ATB Holidays Grup Tour

TUESDAY - Capadoccia.After breakfast, depart for a full day

tour of Capadoccia. Visit to the Pigeon

Valley near Uchisar; then proceed to the

Open Air Museum in Goreme through

Avcilar Valley and visit to the early

Christian Churches decorated with

unique frescoes depicting various

scenes from the Bible. Lunch in a restaurant and then visit to Kaymakli

Underground City, the place early Christians hide from persecutors. Pasabagi

in Zelve region and Avanos with shopping facilities for the world-wide

famous handicrafts. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

WEDNESDAY-Capadoccia-

Konya-Pamukkale.Early breakfast at the hotel. Depart for

Pamukkale via Konya. On the way, visit

to the 13th centur y S el jukian

masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai and

arrival in Konya. Lunch will be served at

a restaurant in Konya. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide

famous mystic, proceed to Karatay Theological School in which beautiful tiles

are on display. Drive to Pamukkale and stay overnight at Pamukkale.


THURSDAY - Hierapolis-Aphrodisias-Kusadasi.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, we will check out and

visit the ancient city of Hierapolis with the Theatre, Temple of Apollo and

magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Then drive to Aphrodisias; we'll have

our lunch there. Later visit to the ruins and the museum. At the end of the

tour, drive to Kusadasi and stay overnight at this pretty seashore town of of

Aydin province.


FRIDAY - Ephesus and Virgin Mary's House-Istanbul.After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of the

Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There were

previous temples on this site,

where evidence of a sanctuary

dates back as early as the Bronz

Age. We then proceed to the

Ancient City of Ephesus where

you will explore some of the best

preserved theatres, fountains

and buildings in the world.

Ephesus was one of the twelve cities of the Ionian League during the Classical

Greek era. In the Roman period, it was for many years the second largest city of

the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. A definite must while in Turkey. Not

to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a

pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. According to belief Mary

may have spent her last days here. Indeed, she may have come in the area

together with Saint John, who spent several years her spreading the Christian

faith. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to

take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer

to our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul.


SATURDAY - Departure.After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to

home. The end of our services.

Meal Plan: Breakfast.

IstanbulCapadoccia

KonyaPamukkale

Ephesus

ISTANBUL

EPHESUS

CAPPADOCIA

KONYA

PAMUKKALE

SATURDAY - Arrive to Istanbul.Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to

arrival time. Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel.

Overnight at Istanbul.

Meal Plan: Dinner.

SUNDAY - Full Day Old City Tour.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet

district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former

Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive

dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome;

the stadium of ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of

three entwined serpents from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque,

which owes it's name to the exquisite tiles adorning it's interior, and the famous Grand

Bazaar one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the

amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle

residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856.

At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour,

transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul.


MONDAY-Half Day Bosphorus Cruise, Fly to Kayseri.Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in the morning.

After a brief visit to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city

full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminonu,

it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark

on a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from

Asia. After the cruise you will be transfered to Ataturk Airport to take the flight to Kayseri.

After arrival, meet and transfer to Capadoccia. Overnight at Capadoccia.


Included Services:

-Hotel Accommodations at chosen class, including breakfast and dinner.

-Land transportation, guiding, entrance fees to the visited sites and lunch.

-Local taxes and service fees.

-Bottled water on board.

Excluded:

-Any drink with meals (Drinks served with breakfast are included)

-Any International or domestic flight ticket.

-Personal expences.

www.iexploreturkey.comwww.iexploreturkey.com

T U E S D A Y - P e r g a m u mEarly depart from hotel for Pergamum.

Visit to the Asclepieion, one of the major

healing centres of antiquity, Acropolis

where the monumental buildings or

herons donated by the kings of

Pergamum during the Hellenistic

period. The Temple of Serapis, built for the Egyptian Gods in the 2nd c. AD.

and called as the Red Courtyard and dedicated to St John. After lunch, depart

for Izmir. We will visit Agora and the other remainings from Ancient Smyrna.

Stay overnight in Izmir.

Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner.

WEDNESDAY- Thyatira-Sardes-Philadelphia.After breakfast drive to Thyatira whose remains include a temple and large

church. Then continue on to Sardis, the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian

Empire and one of the most amazing sites in Turkey. After our visits at Sardis,

we will have lunch, after lunch, we will visit Philadelphia, with its famous

church of Philadelphia which was an important place for the spreading of

the Christian faith. Then head to Pamukkale, where we will spend this night.

Stay overnight in Pamukkale.

Meal Plan: Breakfast , Lunch, Dinner.

THURSDAY- Hierapolis-Laodicea-Pamukkale.After breakfast visit to the remains of the Ancient City of Hierapolis and the

travertens. Lunch at Pamukkale. After lunch drive to Laodicea which is

mentioned in Revelations by St. John and in ancient times was known as

"The City of Compromise". After visiting Laodicea, drive to Kusadasi. Stay

overnight in Kusadasi.


FRIDAY-Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House-Istanbul.After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of

the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There

were previous temples on this

site, where evidence of a

sanctuary dates back as early

as the Bronz Age. We then

proceed to the Ancient City of

Ephesus where you will explore

some of the best preserved

theatres, fountains and

buildings in the world. Ephesus

was one of the twelve cities of

the Ionian League during the Classical Greek era. In the Roman period, it

was for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking

behind Rome. A definite must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the

House of the Virgin Mary on top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for

many people of all denominations. According to belief Mary may have spent

her last days here. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with

Saint John, who spent several years her spreading the Christian faith. Lunch

is included in the tour. After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the

flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to

our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul.


SATURDAY-Departure.After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Ataturk Airport for your final flight to



IstanbulIzmir

PergamunPamukkale

Ephesus

ISTANBUL

SMYRA SARDES

EPHESUS

PERGAMON

PAMUKKALE

Included Services:





Excluded:



-Personal expences.


SATURDAY - Arrive to Istanbul.Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at Arrive at Istanbul Airport,

meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to arrival time.

Meeting with guide and briefing about the tour at dinner in the hotel.


Meal Plan: Dinner.

SUNDAY - Full Day Old City Tour.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet


Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive

dome. It was originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome;



which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand







MONDAY-Half Day Bosphorus Cruise, Fly to Izmir.Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel in the morning.

After a brief visit to the 17th Century Spice Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in the city

full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminonu,

it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark

on a breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from

Asia. After the cruise you will be transfered to Ataturk Airport to take the flight to Izmir.

After arrival, meet and transfer to your hotel in Izmir. Overnight at Izmir.


Istanbul

Konya

Capadoccia

ISTANBUL

CAPPADOCIA

KONYA

SATURDAY-Arrive to Istanbul.Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to

arrival time.



Meal Plan: Dinner.

SUNDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast,

enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet district, the

heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent

Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox basilica, later a mosque

and now a museum famous in particular for its

massive dome. It was originally constructed as a

church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome;



which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand







MONDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia, Fly to KonyaBreakfast is served at the hotel. Aftr breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating 17th

Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts, dried

fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest

covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. We then embark on our ferry for a

breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from

Included Services:





Excluded:



-Personal expences.


Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge and head for

the summit of Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic views of

Istanbul. Then you will be transfered to Airport to take the flight to Konya.

Dinner will be served on the way to Airport. After arrival, meet and transfer

to your hotel in Konya. Overnight at Konya.


TUESDAY-Konya.After breakfast, we will start a full day tour of Konya. Visit The Tomb of

Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, Mevlana Museum, Karatay Tile Museum,

Inceminare, Alaaddin Mosque and Palace. Lunch at a typical local restaurant.

Free time at Old Bazaar to wander around and do shopping at the end of

the tour.


WEDNESDAY-Konya-Capadoccia.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast depart for Capadoccia.

Visit Sultanhan Caravanserail. We will be stopping by some small villages

on the way to see the real country life.

Arrive Capadoccia, check-in ur hotel. Dinner and overnight at Capadoccia.


THURSDAY-Capadoccia.After breakfast, depart from your hotel for a tour of one of the most amazing

parts of Cappadocia. On this full day tour you will visit: Devrent Valley and

Zelve Open Air Museum which was once home to one of the largest

communities in the region. An amazing cave town honeycombed with

dwellings, religious and secular chambers. We continue with Monk's valley

(Pasabagi) where you will find the world famous fairy chimneys. Break for

lunch in Avanos and then explore the Goreme Open Air Museum a complex

of medieval painted cave churches carved out by Orthodox monks. Depart

for a panoramic view of Goreme from Esentepe and then on to Uchisar, a

natural rock castle. Dinner and overnight at Capadccia.


FRIDAY-Capadoccia-Istanbul.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, pick up from your hotel to

begin this exciting daily excursion with a 4km hike through the Rose Valley (For

those who do not wish to do

trekking, will be transfered to

the meeting point by vheicle).

There are some beautiful

formations with hidden churches

carved from rock. Afterwards, we

take a visit to the old christian

village of Cavusin, one of the

oldest settlements in the area

which has been largely eroded

and partially collapsed. Part of the village has risen in tiers on the slopes of the

cliff. At the top, the Basilica of St John the Baptist offers panoramic views of the

village. Stop for lunch in Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the marvelous

construction that is the Kaymakli Underground City, the widest underground

city in the Cappadocia region. You will also visit the Ortahisar Natural Rock Castle,

a 90m high naturally formed castle and prominent landmark in the region. After

the tour, transfer to Kayseri Airport for the evening flight back to Istanbul. Arrive

Istanbul, meet and transfer to your hotel. Overnight at Istanbul.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.




IstanbulSanliurfaGaziantep

AntakyaIzmir (Ephesus)

ISTANBUL

SMYRA

EPHESUS

ANTAKYA

SATURDAY-Arrive to Istanbul.Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to

arrival time.



Meal Plan: Dinner.

SUNDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet


Orthodox basilica, later a mosque and now a museum

famous in particular for its massive dome. It was

originally constructed as a church between 532 and

537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of ancient

Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze

sculpture of three entwined serpents from Delphi

still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque,

which owes it’s name to the exquisite tiles adorning

it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the

largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi

Palace, which from the 15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman

Sultans for 400 years of their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour

free time at Grand Bazaar and Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner

and overnight at Istanbul.


MONDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia, Fly to Sanliurfa.Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating

17th Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts,

dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest


Included Services:





Excluded:



-Personal expences.


GAZ•ANTEP

•ANLIURFA

breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides

Europe from Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge

and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic

views of Istanbul. Then you will be transfered to Airport to take the flight

to Sanliurfa. After arrival, meet and transfer to

your hotel in Sanliurfa. Dinner and overnight at Sanliurfa.


TUESDAY-Sanliurfa.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. Today, we will discover Urfa, which is

also known as Edessa, the birthplace of Abraham. Visit the ruins of the oldest

Islamic University, also an astronomy center with its observation tower still

standing, and the Harran houses built of mud-bricks, all unique features of

this land. After lunch drive to Sanliurfa to visit the Mevlid-i Halil Mosque,

the Cave of Prophet Abraham and the sacred fish pool. You will have a

opportunity to wander in the Old Bazaar. Stay overnight in Urfa.


WEDNESDAY-Sanliurfa-Gaziantep-Antakya.Depart early for Gaziantep, we make a visit to the Gaziantep's Mosaic Museum

for the excellent mosaic findings from the Roman Villas of Zeugma on the

Euphrates. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit to

Gaziantep Bazaar. After visits, proceed to Antakya, Check-in our hotel. Dinner

and overnight at Antakya.


THURSDAY-Antakya-Izmir (Flight).After breakfast, we start discovering Antakya, a true tresaure of history,

religions and food. The word "Christian" was first used in this town where

St. Peter gathered early Christians in a cave church for mass. The city is also

honored as being where Cleopatra and Marc Anthony were married. After

lunch, transfer to Antakya Airport to take the flight to Izmir. Arrive Izmir

after an hour flight. Meet and transfer to hotel in Izmir. Dinner and overnight

at Izmir.


FRIDAY-Ephesus and Virgin Mary’s House.After breakfast, depart from our hotel in the morning to visit the ruins of

the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. There

were previous temples on this site, where evidence of a sanctuary dates back

as early as the Bronz Age. We then

proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus

where you will explore some of the best

preserved theatres, fountains and

buildings in the world. Ephesus was one

of the twelve cities of the Ionian League

during the Classical Greek era. In the

Roman period, it was for many years

the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. A definite

must while in Turkey. Not to be forgotten is the House of the Virgin Mary on

top of Bulbul Mountain, a pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations.

According to belief Mary may have spent her last days here. Indeed, she may

have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years her

spreading the Christian faith. Lunch is included in the tour. After the tour,

transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive Istanbul,

meet at the airport and transfer to our hotel. Overnight at Istanbul.





IstanbulVan

DiyarbakirMardin

GaziantepAntakya

FRIDAY-Arrive to Istanbul.Arrive at Istanbul Airport, meet and transfer to hotel. Free time at leisure according to

arrival time.



Meal Plan: Dinner.

SATURDAY- Full Day Old City Tour.Breakfast will be served at the hotel. After breakfast, enjoy a full day tour of the Sultanahmet

district, the heart of old Istanbul. Firstly we visit the magnificent Hagia Sofia, a former Orthodox

basilica, later a mosque and now a museum famous in particular for its massive dome. It was

originally constructed as a church between 532 and 537 A.D. The Hippodrome; the stadium of

ancient Byzantium, where an Egyptian obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents

from Delphi still survive. We then continue to the Blue Mosque, which owes it’s name to the

exquisite tiles adorning it’s interior, and the famous Grand Bazaar one of the largest and oldest

covered markets in the world. After lunch we visit the amazing Topkapi Palace, which from the

15th to the 19th Century was the principle residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of

their 600-year reign from 1465 to 1856. At the end of the tour free time at Grand Bazaar and

Nur-u Osmaniye. After the tour, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight at Istanbul.


SUNDAY-Full Day Bosphorus Cruise with Asia.Breakfast is served at the hotel. After breakfast we take a brief visit to the fascinating

17th Century Spice Bazaar which is one of the oldest bazaars in the city full of spices, nuts,

dried fruits, seeds and lokum (Turkish delight). Located in Eminönü, it is the second largest


breathtaking cruise along the Bosphorus, the beautiful strait that divides Europe from

Asia. After lunch, we drive across the first Bosphorus bridge and head for the summit of

Camlica Hill, which reveals fantastic panoramic views of Istanbul. Transfer back to hotel

Dinner and overnight at Istanbul.


Included Services:





Excluded:



-Personal expences..


GAZ•ANTEP

•ANLIURFA

ANTAKYA

ISTANBUL

MARD•N

D•YARBAKIR

VAN

MONDAY- Istanbul-Van.Early Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Istanbul Airport to take the early

morning flight to Van. Arrive Van, ans start fo our day in Van. Our first visit

of the day will be to the Van Castle for a glance at the Urartian capital Tuspa

and the Urartian royal tomb where inscriptions are still present. We then

take a lake side lunch followed by a cruise to Akthamar Island for a visit to

a unique Armenian church adorned with a stone carved story of the people

and their faith. Enjoy a short visit to a local carpet and handicraft center

before heading to Cavustepe, an Urartian citadel complex dating back to 8th

Century. Stay overnight in Van.


TUESDAY- Van-Diyarbakir.Breakfast at the hotel. Today we drive up the mountain for a stop in Bitlis to

visit a Seljuki madrasa. Continuing to the upper Mesopotamia (between the

Euphrates & Tigres) we visit the 13th Century Malabadi - one of the largest

bridges of the past. Arrive in Diyarbakir where we will see the Great Mosque

and also take a short visit to Cahit Sitki Taranci House (a famous Turkish poet)

and the most beautiful example of old Diyarbakir houses with different

sections for the four seasons of the year. Enjoy a lovely sunset on the city

walls of Diyarbakir. If time permits, we visit a Syrian Orthodox and an Armenian

Church which stand side by side within the walls. Stay overnight in Diyarbakir.


WEDNESDAY-Diyarbakir-Mardin.Drive along a land spotted with oil wells and irrigated by the waters of Tigris.

Visit the remains of Hasankeyf's monumental Zeyl Abidin tomb, rock houses

and an Islamic university. Continue to Midyat, which retains a medieval aspect

with its narrow lanes and fortified stone mansions. Finally, we drive to the city

of Mardin to visit the Deyrulzafaran Monastery which for 639 years was the

centre of the Syrian Orthodoxes. Before dinner take a stroll through Mardin

streets, viewing Kasimiye Medrese, historical Mardin homes and interact with

the multi-religious locals who live peacefully together. Stay overnight in Mardin.


THURSDAY- Mardin-Sanliurfa.Take your breakfast with a bird’s eye view of the fertile Mesopotamian plain.

After breakfast, drive to Urfa, which is also known as Edessa, the birthplace of

Abraham. Visit the ruins of the oldest Islamic university, also an astronomy center

with its observation tower still standing, and the Harran houses built of mud-

bricks, all unique features of this land. After lunch drive to Sanliurfa to visit the

Mevlid-i Halil Mosque, the Cave of Prophet Abraham and the sacred fish pool.

You will have a opportunity to wander in the Old Bazaar. Stay overnight in Urfa.


FRIDAY-Sanliurfa-Gaziantep-Antakya-Istanbul.After breakfast, depart for Gaziantep, we make a visit to the Gaziantep's

Mosaic Museum for the excellent mosaic findings from the Roman Villas of

Zeugma on the Euphrates. The afternoon will be spent in Antakya, a true

tresaure of history, religions and food. The word "Christian" was first used in

this town where St. Peter gathered early Christians in a cave church for mass.

The city is also honored as being where Cleopatra and Marc Anthony were

married. The second largest mosaic museum will be another highlight of the

day. After visits you may have sometime at the local market. At the end of

the tour, transfer to Hatay Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Arrive

Istanbul, meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight at Istanbul.

Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch.




ATB Holidays Grup Tour

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Transcript of ATB Holidays Grup Tour