This 9 day tour, starts and ends in Istanbul, Turkey.
Welcome to Istanbul. After picking you up from the airport, we'll drop you off at your hotel for a free day in Istanbul to explore the city.
Today's itinerary begins with a visit to the Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) , which was once the home of the Ottoman Empire's sultans. We continue with stops at the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum, and Hippodrome.
On an optional, afternoon, 1 hour Bosphorus cruise by public ferry where your guide will explain the historical sites along the way, you can cruise between two continents on the stretch of water that separates Europe and Asia.
After breakfast, you fly to Cappadocia. As you arrive at the airport, your guide in Cappadocia awaits to show you the highlights of Cappadocia. To marvel at Cappadocia's lunar scenery, we'll visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys, as well as tour the various levels of an underground city. Prepare your cameras because photo opportunities abound!
Don't miss tonight's optional Turkish folklore event, which will feature folklore and belly dancers... it'll be a night to remember!
There's more to explore in Cappadocia today. We'll visit Pigeon Valley and Red Valley today, then Cavusin Village, and finally Avanos Town, where we'll learn about hand-made pottery.
Leaving Cappadocia early in the morning, we will drive to Adiyaman, passing through Kahramanmaras. Our day will culminate with a stunning sunset at Mt. Nemrut.
We venture towards the majestic Mount Nemrut, home to the Tombs of Commagene Kingdom and the towering Colossal Statues of Gods. Ascending to the Tumulus of Antiochos, the former capital of Kommagene, we'll await a breathtaking sunset from the summit of Nemrut. This ancient funerary monument, concealed in time for almost two millennia, will be a remarkable backdrop as the sun descends, painting the sky in hues of serenity atop Mt. Nemrut.
Following breakfast, our journey takes us to Sanliurfa (Urfa) via a scenic route, passing the impressive Ataturk Dam and the historic town of Harran, known for its unique mud-brick houses and ancient city walls. In Sanliurfa, we will explore the revered Holy Pools of Abraham and visit the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham.
Our first destination is Gobekli Tepe, the most significant archaeological site of our time, reshaping our understanding of early human history. This sacred site reveals the earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years, predating pivotal human advancements like pottery, writing, Stonehenge, and even the Pyramids. Following this, we will visit the Haleplibahce Mosaic Museum, Kizilkoyun Nekropolis, and the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum.
Embark on a scenic drive towards Gaziantep, where the adventure begins. Upon arrival, enjoy a captivating boat trip at Halfeti, exploring the intriguing sunken city beneath the tranquil waters. After this unique experience, we will visit the Zeugma Mosaic Museum. This exceptional museum proudly showcases the magnificent mosaics retrieved from the submerged city of Zeugma, offering a glimpse into the splendid artistry and cultural heritage of a bygone era. As the day concludes, we'll catch a flight back to Istanbul.
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
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