Best of Turkey

(Istanbul / Ankara / Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale / Kusadasi)
8 Nights

Day 1 :: Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel In the afternoon, depart for a half-day Bosphorus Cruise. Take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway lined with historic villages, grand wooden mansions, imposing fortresses, and the Baroque summer palaces of the late Ottoman sultans. After the cruise, visit the Spice Bazaar, a thrilling riot of colours, sounds, and the rich smells of exotic spices.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 :: Istanbul

After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of the Sultanahmet district at the heart of old Istanbul. Visit St. Sophia (On Mondays replaced by the Chora Church), built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next, visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial mosque with six minarets. Walk through the Hippodrome, the stadium of the ancient Byzantium that once held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. Finish the tour a the Grand Bazaar, the commercial heart of the old city with 4,000 shops full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, you may want to indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3 :: Istanbul/ Ankara

After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Ankara, capital of Turkey and one of the fastest growing cities in the world with a history dating back 3000 years. Upon arrival visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum that also exhibits the remains of Catalhoyuk, the Neolithic village dating back to 6500 BC. Then, visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey.

Overnight in Ankara

Day 4 :: Ankara/ Cappadocia

After breakfast at the hotel, your next destination is the mysterious Cappadocia. After arrive to Cappadocia, free at leisure.

Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 5 :: Cappadocia

After breakfast proceed to enjoy the sightseeing in this unique corner of the world. Visit Pasabag Valley and the natural citadel of Uchisar, followed by the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a mystical early Christian monastery. Visit caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches. Later, drive to Kaymakli Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with a total depth of 250 feet underground. After lunch, visit the picturesque town of Avanos, renowned for its pottery. Time for some shopping.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 6 :: Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale

After breakfast transfer to Konya. On the way to Konya, visit a 13th century Selcuk caravanserai "Sultanhan". See the tomb of Mevlana, the great mystic poet and Islamic spiritual leader, who founded the sect of ''Whirling Dervishes''. After lunch, continue on to Pamukkale, known as the ‘Cotton Castle’, rising above the fertile Menderes Valley. Hot mineral waters burst out of the earth and cascade over steep cliffs forming limestone pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters here were known to the founders of the ancient city of Hierapolis in 190 BC.

Overnight in Pamukkale

Day 7 :: Pamukkale / Kusadasi

After breakfast stroll through the ruins of ancient Hierapolis, the Roman city, and transfer to Kusadasi. En route, lunch at a local restaurant then a visit to Aphrodisias, the ancient city dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphrodite.

Overnight in Kusadasi

Day 8 :: Kusadasi / Izmir

After breakfast visit the ruins of Ephesus, which played a major role in the development of architecture, religion, governmental and economic systems and arts. The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of ancient world and centre of pagan religion for 15 centuries. Here Marc Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession, St. Paul preached in the Great Theatre and in a little house outside the city the Virgin Mary spent her last days. Transfer to Izmir.

Overnight in Izmir

Day 9 :: Izmir / Istanbul / Delhi

After breakfast, free time until checkout Then transfer to the airport to board flight to Delhi