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| Day 1 |
Ankara
Upon arrival in Ankara, you will be met by your personal VIP service representative to assist you throughout all the airport procedures and let you meet your private guide to transfer you to your hotel by your private vehicle. The history of Ankara and its surroundings stretches back to the Hatti civilization of the Bronze Age. The name Ankara comes from the |
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word 'Ancyra', which means 'anchor.' Ankara gained prominence under the leadership of Ataturk during the national resistance which followed World War I. Ankara has a vibrant cultural and artistic life with many select ballet, theatre, opera and folk dance performances. The city's Philharmonic Orchestra, which always plays to a packed house, is especially famous. Overnight at your hotel. (D) |
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| Day 2 |
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Cappadocia
In the morning, visit the world famous Anatolian Civilizations Museum; established in 1921, the collections include Hittite, Greek, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine Period artifacts from the 1st millennium, made of gold, silver, glass, marble, bronze and coins represent exceptional cultural assets. Ancient jewellery is exhibited in the museum. Continue to the Mausoleum of |
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Ataturk, the burial place of the founder of the Turkish Republic. Then depart for Cappadocia. Lunch en route. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, visit the 13th century Caravanserai Agzikarahan arrive in Cappadocia. Overnight at your hotel. (B L D) |
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| Day 3 |
Cappadocia
After breakfast, visit Pigeon Valley near Uchisar. Then proceed through the Avcilar Valley to the Open Air Museum in Goreme and visit the early Christian churches decorated with frescoes of Biblical scenes. Lunch en route. In the afternoon, visit the Kaymakli Underground City, where early Christians hid from persecution. Continue to Pasabagi in the |
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Zelve region and Avanos, famous for its handicrafts. Overnight at your hotel. (B L D)
Our Suggestions:
- You may consider an optional hot air balloon ride over the unusual landscape
early in the morning
- Famous Whirling Dervishes Show in the evening
- Dinner in a restaurant outside your hotel to taste the local dishes and the
famous wines of the region
- Test your culinary skills during a cooking lesson at a family-run country
restaurant
- Experience Cappadocia culture first hand when you join a local family for
lunch in their home (and even learn how to cook village bread and Turkish
coffee with them) |
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| Day 4 |
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Konya, Antalya
Depart for Antalya. On the way, visit the 13th century Sultanhan Caravanserai. Continue to Konya where "Mevlana" lived and see Mevlana Museum (Tekke), where he is buried. Archaeology shows that the Konya region is one of the most ancient settlements of Anatolia. |
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One of the most beautiful verses of Mevlana is; "Come, come again, whoever, whatever you may be, come. Heathen, fire worshipper, sinner of idolatry, come. Come if you have broken your vows a hundred times. Ours is not the portal of despair or misery, come". After the visit to Karatay Medresesi (Theological School) depart for Antalya. Overnight at your hotel. (B L D) |
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| Day 5 |
Istanbul
Morning flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be visiting the legendary Blue Mosque, named for the beautiful Iznik tiles that cover its walls. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were held. Continue to Hagia Sophia, originally a Christian Basilica built by Justinian in the 6th century, then |
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converted to a mosque during the Ottoman Empire. See the beautiful mosaics on display at the museum. Overnight at your hotel. (B L)
Our Suggestions:
- Dinner in a restaurant by the Bosphorus |
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| Day 6 |
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Istanbul
After breakfast depart for the visit to Topkapi Palace, legendary residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Lunch en route. Continue to your private Bosphorus cruise visiting both Europe and Asia, with stops en route to take photos of the natural beauty. Sites along the way include the 15th century Rumelihisar fortress, summer |
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palaces, and the unique wooden houses of the area. The cruise ends at the fishing village of Sariyer close to the Black Sea. Enjoy some free time to explore the exhilarating Grand Bazaar. Overnight at your hotel. (B L)
Our Suggestions:
- You may also dine onboard your private boat viewing the magnificent city of
Istanbul by night with all the famous monuments lit up
- Turkish Bath experience in a very famous The Cagaloglu Hamam, constructed
in 1741, is the last hamam (bath) to be built during the Ottoman Empire |
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| Day 7 |
Home
You will be met by your guide at your hotel and transferred to Istanbul International Airport. Your personal VIP representative will assist you throughout all the airport procedures for the flight home. (B) |
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Meander Travel Advantages |
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Avoid long lines with express visa acquisition and private VIP meet and greet on arrival and departure |
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One expert local guide travels with you throughout the program, understanding your interests from day one |
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Peruse the extraordinary collections in the Anatolian Civilizations Museum |
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Explore the tuff-filled landscapes of Cappadocia, with its underground villages |
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Stay in a unique, boutique cave hotel, adorned with antiques from the Seljuk, Ottoman, Roman and Hittite eras |
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View the stunning frescoes in the Dark Church at the Goreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia |
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In Cappadocia, visit the rock-carved churches at Goreme and the underground village of Kaymakli |
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Pay a visit to the center of Sufism, Konya |
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Enjoy the beautiful skyline of Istanbul on a private afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus |
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Stay in two different Istanbul hotels for the opportunity to experience both the old and the new sides of the city |
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Explore Istanbul's magnificent Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace along with the famous Grand Bazaar |
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We can shorten or extend the above itinerary according to your interest |
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You may continue to Cappadocia on the first day of your arrival instead of overnight stay and touring in Ankara |
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You may start your tour with Istanbul instead of Cappadocia |
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