclusive to Turkey. Visit a long time family owned tile production center where we will have a seminar given by an expert and see all the phases of tile production from picking up the clay from the banks of Kizilirmak river to the designing , glazing and finally baking the tiles in the furnace . An opportunity of making pottery or a plate through this 4000 year old method is available to those who are interested. (B,D)

DAY 09 - CAPPADOCIA TO PAMUKKALE.
We will drive to the biblical city of Konya Approx.( 3.5 hrs drive), where we will visit the museum and mausoleum of the founder of the mystic cult of Whirling Dervishes, called Mevlana Rumi. Afterwards, we will drive to Pamukkale and en route will visit the famous mouseleum of the sufi philosopher Mevlana. The drive to Pamukkale will last approximately 5.5 hours, and this scenic route is famous for its chalk-white array of fantastically shaped limestone. Upon arrival you will have dinner, and afterwards you can choose to relax and enjoy the thermal pools of your hotel. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

DAY 10 - PAMUKKALE - KUSADASI.
Today, pay an early morning visit to the unique Cotton Fortress, the white calcium cascades, and also visit to one of the first modern spa centers of the ancient world, Hierapolis. Then we drive to Kusadasi (approx. 3 hrs drive). En route we will also visit Ancient city of Aphrodisias, once one of the artistic centers of the ancient world and famous for its sculpturing school. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi (B,D)

DAY 11 - EPHESUS - KUSADASI.
This morning we set off for the ancient city of Ephesus (20 min drive) where our walking tour includes The Great Theatre, which was built by the Romans between 41 and 117 AD and is still used today. Tour will include visiting the Gymnasium of Vedus, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, guarded by a head of Medusa, and the House of Virgin Mary. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Kusadasi. (B,D).

DAY 12 - KUSADASI- IZMIR AIRPORT.
Transfer to Izmir airport for a flight to Istanbul to catch your flight home. (B).

(END OF OUR SERVICES)

TOUR PACKAGE INCLUDES:
-	Hotel accommodations proposed as above or similar.
-	Deluxe motor coach.
-	Entrance fees and luggage handling.
-	Touring with licensed tour guide throughout (English speaking).
-	Local taxes VAT and service charges.
-	Baggage handling (2 normal size bags).
-	Service and handling fees.
-	Arrival and departure group transfers.
-	Meals as indicated with code letters (B) Breakfast, (L) Lunch, (D) Dinner.

TOUR PACKAGE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
-	Visa costs
-	International & domestic flights
-	Customary tips to your local guide and driver.
-	Personal expenses.
-	Drinks during meals
-	Optional Tours.
-	Pre - post stays or transfers.

Tour Length	11 Nights/ 12 Days.
Tour Style	PRIVATE with LOCAL GUIDE
Starts on	Istanbul
Ends On	Istanbul
Visit	Istanbul – Pumukkale – Ankara – Cappadocia – Kusadasi
Prices	Starting At USD$ 3,890* Only.
Dates	Check Dates below.

Places	No. of Nights	Hotels
Istanbul	03 Nights	Yasmak Sultan
Pumukkale	01 Night	Pam Thermal
Ankara	01 Night	Crowne Plaza
Cappadocia	04 Nights	Dedeman
Kusadasi	02 Nights	Charisma
** Please note the hotels listed above are subject to availabiity.
(If any of the above mentioned hotels are not available we will provide a similar alternative).