Day 1 - 20Dec
20Dec EK315 SIN-DXB 1030-1400
20Dec EK315 SIN-DXB 1030-1400
20Dec EK117 DXB-IST 1745-2155
28Dec EK124 IST-DXB 1625-2150
30Dec EK352 DXB-SIN 1015-2145
28Dec EK124 IST-DXB 1625-2150
30Dec EK352 DXB-SIN 1015-2145
Arrive Ramada Hotel midnight exhausted. The Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Istanbul Merter is located at Adnan Kahveci Bulvari No:83, Güven Mahallesi, 34160 Güngören, Istanbul, Turkey
Day 2 - 21 Dec
Upon arrival, embark on a captivating journey through the Imperial City, beginning with a visit to the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Next, marvel at the Hagia Sophia, a symbol of harmony between two great world religions. Continue to the historic Hippodrome of Constantinople, where you'll discover its iconic three monumental columns and a historic fountain. Your exploration then leads you to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the opulent former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, set amidst scenic surroundings. After a day of discovery, proceed to Bolu for your overnight stay
Day 3 - 22 Dec
Depart for Bolu via Ankara and embark on a sightseeing tour of this capital city, which will include the magnificent Atatürk Mausoleum. Photo stop at the second largest lake in Türkiye - Lake Tuz, which is well-known for containing the world's highest salt and surrounded by plateaus. Continue our way to the unique landscape of Cappadocia.
Day 4 - 23 Dec
This morning, you may consider a famous Turkish experience – a Hot Air Balloon ride over the most extraordinary landscapes, or a Jeep Safari tour at your own expense (subject to weather conditions). Explore Cappadocia's wonders, including Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle. Discover the Göreme Open-Air Museum, with its cave churches and biblical frescoes. Indulge in a delightful break with a Turkish ice cream between your visits to Esentepe, and enjoy some pottery kebab, a local specialty, for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley. Explore Kaymakli Underground City and visit a Jewellery Center for handcrafted natural stones. Enjoy dinner at the hotel before continuing to a local venue for a captivating belly dance show with unlimited drinks and snacks.
Day 5 - 24 Dec
After breakfast, visit a Turkish carpet showroom before leaving Cappadocia. En route, stop at Sultanhani Caravanserai, dating from the 13th century, before arriving in Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Rumi, the mystic poet. Here you will learn about the sect of the whirling dervishes. Proceed to Pamukkale, where you will end your day with a relaxing soak in a hot thermal pool.
Day 6 - 25 Dec
Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle", is famed for its white, cotton-like mineral bath terraces rich in calcium. Explore the Ruins of Hierapolis, the iconic White Travertine Terraces, and enjoy a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs. Next, travel to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Admire remarkable sites, including the Library of Celsus and the Temple of Hadrian. Then, marvel at the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. En route to Kusadasi, a scenic coastal town on Turkey's Aegean coast, enjoy a short visit to a Turkish Delight and Apple Tea Outlet.
Day 7 - 26 Dec
Begin with a visit to a Turkish Leather showroom. Then travel to the ancient city of Pergamon to see the impressive Acropolis, which dramatically sits on a hill to the northeast of the town. Take a cable car up the hill and relish the sights of impressive temples, the library, theatre, and arsenals. Next make your way to Troy to see the Trojan horse, a huge hollow wooden horse constructed by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. Thereafter, enjoy a leisurely drive along the coast to Canakkale.
Day 8 - 27 Dec
Depart Canakkale for Istanbul via the longest suspension bridge in the world. The 1915 Canakkale Bridge has reached completion in Türkiye with a span of 2,023 metres, becoming the longest suspension bridge in the world. End with a walk around the world's largest canopied market – Grand Bazaar to haggle for some 4,000 jewellery, pottery, spices, carpet, and leather stores.
Day 9 - 28 Dec
Today, spend the day at your leisure; you may consider an optional visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and a cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosporus. Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. Depart Instanbul at 1230pm for Dubai on EK124. Arrive 2200pm.
D 10 - 29 Dec
Depart for the City Tour (includes photo stops at Dubai Frame, an Abra ride, Museum of the Future, Burj Al Arab, Atlantis Hotel, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Musical Fountain, and a drive through Palm Island).
The last stop will be Dubai Mall for lunch and free time.
D 11 - 30 Dec
EL352
