ISTANBUL – CAPPADOCIA TOUR 1 WEEK

Plunge to the heart of the history of Constantinople/Istanbul and discover its principal Byzantine and Ottoman monuments: St. Sofia Museum, the sixth century church built by the Emperor Justinian crowned with its awesome dome, the Ancient Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque named for the beautiful blue Iznik ceramic tiles, the mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Fly to Ankara then head straight for the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations where poignant neolithic statues pose, giant Hittite carved reliefs stand and delicate wooden objects from King Midas’ tomb can be viewed. Complete the visit of Ankara with a trip to the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, father of the Turkish Republic, an important place of reverence for Turkish people. Afternoon departure to Cappadocia via the Salt Lake Road. Arrival and dinner at hotel in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia is a region that is as inspirational as it is awesome. Fairy chimneys formed by wind and water, magnificently painted churches carved into the rock and breath-taking panoramas are everywhere. Take in the colors of Goreme churches, hike Zelve Valley, a settled town until 1950 and now a ghost town and explore Uchisar Village clustered around a rock pinnacle with a splendid view of the entire region. Visit Cavusin village, and the pottery village of Avanos, famous for its hand-made red clay pottery. Enjoy a demonstration of pottery making here. Explore the underground city of Ozkonak where a network of tunnels led people to saftey in times of unrest. Take in views of Soganli Valley. Dinners and overnights at hotel in Cappadocia.

Early morning departure to Konya. Following the silkroad once used by caravans, see the remains of old caravansaries, monumental constructions that once offered protection to traveling merchants and served as hotels with a visit to one of the best preserved caravansaries in Turkey, the Sultanhan. Konya was the home of the mystic poet Rumi (Mevlana) whose writings still influence many people today. See his tomb and the monastery for whirling dervishes he established. Proceed to Ankara to take a domestic flight to Istanbul. Arrival and transfer to hotel in Istanbul. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Istanbul.

Board a private boat to tour the Bosphorus. View the famous Ottoman Fortress of Rumeli constructed just before the conquest of Constantinople, with its vistas of the Bosphorus. Complete your stay in Istanbul with a visit to the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul, the largest covered bazaar in the world. Enjoy dinner and overnight at your hotel.

After breakfast in your hotel, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport. END OF EYKAS TRAVEL SERVICES.