Turkey Ankara Cappadocia Kayseri Konya Pamukkale Izmir 9 Days 7 Nights GOTR9798

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Then, we will depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey. The second largest city after Istanbul, it is important for both business and industry. It is the center of the Turkish government and home to various embassies and a major trading center. Enjoy a relaxing drive along the city (travel time approximately 5.5 hours).
Lunch
We will visit the Atatürk Mausoleum, the monumental and massive tomb of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the prominent figure known as the "Father of the Turks" and the first president who ushered Turkey into the modern era. The mausoleum includes a museum and a ceremonial courtyard, making it a popular pilgrimage destination for many Turkish citizens. Travel to Cappadocia (CAPPADOCIA), which comes from the Persian word "KATPATUKA" (Katpatuka), a magical city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. The city was formed by a volcanic eruption and was covered with lava over a long period of time, turning it into rock. Through wind, rain, and storms, it has now formed a unique and beautiful landscape, making it a popular tourist destination. Another highlight of the city is its stunning hot air balloon ride (travel time approximately 4 hours). Along the way, stop to take photos of Lake Tuz, the second-largest lake in Turkey and one of the largest in the world.
Dinner.
Accommodation: Cappadocia Hotels or similar.

Early morning, the group will meet at the meeting point (hotel lobby). ** Only for those who have purchased the optional tour. **
** The company reserves the right to purchase the optional tour (balloon, classic car, jeep) through the tour leader only for reasons of price, safety, and group time management. Thank you for your cooperation. **
OPTION TOUR - CAPPADOCIA BALLOON VIEW. Ballooning is a symbol of Turkey. Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise and panoramic views of Cappadocia. Explore the ancient city, its charming culture, and experience the atmosphere from afar, capturing stunning images all around you. (Balloon ride fee) The price is approximately 280 USD per person. *Prices are subject to change*. Please inquire and pay with the tour leader. The hot air balloon ride is subject to suitable weather conditions*. Traveler safety is our top priority. **Insurance issued in Thailand does not cover hot air balloon rides and all types of gliders. This activity is at your discretion.**
OPTION TOUR - JEEP SAFARI: Explore Cappadocia, Turkey. This is one of the most memorable journeys, taking in the thrilling and breathtaking scenery of a city with millions of years of history. Admire the beauty of the valleys, a natural creation. (JEEP SAFARI ride costs approximately 120 USD per person. *Prices are subject to change*. Please inquire and pay with the tour leader.)
OPTION TOUR - CLASSIC CAR: Ride in a classic open-top car and enjoy the up-close view of the hot air balloons. This is an unseen experience in Cappadocia. Take photos with the colorful hot air balloons and enjoy the cool morning air while enjoying the vibrant view of the balloons in the sky. (Classic Car ride costs approximately 120 USD per person. *Prices are subject to change.* Please inquire and pay with the tour leader.)
Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Visit the pottery village of Avanos, renowned for its pottery, household items, cups, bowls, jars, jars, vases, and home decorations.
Lunch.
Travel to Kayseri, where you will take a scenic cable car ride to the ski resort on Mount Erciyes (Mt. Erciyes). Located in Kayseri, this mountain is nestled amidst a series of intricately shaped valleys, creating a stunning and majestic view. Standing at 2770 meters, the mountain offers a scenic climb to the summit. Furthermore, there are numerous activities available, including a scenic cable car ride or a climb to the summit, reaching 3917 meters. Erciyes is a popular ski resort for skiers in winter, offering a free and enjoyable experience. Enjoy free time to take photos with the snow-capped mountain peaks, a stunning view of Turkey. Note: Travel to the ski resort is subject to weather conditions. In the event of inclement weather, the company reserves the right to change the itinerary without prior notice. (Tour price does not include ski equipment and activities.) At the appropriate time, transfer back to Cappadocia.
Dinner.
Accommodation: Cappadocia Hotel or similar.

Early morning, the group meets at the meeting point (hotel lobby). ** Only for those who have purchased the optional tour. **
** The company reserves the right to purchase the optional tour (balloon, classic car, or jeep) through the tour leader only for reasons of price, safety, and group time management. Thank you for your cooperation. **
Stop for photos at Pigeon Valley. The viewpoint is located on the cliff face where ancient townspeople dug holes for pigeons to nest. The villagers raise pigeons and use their droppings as fertilizer for the trees. From the viewpoint, you can see Uchisar Castle and a replica tree with blue eyes hanging prominently. Free time for photos. Explore Pasabag Valley, a unique cone-shaped mountain range resembling a hat on top. Over 1,500 years ago, this area was the home of the monk Simon, who sought solitude and meditation. He found the Hermitage of St. Simon, and later became a popular retreat for many monks, earning it the nickname The Valley of the Monks.
Lunch
Explore Konya, once the capital of the Seljuk Turks from 1077-1118, the first Ottoman empire in Turkey, then known as Anatolia. It was the country's breadbasket, where most people worked as farmers and cultivated opium and other delicious fruits. This city has a rich history, and is home to the tomb of Mevlana, the originator of circular meditation. Each year, it attracts numerous pilgrims. (Travel time approximately 3.5 hours) Along the way, stop to take photos at Caravansarai, an ancient caravanserai resting place for caravans along the Silk Road and Ottoman Turks. Next, visit the Mevlana Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It houses the Dervish order, whose mission was to convert Christians in the Anatolian Peninsula to Islam and bridge the gap between the people and the Seljuk rulers. Part of the museum houses the tomb of Mefana Gelaleddin. The exterior features a bright green pointed cylindrical tower, while the interior features dazzling Muslim-style murals in vibrant colors, a rare sight. The museum also serves as a tomb for Mevlana's followers, disciples, fathers, and sons.
Dinner.
Accommodation: Konya Hotel or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Travel to Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle," located in the city of the same name in Denizli Province, Turkey. This white limestone hill is approximately 2.7 kilometers long and 160 meters high. It is formed by hot springs that precipitate calcium carbonate. Pamukkale was designated a World Heritage Site, along with Hierapolis, the ancient city located on Pamukkale, in 1988. (Travel time: approximately 5 hours.)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch.
Explore Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city built around a hot mineral spring believed to have healing properties. Over time, natural disasters caused the city to collapse, leaving only scattered ruins, including a large amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo, and an ancient Roman necropolis. Visit the Cotton Castle (PAMUKKALE), a white limestone waterfall formed by underground water at a temperature of approximately 35 degrees Celsius. The mineral-rich limestone flows down from Mount Kaldaku, located far to the north. The water hardens and forms stripes, basins, and tiers that follow the landscape, creating a unique and beautiful natural sculpture. Pamukkale and Hierapolis were recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Witness the beauty of the natural limestone basins contrasting with the vast cliffs, creating a myriad of stunning and varied landscapes, reminiscent of snow, clouds, or cotton wool. The mineral water temperature ranges from 33 to 35.5 degrees Celsius. Enjoy free time to capture memorable moments.
Dinner.
Accommodation: Pamukkale Hotel or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Travel to Izmir, a metropolis located at the westernmost tip of Anatolia and the third most populous city in Turkey, after Istanbul and Ankara. It is also the most densely populated Aegean city after Athens, as of 2017 (travel time approximately 3 hours). Enjoy free time to explore Izmir's Old Town, the city's symbol. Konak Square, built in 1901 in the heart of Izmir, is a beautiful and historically significant landmark of Izmir Province. The clock tower was even featured on the 500 Turkish lira banknote from 1983 to 1989.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch.
Travel to Çanakkale, another important port city of Turkey. It lies in both Europe and Asia like Istanbul. This city is part of the history of World War I because at Çanakkale, Allied soldiers landed and fought in the Gallipoli War. Every year, an event to commemorate those who died is held on ANZAC DAY on April 25th. In World War I, Turkey was defeated but won the Gallipoli War, making General Mustafa Kemal Pasha an important national hero. Later, Mustafa Kemal Pasha became Atatürk, the Father of the Turkish Nation. (Travel time is about 5 hours.) Stop to take pictures of the replica of the Wooden Horse of Troy, which is in the heart of Çanakkale. According to legend, the Wooden Horse of Troy was created from a battle between the Greek and Trojan armies that lasted for more than ten years. The Greek army devised a plan to attack Troy by constructing a wooden horse. Greek soldiers hid in the horse's niches and wheeled it to the city. The Trojans, believing the Greek army had retreated and surrendered, presented the horse with a replica as a gift and wheeled it into the city. At night, as the Trojans slept, the soldiers hiding in the horse opened the gates, allowing the Greek army to invade and burn Troy to the ground. The replica of the Trojan horse seen in Çanakkale was acquired from the Warner Bros. film crew for the filming of the TV series "Troy." After filming was completed, it became the property of the city in 2004. Enjoy free time to capture memorable moments until the appointed time.
Check in to your accommodation and enjoy dinner.
Accommodation: Canakkale Hotel or similar

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Then, we will depart for Istanbul, the country's most important city. Formerly known as Constantinople, it is the most populous city in Turkey. Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only major city in the world situated on two continents: Europe (the THRACE side of the Bosphorus) and Asia (the Anatolian side). Historically, Istanbul was an important center for the numerous tribes in the area, which has led to its various names. (Travel time: approximately 5 hours.)
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at your leisure.
Explore the Balat area, an ancient and fascinating neighborhood in Istanbul, Turkey. The streets are paved with large cobblestones and the houses are colorful and vibrant. Many are over 50 years old, with some dating back over 200 years. This area is a very popular destination, and today boasts numerous cafes and restaurants. Take a photo with the Galata Tower. GALATA TOWER (GALATA KULESI), sometimes called CHRISTEA TURRIS, which means Tower of Christ in Latin, is a medieval stone tower in the Galata-Karaköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the city's most striking landmarks. With its tall, cylindrical shape, the tower dominates the skyline, creating a stunning view of the peninsula and the surrounding area of ​​Istanbul. The streets are also lined with beautiful and unusual European-style buildings and shops. Take a trip to Taksim Square, a major tourist and leisure area famous for its restaurants, shops, and hotels. It is considered the heart of modern Istanbul, with a central station on the Istanbul Metro network. Enjoy the Spice Market, located near the Galata Bridge. Built in 1660, it is the second largest covered market in Istanbul. The main products are spices, nuts, honeycombs, olive oil, clothing, and accessories, etc. Free time for shopping. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and enjoy dinner at your leisure.
Accommodation: Istanbul Hotel or equivalent

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Please dress appropriately for the mosque. Shoes must be removed before entering.
Women: Wear long pants that cover the ankles, long-sleeved shirts that cover the wrists, and a head covering.
Men: Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts that do not cover the wrists.
Explore the Blue Mosque (SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE). This mosque is considered the architectural masterpiece of both the Ottoman and Byzantine empires. It combines elements of the Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture. It is the largest mosque in Turkey, capable of holding over 100,000 people. Construction took place between 1609 and 1616 and is named after the Sultan who built it. Explore Sultan Ahmet Square (HIPPODROME) (exterior), a Roman horse racecourse, and the center of tourist attractions in the old city. Built during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, the Hippodrome served as a venue for city activities. Later, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the Hippodrome was expanded to house various sculptures, mostly from the ancient Greek period. During the Ottoman period, the site was used for ceremonies, but today, only the courtyard in front of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque remains. Three obelisks remain: one built in Egypt for Pharaoh Thutmose III and brought back to Istanbul; the other, the Serpent Column; and the third, the Column of Constantine VII. Visit the Hagia Sophia (Mosque of Hagia Sophia) (exterior), also known as the Hagia Sophia, or Ayasofya in Turkish. Hagia Sophia means "Church of Holy Wisdom." The word "SOFIA" comes from the Greek word for "wisdom," and thus has no connection to the saint Sofia. Hagia Sophia is a magnificent man-made structure. Located in Constantinople (now Istanbul), Turkey, this mosque is one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages and the Eighth Wonder of the World. Built during the reign of Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire.
Noon: Free time for lunch.
At appropriate times, transfer to Istanbul Airport.
03:30 PM: Depart for Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand on Turkish Airlines (TK) flight TK58. (Meals and beverages served on board) (Flight time approximately 10.25 hours)