Tempting Turkey

Turkey is a land of glorious beaches, colourful history, hospitable people and fascinating cultural contrasts that reflect its unique situation. Bordered by six countries and four different seas, it has one foot firmly in Europe and the other in the Middle East. The country has a magnificent past with a rich heritage, from thirteen successive civilizations, spanning 10,000 years. Istanbul, former capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires, juxtaposes history and oriental splendour with contemporary style. Domes and minarets form a sparkling skyline alongside smart hotels, glamorous nightspots and trendy galleries. Turkey’s 8,000 km of sandy coastline is dotted with ruins from ancient civilizations. Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city on the Mediterranean. The mountainous interior offers hiking, skiing and surreal volcanic landscapes.Come and allow us to help you discover tempting Turkey.

Simply Turkey is a suggested holiday itinerary to Turkey. You can combine this vacation with a holiday to Egypt and/or Greece. Mercury Travels offers customized holidays Turkey and other heritage destinations. Come and experience the cradle of civilization the way you want to. Be sure to experience a holiday like never before.

SIMPLY TURKEY
ISTANBUL/CAPPADOCIA (4 nights/5 days)
Day 1 – Arrive Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, the capital of Turkey. On arrival, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Check in and relax for a while. Later in the evening, you are escorted for an evening cruise along the spectacular Bosphorus, the winding strait separating Europe & Asia. The Bosphorus coastline is a delightful mix of the past and the present, with the grand splendour of the marble palaces and fortresses along with the quaint beauty of the ancient wooden mansions and small fishing villages. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul/Kayseri/Cappadocia
The day is earmarked for a city tour that covers the must-see sights. Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque built in the 16th century by Sinan, the famous Ottoman architect of all times. Then onward to the Byzantine Hippodrome which houses the Obelisk brought from Egypt by Theodosius and the Serpent Column taken from Delphi by Constantine. Visit the Blue Mosque with its six minarets and 109 feet high dome. The last stop is the Grand Covered Bazaar, dating back to 15th century, which houses over 4,000 shops under one roof. In the early evening, you are transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. On arrival, you are met and escorted to the cave city of Cappadocia. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 3 – Cappadocia
This morning is set aside for your visit to the Dervent Valley, Pasabagi Fairy Chimneys and Avanos Village. For millions of years, the mighty volcanoes of the Central Anatolian Plateau erupted and spewed their contents creating interesting rock formations, known as ‘fairy chimneys’, formed as the result of the erosion due to the flood waters and winds. Enjoy lunch at a typical local restaurant before visiting the Pigeon Valley, the natural citadel of Uchisar followed by the Goreme Open Air Museum with its pink, rose and white tapering stone columns. Visit some caves on the cliffs to see Byzantine frescoes decorating early Christian churches. Enjoy dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 4 – Cappadocia/Kayseri/Istanbul
Post breakfast continue your the tour by visiting Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City; carved out of rock and completely self contained. More than 200 people lived on each of seven floors with the last one 250 feet underground. Then see the citadel of Ortahisar and the old Cavusin Village and its cave houses. Lunch followed by a walking tour of Red Valley and a visit to Urgup Wine House.
At around 18:00 hrs you are driven to Kayseri airport for your flight to Istanbul, where you are met and are transferred to your hotel for the night. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 5 – Depart Istanbul
Following breakfast at hotel, you are transferred to the airport for your flight back home.