Istanbul, Ephesus and Cappadocia Tour

**Day 1 – Istanbul Old City** Today we will pick you up from your **hotel** and begin our discovery of **Istanbul Old City**. Our first visit will be the legendary **Hagia Sophia**, built about **1,500 years ago** and one of the most important monuments of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods. Next, we will visit the famous **Blue Mosque**, completed in 1616, and then explore the **Hippodrome**, the ancient stadium of Constantinople where important public events and chariot races were held. After that, we will visit the fascinating **Underground Cistern**, an impressive Byzantine water reservoir located beneath the city. Finally, we will visit **Topkapi Palace**, built after the conquest of Constantinople by **Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror**. For centuries, it was the **administrative center of the Ottoman Empire** and the home of the Ottoman sultans. At the end of the tour, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 2 – Bosphorus Cruise & Istanbul Highlights** Today we will continue our **Istanbul sightseeing tour**, exploring this unique city, formerly known as **Constantinople**, which was the capital of **three great empires** and today stretches across **Europe and Asia**. We will begin with a relaxing **Bosphorus Cruise**, where you will enjoy beautiful views of Istanbul from the water. Along the way, we will pass close to **Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Rumeli Fortress, Yildiz Palace**, and **Ortakoy**. Next, we will visit the historic **Chora Church**, famous for its beautiful Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. In the afternoon, we will visit the magnificent **Suleymaniye Mosque**, commissioned by **Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent** and designed by the famous Ottoman architect **Mimar Sinan**. Then we will explore the colorful **Spice Bazaar**, one of the traditional centers of Istanbul's spice trade. Finally, you will have **free time at the Grand Bazaar**, one of the oldest and most famous covered markets in the world, where you can enjoy shopping and discover traditional Turkish products.

Day 3 – Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary – Cappadocia** Today we will pick you up from your hotel and take your flight to **Izmir**. Our guide will welcome you at Izmir Airport, and after about a 45-minute drive, our spectacular day will begin. We will visit **Ephesus Ancient City**, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. For a few hours, you will feel like a **Roman citizen** walking through the streets of this magnificent city. During our extensive tour, we will see the **Temple of Hadrian**, **Temple of Trajan**, **Temple of Domitian**, Roman Baths, **Harbour Street**, **Marble Street**, **Commercial Agora**, **Curetes Street**, **Prytaneion**, **Odeon**, and the magnificent **Library of Celsus**. We will also visit the ruins of the **Temple of Artemis**, one of the **Seven Wonders of the Ancient World** and one of the most important temples of ancient Ephesus. After lunch, we will drive up the mountain to the peaceful **House of the Virgin Mary**, located in a beautiful nature park near Ephesus. It is believed to be the **last residence of the Virgin Mary**, the mother of Jesus, and the site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. At the end of the tour, we will drive back to Izmir Airport for your flight to **Kayseri**. Upon arrival, our driver will welcome you and transfer you to your **cave hotel in Cappadocia**.

Day 4 – Cappadocia Highlights** Today we will begin our discovery of the **dream-like landscape of Cappadocia**. Our first stop will be **Devrent Valley**, also known as Imagination Valley, where natural rock formations have been shaped by wind and rain into interesting forms that resemble animals and other figures. Next, we will visit the **Zelve Open Air Museum**, where you can see ancient houses, churches, and other structures carved directly into the rocks. Then we will drive to **Avanos**, a traditional village famous for its **pottery**, where you will watch a demonstration using traditional techniques that have been practiced in the region for centuries. After Avanos, we will see the famous **Fairy Chimneys**, the unique rock formations that have made Cappadocia world-famous. We will enjoy lunch at a **traditional cave restaurant** before continuing to **Uchisar Rock Castle**, the highest point in the area. From **Esentepe**, you will enjoy a spectacular **panoramic view of Goreme Valley**. Our final visit will be the **Goreme Open Air Museum**, where you will see ancient **churches, monasteries, and beautiful frescoes** carved into the volcanic rock. Overnight at your **cave hotel**.

Day 5 – Underground City & Ihlara Valley** Today we will visit **Derinkuyu Underground City**, the largest and one of the most famous underground cities in Cappadocia. We will explore its fascinating underground tunnels, rooms, and passages and learn how ancient communities lived and protected themselves underground. After returning to the surface, we will visit **Narlıgöl**, a beautiful volcanic crater lake surrounded by mountains. Then we will continue to **Ihlara Valley**, where we will enjoy a peaceful walk through the spectacular canyon surrounded by natural beauty and rock-carved churches. We will have lunch in the charming village of **Belisirma** beside the river. After lunch, we will visit **Selime**, where you can enjoy a wonderful **panoramic view of Ihlara Valley** and see the impressive rock formations and ancient structures. Our final stop will be **Agzikarahan Caravanserai**, located on the historic **Silk Road** and built in the 13th century during the Seljuk period. After the tour, we will transfer you to **Nevsehir Airport** for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will transfer you to your hotel. **End of our service.**