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THE CAVES OF CAPPADOCIA
Day 1 London to Istanbul
Today fly from London to Istanbul with British Airways and on your
arrival you will be met and transferred by car to your Hotel for the
next four nights. Please click
here for our recommended hotels.
Day 2 Istanbul
to
Day 4 Istanbul
Over the next three days you are at leisure to relax and explore this remarkable
city. During your stay you will receive a one day private tour of the old
city in the company of an English speaking local guide. Places of interest
include Topkapi Palace where for 400 years the Ottomans Empire was ruled,
the vast underground basilica water cistern with its 336 columns and masterful
Byzantine engineering and the Hagia Sophia – the ‘Church of the
Holy Wisdom’. Once Christendom’s greatest church, the Hagia Sofia
is over 1,400 years old and today is considered one of the world’s finest
architectural and religious monuments. Also visit the Blue Mosque, so called
for its sparkling Iznik blue tiles which adorn the interior walls as well
as the labyrinthine medieval Grand Bazaar where your senses will be assailed
by over 4,000 shops.
Day 5 Istanbul to Cappadocia – by air
This morning depart by air for Kayseri in Cappadocia. On your arrival you
will be met by your driver-guide and continue onto the stunning Devrent Valley.
Visit the open-air museum at Göreme, a World Heritage Site, where the
remains of rock-cut churches are decorated with unique frescoes dating from
the 9th to 13th Centuries and depict scenes from the bible. Also visit the
pretty town of Uchisar which is noted for its volcanic rock cut citadel riddled
with tunnels and windows. Stay for the next three nights at Yunak Evleri,
a cave hotel, located in the pleasant town of Urgup.
Day 6 Cappadocia
Start your morning with a visit to the Red Valley, one of the most attractive
in Cappadocia and renowned for its superb rock formations. Later explore one
of the fascinating underground cities of either Kaymakli or Derinkuyu. Believed
to have originally excavated by the Hittites around 1,200 BC the cities where
also used by Christians escaping the Arab invasions of the 7th and 8th Centuries
who expanded the chambers into an extensive underground complex. Hidden entrances
give way to elaborate subterranean chambers with ventilation systems, wells,
chimneys and connecting passageways with the upper levels used for living
and the lower ones used for storage, wine making and worship.
Day 7 Cappadocia
Today leave your hotel and travel further afield to visit the more remote
and beautiful Ihlara Valley. Walk for around 4kms through the valley and explore
several of the rock cut churches which date from the 11th Century. Before
you return to Urgup a visit will be made to the incredible rock cut monastery
in the village of Selime.
Day 8 Cappadocia to London
via Istanbul
This morning return to Kayseri Airport in good time to catch your return flight
to Istanbul. On your arrival connect onto the British Airways flight from
Istanbul to London.
STAYING ON
Experience a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia. Few places in the world are more suited to ballooning than Cappadocia and the views over this remarkable region are simply breathtaking. Flight conditions are normally perfect from April to October, take place most mornings around dawn and last for approximately an hour. Further details on request.
Meander along the Aegean coastline exploring the wealth of archaeological sites. Troy, Pergamum and Ephesus are all easily reached by car from Istanbul. Alternatively relax at a peaceful Mediterranean hotel or take a short cruise along the beautiful coast in a traditional motor yacht. Please click here for further details.
Cruise up the Bosphorus and enjoy a break from the bustle of Istanbul. This romantic stretch of water divides Europe from Asia and connects the Black Sea to the Mediterranean. Turkish Maritime Lines (TDI) operates the best official cruise and the five hour round trip costs approximately £2. The TDI ferry makes the trip to the upper Bosphorus two or three times daily and stops at six piers along the way. Included is a leisurely stop at Anadolu Kavagi where you can have lunch at one of the many waterside fish restaurants.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE CAVES OF CAPPADOCIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is available on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
For further important information please click here.