ABOUT TURKEY

Turkey is a country with a multiple identity, poised uneasily between East and West - though, despite the tourist-brochure cliché, it is less a bridge between the two than a battleground, a buffer zone whose various parts have been invaded and settled from every direction since the beginning of recorded history. The country is now keen to be accepted on equal terms by the West: long the only NATO member in the Middle East region and a major recipient of US military aid, it has, since late 2005, officially been a candidate for EU membership, potential culmination of a modernization process begun late in the nineteenth century. However, despite Turkish involvement with Europe dating back to the twelfth century, it is by no stretch of the imagination a thoroughly Western nation, and the contradictions - and fascinations - persist.

CLIMATE

Temperatures in Ankara vary between - 4°C (25ºF) and 30°C (86ºF) Marmara and the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have a typical Mediterranean climate with hot summers and mild, wet winters. The east of the country is mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. The southeast has very hot summers and cold winters. The Black Sea coast is the wettest part of the country, especially in the northeast.

Time Difference 3½ hours behind IST

SUGGESTED TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon depart for half day Bosphorus Cruise tour. The strait between Black Sea and Marmara Sea seperates Istanbul into two continents. A beautiful cruise to see different aspects of Istanbul.Visit Egyptian Spice Market to see the atmosphere of an Ottoman shopping centre which still have several shops for spices. After the tour, return to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul city tour
After breakfast, depart for a half-day sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit Hagia Sophia; 6th C. One of the oldest, the biggest and the most beautiful buildings of Istanbul. A Byzantin church , an Ottoman Mosque, a Republican museum; a temple for all civilisations.”, Blue Mosque; The only Imperial mosque of the Ottomans with six minarets. The mosque takes its name from its 21043 dominant blue colored hand made tiles. It's built on the site of the Great Palace of Byzantium, on the southeastern side of the Hippodrome” “The Hippodrome of Constantinople a chariot-racing track and the sporting and social centre of Constantinople. Free time for shopping. Overnight in Istanbul. (B)

Day 3: Istanbul
After breakfast,the day is free at leisure or take one of the optional tours. Overnight in Istanbul.(B

Day 4: Istanbul /Cappadocia Fly
After breakfast transfer to the airport to catch the early flight to Kayseri (suggested flight is at 0830 hours). Upon arrival transfer to Cappadocia and start the sightseeing of the area including; Citadel of Uçhisar, the highest point of Cappadocia with a huge big rock Castle with almost 300 caves. Göreme Openair Museum, The biggest monastery of Cappadocia from Byzantine times. The cave churches are beautiflly decorated with fresco. Paşabağ valley, the most interesting part of Cappadocia in terms of landscapes. The biggest Fairy Chimneys ( Mushroom shape rocks), Avanos the handcraft center of Cappadocia, Avanos is the center of pottery for 4000 years Devrent Valley The valley famous with its new rock formations. A good place to see the way of formation. Overnight in Cappadocia.(B/L/D)

Day 5: Cappadocia
After breakfast, depart for sightseeing of Cappadocia including; Red Valley,4 km hiking in nature and visit of cave church Cavusin Village,Free time to explore the abandoned Cave Village Kaymakli Underground City,Underground settlements of the early Christians. Pigeon Valley,Pigeon Houses in the rocks all along the valley. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Cappadocia / Fly / Home
After breakfast, check out from the hotel. Transfer to Kayseri airport to catch your flight to Istanbul for your next destination. (B)