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Day 1: MANILA/ ISTANBUL (D)
Depart Manila and begin your adventure to the fascinating cities of Turkey of our chosen carrier for an overnight flight to Istanbul. Enjoy inflight meals and entertainments onboard.
Welcome to ISTANBUL! Upon arrival, meet and greet by our guide, lunch at the local restaurant and then transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 2: ISTANBUL – BURSA – KUSADASI (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel departure depart for Bursa (155 km/approx. 2 hr 30 min). Bursa which is the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is known for its mosques, thermal Turkish Baths, and its production of silk. On the way, we will stop by a famous Turkish Delight Shop. After arrival, we will visit the Grand Mosque, and Green Mosque of Bursa; two fascinating Ottoman mosques. Later, we will also have a photo stop in Koza Han which is a silk bazaar one of the symbols of Bursa, whose history dates back to 1492. For lunch, we will enjoy the famous Iskender Kebap which is one of the most famous kebap in Türkiye. Then we will depart for Kusadasi (430 km/ 5hr) After arrival dinner and overnight at the hotel.
DAY 3: KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Ephesus (230 km/approx. 2 hr 30 min). Ephesus is the most important and best-preserved ancient city. It is an outstanding universal value of the world for all time, and its history dates back to 6000 BC. It is also one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. Later, we will visit the House of Virgin Mary. It is believed that the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, supposedly spent the last years of her life in this house. After lunch at Bizim Ev Hanimeli, proceed to Leather Factory and enjoy the fashion show. Proceed to Pamukkale (190 km/ 3hr) and visit Cotton Castle and Hierapolis Ancient City. Pamukkale travertines were created by thermal water depositing the calcium carbonate they contained. The natural wonder of Pamukkale travertine deposits spans a 160 m tall and 2700 m long cascade. The white cascades are little terraces filled with mineral-rich hot springs. Treat yourself to a visit to these mesmerizing therapeutic ponds. Taking your shoes in your hand, you can walk on some of them. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 4: PAMUKKALE - CAPPADOCIA (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for Cappadocia (605 km/10hr). On the way, we will stop at Afyon and taste famous the yogurt with poppy seed and honey. We will also stop by Sultanhani Caravansarai. It is a historical caravanserai with its history dating back to 1229. It takes attention to its amazing stonemasonry. Dinner at the hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.
DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum where you can enjoy the complex with rock cave churches, and houses. Then, we will move to one of the Underground City. Ensuring the security of the inhabitants is the main reason for the construction of the cities under the ground. We will have a chance the see where the people have lived during the wars, and natural disasters. After lunch at Cappa Gusto, we will visit the famous Carpet Workshop where you can see carpets decorated with motifs reflecting a cultural richness and learn how to weave carpets. Proceed to Pasabag Valley; Pasabaglari Archaeological Site ‘Pasabagi’, formerly known as ‘Valley of the Priests’, attracts attention with its unique fairy chimneys. Inside the fairy chimneys, which are multi-bodied and multi-headed, chapels and seating spaces are carved. We will move to Avanos. Today’s last visit will be the Pottery Workshop where you can learn how to make pottery which is a tradition of 4000 years in Avanos. Overnight and dinner at the hotel.
DAY 6: CAPPADOCIA (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, we will have photo stops in Hunting Valley, Pigeon Valley which is named after pigeon nests carved into rocks, Devrent Valley which is famous for its Camel Rock, and Uchisar Castle which is the biggest fairy chimney seen from all over Cappadocia. During the tour we will also visit Turkish Jewelry Store. After that departure to Salt Lake (190km/ 2 hr). The Salt Lake hosts hundreds of bird species, it also draws attention with its endemic plants. Experience wonderful views across this endless whiteness. Later, we will proceed to Bolu (185 km/2 hr). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Bolu.
DAY 7: CAPPADOCIA – ANKARA - BOLU (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, departure for Istanbul (260 km/ 3 hr 30 min).
We will start the tour with Spice Bazaar. Then proceed to Old City (Sultanahmet). After lunch at Tamara Restaurant, we will begin the tour with Topkapi Palace (closed on Tuesdays); The Ottoman Palace, famous for being one of the most beautiful landscapes that make up Istanbul’s skyline, a treasure trove of history on the historical peninsula.
Later, we will visit Hagia Sophia Mosque; its innovative architecture, rich history, religious significance, and extraordinary characteristics has been fighting against time for centuries, was the largest Eastern Roman Church in Istanbul. Constructed three times in the same location, it is the world’s oldest and fastest-completed cathedral. The tour will continue by visiting the Blue Mosque. The original name of the mosque is Sultanahmet Mosque, but it is called the Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue tiles inside the mosque. We will a brief stop at the Hippodrome; was a circus that was the sporting and social center of
Constantinople. We will have free time at Grand Bazaar for shopping. After dinner at Chang Cheng restaurant, transfer to hotel.
DAY 8: ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE (B/L/D)
After breakfast at the hotel, departure to Balat where you can enjoy taking photos. The most iconic part of Balat is the district’s colorful houses along sloping cobbled streets. These homes are mostly over 50-years-old, and in some cases are up to 200-years-old. These historic wooden homes are amongst the most photographed buildings in the city, and given its popularity, many of these streets now feature cafés and restaurants for you to stop off at and admire the setting. During the walking tour, we will visit Greek Orthodox Patriarchate; The Ecumenical Patriarchate of Istanbul in the Fener district is a world center of Christianity. We will have a photo stop by Fener Greek High School which is known in Greek as the Great School of the Nation is the oldest surviving and most prestigious Greek Orthodox school in Istanbul. And Sveti Stefan Church; Istanbul’s iconic Iron Churc; marks its 124th year as the world’s only surviving completely iron church. After lunch at Fish Port, we will get on a private Bosphorus Cruise. During the tour, you will have the chance to see both the European Side and the Asian Side of Istanbul. On the European Side, you will see many historical monuments and buildings such as; Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Ortakoy Mosque and Rumeli Fortress. On the Asian Side of Istanbul and see Kucuksu Palace which was built in the 19th century and used as a hunting lodge by the Ottoman Empire. Later, we will have free time for shopping at the Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest covered bazaars in Istanbul. Today, inside the bazaar you can find spices, dried fruits, cheeses, sausages, jams, nuts and seeds, Turkish Delight, souvenirs, and more. Proceed to Taksim-Istiklal Street and we will have free time for shopping at Taksim, Istiklal Street.
After dinner at Kebap House, transfer to airport for flight back to Manila.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
CANAKKALE
Troia Ancient Ruins
ISTANBUL
Blue Mosque, Roman Hipprodrome, Hagia Sophia, Pier Loti, Bosphorus Cruise, Topkapi Palace – Ottoman Empire, Grand Bazaar, Sveti Stefan Church, Taksim Istiklal Street
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BERGAMA
Pergamon, Ephesus, Leather Factory
PAMUKKALE
Cotton Castle, Heirapolis
CAPPADOCIA
Kaymakli Underground City, Pasabag Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Village of Avanos, Goreme Open Air Museum, SALT LAKE
BOLU
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE:
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Roundtrip Economy Class Airline Ticket
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First Class Hotel Accommodation with 2 nights Cave Hotel Experience (4-5 STAR)
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Full Board Meals
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Private Coach
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Entrance Fees
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Local Tour Guide all through-out
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Filipino Tour Escort
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Daily Bottled Water
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Travel Kit & Souvenir
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EXCLUDED FROM THE PRICE:
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Turkey Visa: USD210/pax (subject to change)
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Airline and Travel Taxes: USD160 (subject to change)
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Tips for Driver & Guide: USD10/day
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Travel Insurance with COVID 19 Coverage
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Airport / Hotel Porterage
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Drinks and Beverages
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DEPARTURE DATE: FEB 26 - MAR 06, 2023
TOUR COST: ​USD 1550
** Minimum of 20 passengers to run this program
BOOKING REMARKS
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USD300 per person deposit upon reservation (NON-REFUNDABLE)
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Full payment should be settled 45 days before departure
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Cancellation made after issuance of visa will automatically forfeit the deposit
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Payment is NON REFUNDABLE once ticket is issued regardless if visa is approved or denied
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If the group fall below minimum required, Tour Operator has the right to cancel or reschedule the tour or supplement fee may apply
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Applicable surcharge for Non-Filipino passport holders
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Passport must be valid 6 months before departure
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