Some three million years ago, violent volcanic eruptions covered the plateau in this area with tufa, a soft stone comprised of lava, ash and mud. Subsequently, the wind and rain have eroded the brittle rock to form a spectacular surrealistic landscape of rock cones and capped pinnacles, called FAIRY CHIMNEYS, that are painted in colours ranging from warm reds and gold to cool greens and greys. During Byzantine times, Christian chapels and monasteries were hollowed out of the rock, and later these dwellings served as refuge for Christians, persecuted by the Romans.

Day 1: Early departure from Istanbul, flight to Kayseri and continue to Cappadocia region. Visit the underground, eleven-storied city of Kaymakli, see the extraordinary rock formations at Uçhisar and the charming town of Ürgüp with its fairy chimneys. Lunch in the area. Dinner and accommodation at a local hotel.

Day 2: Visit the rock dwellings, chapels and monasteries of the Göreme Valley, Zelve Valley, villages of Çavusin and Avcilar. Lunch in the area. Dinner and accommodation at a local hotel.

Day 3: Early departure from the hotel and ride to Kayseri to fly back to Istanbul for connecting international flights.

Day 1: Early flight from Istanbul to Izmir where you visit the Roman Agora, the Archaeological and Ethnographic Museum and Kadifekale (Mt Pagus). Lunch in a local restaurant in Izmir. Dinner and accommodation at a local hotel.
Day 2: Full-day tour to Ephesus to see the extensive ruins including baths, gymnasium, theatres and other monuments which line the marble streets. Also visit the reputed last home of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John and the Seljuk Museum. Lunch in the area. Dinner and accommodation in Izmir.
Day 3: Full-day tour to Pergamum, visiting the Acropolis, the famous Altar of Zeus, the precipitous theatre and Asclepium, one of the foremost medical centers of the ancient world. Lunch in the area. Return to Istanbul by an early evening flight.

Rate: 560 EUR - per person in double room 90EUR - single supplement

Rate is inclusive of: - Domestic airfare Istanbul/Izmir/Istanbul - 2 nights accommodation at a first class hotel on bed & breakfast basis - 3 lunches and 2 dinners - All sightseeing as per above itinerary with an English speaking guide - All entrance fees - Service charge and VAT Minimum 10 participants.

Cancellation policy for post-congress tours
Cancellation can be made up to 6 weeks prior to the tour for a full refund. Thereafter no refund can be provided. TOPKON CONGRESS SERVICES reserves the right to cancel a tour if the minimum number of 10 participants is not met. Such cancellations are fully refunded.