DAY 1. MANILA - ISTANBUL (MEALS ON BOARD)
Departure from Manila.
DAY 2. ISTANBUL - IZMIR - KUSADASI (MEALS ON BOARD/B/L/D)
Upon our arrival at Izmir Airport, we will be met and greeted by our local representative. Today, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Next, we will explore the Ancient City of
Ephesus. Accompanied by our guide, we will enjoy a downhill walk through the ruins of this former Roman capital. Along the way, we will see notable landmarks including:
The Bouleuterion
The Temple of Domitian
Hercules Gate
The Temple of Hadrian
The magnificent Celsus Library
And the impressive Great Theater
After the tour, we will transfer to our hotel in Ku'adas. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by free time and an overnight stay in Ku'adas.
DAY 3. AT SEA: KUSADASI - PATMOS (B/L/D)
Proceed to Kusadasi Port. Embark on the Celestyal Cruise. Enjoy free time exploring Celestyal Cruise's onboard amenities.
DAY 4. AT SEA: PATMOS - PIRAEUS - MYKONOS (B/L/D)
Enjoy free time exploring Celestyal Cruise's onboard amenities.
DAY 5. AT SEA: MYKONOS - SANTORINI (B/L/D)
Enjoy free time exploring Celestyal Cruise's onboard amenities.
DAY 6. AT SEA: SANTORINI - RODOS - KUSADASI (B/L/D)
Enjoy free time exploring Celestyal Cruise's onboard amenities.
DAY 7. CRUISE PORT - KUSADASI - IZMIR (B/L/D)
Early morning arrival at Ku'adas Port. Today, we will begin with a visit to an Outlet Leather Factory & Center, where you'll have free time for shopping and the opportunity to enjoy a live fashion show. Following this, we will drive north to the hauntingly beautiful ancient city of Pergamon, dating back to 299 BC. Among its remarkable ruins, we will explore:
The Trajaneum (Temple of Trajan)
The Altar of Zeus
The Temple of Dionysus
The ancient Theater, built dramatically into the hillside
And the once-renowned Library of Pergamon, which held over 200,000 volumes. After lunch, we will make a brief stop in Thyatira, where we'll view the ancient roadway and period
columns. This was one of the early centers where Christianity spread rapidly. We then continue on to Sardis, a city admonished by John in the Book of Revelation for its outward appearance of strength while being inwardly weak. Sardis is also known as the place where coins were first minted and where wood dyeing originated. Here, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, as well as the Gymnasium and the impressive Synagogue.
Overnight stay in Izmir.
DAY 8. IZMIR - LAODICEA - PAMUKKALE (B/L/D)
Today, we begin with a visit to Philadelphia, referred to as the "New Jerusalem" in the Book of Revelation. While little remains, we will see the ancient city wall and ruins of a Byzantine basilica.
After lunch, we drive to Pamukkale to explore Hierapolis, once a pagan center later transformed into a Christian hub in the 1st century. According to tradition, Apostle Philip was martyred here. We'll also view the famous white travertine terraces, known as the Cotton Castles. Next, we visit nearby Laodicea, a city known for its stadium, advanced water system, and early
Christian community founded by Epaphras. Named in Revelation as one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, it became a bishopric and hosted a 4th-century Ecumenical Council.
Overnight in Pamukkale.
DAY 9. PAMUKKALE - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA (B/L/D)
Today, we begin with a visit to a local textile center for shopping and exploration of traditional Turkish fabrics and crafts. We then drive to Konya, stopping en route to visit the impressive Sultan Han'Caravanserai, one of the largest in the world. Built during the Seljuk period, it served as both a resting place for merchants and a fortified structure to protect trade routes, an early form of an insurance system for travelers. After the visit, we will continue our journey with an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
DAY 10. CAPPADOCIA (B/L/D)
Begin with a visit to Love Valley, where we?ll admire the unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, while our guide shares insights into the geological history and volcanic origins of Cappadocia. Next, we visit a traditional Carpet School to learn about the region?s centuries-old weaving traditions. We then head to Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery-making since the Hittite period. After lunch, we explore Devrent Valley, famous for its whimsical fairy chimneys shaped like animals and mushrooms. Our journey continues through rg'p and Ortahisar, where we'll see the impressive rock-cut castle and enjoy panoramic views of old Greek houses dating back to the 1800s. Finally, we visit the G'reme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-carved churches, chapels, and monasteries, adorned with frescoes from the 10th to 13th centuries. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
DAY 11. CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - HENDEK (B/L/D)
today begins with a panoramic view of U'hisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering stunning vistas of the region. We then visit a Jewelry Workshop & Center to see traditionalcraftsmanship and unique designs. On our way to Ankara, we stop at the Salt Lake (Tuz G?l?), one of Turkey's largest and most surreal natural wonders. Upon arrival in Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the city of Atat'rk, we visit the impressive Atat'rk Mausoleum (An'tkabir), a monumental tribute to the founder of modern Turkey. After our visit, we will continue our journey toward Istanbul, stopping for an overnight stay in Bolu.
DAY 12. HENDEK - ISTANBUL (B/L/D)
We begin our day with a visit to the historic Hippodrome, once a grand stadium for horse and chariot races during the Byzantine era. Next, we explore the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its six minarets, stunning Iznik tilework, and status as one of Istanbul?s most important religious landmarks. After lunch, we visit the majestic Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, rich in religious and historical significance. Once the largest Eastern Roman church, it has stood for centuries as a symbol of both Christianity and Islam. We then continued to the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans after the empire?s capital moved from Bursa to Istanbul. Today, it serves as a museum showcasing imperial treasures, porcelains, royal garments, holy relics, and more, across its grand courtyards and chambers. To conclude our journey, we enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise by boat, offering breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline, the bridges connecting Europe and Asia, and the palaces and mansions lining the strait. Transfer to the airport for your departure.
DAY 13. ISTANBUL - MANILA (MEALS ON BOARD)
We will depart from Istanbul. After our flight, we arrive back in Manila.
HOTELS :
ISTANBUL - DELTA BY MARRIOTT ISTANBUL WEST 5* or similar
KUSADASI - CHARISMA DE LUXE HOTEL 5* or similar
IZMIR - BEST WESTERN PLUS HOTEL KONAK 4* or similar
PAMUKKALE - COLOSSAE THERMAL & SPA HOTEL 5* or similar
CAPPADOCIA - ACER CAVE HOTEL 5* or similar
HENDEK - RAMADA BY WYNDHAM SAKARYA HENDEK 4* or similar
EXCLUSIONS:
Airline Taxes - Approx. USD 180
Tipping (GUIDE & DRIVER) - USD 10/pax/day
Schengen Visa (Greece) - PHP 11,800
Turkiye Visa
o Regular - USD 245 (2-3 MONTHS PROCESSING)
o Expedite - USD 305 (10-15 WORKING DAYS PROCESSING)
o E-Visa - USD 100 + PHP 1,000 Shipping Fee
(NOTE: Eligible if Schengen Visa validity is 6 months and above.)
Drinks (NOTE: Except the drinks served with breakfast.)
Travel Insurance - PHP 1,808 (For 59 y/o and below only. For 60 y/o and above, surcharge may apply.)
PACKAGE PRICE (TWN/DBL ONLY)
USD 3,588 for 40+ pax
USD 3,688 for 35+ pax
USD 3,788 for 30+ pax
USD 3,888 for 25+ pax
USD 3,988 for 20+ pax
USD 4,188 for 15+ pax
