TURKEY AND DUBAI

Welcome to Turkey, a country rich in culture, history, and unique experiences, where the contrasts of East and West blend seamlessly. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation. Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest airport in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration, and collecting your luggage, head to our meeting point (check the voucher for details), where our team will greet you. You will then meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to rest. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city, where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, completed during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens in 368 AD. We will continue to admire the Walls of Constantinople, which were once considered invincible, restricting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli" or Inner City, possibly the origin of the name Istanbul. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn," where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the tower that names the bridge, and the Asian side. We will then head to the Beyoglu district to experience the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with touches of classic European architecture at the doors of the Middle East. This area is an open-air shopping and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic tram. At the end of the visit, there will be free time, and return to the hotel will be after the optional excursions and will depend on the schedules and meeting point.

Option to take the optional tour “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure to view the spectacular panorama of the ancient Walls of Constantinople and the Roman Aqueduct. Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Church of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and featuring the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. We will head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its color and aroma, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets, and of course, spices. The tour ends with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait dividing the city between Europe and Asia, where we will admire the wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional tour “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Immerse yourself in the historic center of the city, where you will observe the various remnants of the different empires that shaped present-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for centuries; the Blue Mosque, with its over 20,000 hand-made ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; visit the Basilica Cistern with its more than 300 marble columns rising from the water. We will then have a panoramic view of Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, and end our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

**If you wish to enter Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, an additional fee of 55 USD net per person is required.

Breakfast at the hotel and early departure to Ankara to visit the capital of Turkey and the Mausoleum of the Republic's founder. On the way to Cappadocia, you will have the opportunity to view the Salt Lake, where a stop will be made for photographs at this spectacular location. Next, visit a Caravanserai, an ancient lodging from the Silk Road era. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation. Optionally, you can take a direct domestic flight to Cappadocia; please inquire about additional costs.

Breakfast. Today we will explore this magnificent region with its fascinating and unique landscape, formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Panoramic visit to the Pigeon Valley, named for the numerous pigeons that nest in the rocks, as these birds have long been a source of food and fertilizer in Cappadocia. The Red Valley is the most beautiful natural wonder of Cappadocia. Surreal rock formations, red and pink colors, and ancient cave churches make the Red Valley one of the main attractions in Cappadocia. It feels like being in an otherworldly habitable space. Optionally, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and an underground city.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: 

- **"TURKISH NIGHT"**: Enjoy a presentation of folk dances in a traditional cave setting with local drinks.

- **"JEEP SAFARI"**: An adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photo opportunities.

- **"HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE"**: Early in the morning, embark on a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. From an altitude of approximately 700 to 800 meters, enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Cappadocia. It’s a unique experience you will always remember.

- **"GOREME OPEN-AIR MUSEUM"**: A historical site with stone formations that provided shelter and refuge during the early days of Christianity. Roman soldiers pursued the faithful due to the official sanctioning of pagan religion in Rome.

- **"CAPPADOCIA UNDERGROUND CITY"**: One of the many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions:

- CAPPADOCIA WINTER CAPITAL – ERCIYES SKI RESORT"** (excursion operated approximately from 15/12 to 31/03) – A unique snow experience with transfers, rental of suitable clothing, cable car ride, and Turkish-style barbecue included in the price. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

- AUTUMN COLORS IN CAPPADOCIA"** (excursion operated approximately from 01/10 to 14/12) – Departure to visit Ihlara Valley, one of the most beautiful for its vegetation, which, especially in autumn, displays a spectrum of various shades of green, yellow, and orange. Visit the Selime Monastery, the Red Church of Sivrihisar, and stop in the village of Belisirma for lunch at a riverside restaurant. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale, with a visit to the magnificent Burdur Archaeological Museum, which consists of three sections. On the upper floor, you will find artifacts from the Neolithic, Early Chalcolithic, and Ancient Bronze Age. The ground floor, which is the main entrance, is divided into three sections. The first section houses finds from the excavations of the ancient city of Sagalassos, including giant statues of Roman emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Option to visit **"ANCIENT HIERAPOLIS AND COTTON CASTLE"**, a true natural wonder with a giant cascade, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek, meaning "sacred city," referring to the many temples and religious sites in the city. One of the most notable features of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and cascades known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their historical significance and natural beauty.

Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale, with a visit to the magnificent Burdur Archaeological Museum, which consists of three sections. On the upper floor, you will find artifacts from the Neolithic, Early Chalcolithic, and Ancient Bronze Age. The ground floor, which is the main entrance, is divided into three sections. The first section houses finds from the excavations of the ancient city of Sagalassos, including giant statues of Roman emperors Hadrian and Marcus Aurelius. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Option to visit **"ANCIENT HIERAPOLIS AND COTTON CASTLE"**, a true natural wonder with a giant cascade, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek, meaning "sacred city," referring to the many temples and religious sites in the city. One of the most notable features of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and cascades known as "Pamukkale," which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together on the UNESCO World Heritage list due to their historical significance and natural beauty.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions:

- *TURKISH MALDIVES": Departure to visit Keloglan Cave and its millennial stalactites; the ancient city of Laodicea (one of the 7 churches of the Book of Revelation by Saint John); you will have the opportunity to swim in Salda Lake, famous for its blue color, with lunch included. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Visit the Aydın Archaeological Museum, a site of significant historical value, featuring a wide variety of exhibits from the prehistoric, Greco-Roman, Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. A wonderful place to explore the ancient cultures of the region. Continue with a visit to a leather store. Option to visit **Ephesus**, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which boasts treasures such as the Roman Theater, the Library of Celsus, and Marble Street. Optionally, visit the **House of the Virgin Mary**, a place of pilgrimage today. Dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi depending on the season.

Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the optional excursion **"CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE"**: Transfer from the hotel to the Çeşme port. After migration, depart for the island of Chios to explore: the production of mastic, the village of Mesta with its Byzantine labyrinthine streets, Pyrgi with its black-and-white decorated houses, and the volcanic Mavra Volia beach in Empoios. Transfer to the port and return to Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Continue with a visit to a specialized leather store, famous for its lightweight pieces. The region is also known for its cotton production, and you will have the opportunity to see locally-made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure to Bursa and panoramic visit of this important city, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque and Green Mausoleum, symbols of the city named for their rich Iznik tile decoration. Continue to Istanbul, arrival, and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) for your flight to Dubai (flight not included).

Arrival at Dubai Airport and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning. In the afternoon, embark on our most popular excursion. Land Cruisers (6 people per vehicle) will pick you up for an exciting ride over the fantastic high dunes. Capture unique photos of the Arabian sunset. Once the sun sets behind the golden sand dunes, head to our Desert Camp. The aroma of freshly grilled kebabs and lamb, the campfires, the scent of traditional water pipes, and the relaxing sounds of Arabic music will invite you to an unforgettable evening. After a sumptuous dinner, a belly dancer will perform the ancient art of belly dancing. Sand skiing and henna painting are also included, as well as water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. A 2-hour drive from Dubai takes you past Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world, to the capital of the UAE. Stop for photos at the Jazira Residence, former residence of Sheikh Zayed. Admire the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third largest in the world, and the tomb of this former president of the UAE and father of the nation. Continue to the Al Maqta Bridge, passing through one of the wealthiest areas of Abu Dhabi, the Ministers' Area. Arrive at Corniche Street, often compared to Manhattan. Stop for photos at the Emirates Palace Hotel, known for its expensive construction and equipped with its own helipad and marina. Proceed to the Al Batee Area, where the Royal Family's palaces are located. Return to Dubai. Accommodation.

Breakfast. This tour will take you to the stunning views of Dubai Creek, passing through the Bastakiya heritage area with its fascinating old houses and wind towers built by wealthy merchants. Next, visit the 225-year-old Al Fahidi Fort, where the Dubai Museum preserves valuable records of the city's past and its various stages of development. Then, board a traditional Abra boat to cross the creek and explore the Spice Souk and Gold Souk. Drive along Jumeirah Road, with views of Jumeirah Mosque, and make a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab, the world's only 7-star hotel. Continue past the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as well as the World Trade Center and the International Financial Centre. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast and, at the appointed time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.