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Diane Michael
Highlights of Turkey
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Diane Michael

Winston Salem, NC Travel Agent
Super Agent

Diane Michael

Winston Salem, NC Travel Agent
Luxury Travel Destinations, an independent agent with Travel Leaders High Point, NC
151 reviews
100.00% Recommended
25+ Years of Experience
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COUNTRIES VISITED:Turkey
PLACES VISITED:Cappadocia, Istanbul
SUGGESTED DURATION:7 Days
Upon your arrival, you will be met by your private guide and taken to meet the transfer to your hotel. You will explore the rich and diverse cultures in luxury, all while being treated as a true VIP and basking in the beauty the destinations offer.
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DAY1
Cappadocia
Close Day
Private Escort to your Cave Property
When the gates of your plane open, a VIP Meet & Greet representative welcomes & takes you by golf cart to the visa control & passport counter. Once finished with customs procedures, luggage will be collected by prearranged porters. You'll be escorted to the terminal to complete check in procedures & then to the departure gate for your flight to Kayseri Airport. Upon landing, your private guide will assist you to your private van for a scenic drive through fields of Cappadocia to your cave property located in the center of Turkey. Created by erosions of the volcanic tufa soil, it will give you a surreal impression, like walking on the surface of the moon. This evening your guide will transfer you to Kizilcukur Valley to enjoy the Cappadocian sunset as wine and cheese is served to you. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel where you can enjoy dinner with delicious Cappadocian wine.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Scenic drive through vast agricultural fields of Cappadocia on to your cave property
DAY2
Cappadocia
Close Day
Hot air ballooning over the nature-formed valleys
Hot air ballooning over the valleys. Have breakfast in the open fields then to the launch site. When you land, have a glass of champagne to celebrate. Explore Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement composed of troglodytic cave dwellings providing shelter for early Christians that protected themselves from invaders. Then to Monastic Center of Goreme, one of the very first ever founded. Then visit Dark Church and Buckle Church as best preserved rock-hewn churches of the region with Byzantine frescoes. Lunch, then a stop at Avcilar Valley for views of valleys of Goreme town, then Avanos famed for pottery since Old Testament Hittite Civilization & meet world famous artist, Chez Galip. You will explore Pasabag Valley & see the "rock towers" that were the hermitages of Byzantine monks where they lived in isolation looking for the love of God in solititude. Later, enjoy a guided camel ride through valleys & rock formations of Cappadocia, aka fairy chimneys.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Explore magical region of Cappadocia from Kaymakli Underground City
DAY3
Cappadocia
Close Day
View the Nature Created Valleys made by Volcanic Eruptions
After breakfast your private guide takes you for a day of historic & cultural explorations. The inspiring valleys & towns of Cappadocia, you’ll be at 3 conic rock formations, “Three Beauties” View the nature created valleys made by volcanic eruptions. Continue to Sinassos, when the fishing season in the Black Sea & Marmara Sea ended, the Greek fishermen of Constantinople came to spend the summer months in the tranquil & dry atmosphere of this town. The stone built houses, will make you feel like you’re walking through a 19th century movie set. Next to Pancarlik Monastery, located off the beaten route connecting Sinassos & Ortahisar. Its preserved Byzantine frescoes & breathtaking surrounding valleys will enchant you. Continue with a visit to Ortahisar, famed to be the cradle of arts & crafts through history. Visit the weaving center of Ortahisar & lunch at the Babayan Evi Restaurant with stunning views of the village of Ibrahimpasha. After hike 50 minutes through Balkan Deresi Valley.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Hike 50 minutes through Balkan Deresi Valley.
DAY4
Cappadocia
Close Day
Tafoni Houses Cave Hotel, Cappadocia
Breakfast & transfer to Nevsehir Airport, fly to Istanbul. Go from northern shores of Bosphorus along the legendary strait through the city, to your hotel. Rest, then to the treasures of the Ottoman architecture & history: Dolmabahce Palace! Continue to Taksim Square, Times Square of Istanbul. See Pera Palace Hotel, where Agatha Christie completed her famed novel. Continue on the world's 2nd oldest subway, from Galata district to Karakoy. Drive over Galata Bridge,to the Hamdi Restaurant, enjoy lunch with beautiful views of Bosphorus & Golden Horn. Then you will visit the Spice Market, built 400 years ago & still serving as the abode of all spices imported from around the world. Overnight at JW Bosphorus Hotel. At 7pm your private guide will take you to the pier to your private motor yacht for your sunset cruise. Hear the explanations of your guide about the mansions & palaces along the shores. Dock at Lacivert Restaurant & enjoy dinner at one of the very best restaurants of Istanbul.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Visit Taksim Square, the Times Square of Istanbul
DAY5
Istanbul
Close Day
JW Marriot Hotel Bosphorus
After breakfast you'll meet your private guide in the lobby & drive to the Asian side of Istanbul. Explore some of the most charming neighborhoods. Drive over July 15th Bridge on Bosphorus, you will reach Kuzguncuk, breathe in the enchanting aura, that can be called the SoHo of Istanbul, famed for its nicely preserved old houses, temples of the 3 monotheistic faiths all in one neighborhood, boutiques and cafes. After a walk through Kuzguncuk, you will have a lift to Beylerbeyi Palace that served at summer villa of Ottoman Sultans until World War I. Maintaining its original interor decor, Beylerbeyi Palace is an absolute gem of late Ottoman architecture.Board your van for a drive along the Asian shores of Istanbul & back to Europe over Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge on Bosphorus. Next, to the shores of Bebek, one of the most charming neighborhoods of Istanbul with high-end cafes & ambience. Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at legendary Baylan Cafe, as you sit by the shores of Bosphorus. Hotel.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Kuzguncuk, breathing in the enchanting aura of this beautiful neighborhood of Istanbul.
DAY6
Istanbul
Close Day
Explore the Grand Bazaar
A magical city boasting Ottoman & Byzantine cultures. Founded in 13th century BC, Greeks, Romans, & the Ottoman Turks left traces of culture & architecture in Istanbul. After breakfast, board your private van to the Old City of Istanbul, the timeless city from Blue Mosque. Continue your morning with a walk to Topkapi Palace, dating back to mid-15th century. Then to Harem quarters, the section of the palace where family of the sultan lived. Continue your privately guided tour to the inner garden that hosts the Treasury hosting the famed Topkapi Dagger and the Spoonmaker's Diamond. Next to the Basilica of Saint Sophia, earliest of the largest Christian temples ever built in history that still stands in perfect condition with its gigantic dome and gold gilded mosaics. After, have a lunch break. Today enjoy lunch served at Matbah Restaurant. Then you will explore the Grand Bazaar that still is the prime stage of commerce for over five centuries. You will be escorted back to your property.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Harem quarters, the section of the palace where family of the sultan lived.
DAY7
Istanbul
Close Day
Your International Flight Back to Home
Today, you will be transferred to International Terminal of Istanbul Airport for your international flight back to home. Suggested Tips: ? Please make sure that you have hats for the sightseeing. ? Please make sure that you wear tennis shoes for sightseeing for both comfort and protection against risks of sliding. ? Feel comfortable to wear shorts and t-shirts both in Istanbul and the rest of Turkey. ? For the sightseeing of Blue Mosque, long slacks or skirts are requested.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Private transfer
FINAL THOUGHTS
Embark on this unforgettable experience that is sure to exceed your expectations, spark your knowledge, indulge your taste buds and leave you rich with experience.