The Cradle of Civilisation By World Journeys

The Cradle of Civilisation By World Journeys

10 Days / 9 Nights from $7,330 Price Per Person

Sales from 18 May 2023 to 31 December 2025

**Day 1: Istanbul**
On arrival in Istanbul you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

**Day 2: Istanbul**
Istanbul is a captivating city where East meets West with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a mix of traditional and modern culture. Join your guide to explore the ancient quarter, visiting the Hippodrome and Underground Cistern, the iconic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the beautiful Blue Mosque and the Turkish Islamic Art Museum.

**Day 3: Istanbul**
Today’s walking tour will take you to Topkapi Palace and the Archeological Museum – the variety and quality of the objects on display make this among the most outstanding institution of its kind, with fine Greek and Roman sculpture, Mesopotamian jewellery and an important collection of Hittite artifacts. Also visit the Spice Bazaar, wondering its labyrinthine streets.

**Day 4: Istanbul**
Visit Dolmabahce Palace, the last palace of the Ottoman rulers, before cruising up the Bosphorus where the European and Asian continents converge, with great views of the city skyline. This afternoon visit the Suleymaniye Mosque and explore the bustling Grand Bazaar with its exotic fare.

**Day 5: Istanbul > Nevsehir/Kayseri > Cappadocia**
Transfer to the airport for the morning flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport and on arrival transfer to Cappadocia. Visit the Devrent Valley and walk through the Zelve Open Air Museum before catching a glimpse of Pasabagi’s Fairy Chimneys. Stop at Avanosa, a centre of terracotta art since 3,000 BC, for a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop then continue to Goreme Open Air to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia.

**Day 6: Cappadocia**
The option (additional cost) of a hot air balloon ride may be possible this morning. Visit the underground city of Kaymakli then travel to Ihlara Valley, a lush oasis in the steppes of central Anatolia. Stop at the lovely village of Selime and continue on to the Agizkarahan Caravanserai.

**Day 7: Cappadocia > Nevsehir/Kayseri > Istanbul > Izmir**
Transfer to the Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport for a morning flight to Istanbul then connect with an early afternoon flight to Izmir, or fly direct if that service is available on your specific date.

**Day 8: Izmir > Ephesus > Izmir**
Today visit Ephesus. If you’ve ever heard the words “an epistle to the Ephsians”, now is your chance to sit in the theatre where St Paul preached. Walk along colonnaded streets imagining them crowded with people visiting shops and taverns or simply strolling in the shade. See the Library of Celsus, bathhouses, a gymnasium and Roman Terrace houses decorated with mosaics and frescoes rivalling those of Pompeii. Ephesus is among the best-preserved classical cities in the world, and the perfect place to get a feel for life in Roman times. See the House of the Virgin Mary and Basilica of St John before returning to your hotel.

**Day 9: Izmir > Aphrodisias > Izmir**
Visit Aphrodisias, with its magnificent architecture. There was a settlement on the site as early as 5,800 BC but Aphrodisias did not develop into a major city until the Roman era. Among the monumental structures that have survived, many in an excellent state of preservation, are a vast stadium, the Baths of Hadrian, an exquisite odeon, the Portico of Tiberius, a sebastian (a shrine to the deified emperors) and a theatre seating 8,000. Return to Izmir for overnight.

**Day 10: Izmir > Istanbul**
Transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul, where your journey ends.

Inclusions

• • Tailor-made journey
  • 9 nights’ accommodation
  • 9 breakfasts
  • Meet & Greet at Istanbul Havalimani International Airport on Day 1
  • Meet & Greet at Nevsehir or Kayseri and Izmir airports
  • Private transfers as per the itinerary
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
  • Entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Economy class flights Istanbul > Neveshir/Kayseri >Izmir > Istanbul
  • Services charges and value added tax (VAT)