Exploring Turkey

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival Istanbul

Arrival in Istanbul and meet and assist at the airport. Transfer to your hotel and overnight.

Day 02: Istanbul – Ottoman Tour 

After breakfast full day city tour of Istanbul visiting; Hippodrome: The former center of sportive and political activities of Constantinople. During the visit, you'll be able to see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Serpentine Column from Delphi, and fountain of Willhelm II. Blue Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Istanbul dating from the 17th century it is one of the principal adornments of the skyline of Istanbul. Also famous for its blue tiles and 6 minarets. St. Sophia: The magnificent Byzantine Church; one of the finest architectural works in the world. It has been nominated as the 8th wonder of the world by many historians. Topkapı Palace: The former imperial residence from where the Great Ottoman Empire was ruled. Today a spectacular museum that has one of the largest collections of Chinese and Japanese porcelain. Grand Bazaar: In addition to its historical importance, it's a bazaar that will tempt even the nonshoppers with its rich collection of precious handmade carpets, jewelry, leather and souvenirs.  Also visioned during the tour: Galata Tower, Golden Horn, Leander’s Tower. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 03: Istanbul / Domestic Flight / Kusadasi

After a short visit to the famous Egyptian Spice Bazaar and an unforgettable excursion starts between two continents, Europe and Asia. The cruise takes you along the Bosphorus, past the European style palaces of the Ottomans, Dolmabahce and Beylerbeyi, as well as beautiful wooden kiosks from the 19th century. After the tour, transfer tothe airport for your flight to Izmir. Arrive in Izmir and then transfer to your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 04: Kuasadasi – Pamukkale Tour 

After breakfast drive to Pamukkale (the cotton castle) one of the most spectacular sites. See the wonderful formations of the travertine’s and watch cataracts falling into basins at the bottom of the mountain. Walk around the ancient city Hierapolis, The Monument, and Thermal Baths. See the architectural genius of the Theatre, the magnificently well preserved Necropolis and the worldwide famous “Devil’s Hole”. Year-round swimming possibility in the natural hot spring pool. Overnight and dinner in Pamukkale.

Day 05: Pamukkale - Antalya 

After breakfast transfer to the Denizli Bus Station for your transfer to the Antalya. Arrive Antalya Bus Station, and then transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 06: Antalya – Perge Tour 

After breakfast visit Perge antique site; Stadium, Roman Gate, Nymphaeum, Roman Bath, Hellenistic Gate, Colonnaded Main Street and the Agora. Lunch on the Köprüpazarı Stream near Aspendos Theater. Visit Aspendos Theater and the Historical Aqueducts. Introduction of Side and 1.5 hours of free time. Evening return back to hotels. Dinner and overnight.

Day 07: Antalya / Domestic Flight / Cappadocia

After breakfast transfer to the Antalya Airport for your transfer flight to Nevşehir or Kayseri Airports. Arrive Kayseri or Nevşehir, and then transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 08: Cappadocia 

Breakfast at the hotel. Optional balloon tour. Morning visit the Devrent Valley to see the unique fairy-chimneys. Drive to Pasabagi (Monk'sValley) to see the most interesting mushroom-shaped pinnacles. In the afternoon visit Open Air Museum in Goreme where the remains of rock-cut churches and Christian settlements date back hundreds of years. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 09: Cappadocia -Departure 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from the hotel and a tour with a hike through the Rose Valley with visits to the churches. Afterward, visit the old Christian village of Cavusin. Stop for lunch near Pigeons Valley and then continue on to see the Kaymakli Underground City. You will also visit the Ortahisar natural rock castle. After the tour, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.

INCLUSIONS/EXCLUSIONS

Days : 9 | Nights : 8

Attractions

• Pamukkale Water Terraces
• Basilica Cisterns of Istanbul
• Lycian Rock Tombs
• Gobekli Tepe
• Troy
• Pluto's Gate
• Myra Necropolis
• Abandoned Village of Kayakoy
• Kekova Island Sunken Ruins
• Gamirasu Cave Hotel
• City of Manazan
• Termessos
• Safranbolu, Turkey
• Derinkuyu Underground City
• Sumela Monastery
• Kaymaklı Underground City
• Minyatür’s Nautical Instruments
• Olympos Coastal National Park (Çıralı)
• Tombili
• Avanos Hair Museum
• Armenian Cathedral of the Holy Cross
• Nemrut Dagi
• Çatalhöyük
• Ishak Pasha Palace
• Tombs of the Sultans at Hagia Sophia
• The Museum of Innocence
• Piri Reis Map at Topkapi Palace
• Obelisk of Theodosius
• Balikli Gol
• Bulgarian Iron Church
• Fortress of Kızkalesi
• Suluklugol
• House of the Virgin Mary
• Harran Beehive Houses
• Panorama 1453 Museum
• Lycian Tomb Uçagiz
• Büyükada
• Miniaturk
• The Public Toilets of Ephesus
• Özkonak Underground City
• Hasankeyf
• Serpent Column
• Yedi Uyurlar Mağarası (Cave of the Seven Sleepers)
• Monument to Humanity, Kars
• Kaiser Wilhelm Fountain
• Beylerbeyi Palace
• Flora Han
• The Brothel Advertisement at Ephesus
• Istanbul Railway Museum at Sirkeci Terminal
• The Spoonmaker's Diamond
• Durupınar Site
• Cathedral of Mren
• Minuchir Mosque of Ani
• Kirkpinar Oil Wrestling Festival
• Vedat Tek House
• Baris Manco House and Museum
• Four-Legged Minaret