Arrival in Istanbul

Istanbul - • Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul, a city renowned for its significance and breathtaking beauty. A representative will greet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel, allowing you to enjoy your first views of this captivating city where Asia and Europe meet.

Istanbul

Sultanahmet District - After breakfast, embark on a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. Begin with a visit to the renovated Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly known as The Blue Mosque, famous for its stunning blue Iznik (Nicaea) tiles and unique six minarets. Continue to the Hippodrome, once a grand arena for chariot races, athletics, and political events in the ancient city. Next, visit the nearby Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. This architectural marvel, constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian, is awe-inspiring. After lunch, explore Topkapi Palace, the imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years, now housing priceless collections of porcelain, jewelry, calligraphy, and art masterpieces. Conclude the tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar.

Istanbul / Ankara / Cappadocia

Ankara - • After an early breakfast, head to Istanbul airport for a domestic flight to Ankara. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin your visit at the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, renowned worldwide for its extensive collection of arts and artifacts from the Stone and Neolithic Ages, Hittites, Urartians, Phrygians, and more. The museum, with its unique collection, showcases Anatolian archaeological artifacts from the Palaeolithic Age to the present. It was named “Museum of the Year” in Switzerland on April 19, 1997. Continue to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the resting place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey.

• After lunch, drive to Cappadocia.

• Dinner & overnight in Cappadocia.

Cappadocia

Cappadocia - Begin your exploration with the underground city of Özkonak. Then, admire the castle of Uchisar, featuring towering rock houses typical of the region. Uchisar is a small town located in the heart of Cappadocia. After lunch, continue to the “Göreme” valley and open-air museum. Founded by St. Basil as the first Monastic Center of Christianity in the 4th century, Göreme offers an extensive tour of rock-hewn churches adorned with Byzantine frescoes. In Pasabag Valley, marvel at the tower-shaped hermitages that appear sculpted by contemporary artists!

Cappadocia / Konya / Pamukkale

Konya - After an early breakfast, drive to Konya, historically known as Iconium, where the disciple Paul preached during his first missionary journey. En route, visit the 13th-century Seljukian caravanserai “Sultanhan,” a well-preserved Seljuk Caravansarai dating from 1229. Also, visit the Mevlana Museum, which celebrates the life of Celaleddin Rumi, founder of the Mevlana Sufi Sect and one of the world’s greatest mystics. The museum features Rumi’s colorful tomb and insights into the dervishes’ lives in the Mevlana lodge.
• Lunch en route, then drive to Pamukkale.
• Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Pamukkale.

Pamukkale / Izmir

Pamukkale - After breakfast, continue your journey to Pamukkale, stopping at Hierapolis, a healing center founded around 190 BC by Eumenes II, king of Pergamum. The Necropolis is the largest ancient cemetery in Anatolia, with approximately 1,200 graves. The Theater, a 2nd-century AD Roman-style building, features reliefs depicting scenes of Emperor Septimus Severus and Dionysus’s life. It was thought to be restored during Septimus Severus’s reign in the 3rd century AD. Drive to Meryemana to visit the House of Virgin Mary. After lunch, proceed to Ephesus, the Roman Capital of Asia Minor. Explore the ruins of Odeon, Hercules Gate, the Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent library, Agora, and the impressive Greco-Roman theatre. Late in the afternoon, drive to Izmir for an overnight stay.

Izmir / Canakkale

Bergama - Depart early for Pergamum. On the 1,200 ft. high Acropolis, explore the steepest sloped theatre of the ancient world, the Temple of Trajan, and the library. After lunch, continue to Troy, the legendary city in Homer’s Iliad, and visit the Athena temple.

Canakkale / Bursa / Istanbul

Bursa - After breakfast, drive to Istanbul via Bursa, the first capital city of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is renowned for its mosques, thermal Turkish Baths, and silk production. Visit the Grand Mosque, Green Mosque of Bursa, and museum. Explore the silk bazaar and enjoy lunch before continuing to Istanbul.

Istanbul / Departure

Istanbul - After breakfast, drive to Istanbul Airport for your connecting flight home.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 8 nights accommodation in 4* hotels
• Professional English speaking tour guide
• Lunch
• Dinner
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Meals as per itinerary (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
• Breakfast

• Drinks
• Gratuities
• International & Domestic Flights
• Drinks and meals which are not listed at the itinerary

Embark on a thrilling journey to Turkey’s top 5 tourist spots with a skilled tour guide starting from Istanbul, the junction of Asia & Europe, and experience the profound cultural legacies of two empires. Your adventure persists in the awe-inspiring region of Cappadocia, famous for its natural rock formations resembling mushrooms, then to the exotic limestone terraces of Pamukkale and Aphrodisias - a city honouring the Goddess of Love. You’ll then continue to Ephesus, the world’s second most well-preserved ancient city. To round off your trip, visit the UNESCO-dubbed World Heritage site of Helen’s Troy, which served as the plot for many cinematic creations, before heading back to Istanbul.

• Children must be accompanied by an adult
• Dress code is smart casual
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
• Please note: Arrival prior to 2pm on the day of check-in at the hotel will result in additional charges

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.