Grand Turkiye Cappadocia Konya Pamukkale Izmir 8 Days 6 Nights GOTR9935

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel.
Note: If you wish to take a hot air balloon ride, which is an optional tour, you can purchase it yourself. The price is approximately 280-300 USD. However, the travel insurance provided by the company does not cover hot air balloon rides or any type of glider. Therefore, purchasing this optional tour is at your discretion and is outside the program provided by the company. If there are any problems such as the balloon not being able to take off or other issues, you must contact the balloon supplier yourself.
Explore Cappadocia, a land with amazing landscapes transformed into valleys, ravines, hills, conical rock formations, and beautiful pillars of various shapes. Cappadocia is an ancient Hittite name (from the earliest inhabitants of this region) meaning "land of fine horses." Located in central Turkey, it was formed by the eruption of the Erciyes and Hasan volcanoes approximately 3 million years ago. The enormous amount of ash and lava that was spewed out spread throughout the area. Over hundreds of thousands or millions of years, layers of volcanic soil accumulated and were covered in sediment. Then, currents of water, wind, rain, sun, and snow eroded the volcanic land, creating a bizarre and wondrous landscape filled with rock formations in the shape of pillars, cones, chimneys, tents, domes, and countless other forms—a land straight out of a fairy tale. Locals call these formations "Fairy Chimneys." In 1985, UNESCO declared this magical area the first natural and cultural World Heritage Site in Turkey. We will visit the Underground City of Kaymakli, a city completely underground, complete with halls, bedrooms, bathrooms, food storage rooms, kitchens, dining rooms, a church, emergency escape routes, and more. The true reason for its construction remains unclear, but most believe it was built as a refuge from enemies (especially Roman soldiers). Despite being a large city dug deep underground, the air inside remains cool and comfortable due to the volcanic rock. The average annual temperature is around 17-18 degrees Celsius, with cooler temperatures in the summer. Warm winter weather.
Lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Travel to Goreme Open-air Museum to visit this open-air museum, a center of Christianity during the 9th century AD. The Christians' idea was to spread their religion by excavating numerous caves to create churches, and also to protect themselves from invasions by tribes with other religions who disagreed with Christianity. Before Christianity spread to Cappadocia, the people of this area worshipped Greek and Roman gods. Around the mid-1st century AD, Saint Paul traveled to Cappadocia to spread Christianity, but it seems that the Roman rulers at that time did not accept it. This forced Christians in Cappadocia to hide from Roman persecution by excavating caves and tunnels, creating underground cities. They also excavated many cave churches in the Goreme area. It wasn't until the 5th-6th centuries AD that the Romans accepted Christianity. It is said that there are as many as 365 cave churches in Goreme (built according to the number of days in a year), but today only some are open to the public. Free time for photos. Afterwards, visit a carpet weaving factory and a ceramics factory. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs at your leisure.
In the evening, have dinner at a local restaurant while watching a famous Turkish belly dance show inside the cave restaurant.
Check into your hotel: Signature Cave Hotel / Marlis Cave Hotel ***** or similar (Night 2).

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Depart for Konya (240 km, 3 hours travel time), the former capital of the Seljuk Empire from 1071 to 1308, and an important center of the region. Enjoy the beautiful natural scenery along the way in central Turkey. Along the way, visit the "Caravanserain," a caravanserain (a place of rest and trade) used by Turks during the Ottoman era. Continue to Konya, where you will see rural life and beautiful landscapes of meadows interspersed with mountains. Visit the Mevlana Museum, also known as the Whirling Dervishes, founded in 1231 by Mevlana Jelaleddin Rumbi, believed to be a miracle worker in Islam. The Mevlana Museum was originally a place where Islamic clerics practiced meditation (Whirling Dervishes), spinning in circles while listening to flute music. Part of the museum is the tomb of Mevlana Jelaleddin. The exterior is a bright green, pointed cylindrical tower. The interior is decorated with Muslim-style wall art and also serves as a burial site for Mevlana's followers, disciples, father, and son.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Travel to Pamukkale (330 km, 4 hours). The word "Pamukkale" in Turkish means "cotton castle." It is a white limestone waterfall formed by underground streams with a temperature of approximately 35 degrees Celsius. These streams contain a very high amount of limestone (calcium oxide) and flow down from the Kaldagi mountain located to the north. The water overflows onto the surface and reacts to solidify, forming ridges, pools, and tiers according to the landscape. This creates a beautiful and unique natural sculpture that is hard to find anywhere else, leading Pamukkale to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site of natural and cultural significance in 1988.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Transfer to Pam Thermal Hotel Pamukkale ***** or similar accommodation.
Note: You can use the hot springs at the hotel. Please bring your own swimsuit and swimming cap.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle, a city of hot mineral springs. Admire the vast white cliffs beside the pools, shaped like frozen seashells and waterfalls. They appear as if they are made of snow, clouds, or cotton. The mineral water flowing down each layer has solidified into stalactites and stalagmites in various wondrous shapes. The water has a temperature of approximately 33-35.5 degrees Celsius. People often bathe in or drink the water, believing it has healing properties for heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, and kidney disease. In ancient times, the Romans believed the hot springs could cure illnesses, and thus built the city of Hierapolis around them.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Travel to Ephesus, the largest Roman city in Asia at that time. In the past, Ephesus was the largest Roman city in the Anatolian Peninsula, a center of trade and transportation, located on the coast. Ephesus, later designated as the Asian capital of the Roman Empire, has a long history dating back to ancient Greek times. The ruins seen today are among the most well-preserved in the world, perhaps second only to Pompeii. We will visit the ancient Roman Baths, where remnants of the steam rooms are still visible. We will also see the Temple of Hadrian, another great Roman emperor, notable for its remarkably well-preserved condition. The facade features four Corinthian columns, the central pair supporting beautifully arranged semicircular arches. The rear arches are adorned with a sculpture of Medusa with snakes' heads. Finally, we will visit the most prominent building and symbol of Ephesus: the Library of Celsus. This two-story building faces east to receive the morning light and was constructed around 1600 AD. Built in 114 AD by Tiberius Julius Aquila as a memorial to his father, a Roman mayor of Asia Minor, the cathedral features statues of four goddesses: Sophia (wisdom), Arete (virtue), Ennoia (thought), and Episteme (knowledge). Next, we will visit the largest structure in Ephesus, the Great Theatre, carved into the hillside to provide seating for up to 25,000 people, representing one-tenth of the population at that time. Originally built in ancient Greek times, it was later expanded and renovated by the Romans. Afterwards, we will have free time for shopping at a high-quality leather garment factory that supplies famous Italian brands.
In the evening, dinner will be served at the hotel.
We will check into the Radisson Aliaga Hotel ***** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Pergamon (100 km, approximately 1.30 hours). This great Hellenistic city was a center of culture, trade, and medicine in the past, a formidable rival to the Hellenistic centers of civilization in the Mediterranean, such as Ephesus and Antioch. This archaeological site dates back to the powerful Attalid dynasty of Pergamon, during its most prosperous period in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. It was truly a city of artists and scientists; when the Egyptians stopped sending papyrus, parchment was invented here. Visit the Temple of Asklepion. The ruins of the Temple of Asklepion are located west of the city. Built in honor of Asclepius, the god of medicine, this temple was not just an ordinary clinic but the first complete health and wellness center in history. The treatment process was as follows: Patients, who might be Greek and Roman businessmen, politicians, or generals who had been working hard for a long time, would arrive at the temple. The caretakers would greet them and then lead them along the sacred path or vietecta. With its rows of columns, there are many healing methods available, including massage and sensory therapy to help relieve fatigue. In addition, there is also psychotherapy.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Travel to Troy and see the famous Trojan Horse, one of the most ingenious weapons of its time and a cause of Troy's downfall. It is also a tourist attraction from around the world that draws visitors who are fascinated by the epic poem the Iliad to see it with their own eyes.
Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Check into Kolin Hotel ***** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Travel to Istanbul (300 km, approximately 4.30 hours), the most important and densely populated city in Turkey, situated on the Bosphorus Strait. Formerly known as Constantinople, it was a great empire in history and an important city for many tribes in the region, resulting in Istanbul having various names such as Byzantium and Constantinople.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a Thai restaurant.
Afternoon: Visit Dolmabahce Palace, a palace that reflects the highest level of cultural and material prosperity of the Ottoman Empire, which had expanded its power widely. This palace was built by Sultan Abdul Mezit in 1843 and took 12 years to complete. Because the Sultan was extremely fond of Europe, everything from art, culture, lifestyle, and military was influenced by it. All of it is copied from the West. This palace was designed by the Armenian architect Balyan, a favorite of the king. It is a blend of European and Eastern art, beautifully decorated. The exterior is adorned with flower gardens surrounding the palace, which overlooks a small bay in the Bosphorus Strait. Inside, it consists of various rooms decorated with chandeliers, balustrades, cut glass, and a massive 4.5-ton lamp that hangs prominently in the grand hall. It's time to take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Marmara. It is approximately 32 kilometers long and 500 meters to 3 kilometers wide. It is considered the point where the edges of Europe and Asia meet. Besides its beauty, the Bosphorus Strait is a very important strategic point for the defense of Turkey, as it is lined with fortifications. During the cruise, you will enjoy the scenery along the way, including the Dolmabahçe Palace and the European-style houses of the wealthy, all of which are stunning. Afterwards, we will take you to the Spice Market. You can buy souvenirs at reasonable prices, including jewelry, tea or coffee, as well as Turkey's famous dried fruits such as apricots or pistachios, with a wide variety to choose from.
In the evening, have dinner at a Chinese restaurant.
Then, check into your hotel, Nova Plaza Prime Hotel ***** or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
Visit Topkapi Palace, built during the reign of Sultan Mehmed II, or Mehmed the Conqueror, after his conquest of Constantinople (present-day Istanbul). He desired this city to be the center of the Ottoman Empire and therefore ordered the construction of this palace as his permanent residence. Topkapi Palace covers a vast area of ​​almost 700,000 square meters, surrounded by high walls along the Marmara Sea. Inside the palace are numerous palaces, pavilions, a treasury, mosques, residences, schools, etc. Today, Topkapi Palace has become a national museum housing priceless treasures such as a 96-carat diamond, a gold dagger adorned with emeralds, Chinese porcelain, jade, emeralds, rubies, and the attire of sultans from various eras. We will visit the Roman horse racing arena, or "Hippodrome," also known as Sultanahmet Square. Built during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, it was used for various city events. Later, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the Hippodrome was expanded, and its central area displayed various sculptures, mostly from ancient Greece. During the Ottoman era, this place was used for ceremonies. Today, only the square in front of the Sultanahmet Mosque remains, which houses three obelisks: one created in Egypt for Paroh Tutmose III and brought back to Istanbul, the second is the Serpent Pillar, and the third is the Column of Constantine VII. Afterwards, we will take photos of the Blue Mosque, built during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I, who aimed to create an Ottoman mosque more beautiful and magnificent than the Hagia Sophia of the Byzantine Empire. This mosque is built directly opposite the Hagia Sophia; however, the Hagia Sophia remains the largest church in Turkey to this day. We will take photos with the Hagia Sophia, a Byzantine masterpiece considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built during the reign of Emperor Constantine of the Byzantine Empire, it was originally a Christian church, but after the Ottoman Empire took over, it was converted into a mosque. It later became a national museum during the time of Kemal Atatürk, after serving as a Christian church for over 916 years and a mosque for over 447 years. Today, it is open to tourists to admire its beauty and grandeur. Inside, there are well-preserved gold mosaics that reflect Emperor Constantine's strong faith in Christianity.
12:00 hrs. Transfer to Istanbul Airport.
Lunch is at your own leisure at the airport.
15:20 hrs. Depart for Thailand on flight TK 58 (approximately 9 hours flight time). The airline provides dinner and breakfast during the flight.