Turkiey Pamukkale Cappadocia Istanbul 9 Days 7 Nights GOTR9799

06:00 AM: Meet at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, 4th floor, at the Turkish Airlines check-in counter. A company representative will greet you and assist you throughout the check-in process. Our tour leader will provide guidance on preparations before departure.
10:00 AM: Depart for Istanbul International Airport, Turkey, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 065. **Meals and beverages are served on board. The flight takes approximately 10 hours.**
04:50 PM: Arrive at Istanbul International Airport, Istanbul, Turkey. After completing passport control and baggage claim, transfer to an air-conditioned coach and depart for Istanbul.
Istanbul is Turkey's most important city, with a history dating back centuries to the 14th century. Located on the Bosphorus Strait, Istanbul is the only major city in the world situated on two continents: Europe (on the Thrace side of the Bosphorus) and Asia. (Anatolia side) The beautiful architecture blends two continents, giving Istanbul its unique identity.
Dinner will be served at a restaurant.
Check-in at the Golden Way Hotel, ISTANBUL or similar.

Breakfast will be served at the hotel restaurant.
Afterward, we will visit the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque). This mosque is considered the architectural masterpiece of both Ottoman and Byzantine empires, combining elements of the Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture. It is considered the largest mosque in Turkey. The Blue Mosque's interior is decorated with blue Iznik tiles, featuring floral designs such as roses, tulips, and carnations. The architecture is exquisite, with 260 windows. The courtyard in front and outside are the burial grounds of kings and royal families. Public facilities include a library, hospital, bathhouse, caravan park, and a public kitchen (kulliya).
** Please note: Dress appropriately for the mosque. **
Visiting the mosque Dress code is required and shoes must be removed before entering.
Women: Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts that cover the wrists, and a head covering.
Men: Wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts that do not cover the body.
We will take you to Sultan Ahmed Square, or the Hippodrome, a Roman horse racetrack and the center of the city's tourist attractions. Built during the reign of Emperor Septimius Severus, it served as a venue for city activities. Later, during the reign of Emperor Constantine, the Hippodrome was expanded to house various sculptures, mostly from the Ancient Greek period. During the Ottoman period, this site was used for ceremonies, but today only the courtyard in front of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque remains. It houses three obelisks: one built in Egypt for Pharaoh Thutmose III and later returned to Istanbul; the second, the Serpent Column; and the third, the Column of Constantine VII. We will take photos outside of the Hagia Sophia, one of the Seven Wonders of the Middle Ages, a Catholic church. Built during the reign of Justinian, this museum still retains its ancient atmosphere, particularly its fourth-largest dome, which boasts the largest interior space in the world. This construction technique was considered highly advanced for its time (a key reason why Hagia Sophia was recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient Middle Ages). Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, located on one of Istanbul's seven hills and towering over the Golden Horn. It is a landmark of the entire city. While not the largest Ottoman mosque, it is one of the grandest and most beautiful. The Suleymaniye Mosque is also unique in that many of the original kulliye (mosque complex) buildings have been preserved and repurposed. The mosque and surrounding buildings were designed by Mimar Sinan, a renowned and talented imperial architect.
Lunch will be served at a restaurant.
Explore the city of Çanakkale, now a city of significant historical significance. Formerly known as Bōgazi or Hellespont, it is 65 kilometers long and 1.3 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. Located at the narrowest point of the Dardanelles Strait near Cape Gelibolu in Greece, it straddles the border of two seas: the Sea of ​​Marmara and the Aegean Sea. Located on the Marmara Sea, where it meets the Aegean Sea, is the city of Troy. Next, take a photo with the Hollywood Troy Wooden Horse replica in the heart of Çanakkale. This replica of the Troy Horse seen in Çanakkale was acquired from the Warner Brothers film crew for the filming of the TV series Troy. After filming was completed, it became the property of the hotel in 2004.
Dinner will be served at the hotel's restaurant.
Check-in at the Iris Çanakkale or similar.

Morning: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Travel to the Leather Factory, a leading producer of high-quality leather in Turkey. The factory also manufactures leather jackets for renowned Italian brands such as Versace, Prada, and Michael Kors. Continue to Pamukkale, a city with hot mineral springs that flow underground through the ruins of an ancient Greek city before cascading down the cliffs, creating crystalline architecture.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a restaurant.
Visit Pamukkale, which means "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. "Pamukkale" means cotton and "Kalay" means castle. The pristine white waterfalls cascade down in tiers, sparkling in the sunlight. The cliffs and canyons are adorned with pure white calcium deposits, cascading down like a fortress. The mineral springs, naturally rich in calcium carbonate, flow over the rocky surface. Calcium adheres to the rocks, while carbonate is converted into carbon dioxide, which dissociates. Over time, white calcium deposits cover the mountain surface, making the rocks invisible. The ground changes shapes, morphing into various unusual shapes, resembling a pool in heaven or a scene from a fairytale. This led Pamukkale and Hierapolis to be designated a UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage Site in 1988. Visit a cotton factory, where you can purchase souvenirs such as scarves, bed sheets, and clothing.
Dinner will be served at the hotel restaurant.
Check-in at the Hiera Park Hotel or similar.

Breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant.
Depart for Konya, the former capital of the Seljuk Empire, a 400-kilometer journey. Along the way, stop at the Caravansarai, an ancient caravanserai resting place for caravans along the Silk Road and Ottoman Turks. Then, visit the Mevlana Museum, founded in 1231 by Mevlana Jellaluddin Rumi, believed to be a mystic of Islam and a person who encouraged Muslims to meditate by walking in circles while listening to the sound of a flute. Part of the museum houses the tomb of Mevlana Jellaluddin Rumi, the philosopher-teacher at the court of Sultan Aledni Kaykobat. The exterior is a bright green, pointed cylindrical structure, with interior adorned with Muslim-style murals. It is also the cemetery for Mevlana's followers, disciples, fathers, and sons.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Travel to Cappadocia, an area between the Black Sea and Mount Taurus. It has been historically important as part of the Silk Road, a cultural trade route stretching from Turkey to China. This unique area is filled with conical (upside-down) rock formations, chimneys, yurts, domes, and other mythical shapes, giving it a mythical feel. The locals nicknamed it "Fairy Chimneys." UNESCO has also listed the underground city of Cappadocia as a World Heritage Site.
Evening: Dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Accommodation at the Kalsedon Cave Hotel or similar.
**Note: If the cave hotel is fully booked, we reserve the right to replace it with a hotel of the same standard.**

** The company reserves the right to purchase optional tours only through the tour leader for your own safety and to manage the group's time. Thank you for your cooperation.**
** Special optional programs are recommended, not included in the tour price.**
1. For those interested in a hot air balloon ride to see the beauty of Cappadocia, the tour must depart from the hotel around 5:00 AM. A local vehicle will pick you up and take you to the balloon. This experience offers a rare glimpse of Cappadocia's beauty. The balloon ride lasts approximately one hour. The additional cost for the hot air balloon ride is approximately USD 300-350 per person, depending on the season. Please note that the accident insurance included in the tour program does not cover all types of hot air ballooning and gliding. Therefore, this is at your discretion.
2. Jeep Tour: For those interested in exploring Cappadocia on the ground, the tour must depart from the hotel around 5:00-6:00 AM. A local vehicle will pick you up. To see the beautiful surroundings of Cappadocia from the ground level, in areas accessible by small vehicles, the jeep ride takes approximately one hour. The additional cost for the jeep ride is USD 120-150 per person, depending on the season. Please note that the accident insurance included in the tour program does not cover special activities, balloon rides, and all types of gliders. Therefore, it is at your discretion.
3. Classic Car Tour: For those interested in seeing the beauty of Cappadocia from the ground level, the tour requires leaving the hotel around 5:00-6:00 AM. A local vehicle will pick you up. This tour will allow you to see the beautiful surroundings of Cappadocia from the ground level, in areas accessible by small vehicles. The jeep ride takes approximately one hour. The additional cost for the jeep ride is USD 100-150 per person, depending on the season. Please note that the accident insurance included in the tour program does not cover special activities, balloon rides, and all types of gliders. Therefore, it is at your discretion.
Breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant.
We'll take you to the Underground City, a place where Christians sought refuge from the Romans, who wanted to destroy them. This vast underground city has 10 levels, each as wide and tall as a person standing on. It's made up of rooms, including kitchens, wine brewing rooms, a church, a meeting hall, wells, and a well-ventilated system. However, the air is thin due to its deep location, and some passageways can be quite narrow, making it difficult to pass each other. We'll then visit the CARPET FACTORY, the CERAMIC FACTORY, and the JEWELLY FACTORY, where you'll witness demonstrations of the production of these world-renowned, high-quality local products. You'll be free to browse at your leisure.
Lunch will be served at a restaurant.
Following this, we'll take you to take photos outside of Pigeon Valley, a cliff face where ancient townspeople dug holes for pigeons to nest. In the past, pigeons served as important messengers in the area and were also kept as pets. We'll then take photos outside. Uchisar Valley offers a photo opportunity. This large termite-like valley was once used as a dwelling. The valley is porous, punctured with human-made excavations and excavations throughout the mountain, providing shelter. Uchisar is the highest point in the surrounding area, and in the past, it served as a natural fortress for monitoring enemies in times of danger. Göreme Valley, located in an area that has been inhabited since Roman times, was a refuge for early Christians before Christianity became the dominant religion of the empire. This is evident from the numerous Christian monasteries located here. We will visit the cave houses and enjoy Turkish tea.
Dinner will be served at the hotel's restaurant.
Accommodation will be transferred to the Kalsedon Cave Hotel or similar.
**Note: If the cave hotel is fully booked, we reserve the right to change rooms to a similar hotel.**

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Visit SALT LAKE, Turkey's second largest salt lake, boasting a high percentage of salt. If you visit the lake in the summer, the lake's water will dry up, leaving behind a blanket of crystallized salt, tens of centimeters thick, creating a white surface as far as the eye can see. This salt lake was also used as a filming location for the movie "STAR WARS." Visit the Mustafa Kemal Ataturk Mausoleum, admiring its blend of Hittite and ancient Anatolian architecture. Inside, you'll find the sarcophagus of the first president and statesman, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, but without the body. This is a significant landmark, and the government requires all diplomatic guests to pay their respects. Then, visit the magnificent Ankara Castle, an ancient fortress in Ankara. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century or later, and has since been rebuilt. Built in 278 BC by the Galatians, it has been continually renovated and rebuilt over time, making it a worthwhile historical attraction.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Travel to Safranbolu, a village with authentic Ottoman architecture. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, it showcases its historical and cultural heritage through over a thousand architectural structures, reflecting the uniqueness of traditional Turkish architecture. It also served as a trading route along the Silk Road between Istanbul and Safranbolu. Safranbolu is the birthplace of saffron, primarily used as a colorant in Turkish desserts and dishes. Its unique aroma is also used as a food colorant, and it can also be used to dye carpets.
Dinner at the hotel's restaurant.
Check-in at Kadioglu Sehzade Konaklari (Safranbolu) or similar.
As this hotel is located in the Old City, please prepare one small bag for your convenience.

Breakfast at the hotel restaurant.
Departure to Istanbul, Turkey's most important city. With a history dating back centuries to BC, its location on the Bosphorus Strait makes it the only major city in the world situated on two continents: Europe (the THRACE side of the Bosphorus) and Asia (the Anatolian side). Its beautiful architecture blends both continents, giving Istanbul a unique identity.
Lunch at a restaurant.
Following, visit Beylebeyi Palace (*entrance fee included*). This palace is located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus Strait near the first bridge over the Strait. Built from 1861 to 1865, it served as the Ottoman summer palace and was also used as a quarantine facility for the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Abdulhamid II spent his final days before his death in 1918. The 24-room, six-hall Beylerbeyi Palace served as a venue for receiving important guests. This palace exudes luxury both inside and out. Take a cruise down the Bosphorus Strait, where Europe and Asia meet, earning Turkey the nickname "The Land of Two Continents." The Bosphorus Strait remains a strategic location as it serves as a shipping route connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of ​​Marmara. A key vantage point is the Bosphorus Suspension Bridge, which allows cars to cross between Europe and Asia. At 1,560 meters long, it was the fourth-longest suspension bridge in the world at the time (currently ranked 21st). As you cruise, soak in the beautiful scenery along the way, including Dolmabahce Palace and the magnificent homes of the wealthy. Enjoy shopping at the Turkish Delight Shop, a famous Turkish dessert shop. Locally known as Lokum, these sweet cubes are made from flour and sugar, often infused with almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and macadamia nuts. They typically appear deep pink, but fade quickly when served with powdered sugar. Their sweet flavor is enhanced by the crispness and richness of high-quality nuts. Turkish people enjoy them with hot tea or scented tea. Afterward, enjoy a shopping spree in Taksim Square, a vibrant shopping center in Istanbul. This street is home to numerous stores, including H&M, ZARA, MANGO, NIKE, and ADIDAS, as well as local restaurants and a historic tram. This area is a popular meeting place for Istanbul residents.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at your leisure, avoiding shopping.
Check-in at Golden Way Hotel or similar.

Breakfast is served at the hotel restaurant.
Departure to the Spice Bazaar, a spice market located near the Galata Bridge. This covered market is the second largest in Istanbul. Built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque, the market offers a wide variety of products, including food, spices, Turkish sweets, jewelry, souvenirs, dried fruits, and jewelry.
At the appropriate time, transfer to Istanbul Airport, Turkey.
At 3:30 PM, depart for Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand, on Turkish Airlines flight TK 058. ** Meals and beverages are served on board. Flight duration is approximately 13 hours. **

04:40 AM Arrive safely and pleasantly at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Thailand.