IMPERIAL TURKEY & AEGEAN TREASURES - MUNDI TRAVELS EXCLUSIVE

Day 1 Arrival in Istanbul

Arrival and assistance. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. 

Day 2 – Istanbul

Full-day excursion in the Old City. In the morning, a panoramic visit to Hagia Sophia (external visit), one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul, a magnificent architectural wonder. Originally one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world, it is today a mosque.Continuation to Topkapi Palace (including entrance to the Harem), residence of the Ottoman sultans between 1478 and 1856. Topkapi is not a single structure but a vast monumental complex composed of various pavilions, gardens, and courtyards located in the historic peninsula at the entrance of the Golden Horn. Proceed to the Blue Mosque, admired for its six tall minarets, terraces, and domes rising from its center — a masterpiece of architectural perfection.Lunch at a local restaurant.In the afternoon, visit the Roman Hippodrome (dating back to the time of Septimius Severus), where chariot races and circus events entertained the inhabitants of Constantinople for more than a thousand years. Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.Meals: Breakfast and Lunch 

Day 3 – Istanbul / Cappadocia

Breakfast and visit to the Spice Bazaar. Continue to board a regular boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus, sailing between the European and Asian sides of the city along the Sea of Marmara. During the cruise, you will admire landmarks such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, among others. Disembarkation and lunch. After lunch, continue to Taksim, the vibrant modern heart of Istanbul. Start at Taksim Square next to the Republic Monument and walk along lively Istiklal Street. Discover important historical and cultural landmarks such as the Maksem Cistern, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the elegant Flower Passage. Pass by the Fish Market and the Dervish Lodge, representing an important mystical Islamic order.End the tour in the charming district of Galata Tower (entrance not included), a 14th-century Genoese landmark and symbol of the city. Return to the hotel. Transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

Day 4 – Cappadocia Optional Hot Air Balloon Excursion

Breakfast at the hotel. Full-day visit to this unique region. Explore the Göreme Valley with its rock-cut churches decorated with 10th and 11th-century frescoes. Visit the troglodyte village of Uçhisar and Love Valley. Along the way, visit one of the many underground cities of Cappadocia, built by early Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab invasions. The underground city preserves stables, communal rooms, meeting halls, and small family chambers.Free time to visit handicraft workshops such as carpets and onyx/semi-precious stones.In the evening, optional excursion to attend a traditional folk dance show.Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 5 – Cappadocia / Kusadasi

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrival and transfer to the hotel in Kusadasi.Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 6 – Kusadasi – Pamukkale – Kusadasi

Breakfast and departure to Pamukkale, known as the “Cotton Castle,” unique in the world for its white limestone thermal pools and petrified waterfalls. Visit Hierapolis, one of the great ancient sites of Anatolia, located next to Pamukkale. The site is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is recognized as one of the most important and attractive tourist centers in the world. The name Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle,” inspired by its white travertine terraces formed by thermal waters. Hierapolis is also called the “Sacred City” due to its many temples and religious buildings.Return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 7 – Kusadasi – Ephesus – Izmir or Kusadasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the visit of Ephesus, the fifth largest city of the Roman era. During the visit, admire the famous Library of Celsus, the Grand Theatre, Roman and Hellenistic temples, the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the Agora, Marble Street, and more.Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed that Mary arrived with Saint John and lived until her Assumption (Catholic belief) or Dormition (Orthodox belief). It is an important pilgrimage site visited by Christians throughout the year. In the afternoon, stop at a leather production center. Since Ephesus has been a center of leather craftsmanship since ancient times, there will be an opportunity to purchase leather goods at reasonable prices and attend a fashion show featuring elegant jackets. Return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.Meals: Breakfast and Dinner 

Day 8 – Kusadasi or Izmir – Istanbul

Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Arrival and accommodation at the hotel.Meals: Breakfast 

Day 9 – Departure from Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. At the scheduled time, transfer to the airport for your return flight.Meals: Breakfast (subject to flight schedule)