AMAZING TURKEY 10D-8N

Arrival in Istanbul Ataturk Airport. Welcome to Istanbul, the magic city gateway to Aegean and Mediterranean Coast, land of fascinating history and beauty. It is a metropolis of exquisite palace, magnificent mosques and museum of great interests, as well as the leading city of modem Turkey!  Meeting with guide and transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, visiting the various landmark of Istanbul Visit Roman Hippodrome where horse chariot aces and events were held. Then, visit the Blue Mosque-Sultan Ahmet I set out to build a mosque that would rival and even surpass St. Sophia (Aya Sofya). The layout of the Blue Mosque is classic Ottoman design. The forecourt has an ablutions fountain in its center. The portico around three sides could be used for prayer, meditation or study during warm weather. Continue for a photo stop at Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi)-was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries and is Istanbul's premier mustsee attraction. Unlike European-style palaces, Topkapi is not one large building with outlying garden Its form-inspired and informed by Islamic architectural sensibilities-consists of series of pavilions, kitchens, audience chambers and kiosks built around a series of garden count yards. Photo stop at Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Of great artistic value was its decorated interior with mosaics and marble pillars and coverings. After lunch, drive to Canakkale. we will begin our scenic drive down to Gallipoli, historically famous for being the site of many battles during WWI. Then we will cross the second strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, and land in Asia we will cross the second strategic waterway, the Dardanelles, and land in Asia. Upon arrive Canakkale, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight.

Following breakfast, we proceed to Troy. Referred to in Homer's "Iliad" and "Odyssey", Troy has in fact nine cities superimposed one upon another. Troy VI pertains to the famous Trojan War of Homer where the legendary heroes included Agamemnon, Achilles, Ulysses, and Nestor on the Greek side and Priam, Hector, and Paris on the Trojan side depart for Kusadasi to visit Pergamon to see the Asklepion, is s a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asklepios, the god of healing. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital. We will have lunch in Bergama then drive to Izmir. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Following breakfast, we drive to Selcuk to visit Ephesus as well as viewing one of the Seven Churches of Revelation, the Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of Antiquity) and the Basilica of St. John from a distance, visit Mother Marry’s Church and followed by lunch in the township of Selcuk. After lunch we will visit the famous local production center for leather garments whereby after a live Fashion Show time will be allocated for shopping. Then continue to Pamukkale. You will tour the Ancient City of Hierapolis today called Pamukkale where Calcareous hot springs descending over cliffs have created fascinating travertines in the form of white terrace and basins. After a picture break, dinner and overnight.

Following an early breakfast, we will drive through an interesting landscape where peasants make their living, to have lunch enroute and we will continue to Cappadocia and visit the Sultanhani Caravanserai enroute. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Hot air ballooning over the charming landscape during sun rise is optional this morning time. We visit the incredible Underground City where early Christians lived secretly in order to survive and keep their faith. Visit Panoramic View. Picture stops will be given at the Valley of the Birds and at the foot of the Uchisar Castle. Afterwards Then proceed to the rock carved churches hollowed out of volcanic ash. Then visit Pigeons Valley. Lunch will be at Avanos Village followed by the famous local pottery and carpet shows allowing ample time for shopping in the afternoon. Also, time will be allocated for the local souvenir shopping before returning to the hotel for dinner. After dinner, join Belly Dance show with free flow drink.

Depart for Ankara, the capital of Turkey. on route, we will stop for visit Salt Lake. After lunch, continue to travel. Visit the Ataturk Mausoleum – the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk – Father of modern Turkey. The architecture of the mausoleum is a mix of different styles that represent the various Anatolian civilizations. Transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, visit Fener & Balat Neighborhoods, Fener and Balat are two historically rich neighborhoods in Istanbul located along the Golden Horn. Starting in 1492, Balat grew to become a thriving cultural melting pot of Sephardic Jews from Spain, Greek and Armenian Christians, and Muslims. During our walking tour, we take a break in this vibrant neighborhood and enjoy watching people in their everyday activities. Shopping at Taksim Square and then transfer to hotel. Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, enjoy the ride on Bosphorus Cruise. Then we will visit Spice Bazaar. Visit famous Grand Bazaar. The Grand Bazaar (or Covered Bazaar, Turkish: Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with more than 58 streets and 4,000 shops, and has between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewelry, pottery, spice, and carpet shops. Free time for shopping transfer to airport for departure flight.

ARRIVAL at KUALA LUMPUR