Turkey Explorer 8D7N

After reaching Istanbul, our tour guide will transfer you from the airport to hotel and the remainder of the day is yours, free to explore Istanbul. Overnight Istanbul

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Upon pick up from the hotel, firstly you will visit Hagia Sophia Museum which was built in the 6th century AD and then converted into a mosque in 1453. It was the first large doomed building of the world and religious focal point of the Orthodox Church for 1000 years. You will learn its history from our local guide and have a look at its unique decoration from Byzantium and Turkish periods. Unlike most of city tours, your guide will also take you to the upper galleries of the Mosque. You will enjoy a short walk from the galleries across to Blue Mosque which owes its fame to the exquisite blue Iznik Tiles adorning its interior walls. Hippodrome is the next point of interest from where you can see an Egyptian Obelisk and the Snake Column from ancient Roman Empire which was used to promote regional power during horse chariots races. Next, you will see the German Fountain which was a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm 2.

Last the destination will be the exciting Grand Bazaar. Following the introduction by your guide at Turkey’s biggest oriental carpet export center, you will have some free time to browse its 1200 spice and gold shops.

After breakfast your driver will take you towards the nation`s capital, Ankara to visit Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Ataturk before continuing on to the surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Overnight Cappadocia.

You tour will start from the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag and Uchisar castle and Kaymakli underground city. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village you will learn how the carpets are made by hand what determines their value. In the evening, don`t miss the optional Turkish folklore featuring folklore and belly dancers which is going to be a night you won`t forget! Overnight Cappadocia.

Leaving Cappadocia you will head South along the ancient Silk Road just as the ancient traders did. Along the way you will visit Sultanhani Caravansary, before stopping at Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum. Overnight Pamukkale.

You will visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis, and stroll over the magnificent white calcium terraces of Pamukkale. You will then enjoy the road to Aphrodisias, the famous city of Aphrodit. Overnight Pamukkale.

Absorb yourself in history with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre. In the afternoon you will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before driving to Izmir. Overnight Izmir.

After breakfast, you will be dropped off at airpport.