A Snapshot of Turkey

Visit St. Sophia, also known as the church of the Divine Wisdom, along with Topkapı Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries. It is located on the promontory jutting out between the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famed Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, which was one of the largest chariot race grounds of the Byzantine Empire.

Enjoy a private motor yacht cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait of water separating the Asian and European continents and the lifeblood of Istanbul. Passing along the shores of the Bosphorus you will view magnificent palaces, restored Ottoman villas, impressive fortresses and the waterside residences of Istanbul’s elite.

Enjoy soft drinks on the motor yacht and see a different perspective of Istanbul, described by a Byzantine visitor in the 12th century as ‘the city of the world’s desire’.

Explore the Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest and oldest covered Bazaar with more than 4,000 shops. A variety of Turkish handicrafts, oriental carpets, rare jewels, textiles, cotton towels, Iznik tiles and inexpensive souvenirs can be found, all sold in small shops next to each other.

You may also wish to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and the Spice Bazaar, the second largest covered market in Istanbul.

First, you will visit Devrent Valley, with its extraordinary rock formations. Next, you will stop in the Pasabag Valley where the formation of the ‘fairy chimney’ can be best observed. Pasabag, the Pasha’s Vineyard, is surrounded by incredible natural rock formations, making a spectacular scene.

Lastly you will visit Zelve, where three canyons meet in the Valley of Monks. The rock face at Zelve is honeycombed with caves and churches, and much of the decoration inside the churches is symbolic. You will visit the two most interesting churches: the Church of Grapes and the Fish Church.

After an early morning pick up, you will take to the skies above Cappadocia to enjoy a thrilling and breathtaking ballooning experience. As you float over Cappadocia’s unique landscapes, heading along its scenic valleys, you’ll gain a greater appreciation of the sheer beauty of this area of Turkey. After your ride, you will head back to your hotel for a delicious breakfast.

Start your adventure descending below the Earth’s surface with your expert guide into the Kaymakli underground city, where five levels include living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables and ventilation shafts. Early Christians carved out these subterranean complexes to avoid invaders who swept across the plains of Anatolia from the 6th to the 9th century.

Next you’ll explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum, where icons and other figurative representations were prohibited. Then you’ll visit the Göreme Valley, which has been occupied since the dawn of history and is known as the ‘Valley of the Churches’.