Upon your arrival at the Istanbul Airport you will clear customs to find a member of our friendly, multi-lingual staff waiting for you at the arrival gate. You will then be spirited off in an air-conditioned luxury mini van to the fabulous hotel at which you will spend the day at your leisure. Take a relaxing dip in the pool, or go for a stroll through Istanbul for a bite to eat and take in a few of the sights. Get a good night's sleep because tomorrows' adventure promises to be one of your most memorable.
After a lavish breakfast your day begins with a visit to the ancient Byzantine Hippodrome. There, you will tour the imposing Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II, and the elegant Blue Mosque which is famous for its six heavenly minarets. You will also visit the Hagia Sophia Museum; built during the reign of Emperor Theodosius. Next, you are off to the Turkish Islamic Art Museum. After a delectable lunch, the day tour continues with a visit to the Topkapi Palace: residence and administrative center of the Ottoman Sultans (Harem not included). The final stop for the day will be the Grand Bazaar. Boasting over 4,000 shops it is the world's oldest and largest covered bazaar. You will stay overnight in Istanbul. Breakfast & Lunch
Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby at the appointed time. Your day will begin with a trip to the aromatic and vibrant Spice Market; an Egyptian Bazaar filled with with exotic sweets and spices. It is one of the world's largest and oldest spice bazaars-erected in 1665. Next, your guide will spirit you off in style to the Rustem Pasha Mosque which is celebrated for extensive and opulent use of gorgeous ?znik tiles, arranged in an array of striking floral and symmetrical designs. Then, you will board the Bosphorus Ferry for an unforgettable cruise along the beautiful Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe from Asia. After an exquisitely prepared lunch, the adventure continues as your chauffeur escorts you in style across the first Bosphorus Bridge en route to the summit of Camlica Hill. Here, you will enjoy stunning 360o panoramic vistas of Istanbul overlooking the Sea of Marmara. On our way back over the Bosphorus Bridge, you will be astonished at the eclectic fusion of Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassic architecture of the Dolmabahce Palace. With over 340 rooms and 8 Turkish Baths, this was the Imperial Residence of the last six Sultans. Once back at the hotel, you may wish to have dinner in a nearby restaurant or eat at the hotel's five-star dining establishment. Get plenty of rest; tomorrow is a big day! Breakfast & Lunch
After a scrumptious breakfast it is time to bid farewell to Istanbul. You will check out of the hotel and a multi lingual member of our professional staff will drive you to the Istanbul Ataturk Airport to ensure you catch your morning flight to Kayseri. Upon landing at the Kayseri Airport, you will find another cheerful member of our staff anxiously awaiting your arrival. You will then hop in the limousine and it's off to Cappadocia to meet the rest of your tour-mates. After the introductions have been made, your group will visit Three Beauties-amazing volcanic rock formations reminiscent of chimneys, Urgup Town; an ancient city carved out of rock which was believed to be used exclusively pigeons to dwell so that their droppings would function to fertilze the fields. As well, you will visit the panoramic Red Valley and take part in a scenic trek through Kiliclar Valley. After a yummy lunch at a quaint, local restaurant, your day will continue with visits to Avanos Village where you will find lovely home-made pottery, and Old Streets. At Kizilirmak (Red) River-the longest river in Turkey and is also from whence the clay for the pottery comes, you will take part in a Discovery Series called "Art of Pottery in Asia Minor." Next you group will embark upon a real tour of the Devrent Valley, aka the Imaginary Valley due to its lunar-like landscape, Pasabag Valley (aka Monk's Valley) and the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here, you will be treated to the unique opportunity to sleep in an authentic Cappadocian cave hotel! Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
After a filling breakfast, your second day in the Cappadocia region will begin with your experienced, friendly tour guide escorting you to the Mustafa Pasa Village, Kaymakli Underground City-the domiciles in the village are fashioned around the nearly one hundred tunnels of the subterranean city; the stunning Ortahisar Castle and Village which is 90-meter-tall rock castle that overlooks the village below. Next, you and your group will hike through the gorgeous Pigeon Valley where you will explore carved tunnels and rooms; and the imposing Uchisar Castle, where you will tour its craggy interior and climb to its apex. The views are simply indescribable! Then, it's on to Esentepe View Point and Goreme Village which offers an amazing collection of natural and cultural marvels. In simply strolling through the village you will be surprised at the peculiar 'fairy chimney' rocks that were naturally crafted by the elements. After a traditional lunch at local restaurant in Ortahisar Village, you will then be treated to the daily Discovery Series. On this particular day you will take part in the "Art of Turkish Carpets." Afterward, you will be whisked back to your hotel to spend the evening at your leisure in Cappadoccia. Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
After a scrumptious breakfast and you check-out of the hotel, you will be entrusted to a friendly member of our staff who will safely escort you in a limousine to the Kayseri Airport. Here, you will board a direct flight to Izmir. Upon your arrival at Izmir, your tour guide will be there waiting to take you to a fabulous lunch in Selchuk. Afterward, you will visit the ancient city of Ephesus-the religious heart of Christianity both in days of your and today. As well, it is the most well-preserved Greco-Roman City in the world. Here, you will visit the Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, and the Celsus Library: the most elegant structure in Ephesus. Erected around 120 A.D., It was an epic tomb for Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus who was the governor of the Asian province. His grave is beneath the ground floor as a statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of Wisdom hovers above. Nearby are the Roman Baths, the Grand Theatre and Marble Street, which was the central street of the city and connected the north and south gates. The south side of the street led to the Temple of Artemis-one of the seven wonders of the ancient world-which you shall also tour. Artemis' Temple was built in the 1st century AD and its left side was ornamented with sculpted in marble. A woman, a heart and a left foot had been drawn on the pavement of the street a sign to the sailors that a brothel was nearby. After a lovely luncheon, your guided tour will proceed to the House of Virgin Mary where it is said she had spent her last days. The Archbishop of Izmir affirmed the House of Virgin Mary as a holy place of pilgrimage in 1892. In 1967 Pope Paul VI made his pilgrimage there. It is common belief that miracles have been witnessed at this holy site. Afterward, your chauffeur will drive your group back to your hotels, where you will spend the evening at your leisure in Kusadasi. This portion of the tour ends with a drive back to hotel to spend an evening at leisure. You will spend the night in Kusadasi. Perhaps you wish to explore the city and do some shopping and have a bite to eat at a nearby bistro. Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
After a filling breakfast, prepare to experience the City of Love: Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite who was the Greek goddess of Love. After the guided tour of Aphrodisias, your next stop will be the ancient city of Hierapolis; a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's hot springs have drawn people since the 2nd century BCE as it is known for its healing and therapeutic properties. People with various health issues come to assuage their illnesses as it has been scientifically proven that the waters cure some diseases. Many of Hieropolis' visitors choose to retire here. The enormous necropolis is filled with tombs, including the Sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius Ammianos. Next, you will visit Pamukkale, known as "The Cotton Castle" is best described as a calcium cascade of snowy white stalactites -reminiscent a frozen waterfall. It is recognized as the 8th wonder of the World by Turkish people. There will be plenty of time to explore and wander about this amazing natural wonder before your guide returns you to your hotel for the evening. Breakfast, Lunch & Diner
After breakfast and check-out, you will be cheerfully met by a member of our staff and spirited off to the Kusadasi ferry port. You are now on your way to the island of Samos, Greece. There, you will have plenty of free time to have lunch, explore its sunny beaches, archaeological sites, cloisters, wildlife and picturesque landscape. During the 7th century on Samos, a 100-foot-high temple was built and dedicated Hera, the wife of Zeus. The temple ruins can be found in Ireon (Heraion), whose name was derived from the goddess, Hera. In the afternoon a ferry will arrive to take you to Mykonos. A member of our staff will be anxiously awaiting your arrival at the port. From there, you will be driven to your hotel in a luxury limousine. There are many diverse restaurants and bistros in Mykonos, where you will eat dinner and stay the night. Breakfast
Enjoy a full, leisurely day to explore Mykonos Town and other areas of this enchanted island. One can enjoy a cup of coffee, or ouzo with a piece of baklava or another traditional Greek delicacy. Bars and restaurants are numerous, and perfect for people-watching as the vibrant crowd wanders the town's narrow streets. If you'd like to shop, head over to Matoyianni Street. You will find the latest in fashion, jewelry and objet d'art designed by illustrious designers and artists. It is no exaggeration to say that Mykonos is the birthplace of global fashion trends. You're sure to enjoy your overnight stay in Mykonos! Breakfast
After breakfast and check-out, you will be met by a member of our staff and driven to the Mykonos Ferry Port. There, The Flying Cat Ferry will take you from Mykonos to the Faerie Tale isle of Santorini. There, you will be met and driven to your hotel to relax and spend the rest of the day at your leisure, and stay the night in Santorini. Breakfast
You have the whole day to relax on one of the many gorgeous beaches of Santorini, or explore the island's capital of Fira. Perched precariously on an imposing cliff, this city and offers spectacular panoramic vistas. Plateia Theotokopoulou (Theotokopoulou Square) is the focal point of Fira. The narrow, winding streets brim with various shops jewelers, bistros, bars, restaurants and nightclubs. It will be a wonderful overnight stay in Santorini! Breakfast
After a nice breakfast and check-out, you will be met by a staff member and driven to the Santorini Airport from which you will catch your flight to Athens. Upon your arrival in Athens, you will be met and driven to your hotel to spend the remainder of day at your leisure. Shopping, sight-seeing, trying the local restaurants or just lounging by the pool are just a few of your options. Breakfast
After a lovely breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby at the appointed time to begin your half-day Athens Sightseeing Tour. Today includes a visit to the Acropolis (you won't believe the splendid view of Athens and the adjacent temples below!), its new museum and the Parthenon the ruins of a temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena. You will also see the House of Parliament, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, The National Library, Evzones in their striking uniform, the Presidential Palace and the Panatheanic Stadium. Recreated from the ruins of an early Greek stadium, the Panatheanic is the only stadium in the world constructed entirely of white marble. It is also where first Olympic Games of the modern era were held in 1896. Next you will visit the Olympian Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, which was a wall separating the old and new cities of Athens. At 12:00 noon and after the tour, the afternoon is yours to explore more of Athens on your own, or simply relax. This will be your last night in Athens. Breakfast
After breakfast & check-out (12:00), a courteous member of our staff will escort you to the Athens International Airport for your flight home. Breakfast
This is our 2nd time booking through Antelope, and they continue to wow me with amazing custom tour package recommendations meeting mine and my family needs. Anthony our travel agent is amazing and pleasant to work with. Highly recommend Antelope for your Greece and near by destination travel needs.
Written May 28, 2023
Anthony worked very closely with us to design a custom tour that was best suited to our particular needs and wants for our trip. His knowledge and expertise helped steer us to the best sites and experiences which was invaluable to exceeding our highest expectations. The selection of first class hotels, the pick up arrangements which were performed like clockwork, the knowledgeble and courteous guides all contributed to our total enjoyment.
Further we were kept informed by the guides of any advance arrangements all during the trip which as a retired business executive who values good communication greatly added to our pleasure and relaxation.
With respect to hotels, which were all great, the hotel in Santorini high up on the hillside with spectacular views of the harbor and sites was so breathtaking we were all blown away by it's unique character and beauty.
We would heartily recommend Antelope Travel, and in particular Anthony Alagiah, especially for their travels to Greece and also Turkey. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Written July 2, 2023
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