ISTANBUL AND AEGEAN COAST

Istanbul Breakfast. Visit to the Hippodrome. During the walk you will see the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column and the Fountain of Wilhelm II. Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), erected with 6 minarets and still a symbol of the city. It gets its name because of the small blue tiles, brought specially from Iznik, that adorn its entire interior. The tour continues with a visit to Topkapı Palace*, the main Sultan's palace. The construction of the palace was completed in 1478 by order of Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror at a strategic location between the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. With its 4 courtyards and about 400 rooms, the palace served as the home of the Ottoman sultans for more than 400 years. Next, visit the Egyptian Market, also known as the Spice Market. Overnight in Istanbul. * Entrance fee to the cultural program to be paid locally or can be paid in advance in Bulgaria.

Istanbul - Bursa Breakfast. You will have the opportunity to drink your coffee during a boat ride between Europe and Asia - you will enjoy spectacular views and learn about the history of the beautiful buildings and palaces located on both ends of the coast (available on site). Depart for Bursa. Visit the largest mosque in the city - Ulu Mosque. It was built by Sultan Bayazid I with as many as 20 domes. In the Islamic world it ranks 5th in importance among the mosques where Muslims go to worship. Next, you'll take a walk around the Koza Khan. The silk trade in Bursa dates back to 1490 and the building has 95 rooms, now converted into silk shops. Overnight in the Bursa area.

Pergamon - Kusadasi Breakfast. You will head to one of the most famous cities of the ancient world - Pergamon*. It is one of the main cultural gateways to Anatolian history. There you will see the huge ancient theatre, which used to have a capacity for 10 thousand people. In addition, the amazing complex of the Acropolis preserves the remains of the temples of Athena and Asclepius, Dionysius, Hera and Demeter, as well as the palaces of the Roman emperors Trajan and Hadrian. The complex also houses the Pergamum Library, which is considered to be the second largest in antiquity after the Library of Alexandria. A notable part of the complex is the Asclepion, the first modern psychiatric hospital in history. Departure to Kusadasi. Overnight in the area of Kusadasi. * Entrance fee to the cultural program to be paid locally or can be paid in advance in Bulgaria.

Ephesus - Pamukkale - Hierapolis Breakfast. You will visit Ephesus*, one of the largest ancient cities in the world. Ancient monuments are waiting for you to rediscover them: the City Agora, the Temple of Domitian, the Nymphaeum, the Thermae, the marble street of Arcadius, the Library of Celsus, the 25,000-seat Amphitheatre. The road to Pamukkale* (Cotton Palace) passes through a lovely meandering valley. The snow-white calcium cascades, typical of the local landscape, were formed by deposits of thermal waters flowing over the rocks. Later you will visit the ruins of the glittering ancient city of Hierapolis*. You will see the ruins of the 3rd century AD Temple of Apollo. е. and the Roman amphitheatre, beautiful and imposing with its fifty stepped rows of travertine. You will have the option of a hot bath in your thermal hotel. Overnight in the Pamukkale area. * Entrance fees to the cultural program to be paid locally or can be paid in advance in Bulgaria.

Antalya Breakfast. You will have the opportunity to join a hot air balloon flight over Pamukkale (available on site). Departing for Antalya you will enjoy the superb scenery of the Toros Mountains. On the way, you will stop at a carpet weaving workshop where you will learn about the entire process of carpet production (from the extraction of raw materials - silk, cotton and wool - to the finished woven carpet). Overnight in the Antalya area.

Antalya Breakfast. Tour of the Antalya area - You will see the Yawl Minaret (Minaret with the Notches) - a trademark of the city. Kalekapsas - the fortress gate of the old tower, where the watch was housed, is the city clock. A walk around the town holds numerous surprises and shopping opportunities. You can pick up bargains on extremely beautiful jewellery or leather goods. To finish the day, you will visit the Carpuz Calderan waterfall. Overnight in the Antalya area.

Flight to Bulgaria Breakfast. Transfer to Antalya airport. Flight to Sofia.