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Follow in the footsteps of the ancient Ottomans, the Trojans and sultans with this active and adventurous family friendly tour of Turkey. Led by a private guide you’ll experience wonders that date back to the dawn of civilization in Istanbul, Goreme’s Cappadocia, Izmir and Kusadasi. Commence your journey in exotic Istanbul, the epicenter of Turkey's hustle and bustle. A frenzy of souks, winding streets and vibrant culture, the city is a haven for those who like all their senses stimulated. Absorb Istanbul's famous highlights, from its mosques to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire architecture with your private guide. Voyage to Goreme National Park to experience magical Cappadocia, the "Valley of the Fairy Chimneys.” Your family will stay at an enchanting cave hotel dating back to the 5th century. Marvel at the unique 'moon-like' geography with a bird's eye view during your exciting hot air balloon ride! Explore the region close up on a horseback riding excursion. Explore age-old villages with an included an authentic lunch hosted by a local Turkish family. with a Turkish family. Travel to Izmir to take in the majestic ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus before journeying to Turkey’s Aegean coast. Rest and relax on the beaches of Kusadasi with a traditional Turkish gulet trip and visit Europe’s largest water park for a day of fantastic family fun! Featuring elegant family friendly hotels, mouthwatering traditional cuisine, private guide, driver, transfers, all internal flights and much more this is the ultimate family tour.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
Istanbul Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. Enjoy a private airport transfer today with a car/driver and airport assistant. A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, plane tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip. The Ottoman Imperial (4*) hotel will provide you with traditional Turkish hospitality, comfort, elegant premium service, an unbeatable view of Hagia Sophia Museum and Sultanahmet Square, as well as a blend of Ottoman and Istanbul cuisine. With its exquisitely furnished guest rooms reflecting Ottoman art, trend-setting restaurants and bars, extensive guest services and in-house amenities, the Ottoman Imperial responds to the needs of the most demanding leisure and business travellers. Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
 Istanbul |
 Istanbul |
 Ottoman Imperial Hotel |
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Day 2
Istanbul Enjoy your walking tour to Cistern Basilica, Topkapi Palace and Blue Mosque and Hippodrome. Cistern Basilica is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. Then walk over to Topkapi Palace, which contains holy relics of the Muslim world. Next, visit the historical Blue Mosque, otherwise known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque. To conclude this walking tour, enjoy the Hippodrome, one of the oldest sites in Istanbul. Spend your afternoon at leisure visiting the Grand Bazaar, a short walk from your hotel. Savour the unique atmosphere in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. This tapestry of sights, smells and sounds will leave an impression you will not soon forget! Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
 Cistern Basilica |
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Day 3
Istanbul In Istanbul, enjoy a port transfer with a private vehicle and driver. In the morning, take a private transfer to the pier before boarding a public boat to the Princes' Islands. Cruise on the sea of Marmara to Buyukada, the largest and most popular of the islands. Enjoy a day at leisure on this beautiful island where time appears to stand still. Motorized vehicles are forbidden. Consider hiking, taking a phaeton ride (horse-drawn carriage), or renting bicycles to explore the pine capped hills of the island, while admiring the beautiful facades and gardens of the old wooden mansions. Cruise back to Istanbul by public boat. In Istanbul, enjoy a port transfer with a private vehicle and driver. Overnight at Ottoman Imperial (4*). |
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Day 4
Cappadocia Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey, largely in Nevsehir Province. The name was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage. The term, as used in tourism, roughly corresponds to present-day Nevsehir Province. In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates and the Armenian Highland, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia. Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Capadoccia. The flight duration is about 1 hour. Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car and guide in Cappadocia. You will be driven to Devrent Valley and then to Pasabagi Valley, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. From here you will be driven to Avanos, the famous pottery town, to have lunch. After lunch depart from Avanos to see the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the churches of Goreme Open Air Museum. Then you will be driven to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia. Conclude with a visit to the Pidgeon Valley. Immerse yourself in true Turkish culture when you are welcomed into the home of a local family. Enjoy a traditional feast of fresh, local Cappadocian food. 100% of the proceeds of this visit are provided to the local Turkish family in thanks for their generous hospitality. Gamirasu Cave (4*) is an exquisitely restored 30 room, troglodyte cave house opened in 1999, in Ayvali Village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which, has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Gamirasu cave Hotel is featured in major international travel guides as one of the best cave hotels of Cappadocia. It is often mentioned as a romantic escape for honeymooners in wedding magazines. Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*). |
 Goreme |
 Uchisar castle |
 Gamirasu Cave |
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Day 5
Cappadocia Enjoy a unique experience with fellow adventure seekers, and see Capadoccia from a Hot Air Baloon. While the crew inflates the balloons, clients are served a complimentary Turkish style breakfast. Then the flight starts. The pilot heats the air inside the balloon with the burner to rise into currents with different directions. There is a marvelous view of Cappadocia from above. The flight time is approximately one hour. The pilot will begin the gentle descent when he finds an appropriate landing site. After packing up the balloon, champagne is served and certificates are distributed. The whole experience lasts 3 to 4 hours, very early in the morning, so clients have the rest of the day to visit the many attractions of Cappadocia .(Breakfast is included) Enjoy a full day tour in Capadoccia and visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit the subterrenean city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several levels underground. You will be driven to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red valley, finally a visit to a Winery, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area. Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*). |
 Hot Air Ballon |
 Cappadocia cave dwellings |
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Day 6
Kusadasi Kusadasi is a resort town in Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the district of the same name in Aydin Province. Its main industry is tourism and is a port of call for cruise ships. The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of Guvercin Ada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dagi behind. It is 90 km (56 mi) south of Izmir, the region's largest metropolitan center. It is 71 km (44 mi) from the provincial seat of Aydin situated inland. Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Enjoy your flight from Cappadoccia to Izmir. The flight has a stopover in Istanbul. Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Enjoy a full day tour to Ephesus with your own private car and guide. Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celcus Library. In the afternoon a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years and Basilica of St. John. Drive back to Izmir, where you will be dropped off at your hotel. Lunch is included. Transfer to Kusadasi with private vehicle and driver. Korumar (5*) located on a cliff protruding the Aegean Sea. Located off Kusadasi, a getaway to explore nearby Kirazli, a traditional Koy village and the Hellenistic remains of Pygale, both within a 20-minute drive. The hotel is constructed on its own private bay which overlooks the nearby Pigeon Island. Rooms open out onto private furnished balconies with sea views. Each room is fitted with satellite TV channels, an intimate seating area and includes en suite bathrooms with either shower or bathtub. Guests can choose among Turkish cuisine and international classic dishes. Food can be enjoyed overlooking the sea on the terrace, or indoor in a more elegant ambiance, both complemented by a varied wine selection. Facilities of the hotel include tennis courts, gym, a traditional hammam, a jacuzzi pool and massage treatments. Overnight at Korumar (5*). |
 Kusadasi |
 Ephesus |
 Korumar (5*) |
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Day 7
Kusadasi Board a traditional Turkish gulet, a traditional two-masted sailing vessel, for a leisurely cruise visiting the best beaches around Kusadasi. Enjoy a fully inclusive cooked picnic lunch onboard. Overnight at Korumar (5*). |
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Day 8
Kusadasi Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally. Enjoy a day at Europe's biggest aqua park! The entire family will love this park along the Aegean coast. From 80km/hr rides to a kiddie pool with a pirate ship - to a lazy river, there is something for everyone. Not just water, there is a dryland with 11 bars, 7 restaurants, and rooms with Wi-Fi and television. Transfer using a local taxi. Please note that this is not included in trip price and is payable locally. Overnight at Korumar (5*). |
 Kusadasi Aqua Park |
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Day 9
Kusadasi Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. Overnight at Korumar (5*). |
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Day 10
Istanbul Airport transfer with your private car and driver. Enjoy a domestic flight from Izmir airport to Istanbul. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour. Depart from Istanbul airport - end of itinerary. Overnight at Depart. |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure - Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance
Trip Terms & Conditions
- Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
- Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
- Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
- Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
- Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
- Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.kensingtontours.com/terms-and-conditions
- Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.
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