TURKIYE AND ROME

Arrive at Tocumen International Airport three hours early to board the Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul. Overnight on board.

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport, the third largest airport in the world, at approximately 3:30 p.m. A Spanish-speaking representative will greet you for transfer to your hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Full-day excursion to the Pearls of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus (without lunch). Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide). Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat and the Greek quarter in Fener, where you will admire the magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Then, visit St. George's Cathedral, the principal 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 then 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. Overnight stay.

Note: The order of the Istanbul excursions may be reversed, depending on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or closures of monuments.

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities. Accommodation.

We suggest taking the OPTIONAL JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE EXCURSION (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant):

Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed with the guide) for a tour of the city's historic center, where you can observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped modern-day Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of Constantinople's social life for thousands of years, where you can also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles imported 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. From the outside, the structure impresses with its enormous dome, which was an astonishing technical achievement in its time and remains one of the largest domes in the world. We continue to the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. We'll visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, and the royal treasury rooms.

Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan's wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decor. We continue to the Aya Irini Church, a Byzantine church that was never converted into a mosque, and conclude our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel.

Note: For admission to Hagia Sophia, please inquire about the supplement at your destination.

Lunchbox breakfast and early departure (approximately 6:00 a.m., time to be confirmed by the guide) to Ankara for a panoramic tour of Turkey's capital and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic. Lunch en route (not included).

On the way to Cappadocia, you will admire the Salt Lake, where you will make a photo stop at this spectacular site. Then, a visit to a caravanserai, a Silk Road inn. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

We suggest taking the OPTIONAL BALLOON RIDE EXCURSION (subject to weather conditions).

➤ Approx. 2 Hours Duration / Spanish-Speaking Assistance / Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off *The operation of this tour depends on weather conditions. In case of cancellation, the tour may be rescheduled to the next day, subject to availability, replaced with the Pamukkale Balloon Tour and/or Combo Tour, or fully refunded.*

Departure is around 5:30 a.m. to allow plenty of time, as the balloons can only fly early in the morning to enjoy the beautiful sunrise and avoid drafts. The capacity of each basket depends on the balloon, but ranges from 20 to 24 people. Once there (6:00 a.m.), you can see the balloon being prepared. It's beautiful to watch the balloon being filled with air using the burners, as it begins to lie on the ground. Once the balloon is ready and everyone has had breakfast, they climb into the basket.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. to visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Starting at the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continuing on to the region's stunning valleys with their otherworldly landscapes, you'll appreciate views of the iconic geological formations of the region, the famous "Fairy Chimneys." A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible and expansive panoramic views of some of the famous valleys of volcanic rocks with their spectacular shapes. Lunch en route (not included).

Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these truly treasured pieces, and a center for precious stones and jewelry with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Lunchbox breakfast. Departure at approximately 6:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide) to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, featuring a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools.

The name "Hierapolis" is derived from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that once existed in the city. Lunch en route (not included). One of Hierapolis's most notable features was its famous theater, which had a capacity to hold 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-laden waters created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," which in Turkish means "cotton castle." Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together on the UNESCO World Heritage List due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to learn about locally made textiles. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This site is venerated as the final resting place of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her final years in Ephesus (admission not included) under the care of the Apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred site. Lunch en route (not included).

We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic tour of this city steeped in history, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which established Ephesus as an important religious and cultural center of ancient times. We will continue the visit to a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can see high-quality products made from sheepskin and famous for their lightweight construction. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

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

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.

We suggest taking the OPTIONAL EXCURSION TO CHIOS. Departure approximately between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed by the guide).

Begin the day with a transfer from your hotel to the port of Çeşme. After passing through immigration control, we will depart by ferry boat to the charming Chios. Arrival and start our tour by visiting the picturesque village of Mesta, a fascinating maze of narrow, cobblestone streets dating back to the Byzantine era. Afterward, we will head to Pyrgi, one of the most distinctive villages on Chios. Its houses are decorated with black and white geometric patterns, known as "xysta," which create a spectacular and unique visual contrast. Pyrgi is not only famous for its architecture but also for its history and traditions, which remain alive to this day.

We continue to the Museum dedicated to mastic, a unique resin obtained from the trees that grow only here, to learn about the collection and production process of this resin, valued since ancient times for its many uses. To close with a flourish, we'll visit a wonderful Aegean beach. Here, you'll have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the crystal-clear waters and serene landscape that characterize this region. Finally, we'll return to the port for our return trip to Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Breakfast. Departure at approximately 8:00 a.m. (time to be confirmed with your guide) for a visit to Bursa. There, you'll take a panoramic tour of this historic city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. We'll admire the impressive Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, iconic monuments known for their exquisite decoration. We'll then continue to Istanbul, arriving in the city. Overnight stay.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your flight to Rome. Arrival at Fiumicino International Airport. Reception and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Rome, capital of the Lazio region and Italy, will begin our panoramic tour of Imperial Rome at the appropriate time, including the Imperial Forums, the Colosseum, the Arch of Constantine, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Circus Maximus. Return to the hotel at guests' expense. Overnight stay

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities. Overnight stay.

Breakfast. Free day for personal activities. Accommodation.

Optional Morning Tour: PAPAL AUDIENCE

The event is not a Mass, but rather a series of readings and hymns delivered by the Holy Father in several languages in the company of the cardinals. It concludes with a prayer in Latin and the Pope's tour of the square to impart his blessing to the faithful (as long as the Pope is in Rome).

Approx. 45 Euros per person

Breakfast. Room check-in at 11:00 a.m.

At the appropriate time, transfer to Fiumicino International Airport to board Turkish Airlines flight TK 1864 to Istanbul. Overnight on board.

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport and connecting to Turkish Airlines flight TK 800 bound for Panama City. Arrival at 5:05 p.m. at Tocumen International Airport.