DAY – 1 ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL & FLIGHT TO IZMIR & TRANSFER TO KUSADASI
Today is the first day of your time-traveling tour, on your first day you will arrive in the city of Istanbul where you will then proceed to domestic section for your flight to Izmir. There will be at least 3 hours between your arrival time from abroad and departure to Izmir with a domestic flight. Meet at the Izmir airport and transfer to hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
TUESDAY DAY – 2 EMBARKING THE CRUISE IN KUSADASI & PATMOS (Breakfast and Dinner Included)
There will be a 10:00am pick up service from your hotel that will go on to transfer you to Kusadasi port where you will embark the Cruise with a departure time of 12.00. You will have from 16.00–21.00 around the area of Patmos. (Overnight stay on board).
DAY – 3 HERAKLION (CRETE) & SANTORINI (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
Today we will be taking you over to see Heraklion which is the largest city in Crete, we will spend from 07:00 am to 11:30 am exploring around here, the day is yours to spend how you wish. Here are some ideas for what we recommend you to go and visit – Koules Fortress – This fortress is the known symbol for Heraklion, it can be found at the entrance of the port and dominates over the lovely Venetian harbour and dates right back into the 13th century. Phaestos Minoan Palace – This is the 2nd most important Minoan site in Crete, preserves of the old and new palace can still be seen nowadays. Knossos – As you wander around this archaeological site you will come across structures such as the House Of The High Priest, The Royal Temple Tomb-Sanctuary, The Caravan Serai, and many more to be admired. Lions Fountain – This fountain is the most known fountain to be seen here is Heraklion it has an eight-lobe cistern that is based upon a special stand, the fountain is decorated with embossed mythological depictions, and maritime figures like tritons, dolphins, and various others. It is a very beautifully crafted monument to capture on your cameras. If you just want to spend the day recharging there are also many beaches nearby. When the day starts to come to an end we will depart for Santorini at 16.00 and be there till 21.00 ( overnight stay and dinner served onboard)
DAY – 4 ATHENS & MYKONOS (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included)
We will arrive in Athens at 06:00 am and spend time our time here til around 11:00 am. Everybody around the world has heard of the very famous city of Athens and because of been drenched in so much history, here in Athens you can set your eyes upon – the Hadrians Archs, The Panathenaic Stadium, The Acropolis, the Temple Of Olympian Zeus, Theatre of Herodes, Ancient Agora, Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos and many many more. There are also plenty of restaurants, beaches and of course shops around Athens for you to wander around buying souvenirs. After Athens, we will then head to Mykonos and spend our time there from 18.00 til 23.00 for sightseeing and exploring. Mykonos has numerous restaurants, shops, and bars for whichever tickles your fancy best. (overnight onboard)
DAY – 5 DISEMBARKING THE CRUISE IN KUSADASI & EPHESUS TOUR & FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Early in the morning, arrival at Kusadasi pier. Meet our staff at outside the port. Transfer to meeting point for Ephesus tour. The day has come for you to explore the grand ancient city of Ephesus. There can be a spare time till the tour starts. Around 9:00am; We hit the road for a short drive to Ephesus (You have the choice to do this tour by group or as your private tour). Firstly we will take you to see the The House of Virgin Mary which is situated on the top of Bulbul Mountain, the house was discovered back in the 19th century. Catherina Emmerich (1775-1824), an invalid German nun who had never visited Ephesus went on to describe in great detail the house and its location which she had been known to have seen in a vision. It is also believed that St.John brought Mary (the mother of Jesus) to Ephesus sometime between AD 37-48, where she spent the last years of her life. After seeing The House Of the Virgin Mary we will continue on tour to the Ancient City of Ephesus where you will see one of the most spectacular excavations to ever exist in the world, you will have the chance to see also the Odeon, The Fountain of Trajan, the stream baths of Scholastika, the Temple of Hadrian, the Grand Theater and last but no means the least the very impressive library of Ephesus. The Ephesus library is adorned with columns and statues and is still in relatively excellent condition, by standing in the middle of the Library or taking a walk down the main street in Ephesus you will feel like you have stepped back in time amongst the Romans and the visuals here are fantastic to see. Also within Ephesus is The Grand Theater where Saint Paul preached It is believed to be the largest outdoor theater in the ancient world with a capacity of 25,000 seats. The last and perhaps the most important, site in Selcuk is the great Temple of Artemis (Diana), which is one of the Seventh Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ephesus Artemis was a goddess of fertility and was often pictured draped with eggs or multiple breasts as symbols of fertility. Our tour today will come to an end after visiting the Mosque of Isa Bey, which was built in the 19th century, it was also used as a caravanserai, it is a perfect architectural building that you must see. During today's tour, you will have one hour of free break time to rest, and of course, if you like you can take some refreshments from the cafeteria on site. (your breakfast & lunch will be included). Transfer to the Izmir airport for flight to Kayseri. Mett at Kayseri airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY – 6 CAPPADOCIA / CAPPADOCIA TOUR #1 (B-L)
Pick-up around 9:30am; Today's tour will start with a visit to Devrent Valley – Devrent Valley is also known by the name of ‘Imagination Valley’ This valley has none of the cave churches, Byzantine frescoes, or Roman citadel ruins that are famous throughout the rest of Cappadocia; but don't be put off as what it does have is very unique and extraordinary landscape shapes that are formed in many kinds of animals, so let your imagination run away with you and see what your animals you can spot, it will most certainly make you laugh with wonder. Our next visit will be to Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) where you will be able to take a look at the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, these chimneys are very interesting structures and were formed due to the harder rock material deposited above. The valley gets the nickname Monks Valley because of the ascetic monks who came here as early as the 5th century and lived hermit lifestyles here. It was a so-called ‘stylite’ way of living, from the Greek work stylos, meaning pillar – the Christian monks built dwellings inside the pillars, and it's where they lived, fasted, and prayed. After discovering Pasabag we will then head over to the town of Avanos, Avanos is set on the banks of Kizilirmak which is translated to ‘The Red River’. We will first start with the old village of Avanos that winds up the hills leading away from the town it truly is a beautiful magical maze of old stone houses, some that have been restored over time and some that have been converted for other purposes. In some of the abandoned houses, the features of traditional Ottoman architecture can still be seen along with ancient decorations, motifs, and murals. You will also get the chance to participate in a hands-on pottery workshop. We will then take a lunch break (that's included) to recharge our batteries. After your lunch we will proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum, this museum has incredible rock formations and the most fascinating rock-cut churches, you will enjoy your time exploring the depth of Goreme. Our last stop for today will be Uchisar – which is a village perched on a steep rock formation, this town provides some of the most dramatic panoramas of the astonishing Cappadocia that you will never want to leave. Take a wander into the town as it is a very nice place to sit and watch the harmony between nature and humans. During the tour today there will be 1 hour of free time for you to relax, grab some cold refreshments, and just simply soak up the panoramic views that surround you. Our tour for today shall finish around 17:00 to which we will then transfer you back you your hotel for the evening.
OPTIONAL TOUR: Hot Air Balloon Ride - Last-minute bookings may not be available. No-show release date : 3 days
DAY – 7 CAPPADOCIA TOUR #2 (Breakfast and Lunch Included)
Our journey today will start with a 09:30 am departure from your hotel to make our way over to see Red Valley and Rose Valley. Red Valley has to be one of the most excellent and beautiful places to go walking in Cappadocia. The two valleys are next to each other and are easily combined. Once in Rose Valley, you don’t want to miss the Hacli Church and the Ayvali Church, both of which have astounding painted decorations on the interior. Afterward, we will take a visit to the old Christian Village of Cavusin, followed by a tour to Pigeon Valley, the path through Pigeon Valley offers spectacular views of the natural cliffs and the man-made caves, it passes through a few tunnels that have been carved into the rockside. Finally, we will visit Kaymakli or OZKONAK Underground City and Ortahisar Castle, here in Kaymakli or OZKONAK underground city with its interesting levels of the Underground City that date from the 6th – 9th centuries and 5 which are open to the public. The tunnels, cellars, store rooms, and stables have all been excavated from the soft volcanic rock they are astonishing in your eyes. The Castle of Ortahisar is situated at 86 m height cave in the period of Eti and is the most pronounced structure of Nevsehir. During your today you will have 1 hour free so if you wish you can take some refreshments and take the time to relax. Our adventure through Cappadocia will come to an end around 5:00 pm where you will then be transferred back to your hotel for the rest of the evening.
DAY – 8 FLIGHT TO ISTANBUL (B)
Transfer to either Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your flight to Istanbul according to your schedule. Meet at Istanbul or SAW airport, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY – 9 BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS TOUR (B-L)
Depart from the hotel at 8:00 am (subject to change) for a tour of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar, and Topkapi Palace. The tour concludes around 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Return to the hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.
DAY – 10 BOSPHORUS & TWO CONTINENTS TOUR - ISTANBUL (B-L)
Start the day with a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market), a lively marketplace built in 1664. Enjoy a 1.5-hour Bosphorus cruise, witnessing impressive sights like Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Maiden's Tower, Bosphorus bridges, Rumeli, and Anadolu Fortresses, and Ottoman Residences. After the cruise, have lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant in the Sultanahmet area. Continue the exploration with visits to Beylerbeyi Palace (or Dolmabahce Palace) and Camlica Hill, providing a panoramic view of Istanbul and the Bosphorus. Around 6:00 pm, transfer back to your accommodation.
DAY – 11 ISTANBUL (B)
Free day in Istanbul.
You can explore Taksim district of the continent where one of the most popular and vivid streets (Beyoglu) is located. The area famous for its vibrant ambience and colorful modern shopping and restaurant facilities. Overnight in Istanbul.
DAY – 12 GOODBYE (B)
Pick up 5 hours before your international flight and transfer to the airport. Have a safe trip back home!
What’s Included
Hotel accommodation according to your selection as 3, 4, or 5-star + cabin accommodation as standard class.
3 nights Greek Island Cruise with Celestyal Cruises.
Services of professionally licensed guides on local Group tours.
Meals as indicated in itinerary: B breakfasts, L lunch, D dinner.
Transportation in fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coaches on local Group tours and transfers. (Regular group).
English-speaking guided tours are mentioned in the itinerary.
(Other language options are available for private or special group tours).
Inbound and outbound airport transfers to/from your hotel. (Regular group).
All taxes, entrance & museum fees, and baggage handling. (unless otherwise stated)
What’s Not Included
International airfares.
All domestic flights are mentioned in the itinerary.
A VISA is needed for Turkey.
Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff, etc.
Items of a personal nature.
Private sections at the museums or sites such as Harem and Treasure room entrance fees in Topkapi Palace.
Drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast).
Travel Insurance and medical services.
Greece Stayover Tax to be paid directly to hotels per room per night: 3* hotels €1.5 / 4* Hotels €3 / 5* Hotels €4
