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Travel to Turkey on this explorative journey and go deep into history and culture as you hop between the oldest and most fascinating sites in the country. Starting in Istanbul, you'll explore the essentials sites in the city and get a feel for its electric atmosphere before you venture out into the ancient world, as you enter what was once Mesopotamia. Filled with underground cities, cave dwellings and architectural structures unlike any other, Cappadocia's towns and cities are only to be matched with the space like landscape that surrounds them. Heading further south, you'll finish your trip in Kusadasi, where you'll find yourself at the centre of Greek and Roman history in Ephesus. The city seems to have found itself at the centre of all important events in history, as told by the excavations that litter this archaeological site. Your tour finishes on a relaxing note, as you are taken to the hot springs known as the Cotton Castle. The relaxing medicinal baths look like they have been cut from heaven.
Itinerary
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Day 1 - Welcome to Istanbul!Upon arrival in Istanbul airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Once settled, you'll be free to explore the city or make use of the hotel facilities.
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Day 2 - Guided Tour of IstanbulToday, you'll have a guided day tour of the city, including lunch. Start off with the UNESCO World Heritage-listed, Old Istanbul. Visit the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar and the Byzantine Hippodrome, where emperors once saw chariot races. You'll then go to the Hagia Sophia museum, a place of worship for 900 years, and finish the day at the lavishly appointed Topkapi Palace.
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Day 3 - Bosphorus CruiseToday's exploration crosses Istanbul's two continents on a Bosphorus cruise. Discover the city spanning two continents on a delightful Bosphorus Cruise. You'll have lunch on the cruise while enjoying views across the water. Visit the bustling Spice Bazaar, Beylerbeyi Palace summer residence of the Sultans, and take in the panoramic views over Istanbul from Camlica Hill.
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Day 4 - Travel to MesopotamiaA full day of travel takes you deep into Mesopotamia. You'll be transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Cappadocia, then you'll be greeted and taken to your cave hotel. When you arrive, you'll be free to take a stroll around Cappadocia to stretch your legs after a long day of travel.
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Day 5 - North Cappadocia TourExplore the beauty of this space-like landscape on a north Cappadocia tour, including the Devrant Valley, famous for its irregularly shaped rock formations, Pashabag known for its 'fairy chimneys', Avanos, and Goreme. During your tour, you'll have lots of opportunities to explore as you introduced to what was Mesopotamia.
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Day 6 - South Cappadocia TourYou'll start the day by hiking in the Rose Valley. You'll then continue to Cavusin one of the oldest settlements of Cappadocia, the underground city of Kaymakli and Ortahsir, with its unique castle. Later in the afternoon, you'll have some time to enjoy the five-star facilities of your hotel. Relax by the pool with a cocktail from the bar and enjoy the sunset.
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Day 7 - Travel to KusadasiYou'll have the day free to explore Cappadocia and perhaps do a little souvenir shopping before boarding your evening flight to Kusadasi. When you arrive, you'll be transported to the city and taken to your hotel. Rest tonight in light of your full day of activities tomorrow.
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Day 8 - The City of EphesusAbsorb yourself in history today as you travel to Turkey's Seven Ancient Wonders of the World, the site of Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. With its well preserved collonaded Arcadian Way, Hadrians Temple, Celsus Library, market and theatre, this archaeological site takes you a step back in time. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. You'll finish the day at the last home of the Virgin Mary.
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Day 9 - PamukkalePamukkale is the centre of a thermal spring with healing properties. Due to the chemical properties in the water, pure white coloured travertine and water terraces have been created on the mountain slope. Visit the travertine and the Ancient City of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1,200 gravestones in Anatolia. The sacred pool also is one of the highlights of the site. After exploring, you'll continue to Doga's thermal pool hotel to relax.
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Day 10 - DepartureTake some time in the morning to do any last-minute shopping before being transported to the airport in time for your flight.
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