Hermes Tours

Turkish Delights Tour!

Day 1 – Saturday, April 7, 2012 - Arrive in Istanbul (D)

Welcome to Turkey! We arrive at Istanbul Airport, then privately transfer to our hotel. This intoxicating city is the only one in the world to straddle two continents, with Europe to the west of the Bophorus Strait and Asia to the east. Tonight, we gather for a special Hermes Welcome Dinner.

Day 2 - Tour of Istanbul (B)

Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul. Its three names span more than 2,600 years, and our full-day tour today spans its most notable and historic landmarks. We visit the Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for 400 years; Hagia Sophia, the basilica-turned-mosque-turned-museum; The Blue Mosque, named for its countless blue tiles that adorn its interior; and the Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place.

By tour’s end, we’ll be browsing the exotic halls of the Grand Bazaar, and endless maze of 1,200 shops along 58 covered streets brimming with kilims, jewelry, pottery, spices, and all things Turkish.

Day 3 - Ephesus (B,L,D)

After breakfast, we fly to Izmir and continue to Ephesus, an incredibly preserved ancient city where St. Paul is said to have preached. During our eye-opening tour, we’ll see the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world; the Virgin Mary’s House; St. John Church; and the Selçuk Ephesus Museum. We spend tonight in Kusadasi.

Day 4 - Pamukale (B, D)

The “cotton castle” mineral deposits of Pamukale cast a magical glow over Pamukale, as we’ll see today. We also tour Hierapolis, the ancient spa city fed by the same hot springs that created the surrounding white fairyland. Admire its bowled Theatre, Apollo Temple and sprawling Necropolis. After lunch we visit ruins and museum. Spend tonight in Pamukkale.

Day 5 - Drive to Cappadocia (B,L,D)

En route to Cappadocia, we visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the famed mystic and poet known to many as Rumi. Later, we admire the beautiful tiles of the Karatay Theological School. After lunch, stop at the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai, a masterfully constructed travelers’ inn from the Seljukian dynasty. We arrive in Cappadocia this afternoon.

Day 6 - Cappadocia (B,L,D)

Join an early-morning, optional hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia for a breathtaking view of this spectacular, otherworldly landscape. After breakfast, we head to Goreme’s remarkable Open Air Museum. Start the day with a visit to some early Christian churches adorned with unique frescoes depicting biblical scenes. After lunch in a local restaurant, we take time to explore the breathtaking Kaymakli Underground City, a vast network of 100 tunnels where early Christians hid from persecutors. We’ll also see the Zelve Monastery artfully carved into a hillside, then stop in Avanos to shop for its famed earthenware pottery.

Day 7 - Return to Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, we transfer to the airport and our flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you are assisted to your hotel and the rest of the day is free. You might sample an age-old Turkish tradition by stopping by a hammam, an authentic bath where locals undergo rigorous massage.

Day 8 - Bosphorus Cruise & Free Time Istanbul (B, D)

This morning we take in the vibrant scents and colors at the city’s spice market. Then, embark a 2-hour cruise on the Bosphorus, with Europe to port and Asia to starboard. Your afternoon is free to make more discoveries, or revisit some favorite spots. Tonight, join us for our special Hermes Farewell dinner.

Day 9 - Depart for Home (B)

Our tour ends after breakfast with a private transfer to the airport.