Check your Midnight Express stereotypes at the door - this is a rapidly modernizing country with one foot in Europe and one in the Middle East. It's not all oriental splendor, mystery, intrigue and whirling dervishes but it is a spicy maelstrom of history knocking up against a pacy present.

The Turkish people have an unrivalled reputation for hospitality, the cuisine is to die for, the coastline is a dream, and many Turkish cities are dotted with spectacular mosques and castles. And while costs are rising, Turkey remains one of the Mediterranean's bargain-basement destinations.

Itinerary:

Day 01: Mumbai - Istanbul   (Visit Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market)

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. At noon depart for Egyptian Spice Market which is filled with the fragrances of the exotic East since the 1660s. Spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds, lokum (Turkish delight) and other edibles fill most of the shops in Istanbul’s Misir Carsisi, along with jewelry and souvenirs. Later embark on the Bosphorus Cruise, through the magnificent waterway separating the two continents, Europe and Asia, with a possibility to take photographs of marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residential and luxurious apartments. Overnight is at your hotel in Istanbul.

Day 02: Istanbul     (City Tour)

Half day Istanbul sightseeing including Blue Mosque, facing Hagia Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet, Hippodrome,  center of sportive (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city. Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the monuments decorating Hippodrome, St Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, and Grand Bazaar, the most attractive shopping center and biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops selling antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, leatherwear and souvenirs., Overnight is at your hotel in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 03: Istanbul     (Lifestyle Holidays Recommends Princes Island Tour)

After breakfast you have the rest of the day at leisure. Lifestyle Holidays recommends you to enjoy the Princes Island tour. If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charming Princes’ Islands. Our destination is Büyükada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Büyükada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional fish-restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away. Overnight is at your hotel in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 04: Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia   (Day Free At Leisure)         

After breakfast transfer to airport to catch the Kayseri flight. Upon arrival transfer to Cappadocia and check-in. Rest of the day is free at leisure. Overnight is at your hotel in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast & Dinner

Day 05 & 06: Cappadocia (2 Full Day Tours Of Cappadocia)

Two full days guided sightseeing tours in one of the unique places in the world.  Visit Devrent Valley, Monks Valley, Avanos, Goreme, Uchisar, Kizilcukur, Cavusin, Guvercinlik and one of the underground cities, Kaymakli or Derinkuyu divided into 2 days with lunch.  Overnight is at your hotel in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 07: Cappadocia - Kayseri - Istanbul - Mumbai     

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight back home via Istanbul. Return home with wonderful memories of Turkey with Lifestyle Holidays!

Meals: Breakfast