About this trip

New Year's Eve Under The Stars

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in Istanbul Airport ( IST ) or to Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( SAW ) , Our representative will meet you at the airport with your name sign and private transfer to the hotel for overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 2: Full Day Istanbul Tour (B)

09.00 a.m. After breakfast pick up from hotel and our journey begins in Istanbul, the only city in the world situated on two continents. Byzantium, Constantinople, Istanbul - it's three names span more than 2600 years, nearly 1600 of them as the capital of two of the greatest empires the world has known, Byzantine and Ottoman. We visit the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Hippodrome, where chariot races and the Byzantine riots took place. Visit the Grand Bazaar for shopping (Egyptian Spice Bazaar will be visited instead of Grand Bazaar on Sundays) . Overnight in Istanbul.

Update for St. Sophia interior visit: Live guiding is not allowed in St. Sophia after the 15th of January 2024. Guests must have their smartphones and headphones during their visit. If guests do not have headphones, they can buy them at the entrance at the cost of US$3.5. The system is similar to audio guide system. Guests who do not have smartphones will follow the signs and the given information on the signs. For more information, https://ar.demx.org.tr can be visited on your smartphone.

Day 3: Istanbul to Cappadocia by flight - Cappadocia Tour (B)

Early morning pick up from hotel and transfer to Istanbul airport for flight to Cappadocia . Arrival to Cappadocia. Our Tour guide will meet you at the airport and start for Cappadocia tour. First meeting with Cappadocia, visiting Three Sisters Fairy Chimneys in Urgup which are the most popular and seen on advertisements. That's why people carved some pigeon houses to keep them in certain places. You will see that the houses for the pigeons are like the houses for the people. Then we descend into the center of the earth in the Ozkonak Underground City. After the tour program transfer to your hotel

Day 4: Full Day Cappadocia Tour (B)

Optional Hot Air Balloon Experience. In the morning, first meeting with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: rock formations beyond belief in Devrent valley; a journey in the past with its troglodyte houses, visit to Pasabag "fairy chimneys" where the voice of wind mixes with the "songs of fairies" near Zelve. Lunch break in Avanos, center of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC and a demonstration in a traditional pottery workshop. Afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century). Continue to Uchisar Rock-Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. After the tour program transfer to your hotel. Stay overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 5 : Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale (B, D)

Early departure for Pamukkale. Arrive in Konya and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, the world-wide famous mystic. Drive to Pamukkale and overnight in a Thermal Hotel in Pamukkale. Swim in thermal pools till 22.30

Day 6 : Pamukkale - Kusadasi (B, D)

In the morning visit the famous white travertine cascades and the ancient Hierapolis with the Theatre, Apollo Temple and magnificent Necropolis, the graveyard. Then drive to Kusadasi and overnight.

Day 7 : Kusadasi - Ephesus - Istanbul by flight (B)

First visit the Artemis Temple where is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Continue to Ephesus, Walk through history along marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings, among them The State Agora, Odeon, Memnius Monument, the Temple of Domitian, , Polio Fountain, Curetes Street, The Trajan Fountain, The Baths of Scholastica, Hadrian Temple, Latrina, Celcus Library, the gate of Mihridates and Mazues, Commercial Agora and The Grand Theater are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Grand theatre was built in 3rd century B.C and it was later expanded to 24.000 spectators by the Romans in the 1st century A.D.After Ephesus, Visit House of Virgin Mary. This house is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council of 431 in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared it a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed here. After Ephesus tour Drive to Izmir airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Arrival to Istanbul, met by our representative and transfer to the hotel for overnight

Day 8: Istanbul - Amman (flight not included) (B)

After breakfast check out from the hotel and private transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to Amman Jordan. Arrive at Queen Alia Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel in Amman for overnight. Overnight: Amman

Note: Istanbul- Amman flight is not included in the package price. It can be booked as part of your international flights.

Day 9: Amman City Tour – Downtown- Amman (B, D)

This morning discover the highlights of Amman. Visit the ruins of the hilltop Citadel, the impressive Roman Amphitheatre and enjoy a wander through the city’s vibrant souks before heading to West Amman. A contrast from downtown Amman, this area is home to a plethora of upmarket hotels, high-end restaurants and lively bars along with some of the city’s most attractive residential neighborhoods. Continue with a walk along atmospheric Rainbow Street which offers a wealth of dining options, cafés and quirky shops. Continue to the Downtown to feel the Immerse yourself in the vibrant essence of downtown Jordan, where history and modernity converge to create a unique cultural tapestry. As you wander through the bustling streets and charming alleys, you'll encounter a lively atmosphere enriched by traditional markets, local shops, and historic landmarks. Indulge your senses with a local tasting tour featuring two iconic Jordanian delicacies: Kunafa and Falafel. Return to your hotel for Dinner & Overnight. Kunafa is a sweet, savory pastry beloved throughout the region. Falafel, a beloved staple of Middle Eastern cuisine

Day 10: Madaba- Mt. Nebo – Petra (B, D)

This morning drive out of the city to Madaba (38km / approx. 45 mins). Madaba, otherwise referred to as the ‘City of Mosaics’ is best known for its collection of Byzantine-era mosaics. The most famous of these is the mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land which can be found on the floor of St George’s Church. Continue with a visit to Mount Nebo, one of the most important biblical sites where it is believed that Moses first sighted the Holy Land. A small Byzantine church was built on the site by the early Christians, and has since been expanded into a vast complex. During his visit to Jordan in 2000, Pope John Paul II held a sermon here that was attended by over 20,000 people. Your final stop today is a visit to Shoubak castle (240km / approx.3 hrs). Perched on a rocky hilltop, this imposing fort was built by the Crusader King Baldwin I of Jerusalem in AD 1115 to guard the road linking Syria and Egypt — the old King’s Highway. It successfully withstood numerous sieges until it fell to Saladin's troops in 1189. Enjoy a wander around the remains of this old castle and admire the spectacular views across the barren landscape. After finishing your sightseeing tour continue with the drive to Petra (30km /approx. 30mins) arriving late afternoon.

Day 11: Petra – Wadi Rum (B, D)

This morning enjoy a guided tour around one of the world's most famous and awe-inspiring archaeological sites – the UNESCO World Heritage Listed ancient city of Petra. Start by entering through the Siq, a long and winding narrow gorge flanked on either side by soaring 80m high cliffs which will lead you to the breathtaking façade of The Treasury (Al-Khazneh). The Treasury is arguably one of Jordan’s most iconic wonders and was featured in the film ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. Spend some time exploring the city’s main highlights including the Roman Theatre, Street of Façades and the Royal Tombs. Afternoon is free for you to explore the vast network of hidden passages and fascinating tombs and palaces at your leisure. You may wish to climb up to the High Palace of Sacrifice which is located at the summit of the Attuf Ridge and offers spectacular views over the red sandstone landscapes of Wadi Araba. Or perhaps head to the Monastery, one of the largest monuments in Petra boasting an impressive façade measuring 47m wide and 49m high (please note this climb involves around 800 steps). Your next stop today is Wadi Rum (145 km /approx. 2 hrs). Tonight enjoy a traditional Bedouin style dinner beneath the star-studded sky.

Day 12: Wadi Rum – Dead Sea (B)

Discover the many towering sandstone mountains and narrow canyons of this magnificent desert wilderness on a 2-hour 4WD safari. There is also the opportunity to explore with a ride on the back of a camel (optional). This afternoon you will be transferred to your Dead Sea resort. (335 kms/approx 4 hrs). Enjoy a day at leisure at the lowest point on earth. Why not try out the mud baths, claimed to have therapeutic qualities and float in the mineral rich waters.

Day 13: Departure (B)

Pick up from Dead Sea hotel transfer to QAIA airport for Departure

End of Services

Turkey part can be also operated in reverse itinerary (Istanbul- Ephesus- Pamukkale- Konya- Cappadocia- Istanbul) depending on hotel availabilities and other operational conditions. All sightseeing stays same.

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Accommodation

What's Included

Package Includes