Istanbul, Cappadocia and Pisidia

DAY 1: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Flight to Istanbul. Meeting the tour guide. Drive to the hotel. Dinner and 3 nights in Istanbul.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL
Visit the Hippodrome, the former horse racing course. It has been the center of the daily life and monuments from around the world adorn this place. Not far is the magnificent work of Ottoman religious architecture: The Sultan Ahmet Mosque from the 17Century. Also known as the Blue Mosque, it hides all architectural forms, which were used before its construction. Visit the Hagia Sophia from the year 537, which is one of the largest churches in the world. Acording to Byzantines, the Center of the known world was this church. Visit the Topkapi Palace: From here, the Ottomans ruled their vast empire. Unimaginable treasure are hidden in the various areas of this unique palace.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL - CAPPADOCIA
After checking out the hotel, we visit the great mosque of architect Sinan. The Sehzade-Prince mosque from the 16.Century. This “apprantice” work of Sinan gives us the feeling of modesty and perfection of the classical Ottoman period. With a walk through the alleys behind the Suleymaniye Mosque, we get from the Grand Bazaar to the Spice Bazaar, the Galata bridge, the Golden Horn and to the port. Then we will drive to the airport and fly to Kayseri. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and 4 nights in Cappadocia.

DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA
This morning will begin with a hike through the red valley, which ends in Cavusin. This is an abandoned city, which gives us a chance to stroll through its ghost streets. (Intermediate 6 km;-170m +100 m, 3.5-4h). Afternoon is scheduled to visit the Göreme Open Air Museum. Here are the most beautiful churches with unique frescoes of Byzantine art. Then we will drive to the Ortahisar for a breathtaking photo break.

DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA
In the morning we will drive to the biggest underground city of Cappadocia, Derinkuyu, a place of refuge of the Christians. In times of danger, the christian population disapeared in this subterranean cities, to hide from invaders. After the tour we drive to Ihlara Valley, where we will hike along the river Melendiz, enjoying its wonderful landscape. (easy 7 km-80m, 2.5-3h). Optional: In the evening optional tour to the ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes.

DAY 6: CAPPADOCIA
In the morning we visit a typical carpet weaving center of Cappadocia, where we learn about the colorful world of carpets. Then we will get to the citadel of Uchisar, from which we will admire a fantastic view of Cappadocia. Afterwards we will come to our final hiking place in Capadocia, the “Love” valley. (easy-medium 4.5 kilometers;-200m, h) 2-2,5. Then we will make photo stops in the region.

DAY 7: CAPPADOCIA - EGIRDIR
Today we will drive via Aksaray to Konya, the ancient Iconium, where St. Paul stayed several times. On the way we will visit a Seljuk caravanserai from the 13. Century. In Konya, we will visit the famous Order of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi and the attached museum from the same period. The dervishes are monks who put themselves with a whirling dance in a state of trance to meditate in this way. This mystical Order, believing in the true “Love” to the devine, has brought a new interpretation into the Islamic religion. Heading towards Egirdir, we will stop by the ancient city of Antioch in Pisidia, where Apostle Paul gave his famous speech in the synagogue. Here we walk through the ruins of the city. Overnight in Egirdir.

DAY 8: EGIRDIR – ANTALYA
After breakfast we will hike at Sivri mountain, enjoying the beautyful view over Egirdir Lake. Here some ruins of the ancient settlement Prost Anna are visible too. (easy-medium 7 km; ± 280m; 2.5-3h) . Then we drive to Antalya through the Taurus Mountains. Offside the main roads, we will visit the Roman city of Adada and take a hike along the original Roman road (easy-medium 4km, 300m-, 1.5-2h). Continuing to Antalya and 2 nights in Antalya region.

DAY 9: ANTALYA
On our last walk day we drive to the Pisidian city Termessos. At about 1000 m altitude, we will walk through the ruins, hidden in the woods of this national park. Even Alexander the Great was unable to invade this city in the 4.Century B.C. (easy-medium 4.5 kilometers; ± 200m; 2-2.5 h). Later on today we will take a walk through the old city of Antalya, which is decorated with beautiful old half-timbered houses is. Return to the hotel.

DAY 10: DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport and flight home.

The price includes
* International flights
* Taxes and service charges for the flights
* Domestic flights
* Transfers mentioned in the itinerary
* All transportation by airconditioned vehicle
* Professional english speaking guide
* Welcomecocktail
* All entrance fees
* 9 nights accommodation with breakfast & dinner