Turkey, Ukraine & Moldova

DAY 1- ARRIVAL IN ISTANBUL (TURKEY)

Check out from hotel then transfer to Cairo airport for your final flight. a
Welcome to Istanbul!! You will be met at the airport transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY-2: ISTANBUL FULL DAY TOUR (B)

Today after breakfast, we start our day with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace, which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the XVI and XIX Centuries. It has a superb position overlooking the Bosphorus. Topkapı Palace (Topkapı Sarayı in Turkish, literally the "Cannongate Palace" (named after a nearby gate), located in Istanbul (Constantinople), was the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1853. The construction of the Topkapı Palace was ordered by Sultan Mehmet II in 1459. It was completed in 1465. The palace is located on the Seraglio Point between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara in Istanbul, having a splendid view of the Bosphorus. It consists of many smaller buildings built together and surrounded by four courts.The First Court (or Alay Meydanı) spans over the entire Seraglio Point and is surrounded by high walls. The main gate is called Bab-ı Hümayun, simply the Imperial Gate. Apart from the Topkapı Palace, the First Court also contains the old imperial mint (constructed in 1727), the church of Hagia Eirene, the Archeology Museum (constructed during the 19th century) and various fountains (including the Fountain of the Executioner), pavilions (for example the Çinili Pavilion) and gardens (including the Gülhane Park, the old imperial rose garden). The huge Gate of Greeting (Babüsselam) leads into the palace and the Second Court (Divan Meydanı). This court is a park surrounded by the palace hospital, bakery, Janissary quarters, stables, the imperial Harem and Divan to the north and the kitchens to the south. Through the Gate of Felicity (Babüssaade) is the Third Court which is the heart of the palace, a lush garden surrounded by the Hall of the Privy Chamber (Has Oda) occupied by the palace officials, the treasury (which contains some of the wonderful treasures of the Ottoman age, which include the Sacred Trusts), the Harem and some pavilions, with the library of Ahmet III in the center. The Fourth Court was more of a private garden of the Sultan and consists of a number of pavilions, kiosks (köşk), gardens and terraces. We also pay a visit to the magnificent Haghia Sophia (St. Sophia’s Basilica) built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the VI Century. Hagia Sophia, or the Church of Holy Wisdom, is a former Eastern Orthodox church in the Turkish city of Istanbul, formerly Constantinople. It was converted to a mosque in 1453 by the Ottomans, and converted into the Ayasofya Museum in 1935. It is universally acknowledged as one of the greatest buildings of the world. Its seizure by the Ottomans is considered one of the great tragedies of Christianity by the Greek Orthodox faithful. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. After lunch we will visit the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (in Turkish Sultanahmet Camii) is a mosque in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey and the capital of the Ottoman Empire from 1453 to 1923. It is regarded as one of the greatest masterpieces of Islamic architecture. The Mosque is
famously known as the "Blue Mosque" for its blue tiles in its interior. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 by order of the Sultan Ahmed I, after whom it is named. He is buried in the mosque's precincts. It is located in the oldest part of Istanbul, in what was before 1453 the center of Constantinople, the capital of the Byzantine Empire. It is next to the site of the ancient Hippodrome, and a short distance from the great
Christian Church of the Holy Wisdom (Hagia Sophia). Then visit the Byzantine Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine life for 1000 years, where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place. The Hippodrome of Constantinople was a horse-racing track that was the sporting and social center of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire and the largest city in Europe. Today it is a square named Sultanahmet Meydani in the Turkish city of Istanbul, with only a few ragments of the original structure surviving. The word hippodrome comes from the Greek hippos ('ιππος), horse, and dromos (δρομος), path or way. Horse racing and chariot racing were popular pastimes in the ancient world and hippodromes were common features of Greek cities in the Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine eras. We will also visit Basilica Cistern. The Basilica Cistern, also known as the "Sunken Palace" or "Binbirdirek sarayi" in Turkish, was constructed by Justinian in 532 to supply water to the Byzantine Palace primarily. Basilica cistern or better known as Yerebatan sarayi is a very authentic place and a must see in Istanbul. The cistern is located at the Sultanahmet square, when you are about to reach the Sultanahmet Square on the right bank you will see the
basilica cistern. There is a small building next to the tram line, there leads the stairs down to the Basilica
cistern. Underground waterway was used as a reservoir for water storage for the Great Palace and other
buildings. It is 132 m length, by 65m wide. There are 336 columns in the cistern. Most of the column capitals are either in Corinthian or Doric Style. Walk to the back of the Cistern, and you will find one upside down Medusa head supporting one of the columns. Why it is upside down has been a question of much discussion, but the best guess is that the people who placed the stone believed that if the head was upside down, it would ward off evil spirits. Then we will finish the day with a visit to Grand Bazaar which is the world’s largest and the oldest shopping venue. In the afternoon we will return to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY-3: FLIGHT FROM ISTANBUL TO CAPPADOCIA (B, D)

Transfer from Holiday Inn Sisli hotel to airport for a short flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia (1 hr, 20 min). Our guide and driver will meet you at the airport and drive to Cappadocia region (approx. 45 minutes). Cappadocia, known for bizarre landscape, underground cities, churches and dwellings carved from the soft volcanic rock. The fantasy landscape of Cappadocia is probably the best-known tourist attraction in inland Turkey. It is a remarkable region and geological wonderland created by the complex interaction of natural and human forces over vast spans of time. The origin of this beautiful land began with the eruption of high two volcanic mountains Erciyes of 3,916m (12,848 ft) in the east and Hasandagi a volcano of 3,253m (10,673 ft) high in the south. Millions of years ago they were active volcanoes, their explosive eruptions spread a thick layer of hot volcanic ash over the region which hardened to a soft and porous stone called tufa or tuff. Over ages of geological time, wind, rain, snow and sand erosion wore away the tuff, carving it into elaborate and unearthly shapes. The strange but extraordinary formation of Cappadocia has had this appearance for millions of years. The tour will begin with a panoramic view point in Cappadocia. You will be able to see Devrent Valley Pasabag Valley Zelve Valley. Zelve, another monastic community, and the sides triple valleys are honey combed with stairways, tunnels, storerooms, living quarters, pigeon houses and
churches. The churches and dwellings date back to the pre-iconoclastic age (before the ninth century). The valley was inhabited by Turks as recently as the 1950s. the inhabitants simply hacked out their dwellings and churches from rocks. Zelve is one of the most fascinating remnants of Cappadocia's troglodyte past and is a favorite spot for photographers. The Pigeon Valley, Rose and Red Valleys are also included in our visit of the Famous Valleys of the region. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY- 4: CAPPADOCIA (B, D)

Today, we will drive you to see Uchisar Castle and the Avcilar valley for a panoramic point to enjoy the scenery of Goreme and Uchisar Castle and other Villages from this point. Uchisar is an excellent place to get a first impression of Cappadocia's extraordinary geology. It provides panoramic views of Cappadocian valleys and countryside. Then drive to Goreme Open Air Museum which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. You will see the best-preserved rock-cut churches in Cappadocia area with marvelous frescoes painted inside the rock churches. Goreme Open Air Museum, is the best known and most visited site of all the monastic settlements in the Cappadocia region. This steep-sided little valley once housed a thriving monastic community, living and worshipping in houses and churches cut into the surrounding cliffs. It's also the largest of the religious complexes, and its churches, of which there are over thirty, contain some of the most fascinating of all the frescoes in Cappadocia. The frescoes in these churches, which date from the 5th to the 12th centuries are true masterpieces of Byzantine art. Drive through Avanos & Red River and then we will go to carpet cooperative and meet with local young girls who are weaving carpets for their wedding ceremonies as an investment of dowry. We get detailed information of” Cappadocia hand-made carpets” and see all of their processes which is normally unallowable.

DAY-5: CAPPADOCIA (B, D)

Hot Air Balloon flight in the early morning can be a good start the day with sunrise which is the best way to enjoy the breathtaking natural formations of Cappadocia. Cappadocia might be the only place in the world here hundreds of balloons fly nearly every single morning, giving over 2000 people a day the experience of a lifetime. Up to 100 balloons are allowed to take off before sunrise, and another 50 are granted permission to take off half an hour after sunrise.Today we will start our day by visiting Kaymakli Underground City which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Cappadocia. The most impressive aspect of the Kaymaklı Underground City is the organised, structured and very well thought nature of the entire city. Stroll through the underground galleries of the underground city where the first Christians hid themselves from their enemies for months at the time of danger. Several brief photo stops at the region. Among the most extraordinary phenomena of Cappadocia region are the remains of underground settlements (cave constructions), some of them are large enough to have accommodated up to 30.000 people. A total of 100 such settlements in the region have been discovered, but only a few have so far been opened to the public. The best known are Derinkuyu and Kaymakli that lie beneath the plateau. Perhaps as long as the Hitite era (1900-1200 c B.C.), men began to burrow into the bedrock, seeking shelter and safety from invaders. Later inhabitants enlarged and extended the maze of tunnels, stairways and ventilation shafts, adding living quarters, animal pens, storerooms, all hewn out of the solid rock.
The largest of these cities had eight or nine levels extending 55m (180 ft) underground. In times of danger, the whole city could be sealed off heavy 'millstone' doors rolled across the entrance tunnels. The presence of missionary schools, churches and wine cellars indicate that they were used by Christian Communities in the 2nd and 8th centuries, seeking refuge from Roman and later Arab raiders. There were certainly pre-Christian underground cities in the area as early as 400 B.CAfter experiencing the life underground, a relaxing afternoon with visits to Pottery Art Ateliers and Turkish Stone production Centers. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY-6: CAPPADOCIA- FLY TO ISTANBUL(TURKEY)- KYIV (UKRAINE) (B, D)

Transfer for departure Flight Kayseri to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your connecting flight to Kyiv with Turkish Airlines. Upon arrival Kyiv airport you will be met with our local guide and driver at the Kyiv Airport then transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kyiv.

Kyiv: DAY 7: - KYIV SIGHTSEEING (B)

09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Our walking tour will start from exploring ancient part of Kyiv city center. You will enjoy seeing Bessarabskyi market, Golden Gates, walk along Volodymyrskaya street and explore St. Sophia Cathedral, will discover secrets of St. Andrew church and descent, will discover St. Michael Golden-Domed Church. After lunch, we continue with a walk along Khreshchatyk street-the shortest yet the widest main street in the world, Maidan- the square where all of the Ukrainian revolutions started and many more! Back to the hotel, free time.

DAY 8: – KYIV- CHERNOBYL Sightseeing - KYIV (B)

08:00 am - 08:00 pm
Pick up by your guide and driver, and a private tour to the Chernobyl exclusion zone. During this day tour, you will find out about the disaster, learn about the history lesson, will explore: Chernobyl town, will walk around Pripyat - the ghost town, will see Kopachi village, nuclear power plant (outside), Duga Radar system. (B, L)

DAY 9: - KYIV- KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI (B)

08:00 am – 07:00 pm
In the morning we drive to Kamianets-Podilskyi. After lunch we explore this beautiful town. Why does this city seem to be a phenomenon of the cultural and historical importance? You’ll discover the history from the moment of town’s foundation till recent times. You will see the Cathedral of the Saint Peter and Paul, St. Nicolas Armenian Church, enjoy a breathtaking view of the Smotrich River Canyon and of course, the highlight will for sure be a visit to the Kamianets-Podilskyi fortress.

DAY 10: - KAMIANETS-PODILSKYI-KHOTYN-CHERNIVTSI (B)

09:00 am – 07:00 pm
We drive to Chernivtsi with sightseeing on the way!
First stop - Khotyn fortress, which was founded in 13th century and had Moldavian, Polish and Turkish influence. Then we continue to Chernivtsi - the real cozy European city, situated on the spot where the roads from Europe and Asia cross each other. We will have lunch in one of the local Bukovenian restaurants and then we visit the National University – it will be a real highlight! Then enjoy a 2-hour walking tour in the historical city center, walk along the main pedestrian street – Kobylyanska, will see the City Hall, Teatralnaya square and many other.

Day 11: - CHERNIVTSI- CHISINAU (B)

08:00 am – 08:00 pm.
This morning we drive to Chisinau, Moldova. Crossing the border. Continue to Chisinau. Evening walking 2,5-hour tour of Chisinau where you will see both the historic and the modern faces of the city. Who Stephen the Great was and what did he do for the city? You will listen to the cultural, historical facts and legends, while we walk along the central part of the city. On Stephen the Great Boulevard there are many elegant administrative buildings – the Presidency, the Parliament, and the City Administration. There are cultural
centers such as the National Theatre M. Eminescu, the Organ Hall, Theatre of Opera and Ballet. Well-known architects and poets such as Bernardazzi, Sciusev and Pushkin gave Chisinau a unique character.

DAY 12: - CHISINAU – CRICOVA – ORHEI (B)

09:00 am – 04:00 pm
We go to the Cricova Winery for the wine tasting of 3 types of wine. Then drive to Orhei Vechi - a unique natural and historical complex in the open air. It organically combines the natural landscape and vestiges of ancient civilizations; it is known for the ancient monastery and eco-village resorts.

DAY 13: - CHISINAU – TRANSNISTRIA- ODESSA (B)

09:00 am – 04:00 pm
We drive to Odessa via the country that officially doesn’t exist. Exploring its capital, Tiraspol city. It will take you back in USSR: Feel the atmosphere of this disputed territory, which has always been a battlefield between the major powers of the region. This place is full of contrasts.

DAY 14: - ODESA SIGHTSEEING (B, D)

09:00 am – 01:00 pm

Start your day with a walking 3-hour tour around downtown visiting its historical places and strolling the age-old streets: Deribasovskaya, Pushkinskaya, Rishelievskaya and Landzheronovskaya. You will see masterpieces of architecture and art of buildings, Opera and Ballet Theatre, and also historical buildings, where the archeological and marine museums are situated. Strolling along the Primorsky Boulevard it’s your chance to see an ancient building of municipal Duma, count Vorontsov palace with colonnaded entrance and the monument to Duke de Richelieu and the famous Potemkin stairs. They are the main entrance to Primorsky
Boulevard from the seaside from where you witness the fascinating view to the marine terminal and the
seaport. After lunch - free time. Optional** tour to Odessa Catacombs, which are some of the longest in the world and played an important role during the WWII as a shelter for the partisans.

Day 15: - ODESA – MUSEUM OF MISSILES FORCES- KYIV ( B )

We drive to Kyiv with a stop on the way: visiting a Cold War era nuclear missile base. The base today is a museum and you can experience a bit of what it was like to serve here. You’ll walk down a 150-meter-long underground corridor and take a lift 12 floors down to the “Red” button of the Unified Launch Control Center. Overnight in Kyiv.

Day 16: - KYIV – DEPARTURE (B)

Transfer to the International Airport and final flight back to home.

Please call 1-800-417-3880 for more information or e-mail us at info@flotours.com . We are here to help you get the best out of your vacation
Price per person in double or twin room: $ 5775
Single Supplement : $1475

2022 Departure Dates
May 11 - May 29
Aug 30 4 - Sep 18

Inclusions (Turkey)

• All Airport arrivals and departures transfers
• Private transportation
• All private sightseeing
• Private English-speaking local tour guides
• All Entrance fees
• 5 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches and 3 Dinners in Turkey
• Return domestic flight in Turkey (Istanbul- Cappadocia- Istanbul)
• 5 Nights Hotel accommodations in Turkey (2) nights Istanbul-3 nights in Cappadocia)
• Genuine Cave hotel in Cappadocia

Inclusions (Ukraine, Moldova)

• 10 nights’ accommodation standard twin rooms; (Ukraine & Moldova)
• Air-conditioned car with an English-speaking driver;
• Local Private English-speaking guides in Kyiv, Kamianets-Podilskyi, Chernivtsi, Chisinau, Tipaspol, Odessa;
• Entrance tickets according to the program;
• Private tour to Chernobyl
• 10 breakfasts, 2 dinners; (in Ukraine & Moldova)
• Bottled water per person per day;
• All Local services-oriented taxes in Ukraine, Moldova

Exclusions (Turkey)

• Turkish Country entry Visa (you can purchase online)
• Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any services or Flights not mentioned in the included items
• Trip Insurance
• All local drivers tips
• All local guide tips

Exclusions (Ukraine, Moldova)

• Turkish Country entry Visa (you can purchase online)
•  Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
• Any services or Flights not mentioned in the included items
•  Trip Insurance
•  All local drivers tip
•  All local guide tips

Hotels in Turkey Tour

Turkey	Istanbul	Holiday Inn Sisli (4*) hisisli
	Cappadocia 4 nights	Anka Cave Suites https://www.ankacavesuites.com/

Hotels in Ukraine & Moldova

Ukraine	Kyiv	Ukraine hotel (4*)
	Podilsky	Reikartz in Kamianets (4*) https://ukraine-hotel.kiev.ua/en/
	Chernivtsi	Allure Inn (4*) www.allureinn.com
	Chisinau	City Park hotel (4*) City Park Hotel 4* Chisinau
	Odessa	Aleksandrovskyi (4*) Home – Отель Александровский (alexandrovskiy.com.ua) or Milano hotel Enjoy our Radisson Hotel Odesa City Centre | Radisson Hotels

Ukraine-No visa needed Moldova-No visa needed Turkey US citizens can obtain e visas online by visiting https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/