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Roman statuary in the Archeological Museum, Istanbul. |
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PEARLS OF TURKEY (8 days/7 nights, by Orion Tour)
Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Izmir, Ephesus
Walk in the footsteps of Süleyman
the Magnificent, as you explore the far reaches
of this astounding country.
From Istanbul bridging two continents to the Anatolian
plateau to the sparkling shores of the Aegean, you
will marvel at the variety and diversity of this land.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be met and
transferred
to your hotel.
Day 2 – Istanbul
Following breakfast, we drive to the 'Old City'
where we will visit the Hippodrome, the Blue
Mosque, famous
for its delicate blue ceramic tiles and Saint Sophia.
This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the
breath away with the sheer architectural size of its
interior and magnificent dome and next we will visit
the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the
seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands
views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the
Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the
Ottoman Empire for many centuries (1453-1852) and we
will see the extravagant Treasury, the priceless Chinese
porcelain. We will finish up the day in the bustling
Grand Bazaar that is an attractive shopping center
and biggest “souk” in the world. (BL)
Day 3 - Istanbul - Ankara
Following the breakfast we will fly to Ankara ,
where
you'll visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
and the mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, the founder of
modern Turkey. Ankara is the capital of Turkey. The
history of the city reaches way beyond 3rd century
BC. Dinner and overnight in Ankara. (BD)
Day 4 - Cappadocia
- Ankara
Early in the morning we will drive to the Cappadocian
Valley in the heart of the Anatolian Plateau, and marvel
at the twisted lunar land scape. Successive eruptions
of a now-extinct volcano left the plateau covered with
volcanic tufa, which was transformed by intense erosion
into beautiful landscapes of cones, columns, and canyons.
Between the 4th and 13th centuries, Christians hewed
dwellings and sanctuaries from the rock, totally incorporating
the architecture into the landscape. Overnight in Cappadocia.
(BLD)
Day 5 - Cappadocia - Izmir
Further exploration today includes the Valley of
Fairy Chimneys, Goreme Valley, with its Byzantine
rock churches,
the Valley of Pasabag with the Fairy Chimneys and the
subterranean city of Kaymakli. Return to Ankara for
your flight to Izmir and get settled in your hotel.
(BLD)
Day 6 - Ephesus Excursion - Istanbul
Your full day tour of Ephesus includes visits to
the Arcadian Way, the Marble Road, the Great
Theater, the
Library of Celcius and the Shrine of Virgin Mary. Following
the excursion, we will drive to Izmir for our flight
to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul. (BL)
Day 7 – Istanbul
Spend the day exploring the city of the sultans
as you like. An optional Bosphorus Cruise is
also available.
(B)
Day 8 – Istanbul
Transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
(Tour code: ORNDTPT5)
Contact Orion Tour for Rates & Departure Dates
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Full List of Tours by Orion Tour