TÜRKIYE DREAMED FROM PANAMA

Depart on an international flight from Tocumen International Airport, Panama. It is recommended to arrive at the airline counter at least 3 hours before departure to facilitate luggage check-in and security procedures. Remember to bring all necessary documents, such as your passport and visa if required. Overnight on board.

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), you will go through immigration and collect your luggage. Then, head to our meeting point located at gate 8 in the arrivals area. A representative will be waiting to assist you with your transfer to the hotel. After checking in, you'll have free time. We recommend taking the afternoon to explore the area around your hotel or enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a local restaurant. Get ready for an exciting adventure in this vibrant city! Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Included excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND THE BOSPHORUS.” Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide) (does not include lunch): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat and the Greek quarter in Fener, where you can admire the magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then, visit St. George's Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church. Continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and boasting the largest dome of any mosque in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a charming place with its unique color and aroma, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and, of course, spices. The tour culminates with a boat ride across the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. We'll enjoy wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges that connect both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Free day.

Optionally, we suggest taking the activity “Jewels of Constantinople” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Depart for a guided tour of the historic center of the city, where you can observe the various remnants of the different empires that shaped modern Istanbul. Visit the Roman Hippodrome, the social hub of Constantinople for centuries, where you can see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Column of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Next, explore the Blue Mosque, adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik. Enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. The exterior of the structure impresses with its enormous dome, an astounding technical achievement for its time and still one of the largest domes in the world. We will continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where we’ll visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, and the rooms housing the royal treasures. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration. We will also visit the Church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine church that did not convert into a mosque, before concluding 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.

Overnight stay.

Depart for Ankara. In the capital of Turkey, you will enjoy a panoramic tour that includes the impressive Atatürk Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of the Republic. During the journey to Cappadocia, you'll stop at Lake Salt, a stunning spot perfect for photographs. You will also visit a caravanserai, an ancient lodging from the Silk Road era, where you can learn more about the history of this important trade route. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, enjoy dinner at the hotel and overnight stay.

Set out to explore the fascinating region of Cappadocia, famous for its unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Your visit will begin at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rock, decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Next, you'll traverse the stunning valleys of the region, where you can admire the iconic "Fairy Chimneys" and enjoy panoramic views of the valleys with spectacular geological formations. You will then visit one of Cappadocia's underground cities, an astounding engineering achievement built by ancient communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. After the tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a carpet center, where you’ll learn about the artisan production of these pieces, and a gemstone center known for its uniquely designed regional jewelry. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Optional programs in Cappadocia:

• Turkish Night: A presentation of folk dances in a traditional cave 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 morning flight to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on Earth.

Depart for Pamukkale, where we will explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which in Greek means "sacred city." This historic site is famous for its numerous temples and religious sites, including its theater, which remains largely intact and could accommodate thousands of spectators. Hierapolis became a popular spa destination due to its thermal waters and white travertine pools. The mineral-rich waters have formed stunning terraces and natural waterfalls, giving Pamukkale its name, which translates to "cotton castle" in Turkish. Both Pamukkale and Hierapolis are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, recognized for their historical significance and natural beauty. You will also have the opportunity to admire locally made textile products crafted from cotton. At the end of the day, enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel before retiring for the night.

At the scheduled time, depart to visit the House of Mary, believed to be her last residence. This site is sacred to both Christians and Muslims. Next, we will continue to Selçuk for a panoramic visit, where we will appreciate the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, a prominent religious center of ancient times. We will also stop at a leather showroom, where you can see high-quality products made from sheep leather. Dinner and overnight stay.

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

Free day.

Optional excursion “Chios – A Greek Paradise”: Departure approximately between 6:00 and 7:00 AM (exact time to be confirmed by the guide). The day begins with a transfer from the hotel to the port of Çeşme. After passing through immigration, we will set sail by ferry to the charming island of Chios. Upon arrival, we’ll start our tour by visiting the picturesque village of Mesta, a fascinating maze of narrow, cobbled streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Next, we’ll head to Pyrgi, one of the most distinctive villages on Chios, known for its houses decorated with black-and-white geometric patterns called "xysta," creating a spectacular and unique visual contrast. Pyrgi is famous not only for its architecture but also for its rich history and traditions that are still alive today. We will continue to the Museum dedicated to mastic, a unique resin harvested from trees that grow only in this region, where you will learn about the collection and production process of this resin, valued since ancient times for its many uses. To end the day beautifully, we will visit a lovely beach on the Aegean Sea. Here, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and serene landscape that characterize this region. Finally, we will return to the port to sail back to Çeşme, Türkiye. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay.

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

Departure approximately at 8:00 AM (exact time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit Bursa. There, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of this historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. We will admire the stunning Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, iconic monuments known for their exquisite decoration. Afterward, we will continue on to Istanbul, where we will check in at the hotel upon arrival in the city.

At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.