İstanbul is one of the most unique cities in the world, where one can observe diverse daily life in a setting of ancient history and natural beauty. The people of İstanbul are also unique. They make up a cultural mosaic of different national, ethnic, cultural and religious origins. This rich international culture is apparent in the many different types of sports, cuisines, hotels, restaurants, shopping areas, nightlife, music, movies, and artwork available for all to enjoy.

Visit Istanbul as a traveler, rather than just a tourist. A traveler goes beyond the main attractions.  He is an active participant; he is involved in the local culture.

Venture off-the-beaten path and explore new places.

Walking Tour of Highlights in Istanbul – Day 2
Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country.

Visitors would need many days to explore Istanbul. Seeing the main attractions in Istanbul would not fit in one day, that’s why a second day is recommended. On this day the highlights below can be visited:

1. Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Closed on Monday)
2. Hippodrome
3. Basilica Cistern
4. Egyptian – Spice Bazaar
5. Chora Monastery – Kariye Museum (Closed on Wednesday. This requires transportation. Taking a taxi might be a good idea.)
6. Cruise on the Bosphorus by public boat.

Highlights:

• See the remnants of the three great empires together on the same tour.
• Experience the religious, commercial and social aspects of history together.
• Learn about all these places from Serif Yenen, who is the author of one of the best cultural guidebooks of Turkey: Turkish Odyssey.
• Serif will give you an orientation and overview on the map.
• No crowds, no queues! Authorized professional tour guides have priority ticket booths.
• You can ask all the questions you like.
• You can bring your children. As a father of three children, I will find a way to approach to them.
• Serif will recommend you good local restaurants.
• Only if there is interest, Serif will provide personal shopper services ensuring hassle-free purchasing and fair prices.
• In the Spice Bazaar area, go to the backstreets.

Walking Tour of Highlights in Istanbul – Day 1

Istanbul has such a diverse and rich history. It has been the capital of three great empires; the Roman, Byzantine and the Ottoman. Although it is not the official capital anymore, it is still the cultural capital of the country.

Visitors would need many days to explore Istanbul.

For those visitors who are coming to Istanbul for the first time, I would recommend the first day of sightseeing with visits to the highlights of Istanbul as follows:

1. Hagia Sophia(Closed on Monday)
2. Topkapi Palace Museum (Closed on Tuesday)
3. A Classical period Imperial Mosque (Süleymaniye, Blue Mosque or Yeni Cami)
4. Grand Bazaar (Closed on Sunday)

Let me remind you that ladies are required to wear scarves and decent clothing during mosque visits.

These places can be changed with alternative sites according to pacing, special requests or interests of visitors.

Closed sites will be replaced by other highlights.

Highlights:

• See the remnants of the three great empires together on the same tour.
• Experience the religious, administrative and social aspects of history together.
• Learn about all these places from Serif Yenen, who is the author of one of the best cultural guidebooks of Turkey: Turkish Odyssey.
• Serif will give you an orientation and overview on the map.
• No crowds, no queues! Authorized professional tour guides have priority ticket booths. This is not valid at the Blue Mosque.
• You can ask all the questions you like.
• You can bring your children. As a father of three children, I will find a way to approach to them.
• Serif will recommend you good local restaurants.
• Only if there is interest, Serif will provide personal shopper services ensuring hassle-free purchasing and fair prices.
• In the Grand Bazaar, go to the backstreets and some specialty stores which you would not find by yourself easily.

What is Included

• Guiding services of Serif Yenen.
• Serif will meet you at the lobby of your hotel.
• Complimentary copies of some of Serif’s publications.
• Tea break.

Istanbul Tours

In the Footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches

Did you know, St. Paul was born in Tarsus and undertook most of his missionary journeys in Anatolia (Modern Turkey)? Furthermore, the Seven Churches of Asia mentioned in the Revelation of John are all located in Anatolia. We have designed a program covering all Seven Churches and almost all of the major sites from the footsteps of St. Paul.

Gourmet-Culinary Tour of Turkey

Turkey wouldn’t be Turkey without its gastronomic heritage, and a culinary food and wine tour is one of the most satisfying ways to explore cultural richness in Turkey. We have designed a luxurious gourmet route blending wine tasting, art history, archaeology, scenery, gourmet experiences and your own cooking classes.

Hidden Treasures of Turkey with the East

Majority of visitors see only the western parts of Turkey. This means, many wonderful places in Eastern part of Turkey are ignored most of the times. Among these are Mount Ararat, Akdamar Island, Ishak Pasha Palace, Armenian city of Ani, Göbeklitepe, Nemrut and Harran. Without loosing time, this tour puts the hightlights of the West and the East together in the same program.

This tour is already sold out, but upon your request, we can always tailor a new program for you. Click to read the program details.

Turquoise Coast with a Blue Voyage

The three most important places to visit in Turkey are Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. One of the most beautiful experiences that you can have in Turkey is a Blue Voyage with a gulet. We have designed a tour covering all of these in the same program.

This tour is already sold out, but upon your request, we can always tailor a new program for you.

Click to read the program details.

Hidden Treasures of Turkey with the East (June 23 – July 9, 2015)

Day 1; June 23^rd, Tuesday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrival
• Transfer to the hotel
• Included welcome dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel in İstanbul or similar

Day 2; June 24^th, Wednesday: Classical İstanbul City Tour

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace (Harem section is excluded)
• Grand Bazaar
• Lunch and dinner excluded
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel in İstanbul or similar

Day 3; June 25^th, Thursday: İstanbul Sightseeing – Fly to Van ✈

• Chora Museum
• Transfer to the airport
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• TK 2750 to Van at 01.55 PM, arrive at 04.00 PM
• Van Fortress
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Elite World Van or similar

Day 4; June 26^th, Friday: Van Sightseeing

• Akdamar Island
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Urartian and Armenian silver art gallery
• A breeding center for the Van cat
• Çavuştepe site
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Elite World Van or similar

Day 5; June 27^th, Saturday: Van – Overland to Kars

• Muradiye Falls
• Mount Ararat
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• İshak Paşa Palace
• Dinner and overnight at Çeltikov in Kars or similar

Day 6; June 28^th, Sunday: Kars

• Ani Ruins
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Kars Old City Center: Church of the Apostles, the Castle of Kars
• Cheese tasting
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Çeltikov in Kars or similar

Day 7; June 29^th, Monday: Kars – Fly to Ankara ✈

• Transfer to the airport
• TK 7091 to Ankara at 11.10 AM, arrive at 12.55 PM
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations
• The Mausoleum of Atatürk
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner and overnight at Divan Çukurhan in Ankara or similar

Day 8; June 30^th, Tuesday: Ankara – Overland to Cappadocia

• Hattusha
• Yazılıkaya
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Yunak Evleri in Cappadocia or similar

Day 9; July 1^st, Wednesday: Cappadocia

• Full day Cappadocia sightseeing
• An underground City
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Lunch excluded
• Whirling Dervishes ritual
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri in Cappadocia or similar

Day 10; July 2^nd, Thursday: Cappadocia (Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride)

• Full day Cappadocia sightseeing
• Göreme Open Air Museum
• Hike for 2 hours
• Lunch excluded
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri in Cappadocia or similar

Day 11; July 3^rd, Friday: Cappadocia – Tarsus – Antakya

• Tarsus: St. Paul’s Well, the ancient road
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Çankaya Konakları in Antakya or similar

Day 12; July 4^th, Saturday: Antakya

• Sightseeing Antioch: Cave-Church of Saint Peter
• Antakya Museum
• Included lunch at a local house (home-hosted)
• Walking tour in town
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at the Çankaya Konakları in Antakya or similar

Day 13; July 5^th, Sunday: Hatay – Gaziantep – Şanlıurfa

• Zeugma Mosaic Museum
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Boat cruise at Halfeti Dam Lake
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa or similar

Day 14; July 6^th, Monday: Şanlıurfa – Kahta – Şanlıurfa

• Nemrut
• The ruins of the Arsemia, Roman bridge of Cendere and Royal tomb of Karakuş
• Included picnic lunch
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa or similar

Day 15; July 7^th, Tuesday: Şanlıurfa – Göbeklitepe – Harran – Şanlıurfa

• Göbeklitepe
• Harran: the ancient Islamic university, its fortress and its charming beehive houses
• Lunch excluded
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa or similar

Day 16; July 8^th, Wednesday: Şanlıurfa – Fly to İstanbul ✈

• Şanlıurfa tour: the Pool of Sacred Fish, the Great Mosque and the bazaars
• Transfer to the airport
• TK 2247 to İstanbul at 12.10 PM, arrive at 02.05 PM
• Bosphorus Cruise
• Süleymaniye Camii
• Lunch and dinner are excluded
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel in İstanbul or similar

Day 17; July 9^th, Thursday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

* Included Services:

• Accommodation for 16 nights in above mentioned hotels or similar
• Airport transfers for arrival and departure in Turkey
• Professional tour guide services in English by Şerif Yenen
• Air conditioned deluxe vehicle with a driver all along the tour
• Vehicle expenses (i.e. parking, tolls, highways)
• Domestic flight tickets from İstanbul to Van, Kars to Ankara and from Şanlıurfa to İstanbul
• 16 breakfasts at the hotels
• 7 lunches at local restaurants, 1 home-hosted lunch and 1 picnic lunch
• 3 dinners at local restaurants and 11 dinners at hotels
• All visits stated in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to the sites, museums and religious places indicated in the itinerary
• Whirling Dervishes ritual
• Bosphorus Cruise
• Tips to the hotels with porter services
• Tips to the restaurants for included meals
• Complimentary copies of some of Şerif Yenen’s publications
• Local taxes and service charges

* Services not included:

• International flights to/from Turkey
• Meals not stated
• Beverages with meals
• One hour hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (optional)
• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Insurance
• Departure and airport taxes and fees (No similar taxes or fees are required for Turkey)
• Passport and visa services and fees
• Other than mentioned above

* Hotels:

• Richmond Hotel in İstanbul
• Elite World Van Hotel
• Cheltikov Hotel in Kars
• Divan Çukurhan in Ankara
• Yunak Evleri in Cappadocia
• Çankaya Konakları in Antakya
• Hilton Garden Inn Şanlıurfa

* Depending on availability there may be hotel changes. C.I.P Travel assures to accommodate you at the hotels with same standards.

Important notes:

• Travel on an intimate, expert-led luxury small group journey.
• Pre or post trip extensions can be tailor made upon request.
• Ladies should bring scarves with them to cover their heads when visiting religious sites and mosques.
• All foreigners must obtain their Turkish visas from Turkish missions abroad or from the e-visa application system, depending on eligibility. Please note, e-visas are easier to get.
  Information regarding Turkish e-visas and the application process can be found at: www.evisa.gov.tr/en
  General information on Turkish visas can be found at:
  www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
• CIP Travel has always the right to modify the program according to the upmost satisfaction of the guests.
• We will disclaim any responsibility and shall not pay any indemnity or reimbursement in the event of certain museums or monuments included in the program could not be visited with any reason beyond our control.

* This tour is organized by Acacia Exclusive Travel (TÜRSAB No: 7851) for C.I.P Travel Services

Gourmet Tour of Turkey (April 28 – May 8, 2015)

Day 1; April 28th, Tuesday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrive in İstanbul
• Transfer to the hotel
• Included welcome cocktail and presentation by Şerif Yenen
• Included welcome dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; April 29th, Wednesday: İstanbul

• Topkapı Palace
• Walk in Süleymaniye neighborhood
• Included Lunch at a local restaurant
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar
• Break at a local coffee house
• Tahtakale neighborhood
• Baklava experience
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; April 30st, Thursday: İstanbul

• Hippodrome
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Egyptian – Spice Market
• Cooking Class and Dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 4; May 1st, Friday: İstanbul – Fly to Kayseri ✈- Cappadocia

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia) with Turkish Airlines at 06.55 AM, arrive in Kayseri at 08.10 AM.
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Göreme open air Museum
• Local craft demonstration
• Whirling Dervishes ritual (included)
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 5; May 2nd, Saturday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Local craft demonstration (pottery)
• A visit to an underground city
• Included wine tasting and dinner
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 6; May 3rd, Sunday: Cappadocia – Konya

• Sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Departure for Konya around 10.00 AM
• Sultanhan Caravansary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Dinner and overnight at Hilton Garden Inn (Konya)

Day 7; May 4th, Monday: Konya – Pamukkale

• Beyşehir: Lake and Mosque
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Hierapolis in Pamukkale
• Dinner and overnight at Doğa Thermal Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; May 5th, Tuesday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Aphrodisias near Pamukkale
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 9; May 6th, Wednesday: Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası

• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included wine tasting and dinner at a local winery
• Overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 10; May 7th, Thursday: Kuşadası – İzmir – Fly to İstanbul ✈

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to İstanbul with Turkish Airlines at 10.00 AM, arrive in İstanbul at 11.05 AM.
• Chora Church
• Included street food lunch
• Included conclusion dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 11; May 8th, Friday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

The three most important places to visit in Turkey are Istanbul, Cappadocia and Ephesus. One of the most beautiful experiences that you can have in Turkey is a Blue Voyage with a gulet. We have designed a tour covering all of these in the same program.

This tour is already sold out, but upon your request, we can always tailor a new program for you.

Click to read the program details.

In the footsteps of St. Paul & the Seven Churches of Revelation Tour Program (April 2-15, 2015)

Day 1; April 2nd, Monday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrival
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; April 3rd, Tuesday: Highlights of İstanbul

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace
• A visit to one of the important mosques
• Grand Bazaar
• Chora Church
• Lunch and dinner on own
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; April 4th, Wednesday: İstanbul – Fly to Hatay ✈- Antioch

• Flight to Hatay (Antioch) with Turkish Airlines at 09.40 AM, arrive in
• Antioch at 11.25 AM.
• Antioch: Cave-Church of Saint Peter, Antioch Mosaic Museum
• Included lunch and dinner at local restaurants
• Overnight at Çankaya Konakları (Antioch)

Day 4; April 5th, Thursday: Antioch – Tarsus – Cappadocia

• Tarsus: St. Paul’s Well and House
• Pozantı: Cilician Gates
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 5; April 6th, Friday: Cappadocia

• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• An underground City
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Whirling Dervishes ritual
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 6; April 7th, Saturday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 7; April 8th, Sunday: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; April 9th, Monday: Pamukkale

• Laodicea
• Aphrodisias
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 9; April 10th, Tuesday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Hierapolis
• Alaşehir (Philadelphia)
• Sardis
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 10; April 11th, Wednesday: Kuşadası – Ephesus –

• Kuşadası
• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 11; April 12th, Thursday: Kuşadası – İzmir

• Sightseeing in the old city of Smyrna and İzmir
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Double Tree by Hilton İzmir

Day 12; April 13th, Friday: İzmir – Assos

• Thyatira
• Pergamum
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Albena Club (Assos)

Day 13; April 14th, Saturday: Assos – Çanakkale – İstanbul

• Assos
• Troy
• Lunch on own
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel

Day 14; April 15th, Sunday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

* Included Services:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in above mentioned hotels or similar
• Airport transfers for arrival and departure
• Professional tour guide services in English by Şerif Yenen
• Air conditioned deluxe vehicle with a driver all along the tour
• Vehicle expenses (i.e. parking, tolls, highways)
• Domestic flight ticket from İstanbul to Hatay (Antioch)
• 13 breakfasts at the hotels
• 6 lunches at local restaurants
• 3 dinners at local restaurants and 9 dinners at hotels
• All visits stated in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to the sites, museums and religious places indicated in the itinerary
• Ferry ride from Çanakkale to Eceabat (from Asia to Europe)
• Tips to the hotels with porter services
• Tips to the restaurants for included meals
• Local taxes and service charges

* Services not included:

• International Flights to/from Turkey
• Meals not stated
• Beverages with meals
• One hour hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (optional)
• Personal expenses,
• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Insurance
• Any airfare unless specified above
• Departure and airport taxes and fees (No similar taxes or fees are required for Turkey)
• Passport and visa services and fees
• Other than mentioned above

* Hotels:
Richmond Hotel in İstanbul;
Çankaya Konakları in Antioch;
Lykia Lodge in Cappadocia;
Richmond Hotel in Pamukkale;
Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kuşadası;
DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Alsancak;
Albena Club Hotel in Assos;

* Depending on availability there may be hotel changes. C.I.P travel assures to accommodate you at the hotels with same standards.

Important notes:

• Travel on an intimate, expert-led luxury small group journey.
• Pre or post trip extensions can be tailor made upon request.
• Women should bring scarves with them to cover their head, when visiting religious sites and mosques.
• All foreigners must obtain their Turkish visas from Turkish missions abroad or from the e-visa application system, depending on eligibility. Please note, e-visas are easier to get.
  Information regarding Turkish e-visas and the application process can be found at: www.evisa.gov.tr/en
  General information on Turkish visas can be found at:
  www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
• CIP Travel has always the right to modify the program according to the upmost satisfaction of the clients.
• We will disclaim any responsibility and shall not pay any indemnity or reimbursement in the event of certain museums or monuments included in the program could not be visited with any reason beyond our control.

Gourmet Tour of Turkey (September 1 – 11, 2015)

Day 1; September 1st, Tuesday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrive in İstanbul
• Transfer to the hotel
• Included welcome cocktail and presentation by Şerif Yenen
• Included welcome dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; September 2nd, Wednesday: İstanbul

• Topkapı Palace
• Walk in Süleymaniye neighborhood
• Included Lunch at a local restaurant
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar
• Break at a local coffee house
• Tahtakale neighborhood
• Baklava experience
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; September 3rd, Thursday: İstanbul

• Hippodrome
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Egyptian – Spice Market
• Cooking Class and Dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 4; September 4th, Friday: İstanbul – Fly to Kayseri ✈- Cappadocia

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia) with Turkish Airlines at 06.55 AM, arrive in Kayseri at 08.10 AM.
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Göreme open air Museum
• Local craft demonstration
• Whirling Dervishes ritual (included)
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 5; September 5 th, Saturday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Local craft demonstration (pottery)
• A visit to an underground city
• Included wine tasting and dinner
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 6; September 6th, Sunday: Cappadocia – Konya

• Sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Departure for Konya around 10.00 AM
• Sultanhan Caravansary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Dinner and overnight at Hilton Garden Inn (Konya)

Day 7; September 7th, Monday: Konya – Pamukkale

• Beyşehir: Lake and Mosque
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Hierapolis in Pamukkale
• Dinner and overnight at Doğa Thermal Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; September 8th, Tuesday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Aphrodisias near Pamukkale
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 9; September 9th, Wednesday: Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası

• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included wine tasting and dinner at a local winery
• Overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 10; September 10th, Thursday: Kuşadası – İzmir – Fly to İstanbul ✈

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to İstanbul with Turkish Airlines at 10.00 AM, arrive in İstanbul at 11.05 AM.
• Chora Church
• Included street food lunch
• Included conclusion dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 11; September 11th, Friday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

Gourmet Tour of Turkey (March 19-29, 2015)

Day 1; March 19th, Thursday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrive in İstanbul
• Transfer to the hotel
• Included welcome cocktail and presentation by Şerif Yenen
• Included welcome dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; March 20th, Friday: İstanbul

• Topkapı Palace
• Walk in Süleymaniye neighborhood
• Included Lunch at a local restaurant
• Süleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar
• Break at a local coffee house
• Tahtakale neighborhood
• Baklava experience
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; March 21st, Saturday: İstanbul

• Hippodrome
• Hagia Sophia
• Basilica Cistern
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Egyptian – Spice Market
• Cooking Class and Dinner
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 4; March 22nd, Sunday: İstanbul – Fly to Kayseri ✈- Cappadocia

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to Kayseri (Cappadocia) with Turkish Airlines at 06.55 AM, arrive in Kayseri at 08.10 AM.
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Göreme open air Museum
• Local craft demonstration
• Whirling Dervishes ritual (included)
• Included dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 5; March 23rd, Monday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Local craft demonstration (pottery)
• A visit to an underground city
• Included wine tasting and dinner
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri (Cappadocia)

Day 6; March 24th, Tuesday: Cappadocia – Konya

• Sightseeing in Cappadocia
• Departure for Konya around 10.00 AM
• Sultanhan Caravansary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Dinner and overnight at Hilton Garden Inn (Konya)

Day 7; March 25th, Wednesday: Konya – Pamukkale

• Beyşehir: Lake and Mosque
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Hierapolis in Pamukkale
• Dinner and overnight at Doğa Thermal Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; March 26th, Thursday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Aphrodisias near Pamukkale
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 9; March 27th, Friday: Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası

• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included wine tasting and dinner at a local winery
• Overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel (Şirince)

Day 10; March 28th, Saturday: Kuşadası – İzmir – Fly to İstanbul ✈

• Transfer to the airport
• Flight to İstanbul with Turkish Airlines at 10.00 AM, arrive in İstanbul at 11.05 AM.
• Chora Church
• Included street food lunch
• Included conclusion dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 11; March 29th, Sunday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

In the footsteps of St. Paul & the Seven Churches of Revelation Tour Program

Day 1; October 1st, Thursday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrival
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; October 2nd, Friday: Highlights of İstanbul

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace
• A visit to one of the important mosques
• Grand Bazaar
• Chora Church
• Lunch and dinner on own
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; October 3rd, Saturday: İstanbul – Fly to Hatay ✈- Antioch

• Flight to Hatay (Antioch) with Turkish Airlines at 09.40 AM, arrive in Antioch at 11.25 AM.
• Antioch: Cave-Church of Saint Peter, Antioch Mosaic Museum
• Included lunch and dinner at local restaurants
• Overnight at Çankaya Konakları (Antioch)

Day 4; October 4th, Sunday: Antioch – Tarsus – Cappadocia

• Tarsus: St. Paul’s Well and House
• Pozantı: Cilician Gates
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 5; October 5th, Monday: Cappadocia

• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• An underground City
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Whirling Dervishes ritual
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 6; October 6th, Tuesday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 7; October 7th, Wednesday: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale

• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; October 8th, Thursday: Pamukkale

• Laodicea
• Aphrodisias
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 9; October 9th, Friday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Hierapolis
• Alaşehir (Philadelphia)
• Sardis
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 10; October 10th, Saturday: Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası

• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 11; October 11th, Sunday: Kuşadası – İzmir

• Sightseeing in the old city of Smyrna and İzmir
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Double Tree by Hilton İzmir

Day 12; October 12th, Monday: İzmir – Assos

• Thyatira
• Pergamum
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Albena Club (Assos)

Day 13; October 13th, Tuesday: Assos – Çanakkale – İstanbul

• Assos
• Troy
• Lunch on own
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel

Day 14; October 14th, Wednesday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

* Included Services:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in above mentioned hotels or similar
• Airport transfers for arrival and departure
• Professional tour guide services in English by Şerif Yenen
• Air conditioned deluxe vehicle with a driver all along the tour
• Vehicle expenses (i.e. parking, tolls, highways)
• Domestic flight ticket from İstanbul to Hatay (Antioch)
• 13 breakfasts at the hotels
• 6 lunches at local restaurants
• 3 dinners at local restaurants and 9 dinners at hotels
• All visits stated in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to the sites, museums and religious places indicated in the itinerary
• Ferry ride from Çanakkale to Eceabat (from Asia to Europe)
• Tips to the hotels with porter services
• Tips to the restaurants for included meals
• Local taxes and service charges

* Services not included:

• International Flights to/from Turkey
• Meals not stated
• Beverages with meals
• One hour hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (optional)
• Personal expenses,
• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Insurance
• Any airfare unless specified above
• Departure and airport taxes and fees (No similar taxes or fees are required for Turkey)
• Passport and visa services and fees
• Other than mentioned above

* Hotels:
Richmond Hotel in İstanbul;
Çankaya Konakları in Antioch;
Lykia Lodge in Cappadocia;
Richmond Hotel in Pamukkale;
Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kuşadası;
DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Alsancak;
Albena Club Hotel in Assos;

* Depending on availability there may be hotel changes. C.I.P travel assures to accommodate you at the hotels with same standards.

Important notes:

• Travel on an intimate, expert-led luxury small group journey.
• Pre or post trip extensions can be tailor made upon request.
• Women should bring scarves with them to cover their head, when visiting religious sites and mosques.
• All foreigners must obtain their Turkish visas from Turkish missions abroad or from the e-visa application system, depending on eligibility. Please note, e-visas are easier to get.
  Information regarding Turkish e-visas and the application process can be found at: www.evisa.gov.tr/en
  General information on Turkish visas can be found at:
  www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
• CIP Travel has always the right to modify the program according to the upmost satisfaction of the clients.
• We will disclaim any responsibility and shall not pay any indemnity or reimbursement in the event of certain museums or monuments included in the program could not be visited with any reason beyond our control.

In the footsteps of St. Paul & the Seven Churches of Revelation Tour (March 5 – 18, 2015)

Day 1; March 5th, Thursday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrival in Istanbul
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 2; March 6th, Friday: Highlights of İstanbul

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace
• A visit to one of the important mosques
• Grand Bazaar
• Chora Church
• Lunch and dinner on own
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel (İstanbul)

Day 3; March 7th, Saturday: İstanbul – Fly to Hatay ✈- Antioch

• Flight to Hatay (Antioch) with Turkish Airlines at 09.40 AM, arrive in Antioch at 11.25 AM.
• Antioch: Cave-Church of Saint Peter, Antioch Mosaic Museum
• Included lunch and dinner at local restaurants
• Overnight at Çankaya Konakları (Antioch)

Day 4; March 8th, Sunday: Antioch – Tarsus – Cappadocia

• Tarsus: St. Paul’s Well and House
• Pozantı: Cilician Gates
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 5; March 9th, Monday: Cappadocia

• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia
• An underground City
• Avanos Pottery Village
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Whirling Dervishes ritual
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 6; March 10th, Tuesday: Cappadocia

• Optional Hot-Air Balloon Ride
• Full day sightseeing in Cappadocia with valleys and rock-cut churches
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Lykia Lodge (Cappadocia)

Day 7; March 11th, Wednesday: Cappadocia – Konya –

• Pamukkale
• Rumi (Mevlana) Museum of Whirling Dervishes in Konya (Iconium)
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 8; March 12th, Thursday: Pamukkale

• Laodicea
• Aphrodisias
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Richmond Hotel (Pamukkale)

Day 9; March 13th, Friday: Pamukkale – Kuşadası

• Hierapolis
• Alaşehir (Philadelphia)
• Sardis
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 10; March 14th, Saturday: Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadası

• Ephesus with Terrace Houses
• The house of the Virgin Mary
• The Basilica of St. John
• Included lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at Charisma De Luxe Hotel (Kuşadası)

Day 11; March 15th, Sunday: Kuşadası – İzmir

• Sightseeing in the old city of Smyrna and İzmir
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Double Tree by Hilton İzmir

Day 12; March 16th, Monday: İzmir – Assos

• Thyatira
• Pergamum
• Lunch on own
• Dinner and overnight at Albena Club (Assos)

Day 13; March 17th, Tuesday: Assos – Çanakkale – İstanbul

• Assos
• Troy
• Lunch on own
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel

Day 14; March 18th, Wednesday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

* Included Services:

• Accommodation for 13 nights in above mentioned hotels or similar
• Airport transfers for arrival and departure
• Professional tour guide services in English by Şerif Yenen
• Air conditioned deluxe vehicle with a driver all along the tour
• Vehicle expenses (i.e. parking, tolls, highways)
• Domestic flight ticket from İstanbul to Hatay (Antioch)
• 13 breakfasts at the hotels
• 6 lunches at local restaurants
• 3 dinners at local restaurants and 9 dinners at hotels
• All visits stated in the itinerary
• All entrance fees to the sites, museums and religious places indicated in the itinerary
• Ferry ride from Çanakkale to Eceabat (from Asia to Europe)
• Tips to the hotels with porter services
• Tips to the restaurants for included meals
• Local taxes and service charges

* Services not included:

• International Flights to/from Turkey
• Meals not stated
• Beverages with meals
• One hour hot-air balloon ride in Cappadocia (optional)
• Personal expenses,
• Gratuities for the guide and driver
• Insurance
• Any airfare unless specified above
• Departure and airport taxes and fees (No similar taxes or fees are required for Turkey)
• Passport and visa services and fees
• Other than mentioned above

* Hotels:
Richmond Hotel in İstanbul;
Çankaya Konakları in Antioch;
Lykia Lodge in Cappadocia;
Richmond Hotel in Pamukkale;
Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kuşadası;
DoubleTree by Hilton Izmir Alsancak;
Albena Club Hotel in Assos;

* Depending on availability there may be hotel changes. C.I.P travel assures to accommodate you at the hotels with same standards.

Important notes:

• Travel on an intimate, expert-led luxury small group journey.
• Pre or post trip extensions can be tailor made upon request.
• Women should bring scarves with them to cover their head, when visiting religious sites and mosques.
• All foreigners must obtain their Turkish visas from Turkish missions abroad or from the e-visa application system, depending on eligibility. Please note, e-visas are easier to get.
  Information regarding Turkish e-visas and the application process can be found at: www.evisa.gov.tr/en
  General information on Turkish visas can be found at:
  www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
• CIP Travel has always the right to modify the program according to the upmost satisfaction of the clients.
• We will disclaim any responsibility and shall not pay any indemnity or reimbursement in the event of certain museums or monuments included in the program could not be visited with any reason beyond our control.

Turquoise Coast with a Blue Voyage Tour (May 22 – June 3, 2015)

Day 1: May 22nd 2015, Friday: Arrive in İstanbul, Turkey

• Arrival in Istanbul
• Transfer to the hotel.
• Welcome dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel

Day 2: May 23rd 2015, Saturday: Classical İstanbul City Tour

• Hagia Sophia
• Topkapı Palace (Harem section is excluded)
• Grand Bazaar
• Lunch and dinner excluded
• Overnight at Richmond Hotel

Day 3: May 24th 2015, Sunday: İstanbul – Cappadocia ✈

• Transfer to the airport
• TK 2026 to Kayseri at 09.50 AM, arrive at 11.10 AM
• Cappadocia sightseeing
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner and overnight at Yunak Evleri

Day 4: May 25th 2015, Monday: Cappadocia

• Full day Cappadocia Sightseeing
• Göreme Open Air Museum
• Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Yunak Evleri

Day 5: May 26th 2015, Tuesday: Cappadocia – İzmir – Ephesus – Şirince

• Transfer to the airport
• Sun Express XQ 9039 to İzmir at 08.50 AM, arrive at 10.20 AM
• Ephesus
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner and overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel in Selçuk

Day 6: May 27th 2015, Wednesday: Şirince – Ephesus – Şirince

• Sightseeing around the Ephesus
• Ephesus Museum
• St. Jean
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner at a local restaurant
• Wine tasting, dinner and overnight at 7 Bilgeler Hotel in Selçuk

Day 7: May 28th 2015, Thursday: Şirince – Didyma – Bodrum

• Didyma
• Lunch excluded
• Dinner and overnight at The Marmara Bodrum

Day 8: May 29th 2015, Friday: Bodrum & Embarkation

• Bodrum sightseeing: Castle of St. John, Myndos Gate, Mausoleum,
• The Ancient Theater
• The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
• In the afternoon embark on the private gulet
• Set sail through the Gulf of Gökova
• Lunch at a local restaurant
• Dinner and overnight at the gulet

Day 9: May 31st 2015, Sunday: Blue Voyage

• Sailing
• Lunch, dinner and overnight at the gulet

Day 10: May 31st 2015, Sunday: Blue Voyage

• Sailing
• Lunch, dinner and overnight at the gulet

Day 11: June 1st 2015, Monday: Blue Voyage & Disembarkation – İstanbul ✈

• Disembark at Bodrum Port.
• Transfer to the airport
• TK 2511 to İstanbul at 12.35 PM, arrive at 01.45 PM
• Lunch excluded
• Farewell dinner at a local restaurant
• Overnight at Richmond

Day 12: June 2nd 2015, Tuesday: İstanbul

• Full day İstanbul sightseeing
• Lunch
• Cooking class with dinner
• Overnight at Richmond in İstanbul

Day 13: June 3rd 2015, Wednesday: İstanbul & Departure

• Transfer to the airport

Turkey wouldn’t be Turkey without its gastronomic heritage, and a culinary food and wine tour is one of the most satisfying ways to explore cultural richness in Turkey. We have designed a luxurious gourmet route blending wine tasting, art history, archaeology, scenery, gourmet experiences and your own cooking classes.

Everyday: Home Hosted Meal with a Turkish Family (lunch or dinner)

Get out of your comfort zone and mix with locals.

Allow us to arrange a meal with a real Turkish family. We will meet you at your hotel and accompany you on public transportation to the home of the host family.  We will then leave you to enjoy your meal with the members of the family, and chat with them.  We will bring you back to your hotel.

Available everyday upon request.

Minimum 2 people, maximum 6

Price: €65.00 EUROS

Register

In the Footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches of Revelation
March 5th – 18th, 2015

In the Footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches  of Revelation
April 2nd – 15th, 2015

In the Footsteps of St. Paul and the Seven Churches  of Revelation
October 1st – 14th, 2015

Gourmet-Culinary Tour of Turkey
March 19th – 29th

Gourmet-Culinary Tour of Turkey
April 28th – May 8th

Gourmet-Culinary Tour of Turkey
September 1st – 11th

Hidden Treasures Of Turkey With The East With Şerif Yenen
June 23rd – July 9th

Turquoise Coast With A Blue Voyage Tour With Şerif Yenen
May 22nd – June 3rd 2015