TREMENDOUS TURKEY

Assemble at Cochin International Airport. After all departure formalities board the flight to Istanbul. Istanbul – is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th- century dome and rare Christian mosaics. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, complete all the arrival formalities and Transfer to Hotel. Enjoy a Turkish dinner. Overnight at Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in flight and dinner in hotel.

After breakfast, begin your day exploring Istanbul’s main sites like Topkai Palace - a large museum in Istanbul. In the 15th and 16th centuries it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans, Hagia Sophia - officially the Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, and formerly the Church of Hagia Sophia and formerly museum is a Late Antique place of worship in Istanbul, designed by the Greek geometers Isidore of Miletus and Anthemius of Tralles, Blue Mosque also known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

An Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque is a functioning mosque and also attracts large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I, Hippodrome or Sultanahmet Square - a square in Istanbul. Previously, it was a circus that was the sporting and social Centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos, horse, and dromos, path or way. After the sightseeing proceed to restaurant, relax and have a delicious Turkish Lunch. Afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of Istanbul City. Overnight at Istanbul. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Breakfast & check out from the hotel and proceed to airport to fly Kayseri. Arrive at Kayseri airport, Cappadocia, is a semi-arid region in central Turkey, is known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Monks Valley, Göreme. Other notables sites include Bronze Age homes carved into valley walls by troglodytes (cave dwellers) and later used as refuges by early Christians. The 100m-deep Canyon houses numerous rock-face churches. Upon arrival, lunch at restaurant and proceed to visit Uchisar Castle - Centuries-old citadel perched on a rock spur, with commanding views of Cappadocia from the top, Goreme Open Air Museum - complex of churches rock cut churches, kitchens, wineries, storages and living rooms left from Anatolian Christians. Goreme Open Air Museum is listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Devrent Valley - it’s contains many animal shaped rocks which are mostly in red colour. Some of the most frequent shapes are like Camel. Proceed to hotel. Overnight at Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

Wake up early morning and proceed to enjoy the most memorable event of this Turkish journey, Float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches in a Hot Air Balloon (optional) and experience the sunrise from a unique aerial viewpoint. Enjoy memorable panoramic views from up to 1,000 feet (300 meters) above ground, and then celebrate your safe landing with a champagne toast and a personalized flight certificate. (Hot Air balloon tour will depend upon the weather conditions and will be optional tour) Back to hotel and have breakfast. Post breakfast; See the whole of the natural beauty of Cappadocia, plus the underground city Kaymakli. Discover this enchanting landscape of Cappadocia. It will shed light on the life of the early Christians, their rock-carved churches and their art with magnificent frescoes. Walk between the fairy chimneys and wonder about the lives of people there. After lunch proceed to Konya. Overnight at Konya. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast check out and proceed to Pamukkale, reach there by afternoon. Post lunch visit Hierapolis - an ancient Greek city located on hot springs in classical Phrygia. Its ruins are adjacent to modern Pamukkale and currently comprise an archaeological museum. The site has the Tomb of Philip the Apostle. The highlights of Hierapolis tour are Necropolis – The cemetery, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater and Antique Pool. After visiting the Hierapolis Ancient City, free time to explore the natural beauties of Pamukkale, and swim at white travertines (thermal pools) of Pamukkale and walking in the middle of travertines from up to down. Overnight at Pamukkale. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast check out and proceed to Ephesus. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Visit the town of Selcuk – a town which is known as the gateway of Ephesus. Post lunch visit Celcus Library is an ancient Roman building in Ephesus, Anatolia, now part of Selçuk, Turkey, Temple of Hadrian - one of the best preserved and most beautiful structures on Curetes Street which is one of the three main streets of Ephesus between The Hercules Gate till to the Celsus Library. This street took its name from the priests who were called as Curetes, Fountain of Trajan, Odeon, Agora, Fountain of Domitian, Grand Theater, Nike, Ancient Toilets during tour in this ancient city. Also visit Meryemana (The Virgin Mary's House) - the last home of the Virgin Mary, Ephesus Terrace Houses, the Temple of Artemis - which first built during the Archaic period, and one of the Seven Wonders of Ancient World. Overnight at Izmir. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner.

After breakfast check out and proceed to Bursa - the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Explore the streets of Bursa Later visit to Bursa's market. Post tour proceeds to Istanbul in the evening explore Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, sail along the Bosphorus, the meeting point of Europe and Asia. Dinner and enjoy entertainment shows such as Belly Dance and music. Overnight at Istanbul

After breakfast, check out and proceed to visit The Grand Bazaar - one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops on a total area of 30,700 m2,  listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions  with 91,250,000 annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world. Then visit The Spice Bazaar - the most famous covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. Dinner at restaurant, later proceed to Istanbul airport for our return journey.

Flight departing from Istanbul and arrive at Cochin International Airport with sweet memories.                               Tour End