10-Day Essential Turkey

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Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. With its well preserved collonaded Arcadian Way, Hadrians Temple, Celsus Library, market and theatre, this archaeological site takes you a step back in time. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. You'll finish the day at the last home of the Virgin Mary.

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Pamukkale is the centre of a thermal spring with healing properties. Due to the chemical properties in the water, pure white coloured travertine and water terraces have been created on the mountain slope. Visit the travertine and the Ancient City of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The sacred pool also is one of the highlights of the site; shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins which lie beneath.

This morning, your driver will transfer you to the Izmir airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival at Kayseri airport, your driver will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening free to spend as you wish. You may want to explore the area on your own or simply relax at your hotel.

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Today, you'll have the option to begin the day with a sunrise hot air balloon ride to see the beauty of Cappadocia from the sky. Later, you'll set off to explore the beauty of this space-like landscape on a privately-guided North Cappadocia tour, including the Devrant Valley, famous for its irregularly shaped rock formations, Pashabag known for its 'fairy chimneys', Avanos, and Goreme. During your tour, you'll have lots of opportunities to explore as you introduced to what was Mesopotamia.

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This morning, after breakfast, you'll start the day on a privately-guided South Cappadocia tour and by hiking in the Rose Valley. You'll then continue to Cavusin one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia, the underground city of Kaymakli and Ortahsir, with its unique castle. Next up, after lunch, you'll explore the fascinating Kaymakli Underground City and your final stop will be at Ortahisar, a small town home to a unique jagged castle which has become an iconic landmark.

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This morning, you'll check out of your hotel and travel to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Following a two-hour flight, you'll arrive in Istanbul and then be picked up by your driver and transferred to your hotel in the city. You'll then have the rest of the afternoon and evening to explore the capital city of Turkey on your own or relax at your hotel.

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Today, you'll have a guided day tour of the city, including lunch. Start off with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Old Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Byzantine Hippodrome, where emperors once saw chariot races. You'll then go to the Hagia Sophia museum, a place of worship for 900 years, and finish the day at the lavishly appointed Topkapi Palace.

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This morning, you will embark on a half-day cruise around the Bosphorus, a natural strait that separates Europe and Asia. On the cruise, you'll witness the dramatic sights that line the Bosphorus' wooded shores, from mosques to bridges to fortresses. You'll finish the cruise around midday and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in the city. A suggestion is to experience a traditional Turkish Bath in the Old City.