Start the day with the visit of imperial Blue Mosque which dominates Istanbul’s majestic skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes and six slender soaring minarets. The careful choreography of more than 20,000 Iznik tiles rise from the mid-sections of the mosque and dazzle the visitors with their brilliant blue and turquoise hues which lend the mosque its popular sobriquet. Next, take a stroll through the once glorious Roman Hippodrome which accommodates the ancient Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpentine Column. Besides being an arena of chariot races, it was employed for public events such as parades, meetings and festivals as well. Next discover the famous Grand Bazaar, the oldest shopping mall of the world, wander through its peculiar oriental ambiance and colorful mazy lanes. Following lunch at a traditional restaurant, explore Balat District, one of the oldest and most spectacular neighborhoods in the city. After some free time, you may take the opportunity of joining an optional cruise along the Bosphorus with supplement to enjoy by your private chartered boat the view of the scenic landscape of the strait adorned with ottoman palaces, forts, and fine old wooden houses on the shores of the water. End the day soaking up the unique energy and the spirit of Istanbul at its most organic, the Istiklal Street.

Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Your initial stop will be a leather outlet, get entertained by a fashion show to recognize latest modern designs. Then visit the main residence of the Ottoman dynasty, the magnificent Topkapi Palace which is the standing witness of glorious but secret and intriguing lives of the Ottoman sultans. It is now a museum not only for its architecture and collections but also for the history and the culture of the Ottoman Empire that it recalls. After lunch, drive to the city of Bolu for dinner and end at hotel.

Hotel: Overnight at the hotel in Bolu (1 night stay)

Hampton By Hilton Bolu 4*, Vonresort Abant Hotel or similar

Day 5: Cappadocia                    (B, L, D)

You may choose to participate in an optional early bird hot air balloon ride with supplement over the other-worldly scenery of Cappadocia.

After breakfast at the hotel, discover Goreme Valley which used to hold Cappadocia’s best collection of cave churches. Then, visit a traditional rug weaving center to learn about the three-thousand-year-old tribal art of Turks. You will be delighted to see the full procedure of silk cocoons and hand spun wool yarns being transformed into extremely fine carpets by magical fingers. Followed by lunch at a traditional cave restaurant, explore an underground city, famous for its subterranean dwellings and secret tunnel passages that various peoples utilized for shelter across the centuries. Admire the picturesque views of the lunar landscape region having photo stops at famous Hunters’ Valley and Pigeon Valley. Later, take a break at the natural fort of Uchisar to enjoy cone-like formations and well-preserved fairy chimneys around it. The final attraction of the day is a local pottery workshop in the town of Red River, Avanos where the mud has found its functional and decorative forms in rough but skillful hands of the townsmen since the Hittites. You will be thrilled at the demonstration of a local master on his millennia old kick-wheel. Transfer back to the hotel for dinner and overnight.

It is possible to join an optional show with supplement that will take place in a traditional cave restaurant to enjoy folkloric dances and famous belly dance.

Breakfast at hotel and check-out.  Set off to visit the sacred city of Artemis, Ephesus, one of the leading Roman sites of the world. Being a prominent cultural and commercial center, it was the most influential capital city of Asia Minor. The Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Celsus Library that was the third largest of its time and the grandest theater of this part of the world are tangible evidence of its significant glory. Following lunch at a traditional restaurant, stop by a jewelry store to admire worldwide renowned traditional Turkish designs. Transfer to Izmir for dinner and end at hotel.

Hotel: Overnight at the hotel in Izmir or Kusadasi (1 night stay)

Karaca, Kaya Prestige 4*, Hilton Manisa or similar