8 days / 7 nights
850€/ per person
Departures: 13, 14, 30/4, 11, 25/5, 3, 4, 22/6
8 days by air to Cappadocia, Iconium, Hierapolis/Pamoukale, Ephesus, Kirkinze, Kusadasi, Priene, Miletos, Didyma Caesarea, Prokopi, Dervish Dance, Passabag Valleys, Ikhlara and Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos, Sinassos, Malakopi, Karvali, Aksarai Accommodation in 5* hotels with half board. Only with us: Visit to Miletos, Didyma and Priini and accommodation in Kusadasi in a 5* hotel
Cappadocia is a magical region of the Asia Minor land with unique sights and history lost in the depths of centuries. An area with underground cities, theoretical stone sculptures – natural “chimneys” – a lunar, surreal landscape, in which multitudes of peoples and cultures left their traces and was the theater of many important events. The “Eighth Wonder of the World”, the “Meteora of the East”, is an open-air museum and world cultural heritage site.
Ionia was the cradle of Greek civilization. Letters and the arts flourished very early in her land.
Excursion schedule
DAY 1 Athens – Caesarea – Prokopi
Meeting at the airport and flight via Istanbul to one of the most important cities of Central Anatolia, Caesarea, the capital of Cappadocia and its largest city. Arrival and short tour of the city, dominated by the castle with its huge walls and towers, preserved in excellent condition. We continue by road to Prokopi (Urgup), in the heart of Cappadocia, which will be our base to explore the wider area with its rock-hewn monasteries and troglodyte dwellings over the next three days. Check in at the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.
DAY 2 Prokopi – Avanos – Passabag Valley – Prokopi, Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride
This morning we begin our exploration of Cappadocia, this volcanic region where wind and rain have worked for centuries to sculpt the lava and create the giant cones, the gorges and valleys that make up this wonderful surreal landscape.
DAY 3 Prokopi – Göreme Valley – Uchhisar – Prokopi, Dance of the Dervishes
Morning departure for the Göreme Valley (Korama, Göreme) and the town of the same name, one of the most characteristic of Cappadocia, with its troglodyte houses carved and tucked into the rocks. The city and the volcanic valley of the region are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
4th DAY Prokopi – Sinassos – Malakopi – Ikhlara Valley – Karvali – Aksarai – Konya
This morning we will depart for Konya. During our route we will stop at the small town of Sinasso (Mustafapaşa) with a strong Greek element, where we will visit the church of Constantine and Helen, the most well-preserved church in the area.
DAY 5 Iconium – Hierapolis/Pamukkale
Morning tour of Iconium and departure for Hierapolis/Pamukkale, another UNESCO world heritage site. City of ancient Phrygia, from which admirable monuments are preserved, such as the theater with 50 rows of seats, the ruins of the temple of Apollo, the necropolis, etc. Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle”, is also famous for its impressive natural shallow pools (troughs), fed by the hot springs of the area – a truly unique phenomenon. After our visit we will transfer to the hotel. Dinner. Overnight.
6th DAY Hierapolis – Ephesus – Kirkintze – Kusadasi
Morning departure for the coast of Asia Minor. Our first stop is Ephesus, which is one of the most important cultural monuments in the world and is under the auspices of UNESCO. During our visit to this unique archaeological site we will see the ruins of the Library of Celsus, the ancient theater, the Artemisium and other monuments that bear witness to the city’s glorious past. This is followed by a visit to the nearby village of Kirkince (Şirince), the place where Dido Sotiriou was born. We continue to Kusadasi, which is opposite Samos. Arrival and check-in at the hotel. After dinner walk in the city center. Overnight.
DAY 7 Kusadasi – Prieni – Miletos – Didyma – Kusadasi
This morning we will depart for the ancient Greek city of the Ionian Dodecapolis, Prieni, the city where one of the seven sages of antiquity, Vias the Prieneus (625-540 BC) was born. X.).
DAY 8 Kusadasi – Izmir – Athens
Morning departure for Izmir, today’s Izmir, one of the oldest cities and ports of the Mediterranean. Until 1922, the city was divided into the “Upper Mahala”, where mainly Turks, Jews and a few Greeks lived, and the “Kato Mahala” or “Lower City”, where the mainly Christian population – the Armenians and the Greeks – lived.
Included
- Economy class flights with Turkish Airlines via Istanbul
- 5* Hotels (Local classification)
- Half board daily
- Dervish dance
- Transportation, tours, guided tours as indicated in the program
- Very experienced Greek local leader-guide
- Liability insurance
Not included
- Airport taxes, fuel surcharge, City Taxes, Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites, travel insurance and COVID insurance for travelers up to 75 years old: €290.
- Gratuities, transportation and anything not listed in the schedule or listed as optional, recommended, etc.
Useful information
- The above tours and visits may take place in a different order.
- Final program with your newsletter.
