TURKEY (ISTANBUL-CAPPADOCIA-ANTALYA)

Day 6: White calcium formations of Pamukkale

08:00 Driving north, we arrive at Pamukkale – home of the famous gleaming white calcium terraced pools. Known locally as the Cotton Castles, they are a natural phenomena and gift of Mother Nature. Pamukkale was formed when warm, calcium rich mineral water cascaded over the cliff edge, cooling and depositing in the process. The calcium built natural shelves and pools on the cliffs, known as travertines. Today, many of the pools are closed to tourists. However, areas of the travertines can be walked upon, albeit in bare feet. We can also opt to enjoy a unique and very pleasant dip in the warm waters at the Pamukkale Thermal, with its submerged fragments of fluted marble columns near the centre of the ruined spa town of Hierapolis, which was a was a cure centre founded around 190 BC by the Romans. The Romans were aware of the curative powers of mineral springs and created communal baths.Driving West ,we arrive Selçuk Ephesus – Marienkırche – St. John’s Basilica, Drive to “Ephesus” after breakfast. Visit to the best preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Ephesus is one of the most important Christian cities you can visit in Asia Minor. This is where the Third Ecumenical Council came together and was one of the richest cities in Overnight Kuşadası. (B, L, D)
Route Distance DistanceDrive time
(Miles)      (Kms)          (NON-stop)
Antalya-Pamukkale                          100            160                 2 hours
Pamukkale–Kuşadası                        190           304                 4 hours

Day 7: Istanbul

Early morning transfer to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul for the opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping. You will be transferred to your hotel located in the heart of the new city, Taksim – modern district of Istanbul, built during the 19 century.
The city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, now reserved for pedestrians, is lined with boutiques, cafes, consulates, restaurants, galleries, both traditional and modern malls, cinemas and banks, with residential apartments above. Day at leisure. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes dotted about the city. Perhaps check out the Grand Bazaar for exotic souvenirs or visit Topkapi Palace Museum, the royal residence of the legendary Ottoman Sultans, now converted into a museum. The royal quarters where the sultan, his family and, yes, many concubines lived are there, but be sure not to miss the Chamber of Holy Relics, which has King David’s sword, a fragment of Moses’ staff, and John the Baptist’s arm and a section of his skull. Relics of Mohammed are also on display. The Topkapi Palace provides a headset recorded tour for every entrant to the Palace Museum and it is absolutely not necessary to have a guide. Maybe you would prefer to explore Romantic Princes’ Islands or ‘Adalar’ in Turkish is a group of 9 small islands, only an hour ferryride across the Sea of Marmara. Passing by iconic Kiz Kulesi (also known as Maiden’s Tower or Leander’s Tower), which was featured in the James Bond film The World is Not Enough. Once an exile for Byzantine Princes, later became popular with families of Greek and Jewish heritage during Ottoman Empire times, a colourful and charming summer Resort where cars except government and municipality officials are banned on the islands, so your transport is either by phaeton (horse-drawn carriage) and foot today. Bring your bathing suit if you want to swim, or perhaps explore the island’s craft shops and waterfront cafés. Overnight Istanbul. (B)
Route Distance Distance Flight time
Antalya-Istanbul         (Miles)                (Kms)            (NON-stop)
448                        718              1 hour

Day 8: Istanbul

You are free to depart at any time today. After breakfast your tour draws to a close and we say goodbye to our new friends before being transferred to the airport. Please note that check-out time from the hotel is normally noon, but luggage storage facilities are available. We are able to organise extra post-trip accommodation and day tours/activities if you wish to extend your stay. Happy travels! (B)

(B) (B – Breakfast, L –Lunch, D –Dinner)
Tour Package İncluding
– Inbound and outbound airport transfers
– Transfers between domestic airports and hotels
– Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking minivan
– Domestic flights as per itinerary
– Professional English-speaking local tour guides
– Guided sightseeing at Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus/Sirince and Pamukkale
– Entrance fees for all included sightseeing
– VIP entry to many sights
– Local taxes and service charges
– 24-hour emergency hotline
– 17 meals: 7 breakfast, 4 lunch, 6 dinner
– 7 nights Hotel Hb
– 2 nights in Antalya 1 night BB 2 Night HB 4* hotel
– 2 night in Cappadocia HBCave seasons Deluxe
– 2 nights in Istanbul BB Courtyard Marriott Hotel
– 1 night in Kuşadası HB hotel Tusan 5*

Tour Package Excludes:
– Entry visas where applicable
– Meals unless otherwise stated
– Passanger extra spending
– Transport to and from Turkey

IMPORTANT: Due to the intricate nature of tailor-made itineraries we do not check the
availability of accommodation when initially planning your trip, although we do avoid including properties that we know are full. Once you have confirmed your wish to proceed with the itinerary we have suggested, we then immidiately start to reserve your accommodation. If any hotels are not available then we will do our utmost to find you a suitable alternative.