TURKISH DELIGHT (14 Days)

The heads of the statues are now scattered throughout the site; the pattern of damage to the heads (notably to noses) suggests that they were deliberately damaged because of belief in iconoclasm.

The Ishak Pasha palace is an Ottoman-period palace whose constuction was started in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasha, the bey of Bayazit province. According to the inscription on its door, the Harem Section of the palace was completed by his grandson Ishak (Isaac

The monastery was founded in the year 386 (during the reign of the Emperor Theodosius I, AD 375 - 395) by two Athenian priests - Barnabas and Sophronius according to the Turkish Ministry of Culture. Legend states that they found an icon of the Virgin Mary

The architecture of the church is based on a form that had been developed in Armenia several centuries earlier; the best-known example being that of the 7th century St. Hripsime church in Echmiadzin, incorporating a dome with a conical roof.

Highlights: Istanbul, Bosphorus, Bursa, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Fethiye, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia
Operates: April 15th / October 15th
Package Rate: Please fill the form and tell us your travel dates & choice of hotels
Optional Tours: Turkish Bath (Hamam), Hot Air Balloon, Whirling Dervishes, 12 Islands Cruise
Note: Turkish Delight vacation package is insuranced by TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)

DAY 01 – Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, the city of two continents, you will be greeted by Veni Vidi Travel representative with Turkish hospitality & accompanied during your transfer to the hotel, where you will be briefed by your travel consultant with the remainder of day at leisure to relax &/or check out the city. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02 – Garden of Emperors Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
Your day will commence with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome where you will tour the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, the elegant Blue Mosque famous with its heavenly six minarets and the Hagia Sophia Museum. Then you will have a visit to the Underground Cistern, which known as the Basilica Cistern during the Roman period. Lunch will be served at Topkapi Palace, in a restaurant with panoramic view of the Bosphorus, Asia & Europe. After lunch you will be guided to visit the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans. Historical tour of Istanbul will conclude with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing more than 4,000 shops. After the tour you will be leaded back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03 – Bosphorus cruise & Beylerbeyi Palace Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
This morning you will drive Eminonu Port to board the regular city boat for a 2 hour Bosphorous Cruise. Enjoy this relaxing cruise along the shoreline while your guide explains to you the history of sights seen while onboard. We then continue on land to visit the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace and then also visit Camlica Hill. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 04 – Green Bursa Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
Your tour today will head to Bursa, the capital of ancient Bithynia, which sprawls across the verdant slopes af Mysian Olympus (Mt. Uludag). With your arrival to Bursa, you will visit the Green Mosque, Green Tomb and also Silk Bazaar. After the cable car which will take you up to Mt Uludag, finally visit the Ulu Camii (The Great Mosque), constructed of a golden-hued limestone from Mt Olympus, it measures 56m by 68m and was the first congregational mosque erected by the Ottomans. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 05 – Flight to Izmir / Ephesus Ancient City Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Check out and transfer to airport for 65 min flight to Izmir. On your arrival, you will be met and start the tour to Ephesus; one of the grandest cities in the Roman world. Drive to Meryemana and visit the house of Virgin Mary. Continue to Ephesus the Capital of Asia Minor. Visit the ruins of Odeon, herculas gate, the temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora and fantastic Greco Roman theatre. After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 06 – Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour/ Travel to Fethiye (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
After breakfast and check-out, drive inland to Pamukkale (white lime cascades), the noted ancient spa, where pure white travertine forms frozen waterfalls. Visit Hierapolis where you will have free time to walk on the terraces (where allowed), after which you will be transferred to Denizli bus station for the day intercity coach to Fethiye where you will spend the night. Overnight in Fethiye/Oludeniz.

DAY 06 – Free Day in Fethiye (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Your day will be at your leisure to explore Fethiye. Overnight in Fethiye/Oludeniz.

DAY 08 – Free Day in Fethiye (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
Your day will be at your leisure to explore Fethiye. Overnight in Fethiye/Oludeniz.

DAY 09 – Travel to Antalya / Free Afternoon in Antalya (Meals: Breakfast, Dinner)
After breakfast, check-out and you will be transferred to Fethiye bus station for the intercity day coach to Antalya. On your arrival to Antalya, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the remainder of day at your leisure to explore the Old City of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 10 – Perge, Aspendos, Side Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Your guided tour today starts with a visit to Perge Ancient City, which once was one of the most important cities along the Mediterranean coast. From here you will visit the world famous ancient Greco - Roman Amphitheater Aspendos, which is the most well preserved example in the world. After visiting this impressive site, you will have a lunch break followed by a visit to Side, an ancient site with attractions including Agora, the Gymnasium, the Apollo Temple and the ancient harbour. Evening is at your leisure to explore the old town by night. Overnight in Antalya.

DAY 11 – Travel to Konya / Konya Tour / Travel to Cappadocia (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
After check-out from your hotel you will be transferred to the Antalya Central Bus Station, to board the intercity day coach to Konya. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your tour guide for the tour of Konya, the capital of the Seljuk Turks in the 13th century and home of the Mevlana Museum is also known for its theological school of whirling dervishes. After the tour you will take the coach to Cappadocia with early evening arrival. Tonight will offer you the unique opportunity to sleep in a traditional Cappadocian cave hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 12 – North Cappadocia Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
Start the tour to visit Devrent Valley, Monk's valley (Pasabagi) where you will find the world known fairy chimneys. Break for lunch in Avanos and then continue on to the Goreme Open-Air Museum where you will visit the numerous rock carved churches and monasteries. Depart for a panaromic view of Esentepe and then on to Uchisar Castle. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 13 – South Cappadocia Tour / Flight to Istanbul (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
Another full day tour this time to visit the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley along the stream visiting some of the churches along the way. Stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view. Stop at the Agzikarahan Caravansarai is included. After the tour, you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 14 – Istanbul / Departure (Meal: Breakfast)
Breakfast, check-out & transfer to Istanbul International Airport as per your onward flight schedule.

Please take note of the following:
* We aim to respond to all requests within 24 hrs. We are happy to modify the itinerary upon request
* Smoking is not permitted in our tours but all tours make frequent stops

What's Included:
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Noted sightseeing tours on regular group or private guided basis
* Main entrance fees to sights mentioned by the itinerary
* Meals mentioned by the itinerary - Vegeterian meals available
* Required land transport including roundtrip airport transfers with A/C minivans
* Required internal flight & coach tickets
* Local taxes & handling services

What's NOT Included:
* International flights to/from Turkey and personal travel insurance, any other expenses not noted in the above included section or airport tax, visa for Turkey (if required), any tips to guide, driver or staff at hotels, items of a personal nature, hotel extras (minibar, telephone/internet usage, laundry, etc), drinks with meals (except the drinks served with breakfast) and medical services.