June 21 Tue Departure from USA or Canada.
June 22 Wed Arrive to Istanbul
Welcome to the city of seven hills, the capital of two big empires.
Istanbul is a city that has wonderful art from both Christian and Islamic cultures, a city of poetry and love, a city that has been fought for, throughout history. Your tour guide will meet you after the customs and baggage claim. Transfer to the hotel for check-in. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. (D)
June 23 Thu Istanbul (Byzantine Wonders)
Starting from the old city visit the great city of two continents. See the Ancient Roman Hippodrome, visit Great Hagia Sophia from 6th century. This impressive structure of Justinian period is not only known for its size but also for its decoration. Continue to Underground Cistern to admire the atmosphere of Byzantium architecture. We will finish the day in the famous and eccentric Grand Bazaar. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)
June 24 Fri Istanbul (Ottoman Treasures)
Morning visit to Blue Mosque, With its six minarets, it is the reflection of Ottoman architecture. Then continue to the Topkapı Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans until the 19th century. Today it is great museum where you can admire the largest Ottoman collections. Afternoon discover the award winning Archaeological Museums of Istanbul with its ceramic section Finish the day in the Spice Market. Overnight in Istanbul (B)
June 25 Sat Istanbul – Ankara
Today we drive to Ankara, visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum. In this extraordinary museum we will admire the ancient Assyrians and Hittites potteries. Overnight in Ankara. (B)
June 26 Sun Ankara – Cappadocia
After a short visit in the capital continue to Cappadocia via Salt Lake. Afternoon arrive to world famous region of Cappadocia. Enjoy the view of breathtaking landscape. Check-in to the hotel. Dinner and overnight. (B,D)
June 27 Mon Cappadocia
Discover Cappadocia. Visit the valleys, villages. Camel Valley, Pasabag valley and fairy chimneys. Visit a Carpet School. Discover one of the oldest Turkish art. Rug weaving in Anatolia first began with the arrival of the Turkish tribes from Central Asia, who settled in this region. Afternoon red clay workshop in a pottery factory in Cappadocia. (Red clay works) (B,D)
June 28 Tue Cappadocia
Continue to discover Cappadocia. Visit an underground city, Goreme open air museum, Onyx Factory. Afternoon we will return to pottery factory for a white clay workshop. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)
June 29 Wed Cappadocia – Eskişehir
Drive to Eskişehir. Visit the Meerschaum museum. (Meerschaum is a soft white mineral sometimes found floating on the Black Sea, and rather suggestive of sea-foam. It is opaque and of white, grey or cream color, breaking with a conchoidal or fine earthy fracture, and occasionally fibrous in texture). Overnight in Eskişehir. (B,D)
June 30 Thu Eskişehir – Bursa – Iznik - Istanbul
Drive to Bursa. After a short visit continue to Iznik. Visit Iznik ceramic factory. Following the establishment of the Ottoman Empire in the early 14th century, Iznik pottery initially followed Seljuk Empire antecedents. Continue to Istanbul. Farewell dinner in Istanbul and overnight. (B,D)
July 01 Fri Istanbul airport
Transfer to Istanbul airport, end of our services.