Pearl Escapade Istanbul Cappadocia and Izmir Multi City Vacation

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore the city that lies on two continents.

Today, enjoy a full-day tour of Istanbul including a visit to Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453 and 1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome which was once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Next, see St. Sophia, a church built in the 6th century and converted to a mosque by the Ottomans. It is now a museum and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. (B)

Before visiting the spice market this morning, enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus, passing Istanbul's spectacular skyline while sailing between two continents. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to the Istanbul airport to catch your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

Consider an early morning optional hot air balloon tour. Experience floating through the volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise. After breakfast, visit Goreme, a historical region of Turkey, located among rock formations. It was first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today, as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high quality earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi and the Red Valley, and attend a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. (B)

After an early breakfast, you will be transferred to the Cappadocia airport to catch your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be met and driven to the remarkable Greco-Roman archaeological site of Ancient Ephesus. Your tour includes a visit to the Terrace Houses with their magnificent mosaics and frescoes that are being restored by archaeologists as you visit the site. In addition to the historic monuments, you will also visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a lovely little chapel believed to be the Virgin Mary’s last home. (B)

After breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel, you will be transferred to the Izmir airport to catch your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. (B)

You will be transferred to the Istanbul airport for your return flight home. (B)