Best of Turkey

Day 1 ISTANBUL

Upon your arrival at Istanbul/SAW airport, a warm welcome awaits as you are smoothly transferred to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy a peaceful night in Istanbul.

Day 2 ISTANBUL

As per your scheduled tour time, convene with your guide in the hotel lobby, and set out for the heart of the ancient city, Sultan Ahmet Square. Begin your exploration of Istanbul’s most magnificent treasures, starting with the iconic Hagia Sophia. Originating as a basilica in the 6th century under Byzantine Emperor Justinian, it reigned as the largest cathedral globally for nearly a millennium, a marvel of Byzantine architecture. Transforming into a mosque in 1453 under Sultan Mehmet II after serving as the Patriarchal Cathedral of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia is a true masterpiece.

Following this, delve into the history at Topkapi Palace, an abode veiled in secrets that housed Ottoman imperial sultans and stood as the epicenter of the Ottoman Empire for nearly four centuries. An exemplary showcase of Ottoman architecture, the palace hosts impressive collections ranging from porcelain and robes to weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, and Islamic calligraphy.

After a delectable lunch, proceed to the Blue Mosque, renowned for its Iznik tiles and its six distinctive minarets. Erected around the same era as Hagia Sophia, it is famously known as Sultan Ahmet. The tour unfolds further at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, an ancient venue for sports and political events in the old city, adorned with notable landmarks such as the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.

Conclude your day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets featuring over 60 streets and 5000 shops. Immerse yourself in an authentic Oriental atmosphere, where you can acquire an array of gifts, leather goods, carpets, antiques, jewelry, and handmade textiles. At the conclusion of the tour, you will be chauffeured back to your hotel for an overnight stay in Istanbul.

DAY 3 ISTANBUL/CAPPADOCIA

Commencing with breakfast, leave the hotel, leave your luggage in the lobby, and join your guide for a half-day tour. Explore the Spice Bazaar, formerly known as the Egyptian Bazaar during Ottoman times, where merchants historically offered herbs and spices from Egypt and Asia.

Next, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise, treating you to magnificent views of the coastline adorned with ancient wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and charming fishing villages. En route, pass by landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace, the Rumeli Fortress, and points of interest such as the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.

As the tour concludes, you will be transferred back to the hotel to collect your luggage and then escorted to the airport for your domestic flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival, a driver will extend a warm greeting and ensure your safe transfer to your hotel. Enjoy an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 4 CAPPADOCIA

Start full-day tour in Cappadocia by meeting your guide at the scheduled time. The first stop is the Goreme Open-Air Museum, renowned for its churches carved into the rock adorned with colorful frescoes from the second half of the 9th century. Proceed to Devrent Valley, celebrated for its rock formations resembling animals, including one that resembles the Virgin Mary with Jesus Christ, offering a unique lunar landscape.

Continue to Pasabagi, also known as the Monks Valley, where remarkable fairy chimneys in the shape of mushrooms, unique to Cappadocia, await. Visit a chapel dedicated to St. Simeon and a hermit’s shelter in one of these chimneys.

The tour progresses to Avanos, providing an opportunity to experience pottery making with local experts. Head to Goreme Panorama for one of the best views of the fairy chimneys and conclude the day with a visit to Uchisar Castle, the highest point in Cappadocia, offering breathtaking panoramic views. Overnight in Cappadocia.

DAY 5 CAPPADOCIA/IZMIR

After breakfast, depart from the hotel to embark on a full day of exploration. Visit Red Valley, an incredibly unique area of Cappadocia with sharp ridges dyed in pink, especially during sunset. The minerals in the sandstone give it a pink tint, which becomes increasingly evident throughout the day, reaching its peak at sunset when the sun shines directly on Rose Valley, imparting that fine pink hue. Next, explore Cavusin, surrounded by a gradually widening valley, known as the Red Valley, famous for its rock-carved houses. Pigeon Valley, named for countless artificial dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic tuff, is a wonderful place for a stroll in the region of Cappadocia.

The journey continues to the Underground City of Kaymakli or Ozkonak, settlements of immense value for the development of Christianity, providing shelter and worship until the late 7th century AD. Explore the ancient rooms, the church, the meeting hall, and the food storage rooms in this eight-story city connected by 30 km of corridors and passageways. Conclude the tour with a visit to Ortahisar, renowned for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets, charming churches, and the castle-shaped rock formation that gives the city its name. At the end of the tour, you will be taken to Kayseri airport for your 1-hour and 30-minute domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, your driver will welcome you and safely take you to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy an overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Day 6 PAMUKKALE

Check out of the hotel in the morning and a drive to Pamukkale. world famous for its spring water that cascades over steep, natural terraces to form pools, channels and stalactites which give rise to Pamukkale’s modern name ‘Cotton -castle’. (One of the natural wonders of the world formed by deposits of calcareous salts.) We will also visit the ancient Roman Health Spa of Hierapolis. The Ancient Pool is also called ‘Cleopatra s Pool’ warmed by hot springs and littered with underwater fragments of ancient marble columns. We tour the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and see the impressive Theatre with seats still in perfect condition. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 7 EPHESUS

Check out of the hotel and drive to to the modern town of Selcuk to visit the House of Virgin Mary, where the Virgin is said to have lived the last years of her life. The house of Virgin Mary is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stones. The site is officially declared a shrine of the Roman Catholic Church and visited by Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope John Paul II in 1976 and Pope Benedict XVI in 2006. Today, only the central part and a room on the right of the altar are open to visitors.

After lunch break, visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the capital of Asia State of Roman Empire and one of the most important trade centers, known as the best preserved Greko-Roman ancient city in Turkiye to see its magnificent ruins such as the Odeon, Trajan’s Fountain, The Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Theatre in the ancient city.

Visit the Temple of Artemis, renowned for its impressive size and architecture, featuring 127 Ionic columns that are 19 meters high. This temple is also considered the oldest bank in the ancient world. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 8 PERGAMON/TROY

Embark on an enchanting journey as you leave the hotel and embark on a 3-hour scenic drive to explore the Hellenistic city of Pergamon. This historic kingdom, known for its art and learning, boasts a defensive acropolis with a steep theater and the renowned Asklepieion healing center. Discover the Acropolis of Pergamon with its Antique Theater and Altar of Zeus, now in the Berlin Museum. Explore the library, the birthplace of parchment, and in the afternoon, delve into the legendary city of Troy, known for the Trojan War and featured in Homer’s epics. Witness ongoing excavations and encounter a symbolic Trojan horse. Overnight in Canakkale.