WONDERS OF TURKEY

Day 1: (Friday) BOGOTÁ – MADRID/BARCELONA/PARIS

Departure from your city of origin with final destination Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris. Overnight on board.

Day 2: (Saturday) MADRID/BARCELONA/PARIS - ISTANBUL

Arrival in Madrid, Barcelona, or Paris, where we will continue our journey to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Free day. Accommodation.

Day 3: (Sunday) ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, under the skies of Istanbul, a unique opportunity awaits. We will set off on a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city, where we will see the Roman Aqueduct. We will continue on to see the Walls of Constantinople, cross the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, offering a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Galata Tower, and the Asian side of the city.

There is the option to join the optional excursion "THE COLORS OF ISTANBUL" (includes lunch at a typical restaurant): Visit the historic Eyüp Mosque, an important Muslim pilgrimage site located near the Golden Horn, built in the 15th century. From there, we will head to the old Jewish quarter of Balat. We will stroll through its charming cobbled streets, adorned with colorful wooden houses and vibrant antique shops. Next, we will walk to the nearby Greek quarter of Fener. This picturesque neighborhood is known for its Orthodox churches, among which the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople stands out. We will explore the streets steeped in history and admire the Byzantine architecture that characterizes this area. We will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, we will visit the famous Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar). This vibrant market is a feast for the senses, with its stalls full of spices, sweets, nuts, and a wide variety of local products. To round off our day, we will embark on a relaxing boat trip along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, enjoying the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and bridges that connect both sides of this vibrant city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Day 4: (Monday) ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day with the option of taking a full-day excursion with lunch, "THE OTTOMAN JEWELS." We will start our day exploring Sultanahmet Square, where the Blue Mosque will amaze us with its impressive tiles. We will continue on to the Roman Hippodrome, the former site of sporting and political events in the Byzantine era. Then, we will admire the exterior of the majestic Hagia Sophia, a monument that has witnessed centuries of history and has been transformed from a church to a mosque. We will continue to a local restaurant to enjoy a delicious lunch, where you will taste typical Turkish cuisine. Later, the Grand Bazaar will tempt us with its thousands of shops and treasures waiting to be discovered. After a day full of exploration and experiences, we will return to the hotel, taking with us unforgettable memories of Istanbul. Accommodation.

Day 5: (Tuesday) ISTANBUL - ANKARA - CAPPADOCIA 

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we bid farewell to Istanbul and head to Cappadocia, one of Turkey's most fascinating regions. On our way, we will make two noteworthy stops. The first will be in Ankara, where we will visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, to pay tribute to his historical legacy. Then, we will continue to the impressive Salt Lake, one of the largest saline lakes in the world. You will have the opportunity to walk on its sparkling salt waters and admire its unique beauty. After these enriching experiences, we will continue our journey to magical Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6: (Wednesday) CAPPADOCIA

At dawn, we can take an optional hot air balloon ride to fly over the "Fairy Chimneys." The surreal landscapes will captivate your senses.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will venture into the wonderful Cappadocia, where rocks carved over centuries tell secret stories to the wind, and begin our magical journey. Ortahisar Castle, the fortress carved into the rock, stands as a beacon of history. Then, Güvercinlik Valley, where cliffs embrace pigeons in their niches, immerses us in timeless beauty. Uçhisar Castle, touching the sky with its stone spires, reveals views that awaken dreams. Devrent Vadisi, the "Valley of Imagination," awakens the fantasy with whimsical rock formations, the rocks seeming to have been sculpted by fairies. Valley of Love, where love intertwines in every corner, envelops us in its romantic reverie. Among these wonders, we will visit carpet and onyx workshops, where craftsmanship tells ancestral stories. This day is a living poem, a symphony of rocks and dreams that inscribes itself on the soul, where the magic and culture of Cappadocia embrace us at every turn. Dinner and accommodation.

Day 7: (Thursday) CAPPADOCIA - PAMUKKALE

Breakfast at the hotel. We head to Pamukkale, known for its travertine terraces and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Upon arrival, we will explore Hierapolis, an ancient city that was an important spa center in Roman times. We will admire the well-preserved ruins, including its Roman theater, the Gate of Domitian, and the famous thermal pools of Cleopatra. Free time to enjoy the natural pools of Cotton Castle. Then, we will arrive at our hotel in Pamukkale, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy the facilities and relax. You can take a dip in the hotel's thermal pools or simply rest and recharge your batteries before continuing our journey. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 8: (Friday) PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - KUSADASI OR IZMIR

Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will immerse ourselves in rich history and spirituality as we visit two extraordinary sites. We will begin in Ephesus, an ancient Roman city that was once one of the most important cultural and commercial centers of the ancient world. Here, we will explore its well-preserved ruins, including the theater, the Library of Celsus, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then, we will head to the House of the Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site for people of all religions, where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her last years. This sacred place exudes a spiritual peace that touches the hearts of visitors. We will also stop at a leather production center. Dinner and overnight stay.

Day 9: (Saturday) IZMIR – FREE DAY (OPTION: THE GREEK ISLAND OR TURKISH TUSCANY)

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day with the option of taking an optional "2 countries in 1 day" excursion in Greece. Today we offer you an exciting opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Chios. Known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history, Chios awaits you for a unique experience. You can explore charming villages, discover the local culture, and taste unique culinary delights. Free time for lunch. You will also have time to relax on its crystal-clear beaches or explore its historical sites. Return to Turkey and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

✓ The Greek Island of Chios - Description: March to October

• The Greek island of Chios. Known for its picturesque landscapes, pristine beaches, and rich history, Chios awaits you for a unique experience. You can explore charming villages, discover the local culture, and sample unique culinary delights. Free time for lunch. You will also have time to relax on its crystal-clear beaches or explore its historical sites. Return to Turkey.

• (This tour requires a minimum of 10 participants. If there are fewer than 10 participants, it will be replaced with the "Turkish Tuscany" excursion.)

✓ Turkish Tuscany (with lunch) Description:

• As in many places bathed by the Mediterranean, the climate is particularly favorable for wine production, as is the case in Italy, Spain, and also Turkey. The Aegean Sea region, an arm of the Mediterranean, is a major producer of quality wines. Departure for the Isa Bey Mosque, an impressive example of Seljuk architecture dating back to the 14th century. We will continue our tour with a panoramic view of the Basilica of St. John from the outside, where the tomb of this important apostle is located. Then we will head to the charming village of Sirince, famous for its architecture of white houses in Turkish-Greek style. In Sirince, we will enjoy a wine tasting, sampling the delicious local wines made from fruits such as apples, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, peaches, melons, watermelons, cherries, and many others. After the tasting, we will have free time to explore its narrow streets, where all kinds of handicrafts and locally produced olive oil are sold. We will make a brief stop to take some photos at the famous theater of Miletus, known for having been visited by St. Paul. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the unique flavors of Aegean cuisine. In the afternoon, we will visit the Temple of Apollo in Didim. This temple is one of the most famous oracles of the ancient world and was built in honor of Apollo, the god of prophecy, music, and poetry. After exploring this fascinating archaeological site, we will return to the hotel, where you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

Day 10: (Sunday) KUSADASI/IZMIR - BURSA - ISTANBUL

Breakfast at the hotel. On this last day of our tour of Anatolia, we will depart early from Izmir for the charming city of Bursa, known as Turkey's "Green City." Bursa will welcome us with its rich history and natural beauty. We will visit the Grand Silk Bazaar, where you can explore and buy unique souvenirs. During our tour, we will also visit the Green Mosque. After a day full of discoveries, we will return to Istanbul. Accommodation.

Day 11: (Monday) ISTANBUL - BOGOTÁ

Breakfast. We hope you enjoyed this trip filled with Turkish history, culture, and beauty! At the agreed time, transfer to Istanbul airport to catch your flight to Bogotá.