Snowy Turkey

• Meet at Mexico City airport to board the flight to Istanbul. Overnight on board.

• Arrival in Istanbul.Reception by our tour operator.
• This morning, we will start the “Amazing Bosphorus Tour.”. Start the day with a visit to the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, the most popular Ottoman mosque. Located on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, the Suleymaniye Mosque can be seen from almost every point in the city, with its minarets standing as “primus inter pares” and its dome being the most prominent among Istanbul’s mosque rooftops. Next, continue the tour with a visit to Pierre Loti Hill, where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city.
• Continue the tour with a visit to Taksim Square, the most famous square in the country, home to Istiklal Street, Galata Tower, and St. Anthony Church. After lunch at a typical restaurant, enjoy an amazing boat ride along the Bosphorus, the strait that physically separates the European and Asian sides of the city, where you can admire beautiful mosques, mansions, suspension bridges illuminated at night in different colors, palaces, and Ottoman fortresses. End the day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, built in 1660 and still a must-see for international cuisine lovers, where you can taste and purchase all kinds of spices and Turkish delights. Return to the hotel.
• We end the day with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, built in 1660 and still a must-visit destination for international cuisine lovers, where you can taste and purchase all kinds of spices and Turkish delights. Return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.

• BreakfastWe will embark on the “Complete Jewels of Constantinople Tour”. Spend a full day exploring Istanbul’s historic old town, starting with the Topkapi Palace, built between 1460–1473 by order of Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror. It served as the residence of 26 different sultans over nearly 400 years and was the center of administration for the Ottoman Empire. Today it is one of Istanbul’s most visited museums, displaying rare pieces from the Ottoman royal treasury, war loot, trophies, gifts, ceremonial weapons, and religious relics.
• We will visit the Harem-i Humayun section, where the Sultan’s family once lived. We will also visit St. Irene Church, the site of the Second Ecumenical Council. Afterwards, there will be free time in Sultanahmet Square to take photos of Hagia Sophia. Later, we will visit the Roman Hippodrome, built in 203 AD by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus. It was later expanded by Constantine the Great when he chose Istanbul as the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire. The Hippodrome is decorated with obelisks, columns, and fountains.
• Next, we will visit the Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque. (Currently under maintenance; only areas that are accessible will be visited) It has six minarets, which caused quite a controversy at the time of its construction, as Mecca also had six. To appease the faithful, a seventh minaret was later added in Mecca to make a distinction. This beautiful mosque is adorned with over 20,000 blue tiles.
• At the end of the day, we will visit the famous Grand Bazaar, the largest covered bazaar in the world, with 4,000 shops spanning 30,700 m². Return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.

• BreakfastDeparture from the hotel. We head to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. Visit the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic, also known as the Father of the Nation Atatürkhe is one of the most important figures in Turkey's history. In addition to being a national hero and the first president of Turkey, he was a true revolutionary who transformed the country into a modern republic. For this reason, he is still loved and respected by the Turkish people, who continue to faithfully visit his mausoleum every year. On the way, we will see Tuz Lake (Salt Lake), the second largest lake in the country.
• On the way, we will pass by Tuz Gölü (Salt Lake), the second largest lake in the country. Arrival in Cappadocia (Turkish: Kapadokya), a historic region in central Anatolia, covering parts of the provinces of Kayseri, Aksaray, Niğde, and Nevşehir. Cappadocia is famous for its unique geological formations. Visit an underground city built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks. Before arriving at the hotel, we will stop at a traditional pottery workshop in the Cappadocia region. Dinner and overnight stay.

**Optional Hot Air Balloon Ride (not included – additional cost) to admire the spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia’s natural formations at sunrise. Cappadocia is one of only three natural sites in the world where a hot air balloon ride is highly recommended.

• Breakfast. Departure to visit this fantastic region with its spectacular and unique landscape, formed by lava ejected by the Erciyes and Hasan volcanoes 3 million years ago. Cappadocia is the land of beautiful horses, as described by the Persians who arrived in the region in the 7th century BC. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, where churches and chapels were carved into the volcanic rocks by the first Christians who arrived in the region.
• Next, we will visit the Pasabag and Güvercinlik Valleys, which feature a spectacular landscape of the Fairy Chimneys. Later, we will visit the region’s most popular valley, called the Love Valley. We will also visit a workshop for traditional carpets and authentic jewelry.
• After dinner, we head to a traditional restaurant carved into a volcanic rock to attend the AUTHENTIC TURKISH NIGHT, during which we will have the opportunity to see around 10 folk dances from different regions and cities of Turkey.  While enjoying the evening, we will taste some snacks and enjoy unlimited local drinks. Return to the hotel for overnight accommodation.

• Breakfast. We will take the tour rate “Caesarea: Origins of the Ottomans and Heart of Winter Tour.” Departure early in the morning towards one of the region’s capitals and an important city of the Seleucid Empire. Along the way, we will enjoy the beautiful view of the inactive Mount Erciyes, whose eruption, together with Mount Hasan, helped form the magical natural area of Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Kayseri, we will take a panoramic tour of the city, which reflects the origins of the Ottomans through the city’s beauty, where one of the first trade centers in Anatolia was founded.
• Next, we will ascend Mount Erciyes, home to the most important winter sports resort in Turkey. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a traditional barbecue featuring the famous local pepperoni sandwich. The afternoon will be free for personal activities and to enjoy the incredible scenery. Those who wish can also go skiing or snowboarding. At the end of the afternoon, we will descend and return to Cappadocia. Dinner at the hotel and overnight accommodation.

• BreakfastEarly departure towards Pamukkale, passing by Sultanhanı, the largest inn in Anatolia, built by Sultan Kaikubad I (1221–1237) to accelerate and facilitate regional trade. Later, we will pass through Konya, the largest city in Anatolia and the center of the Whirling Dervishes. Upon arrival in Denizli, we will visit Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder featuring a giant waterfall, stalactites, and natural pools formed over centuries by thermal waters rich in calcium salts. After visiting the ancient city of Hierapolis, we will return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation.

• Breakfast. Departure towards Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries. Walking through the main entrance, the Magnesia Gate, you will be amazed by the incredible views. Marble streets lead to impressive temples, frescoes in the Terraced Houses, fountains, and porticoes. We will explore the three-story Celsus Library, the third-largest library of the ancient world, the Odeon, Temple of Hadrian on Curetes Street (the street of the priests), Trajan’s Fountain, and the Great Theatre, which could hold around 25,000 spectators. After visiting Ephesus, we will continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the last residence of Jesus’ mother. Today, it is considered a pilgrimage site, especially for Catholics. We then proceed to Kusadasi on the Aegean Sea, followed by a visit to a leather workshop. Dinner and overnight accommodation.

• BreakfastFree day. Dinner and overnight accommodation.
• If the weather permits, we will take the Chios tour; otherwise, we will do the Magical Village of Sirince tour, with an additional cost.
• 1. Optional Greek Island of Chios
• Greek Island of Chios: Transfer from the hotel to Çeşme port. After the immigration process, we depart for the island by ferry. Upon arrival, we begin the tour. We will visit some windmills that were used to channel water to a leather factory. The second stop is in a village famous for the production of mastic, a special plant resin unique to the island. We will continue to Kambos, where we will see some Genoese stone houses, and then pass through the village of Armolia, where we will see mastic trees. Finally, we reach the medieval village of Mesta, where we will have the opportunity to walk through its labyrinthine streets dating back to the Byzantine era and visit Megalos Taxiarchis, a well-known Orthodox church on the island. Free time will be available to stroll around the village and try some local foods.
• We will head south to the village of Pyrgi, where Christopher Columbus is said to have lived. The village is also famous for its houses decorated in the “ksista” style, as well as white houses adorned with geometric patterns. The next stop is at the black stone volcanic beach, Mavra Volia, in Emporios, where we will have the opportunity to enjoy delicious Greek food at one of the local restaurants. Before returning to the port, we will take a short stroll in the island’s town center. Transfer to the port and departure for Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel
• 2. Optional Magical Village of Sirince & Greco-Roman Ruins
• At the appointed time, we will depart from the hotel to visit Miletus, the ancient Greco-Roman city that was the cradle of philosophy. Located on the western coast, it is famous for being the birthplace of the renowned scientist and mathematician Thales of Miletus, as well as for its remarkable Hellenistic and Roman architecture. After visiting this great city, we will continue towards the Selcuk/Izmir region.  We will begin the tour with a visit to the mosque located on the outskirts of Selcuk, built in 1274. It is considered one of the oldest and most impressive architectural masterpieces of the Anatolian Beyliks.
• Next, we will continue with the Basilica of St. John, who accompanied the Virgin Mary to escape from persecutors following the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.  We will also visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
• At midday, after the planned visits, we will head to the Ancient Village of Sirince, founded by the first Christians from Ephesus who were escaping persecution. It remained a Greek Orthodox village until 1924. After the Turkish War of Independence in 1924, with the population exchange between Greeks and Turks, the first Turks settled in the village, creating a picturesque setting of charming houses. The village is also famous for its fruit wines. Lunch in Sirince and free time to enjoy the beauty of the village.  On the way back to the hotel, we will visit Kusadasi town center, where we will admire the beauty of the seafront promenade. Free time, then return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation.

• Breakfast. Departure for Bursa. Panoramic visit of this important city, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, one of the main mosques in the city and one of the most beautiful in all of Turkey.
• We will also visit the Green Tomb, where one of the most important Sultans, Mehmet I, is buried. You will have the opportunity to stroll through the Silk Market, where you can admire antiques, silks, perfumes, and pashminas.  Arrival at the hotel.  Accommodation

• Box lunch. Early in the morning, transfer to the airport to board the flight to Dubai. Arrival in Dubai and reception by the local tour operator. Transfer to the hotel and overnight accommodation. We will then proceed with the Dubai Tour. We begin by visiting the old city center, Deira, where we will have the opportunity to see the old houses with wind towers built by the wealthy.
• Next, we will explore the Spice Market and the spectacular Gold Souk. Crossing the canal by water taxi and passing along Jumeirah Road, we will arrive at the Jumeirah Mosque, where there will be free time to take fantastic photos.  We will continue to the city’s famous marina, home to Cayan Tower, the twisted tower in Dubai that rotates 90 degrees. This luxurious building has 75 floors, reaches 310 meters in height, and cost $272 million USD.
• There will be a photo stop at the Burj Al Arab, the world’s only 7-star hotel. Passing through the city center and the International Financial Centre, we will reach the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, located at the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world with over 1,000 stores. Return to the hotel and overnight stay.
• Free time for shopping.
• Optional: Visit to the 124th Floor of the Burj Khalifa (additional cost).
• Take the world’s fastest elevator to ascend the iconic Dubai skyscraper, the tallest building in the world. From a height of 829 meters on the 124th floor, marvel at the panoramic city views and enjoy the music of the world’s largest dancing fountain.   Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

• Breakfast. Free day for personal activities. Overnight accommodation.

• Breakfast. Morning free for personal activities. At the designated time, meet in the lobby for transfer to the airport to board the flight to Mexico.