Embark on an unforgettable 10-day, 9-night journey through spectacular Turkey. From vibrant Istanbul to the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, the terraces of Pamukkale, and the ancient ruins of Ephesus, each destination reveals a cultural, natural, or spiritual treasure.
Day 01: Istanbul
Arrival at Istanbul airport, transfer to hotel and check-in.
Day 02: Istanbul
Breakfast. Departure for half-day tour. We will discover the essence of Istanbul on a tour of Fener and Balat, two of the city's most emblematic and colorful neighborhoods. Fener and Balat are neighborhoods steeped in history where different communities have coexisted for centuries. Their cobbled streets, colorful houses, and ancient churches create a unique atmosphere that reflects the cultural diversity of Istanbul. Departure for a visit to the Zeyrek Mosque (in Turkish: Molla Zeyrek Camii), a mosque located in Istanbul and built from two former Orthodox churches and a chapel. It is the most typical example of Byzantine architecture from the intermediate period in Constantinople and, after Hagia Sophia, is the largest religious building built by the Byzantines that still exists in the city of Istanbul. Return to the hotel at the customer's expense.
Meals: Breakfast
OPTIONAL EXCURSION - TOPKAPI PALACE
Tour of the old city. In the morning, panoramic tour of Hagia Sophia (external visit), one of Istanbul's most iconic buildings, a beautiful architectural marvel that we offer visitors; also considered one of the largest and most impressive churches in the world, it is now a mosque. Next, we will visit Topkapi Palace (with entrance to the Harem), where the sultans lived between 1478 and 1856. Topkapi is not a single structure, but an organic monumental complex made up of various kiosks, gardens, and scattered areas located in the historic district at the entrance to the Golden Horn. We continue to the Blue Mosque, admired for its six tall minarets, terraces, and domes that rise in the center of the building. You will see that the architect undoubtedly achieved his goal of perfection with this impressive work. Lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Roman Hippodrome (from the time of Septimius Severus), where chariot races and circuses took place, providing entertainment for the inhabitants of Constantinople for over a thousand years. We will end the day at the covered market: the Grand Bazaar, where you can enjoy some free time. Transfer to the hotel.
** The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays and religious holidays.
Day 03: Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia
**Option to take a flight from Istanbul/Cappadocia, see supplement Breakfast and departure for Ankara. Arrival in Ankara, capital of the Republic, and visit to the Ataturk Mausoleum. Continue to Cappadocia passing by Salt Lake, the second largest lake in the country. Arrival in Cappadocia and transfer to hotels. Visit to the carpet workshop. Arrival at the hotel. Accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 04: Cappadocia
OPTIONAL EXCURSION - HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE
At dawn, you have the option of participating in an optional hot air balloon ride, a unique experience over rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, and lunar landscapes.
Breakfast and departure to visit this wonderful region, a mixture of the whims of nature and human art. Visit the Göreme open-air museum with its cave churches decorated with frescoes. Stop in the Avcilar and Güvercinlik valleys to enjoy the incredible lunar landscape. Next, visit the Uchisar valley where you can see the ancient fortress carved into the rock. In the afternoon, visit one of the underground cities: Özkonak, Mazı, or Saratlı. Then, visit typical onyx and turquoise workshops where you can find quality items at good prices, and briefly visit the famous Cappadocia Ceramics. In the evening, an optional excursion is offered to attend a show featuring traditional dances from the region. The show includes unlimited drinks such as beer, wine, and rakı (a traditional Turkish drink containing 40% alcohol and anise). We will have dinner at the hotel before going to the venue. Return and overnight stay at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 05: Cappadocia - Pamukkale
Breakfast. On the way to Pamukkale, visit Kervansaray, a medieval inn on the Silk Road. Continue on to visit the natural wonder of gigantic white waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools fed by hot springs. The ancient city of Hierapolis is located on this site. We visit the theater, the largest necropolis in Anatolia. Short visit to an outlet. Arrival at the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 06: Pamukkale / Kusadası
Breakfast. Departure for Ephesus, capital of Asia Minor in Roman times. Visit to the archaeological remains, including the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Agora. Option to visit a typical leather goods center. Visit to the House of Mary and departure for Kusadasi. Transfer to the hotel and time to rest.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner.
Day 07: Izmir (or Kusadasi)
Breakfast. Free day for optional activities.
OPTIONAL EXCURSION - GREEK ISLAND OF CHIOS (full day without lunch) (Min 4 people)
**The Chios excursion can be changed to Samos, depending on availability
***Not operating from November to March
Transfer from the hotel to the port of Çesme to take the ferry to Chios. After immigration to enter Greek territory, we have free time to walk around the port area until 11:00 a.m., when we begin our guided tour. The first stop is in the village famous for the production of mastic, a special plant resin from the island. We will continue to Kambos, where we will see some Genoese stone houses, and then to the village of Armolia where we will see mastic trees and visit pottery workshops. We continue our excursion to the village of Mesta, where we will have the opportunity to walk through the labyrinthine streets from the Byzantine era and visit Megalos Taksiarhis. Free time to walk around the village and try some local foods. We will head south to the village of Pyrgi, famous for its black and white decorated houses, and visit the church of the Holy Apostle from Byzantine times. Our last stop is at the black volcanic beach of Mavra Volia in Empoios. We end our excursion with the opportunity to sample delicious Greek food in the many restaurants in the area. Transfer to the port and departure for Çesme in Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Day 08: Izmir (or Kusadasi) - Bursa - Istanbul
**Option to fly from Izmir/Istanbul, see supplement
Breakfast. Departure for Bursa. We will cross the Gulf of Izmir via the Osman Gazi suspension bridge, the fourth longest bridge in the world. Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and we will visit the Great Mosque, the Green Mosque, and the Green Tomb. Stop at a Turkish Delight shop. Continue to Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 09: Istanbul
Breakfast. Bed and breakfast accommodation in the chosen category. Free day to enjoy the city. Optional excursion available (boat trip on the Bosphorus).
OPTIONAL EXCURSION—BOSPHORUS (WITH LUNCH)
Full-day excursion along the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul.
We start in the morning with a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar, built in the 17th century and located in the historic district of Eminönü, one of the oldest in the city. Then we will take a regular boat for a panoramic tour of the Bosphorus Strait (regular boat), sailing between the continents of Europe and Asia. During the trip, we will see iconic monuments such as the Dolmabahçe and Çırağan Palaces, as well as the imposing Rumeli Hisarı Fortress, among others. After lunch, we will continue with a visit to the Taksim area, the vibrant modern heart of Istanbul. We will start at Taksim Square, next to the Republic Monument, and walk along the lively Istiklal Street. During the tour, we will discover important historical and cultural sites: the Maksem Cistern, the Armenian Catholic Church, the Greek Orthodox Church, and the elegant Flower Passage. We will pass by the Fish Market and the Dervish school, representatives of an important mystical order of Islam. We will end our tour in the charming neighborhood where the Galata Tower (entrance not included) is located, an icon of Istanbul built by the Genoese in the 14th century and a symbol of the city. Return to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Istanbul - Country of Origin
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your final flight.
Meals: Breakfast (if the transfer schedule allows)
NOTE: Does not include activities
Supplement for 4 nights at the Taksim Hotel (please inquire)
Supplement for 2 nights at a cave hotel in Cappadocia (please inquire)
