DISCOVER THE HEART OF TÜRKIYE

Welcome to Turkey, a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West come together in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), inaugurated in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and collecting your bags, you must go to our meeting point (check your voucher) where our team will meet you. Then we will meet our drivers and modern vehicles for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest. Accommodation.

At the indicated time, departure to enjoy the “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” excursion (schedule to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish neighborhood in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and admire the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the St. George Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which boasts the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We will head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its colors and aromas, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, dried fruits, traditional sweets, and of course, spices. The tour ends with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia. We will enjoy stunning views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges that connect both sides of this magnificent city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay.

At the appointed time, transfer to the airport and flight to Rize. Upon arrival, transfer to the stunning plateaus and streams that adorn the region, where nature is at its best. Afterwards, we will head to Çeçeva, in the Çayeli district, where you can explore the vast tea gardens, famous for producing some of the most recognized brands and for being the setting for popular television series and commercials. It is worth noting that the visit to the gardens can be adapted according to the tea production season, ensuring a unique experience. Later, we will head to Fırtına, in the Rize district, where you will be amazed by spectacular views, perfect for capturing magical moments in photographs. Finally, you will enjoy dinner at the hotel and accommodation.

Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “BATUMI, GEORGIA, THE PEARL OF THE BLACK SEA”: also known as Batum, is a beautiful coastal city located on the Black Sea coast, in the Adjara region of Georgia. With its lively atmosphere, impressive skyscrapers and its location by the sea, Batum has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The city of Batum is known for its modern and futuristic architecture. Its skyscrapers, such as the Alphabet Tower and the Batumi Tower building, stand out on the skyline and create an impressive image. These buildings are symbols of the development and growth of the city. Dinner and accommodation.

In the morning departure to Trabzon. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “THE TREASURE OF SUMELA”: known as the Sumela Monastery or Monastery of the Virgin Mary, is an ancient Orthodox monastery located in the Zigana Mountains, in the province of Trabzon, northern Turkey, named a World Heritage Site by Unesco. It is one of the most outstanding historical and religious sites in the region. Sumela Monastery is located in a stunning setting, built on the side of a rocky cliff surrounded by dense forests. Its elevated location offers panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Altindere Valley and the river that flows at its feet. You will also visit St. Mary (or Ayasofya Meryem Ana Kilisesi) is a historic church located in the city of Trabzon, Turkey. Built in the 13th century, this beautiful church is a notable example of Byzantine architecture in the Black Sea region. Its design features distinctive architectural details and a charming combination of stone and brick. Inside, visitors can admire ancient frescoes adorning the walls and ceilings, as well as significant religious and cultural artifacts. St. Mary's is a cultural treasure that reflects Trabzon's rich history and heritage. Tourists and history buffs enjoy exploring this site and discovering its relevance in the region's medieval past. Dinner and accommodation in Trabzon.

Early departure from Trabzon en route to Cappadocia. On the way we will visit Sivas, Turkey, a charming historical city located in central Turkey. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Ottoman architecture, mosques and Turkish baths. It is also famous for its traditional festivals and stunning natural landscapes including nearby mountains and rivers where we will visit the Bürüciye Medrese is a historic Islamic school located in Sivas, Turkey. Built in the 13th century during the Seljuk era, this medrese features classic Islamic architecture with stunning decorative details and tile work. Today, it is a protected cultural monument and an attractive spot for tourists interested in the history and architecture of the region. Free afternoon for lunch. Arrival in Cappadocia, dinner and accommodation at the hotel.

Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Visit the stunning valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes. We will also appreciate the views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks, as in Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures. Then we will visit a center of precious stones and jewelry with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation.

Optional programs in Cappadocia:

• TURKISH NIGHT: Presentation of folk dances in a typical cave with local drinks.
• JEEP SAFARI: Adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos.
• BALLOON RIDE: Early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

At the appointed time, depart for Ankara. During this journey, you will enjoy a panoramic tour of Turkey's vibrant capital. One of the highlights will undoubtedly be the Atatürk Mausoleum, an impressive monument that pays tribute to the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. Afterwards, we continue our journey to Safranbolu, a charming town in the heart of Anatolia, famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and nostalgic atmosphere. Not only will you experience Turkey's rich history and culture, but you will also enjoy comfortable accommodation to make your stay unforgettable. Accommodation.

Departure from Safranbolu, we will continue towards the Black Sea and arrive at the Gokgol Magarasi cave. We will enter and admire the landscape formed by its underground river and its multiple colors. Free time for lunch on the Black Sea side in Eregli. We will visit the impressive caves and tombs of Cehenemagz. On the way back to Istanbul, there will be a final stop in Eydinpinar, to enjoy a relaxing walk among its waterfalls. Continuation to Istanbul. Arrival and accommodation.

Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Enter the majestic Roman Hippodrome, where you can immerse yourself in the social life of Constantinople, admiring monuments such as the Obelisk of Theodosius and the German Fountain. Then, we invite you to marvel at the Blue Mosque, famous for its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles. In addition, you will enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, a true architectural landmark that has been a church, mosque and museum. Next, we will explore Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans, where you will walk through its beautiful gardens and the impressive rooms of royal treasures. Do not miss the enigmatic Harem, where the sultan's wives and children lived and famous for its luxurious decoration. We will continue our adventure at the church of Aya Irini, a Byzantine treasure that was not converted into a mosque. Finally, we will close our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is an art. Return to the hotel and accommodation.

At the indicated time, transfer to Istanbul International Airport (IST) for the departure flight. (Flight not included).