Delight in the fascinating sights of Turkey, from the bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Cruise on the Bosphorus, discover the caves of the Goreme Valley and visit the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus before discovering the heritage of Izmir and Canakkale at the archaeological sites of Pergamon and Troy!
Overview
Delight in the fascinating sights of Turkey, from the bazaars of Istanbul to the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Cruise on the Bosphorus, discover the caves of the Goreme Valley and visit the Cotton Castle of Pamukkale. Discover the ancient ruins of Ephesus before discovering the heritage of Izmir and Canakkale at the archaeological sites of Pergamon and Troy!
Itinerary
Ready to discover the cultural treasures and incredible landscapes of Turkey? Arrive at your US departure airport ready to catch a flight to Istanbul*. Night on board.
* Note: In case your flight is arriving/taking off from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport, transfers are not included and you could add them for an extra cost during the booking Process.
Arrive in the bustling melting-pot of Istanbul, once the capital of Turkey and a city of immense history, wonderful culture and delicious cuisine. Transfer to your hotel, get settled and, if time allows, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure exploring this historic, lively city. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque located on the third hill of Istanbul with one of the best-known panoramic views of the city. Built by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it was built by the famous imperial architect Sinan. After the visit, Free time to discover the city at your own pace. Discover its labyrinthine bazaars, colourful city life and eclectic architecture. To make sure you see all the top sights, we recommend an optional full-day city tour!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.**
* Optional Full-Day Istanbul City Tour: See the most emblematic sights in Istanbul, beginning with the incredible Hagia Sophia Basilica and the Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Sultanahmet before continuing with a tour of the outside of the iconic Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome. End the afternoon at the bustling Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4000 shops!
** Optional Dinner Show on the Bosphorus: A great way to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner on a cruise that sails down the Bosphorus at night. See the illuminated suspension bridges of Istanbul as they twinkle in the evening light. Enjoy exciting dance shows (belly dance and dervish), Turkish music, a delicious dinner and two drinks per person.
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin the day with a boat trip on the Bosphorus Channel, which runs through the heart of the city, marking the border between Europe and Asia. Appreciate captivating views of the old palaces of the Sultans and traditional riverside houses as you view the city from a different perspective. Disembark and head to the famous Spice Bazaar, established by the Ottomans and filled with exotic aromas. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the delights of Istanbul at your own pace. We recommend an optional excursion to the Anatolian side of the city to see its more important sights and discover more of Istanbul!* Overnight stay in Istanbul.
* Optional Half-Day Anatolian Istanbul Excursion with Lunch: Explore the Anatolian part of the city! This stunning region is home to some of the country's most beautiful architecture and waterfront attractions. From the iconic Beylerbeyi Palace to the murals adorning the winding streets, you'll be awestruck by the variety and beauty of the sights. Wander the city streets up Camlica Hill, located in the underrated Üsküdar district. Take in the stunning panoramic views from the highest point and soak up the bustling atmosphere from the city below. With its rich history and vibrant culture, the Anatolian part of Istanbul is an unforgettable destination. Enjoy lunch included.
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Ankara, crossing the spectacular mountains of Bolu along the route. Arrive and enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara, the Turkish capital and a modern and cosmopolitan city steeped in history and ancient culture. Later, pay a visit to Anıtkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk. Inaugurated in 1953, it is dedicated to the founder of Modern Turkey. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Ankara.
Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your journey to Cappadocia, famed for its unique geological formations, passing by the spectacular Salt Lake along the way. Arrive in Cappadocia and transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Optional Jeep Safari and Sunset in Cappadocia: Immerse yourself in the Cappadocia landscape and enjoy a magical and exciting sunset as you tour through the deep valleys and extraordinary geography in a 4X4 jeep.
Breakfast at the hotel. Why not start the day with an unforgettable optional hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia*. Mid-morning, discover the fascinating region of Cappadocia, whose landscape was formed by the erosion of soft layers of lava and ash from ancient volcanic eruptions over 3 million years ago! Visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum, an incredible Byzantine monastic complex with beautiful frescoes. Next, explore the Valleys of Avcilar, Pasabagi and Güvercinlik, where the so-called "Fairy Chimneys" are located. End the day with a visit to local carpet workshops. Return to the hotel for dinner. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
* Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight: Float over Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, tuff valleys and rock-cut churches and experience the sunrise from a unique viewpoint on a 1-hour hot air balloon flight. Enjoy panoramic sunrise views and celebrate with a non-alcoholic sparkling wine and a personalized flight certificate. Minimum age limit for children: 6 years old.
Note: The optional hot air balloon flight depends on weather conditions at the destination and will be confirmed the day before. If the activity cannot take place, it will be refunded upon return.
Optional Visit to Kaimakli, the Underground City: Visit the incredible Kaymakli, a maze of tunnels and rooms carved eight levels deep into the earth 20 km from the city of Nevsehir. Believed to have been built in the Hittite period, the widest of the underground cities in the region.
Optional Turkish Night in Cappadocia: A fun evening filled with typical dances from the different regions in Turkey, including the famous belly dance. Enjoy this colorful event, the party atmosphere and fantastic local cuisine as you take in the traditions of the area! Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non alcoholic) during the show.
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart early this morning to Pamukkale. Famed for its unique geological features, take a tour through the ancient Hellenistic city of Hierapolis before exploring the Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of white waterfalls, stalactites and natural pools. Formed over the centuries by the passing of mineral-rich water from nearby hot springs, explore the natural pools and otherworldly landscape, the perfect spot to practice your photography skills! As the day draws to a close, transfer to your hotel. Dinner and overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Breakfast at the hotel. Delve deeper into the history of this land today, as you head to the Greco-Roman City of Ephesus, once the capital of Asia Minor and one of the best-preserved cities remaining from this period. Discover the Temple of Hadrian, the Temple of Trajan, the Theatre and the Library of Celsus. Afterwards, pay a visit to an important site of pilgrimage at the House of the Virgin Mary. This is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent the final years of her life. Afterwards, head north to the city of Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the confirmed hotel. Izmir is known for its expansive archaeological sites and is situated on the beautiful Aegean coast. Dinner and transfer to your hotel.
Please note: During the summer months (May to November) accommodation may be in the city of Kusadasi instead of Izmir, but the order of the itinerary will remain the same.
Breakfast at the hotel. The first stop of the day is the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the most important cultural, commercial and medical centres of antiquity. Here, visit the Asclepion, the most prestigious hospital in the ancient world and once home to the famous Greek physician and philosopher, Galen! See the old sleeping tunnels, the patient's theatre, the swimming pools, and the courtyard, lined with Ionic columns for a unique insight into the science and medical practices of the Ancient Greek world! Another exciting highlight awaits as you continue to the archaeological site of Troy, one of the most legendary cities in all of history! Immortalized in Homer's Iliad, discover the ruins of this incredible place and relive the famous saga of the siege of Troy. Afterwards, continue to Canakkale. Spread across both sides of the Dardanelles Strait, this historic city is home to excellent museums and many fascinating sights related to its strategic location on the Dardanelles Strait. Transfer to the hotel, dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale.
Breakfast at the hotel. Set off for Bursa this morning, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Surrounded by lush forests and mountains, the city's sometimes known as 'Green Bursa'. Here, pay a visit to the spectacular Ulucamii Mosque, Kozahan Silk Bazaar and the Green Tomb the mausoleum of the fifth Ottoman Sultan, Mehmed I. After exploring Bursa, continue north to Topçular to cross the Gulf of Izmit by ferry or by the Osmangazi Bridge (crossing choice decision based on operational reasons). After crossing the Gulf continue by road to Istanbul. Arrive, get settled at the hotel. Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Breakfast at the hotel. It's time to bring your adventure through Turkey to an end. At the indicated time.
Includes/Excludes
Price Includes
- Departures from main US airports.
- International flights: US - Istanbul - US.
- 10 nights hotel accommodation in Charm & Superior category hotels.
- 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
- Some transfers included.*
- Visits and entrance fees with an English-speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary.
- All air taxes and fuel surcharge.
- Active tour with a comprehensive schedule of activities.
- Cruise along the Bosphorus.
- English-speaking guide during the whole trip.
Price Does Not Include
- Drinks, entrance fees, tips and any other services not mentioned in "What's included".
- Please note: In case your flight is arriving/taking off from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) International Airport, transfers are not included and you could add them for an extra cost during the booking process.
- Important: The airport transfer on departure is not included when adding additional nights to the itinerary. If required, a departure airport transfer can be added for an additional cost.
- Mandatory tips of $40 per person (for Guides, drivers, porters and waiters) are not included in the price and must be paid at the destination. These are the ONLY mandatory tips you will be required to pay for during this tour. Tipping for the rest of the trip is optional, but keep in mind that tipping is an important part of Turkish culture and that it is commonplace for service providers to ask for tips. In these cases, it is up to your personal discretion whether to tip or not.
- Please note that passengers arriving to Turkey from January 15th 2023 onwards must make a tourism tax payment of $10 per person. This payment is imposed by the Turkish Ministry of Tourism and is mandatory for all passengers entering their country. This tourist tax is not included in the total booking amount and it will be collected by the tour guide in order to be paid to the authorities.
