DAY 01 – CITY OF ORIGIN – ISTANBUL
Welcome to Türkiye, a land rich in culture, history, and unforgettable experiences, where East and West blend seamlessly. Get ready for an extraordinary vacation.
Arrival at Istanbul International Airport (IST), one of the largest and most impressive airports in the world, opened in April 2019. After passport control and baggage claim, head to our meeting point at Exit Gate 8. Our staff will greet you for your transfer to your hotel. Check-in and free time to relax.
Note:If you cannot find our representative at the meeting point, please contact our emergency number.
DAY 02 – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Free day.
Optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND THE BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch at a local restaurant)
Approximate departure: 08:00 (to be confirmed with your guide).
We will visit the old Jewish quarter of Balat, the Greek quarter of Fener, and enjoy views of the famous Golden Horn. Next, we will visit St. George's Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church, and then the imposing Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which boasts the largest dome of any mosque in Istanbul.
We'll continue to the Spice Bazaar, a charming, fragrant place where you can buy teas, herbs, nuts, Turkish delight, and, of course, spices.
The day concludes with a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural border between Europe and Asia, where you'll see palaces, fortresses, mansions, and bridges. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Note:The order of Istanbul tours may vary depending on operational conditions such as group size, weather, traffic, or the closing dates of monuments.
DAY 03 – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Free day.
Optional excursion: “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a local restaurant)
Approximate departure: 08:00 (to be confirmed with your guide).
Enjoy a historical tour of Istanbul's Old Town. Start at the Roman Hippodrome, once the center of Constantinople's social life, and admire the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain.
Visit the iconic Blue Mosque, decorated with over 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles.
From the outside, marvel at the grand Hagia Sophia, built in 537 AD, an architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and museum.
Then, visitTopkapi PalaceHome to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. Explore the royal gardens, kitchens, treasury rooms, and the mysterious harem, famous for its sumptuous decor.
We continued to the church of Aya Irini, one of the few Byzantine churches that were never converted into a mosque, and ended the day at theGrand BazaarOne of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight stay.
Note:Entrance to Hagia Sophia may require an additional fee.
Optional Evening Tour: “ISTANBUL STREET FOOD EXPERIENCE”
Discover the essence of Constantinople's flavors on foot, strolling through historic streets offering a variety of traditional dishes. This is an opportunity to explore new ingredients, presentations, and culinary techniques—an immersive cultural and gastronomic experience.
DAY 04 – ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast (to go). Early departure around 6:00 a.m. (to be confirmed).
Travel to Ankara for a panoramic tour of Türkiye's capital and visit theAtatürk Mausoleum, founder of the Turkish Republic.
On the way to Cappadocia, make a stop at theSalt lakeTo take photos, visit aCaravanserai, an ancient Silk Road inn.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Cappadocia.
DAY 05 – CAPADOCIA
Breakfast. Departure around 8:00 a.m.
Explore this unique region formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Visit theGöreme Open-Air Museum, with chapels carved in volcanic rock and frescoes from the 13th century.
See the surrealvalleysand iconicFairy chimneys.
Stop to enjoy panoramic views of incredible volcanic formations.
Visit aunderground city, which displays impressive ancient engineering.
Later, walk through acarpet workshopto learn about traditional techniques and ajewelry centerShowcasing regional gemstones.
Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Optional experiences in Cappadocia:
– Folk dance performance in a cave with local drinks.
– Off-road photography adventure through mystical valleys
– Early in the morning, an unforgettable flight over the breathtaking landscapes.
DAY 06 – CAPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE
Breakfast. Departure around 6:00 a.m. (to be confirmed).
Drive toPamukkaleand explore the ancient city ofHierapolisand the natural wonder known as theCotton Castle, with its travertine terraces and hot springs.
Hierapolis, meaning “sacred city,” was known for its temples, healing waters, and well-preserved Roman theater.
Pamukkale, which means “cotton castle” in Turkish, is famous for its white terraces created by calcium-rich mineral waters.
Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Visit to a localtextile workshopto see regional cotton products.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
DAY 07 – PAMUKKALE – SELÇUK – IZMIR / KUŞADASI
Breakfast. Departure around 8:00 a.m.
Visit theHouse of the Virgin MaryIt is believed to have been his last home. It is a place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims.
Continue toSelçukfor a panoramic view of the city, including theOttoman Castle,Basilica of St. John, and theTemple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Stop at aleather goods showroom, recognized for its high-quality products made from lambskin.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in İzmir or Kuşadası (depending on the season).
DAY 08 – IZMIR / KUŞADASI
Breakfast. Free day.
Optional excursion: “CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE”
Approximate departure: 06:00–07:00 (to be confirmed).
Transfer to theport of Çeşmeand take a ferry to the Greek island ofChios.
Visit the charmingtown of Mesta, with its narrow stone streets from the Byzantine era.
Then head toPirgi, known for his black and white geometric house patterns called "xysta."
Visit thePutty Museum, where you will learn about the unique resin extracted from local trees, used since ancient times for various purposes.
End the day in one of the hotels in Chios.beautiful beaches of the Aegean, then return to the port and transfer back to the hotel.
Dinner and accommodation.
DAY 09 – KUŞADASI / IZMIR – BURSA – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Departure around 8:00 a.m.
Travel toBag, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Enjoy a panoramic tour, including...Green MosqueandGreen Mausoleum, famous for their intricate tile work.
Continue toIstanbulArrival and accommodation.
DAY 10 – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Transfer toIstanbul International Airport (IST).
END OF SERVICES
10 days and 9 nights
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