Best of Turkey Tour

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul

On arrival in Istanbul, your My Trip Planner Manager or Local representative will greet you at the 'meeting point' at the exit. After immigration and customs, transfer comfortably to your hotel (Check-in after 1400 hrs).Thereafter, embark on the Bosphorus Cruise, with opportunities to photograph the shoreline with its landmarks - Dolmabahce&Beylerbeyi palaces, Ortakoy Mosque, the defensive Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorous Bridge. Later this evening, proceed for Istanbul by night including visit to floodlit mosques, a fabulous Turkish dinner and a spectacular floorshow with bejewelled belly dancers.

Day 2: In Istanbul

After breakfast, proceed on a guided orientation tour with a visit to Hagia Sophia, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century. Visit to the last great Imperial Blue Mosque. Leaving the mosque, proceed to the Roman Hippodrome, an open-air stadium built by Roman Emperors in 203 AD. The Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, Constantine Column & German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating the Hippodrome. Then, onto Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for almost 400 years. Finally, shop at the Grand Bazaar, the biggest "souk" with nearly 4000 shops, selling antiques, jewellery, gold, carpets, leatherware& souvenirs.

Day 3: Onto Cappadocia

This morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Ankara.On arrival, visit the Anatolian Civilisations Museum, which also exhibits the remains of Catalhoyuk, the Neolithic village dating back to 6500 BC. Then proceed to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey. After lunch, proceed to mysterious Cappadocia. Visit Kaymakli Underground City; carved out of rocks by early Christians to evade invading armies and completely self-contained.

Day 4: In Cappadocia

Today, enjoy the magnificent early morning balloon adventure, drifting across the surreal troglodyte rock formations, traditional villages and the landscape of Cappadocia. Drive on to Pasabagi in Zelve area, where monks used to live in seclusion in rock-cut rooms. Proceed to the pottery town of Avanos, where Kizilirmak (Hallys), the longest river of Turkey, meanders leaving the red clay on its banks that has been the raw material of pottery for centuries.Proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum - a complex of several painted cave-churches. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches followed by a visit to Pigeon Valley and the natural citadel of Uchisar. You have some free time here for shopping.

Day 5: Onto Pammukale

Drive to Konya. Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana. Proceed to Pamukkale, the cotton fortress, which rises above the fertile Menderes Valley. Hot mineral waters burst from the earth and cascade over steep cliffs forming pools, channels and stalactites. The therapeutic waters here are known for ages.Overnight in Pammukale.

Day 6: In Pamukkale

Today morning, visit the Cleopatra Pool which has the most distinct features of ancient natural thermal pools. The great ambience and surroundings make the swim one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating experiences possible. A swim in Cleopatra's Pool is indeed a must do on a visit to Pamukkale. Later proceed to the ancient city of Hierapolis and while strolling through its ruins, see the Temple of Apollo, the Theatre, a large and extensive Necropolis and an ancient thermal pool.

Day 7: Onto Kusadasi

Today, visit Aphrodisias, the city named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. Visit the Museum, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Theatre, the Stadium, the Agora, the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon and the Bishops Palace. Continue to Kusadasi.

Day 8: In Kusadasi

This morning, drive to Ephesus area to visit Ephesus antique city, one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated ruins. The temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world and the 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 is supposed to have spent her last days.

Day 9: Return Home with Wonderful Memories

After breakfast we drive you to the airport for your flight back home. It’s time to say goodbye to all the new friends you have made. We hope you take back many happy memories of your holiday.