DAY 1Arrive Istanbul & Cappadocia, Turkey Welcome to Turkey. You are met on arrival in Istanbul, and assisted with transfer to your flight to Cappadocia in western central Turkey. You are met upon arrival at the Kayseri Airport by your private lecturer‐guide, and taken to your rock‐carved hotel.
This evening enjoy an enchanting presentation of Whirling Dervishes, entertaining and mystic philosophers. Meet the performers and learn about this art form dating back to the 13th century.
Museum Hotel, Cappadocia
DAY 2Cappadocia This morning explore the Kaymakli Underground City, to see a subterranean settlement of caves carved under the ground to protect the inhabitants from the Arabic invasions of 7th century. Next, visit the Monastic Center of Goreme, the first Monastic center of Christianity, and founded during 4th century, it is one of the earliest centers of monastic life. Tour the Monastic Center, an open‐air museum, with some of the best‐preserved Byzantine rock churches, all decorated with 12th century frescoes. Continue your day driving through the gorgeous valleys Ortahisar, stopping at the Three Beauties, the conic rock formations including the so‐called fairy chimneys.
In the afternoon, enjoy a private cooking class led by your hotel’s award‐winning chef. Learn to create some rich Turkish cuisine and sample some of the flavorful local wines. (B)
Weather permitting, this morning you have the option to arise early for a hot air balloon ride over the incredible vistas of Cappadocia (not included).
Museum Hotel, Cappadocia
DAY 3Cappadocia & Istanbul This morning, view the valleys and the famous hilltop rock fortress at Uchisar, which resembles a castle embroidered with cave dwellings. Walk through the valleys of Zelve, a town composed of hundreds of rock‐carved houses occupied until 1942.Tour through the Pasabag Valley, and see the vertical rock formations that had been hermit dwellings. Then enjoy lunch hosted by a local family in Cappadocia.
This afternoon, tour Avanos, known for its earthenware potteries symbolizing the traditional character of the region. Afterwards you are transferred to the airport for your short flight to Istanbul. You are met upon arrival, and taken to your luxurious hotel. (B, L)
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Istanbul
DAY 4Full Day Istanbul Sightseeing Spend today exploring the landmarks of this city that was Constantinople. Start with a visit to the Museum of Turkish Art, hosted by a 16th century palace of the Ottoman Grand Vizier and the son‐in‐law of Suleyman the Magnificent, Ibrahim Pasa. The museum reflects Turkish folk and fine arts tracing the nomadic culture and the urban civilization that the Ottomans founded during Renaissance. Next, see the fabulous Topkapi Palace, made the center of the Ottoman Empire in 1453 AD, when the Ottoman Turks conquered it. Your comprehensive tour includes the Harem with its walls of beautiful Iznik Tiles, and the Treasury filled with exquisite jewelry and gifts made to the Sultans.
This afternoon, explore the Byzantine Cisterns. Built by Justinian the Great in 6th century to reserve water against the threats of siege, they are unique edifices composed of hundreds of pillars quarried from the ancient Roman temples. Today this huge underground water reservoir is a breathtaking modern art museum. Your last stop is at the famous Grand Bazaar. Wander through and explore the incredible collections of jewelry, antiques and Oriental rug shops. (B)
Ritz Carlton Hotel, Istanbul
DAY 5Istanbul Sightseeing & Markets This morning, your guide takes you across the Bosphorus Bridge to visit the Asian side of the city. Visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, built in the 19th century as a summer residence for the royal family of the Ottoman Empire. Next, it is a short drive to Uskudar, one of the oldest settlements of Istanbul and now a busy neighborhood on the shoreline of the Bosphorus. See the landmark Historical Peninsula and the famous Maiden Tower. You have time to explore the Uskudar Antiques Bazaar, with its dozens of antique stores with a wide collection from old keys to marble fountain heads.
Later this afternoon, visit a local (Ebru) water marbling workshop where traditional Turkish arts are practiced and kept alive for future generations. Learn the various technique used, and the history of this fascinating craft.
Lastly, you are taken back to the European side of the city, and transferred to the pier for embarkation to your cruise ship. (B)
|
RETURN TO JOURNEY SEARCH
Print Itinerary
Spend 5 days exploring Istanbul's colorful bazaars, witnessing the fascinating caves of Cappadocia, and watching a Whirling Dervish dance performance - the perfect addition to before or after your cruise!
- Join us on this unforgettable Cruise Extension!