9 Nights Itinerary Coverage: Istanbul - Cappadocia - Izmir - Bodrum
On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to hotel. No activities planned for the day. However, you can head out to city on foot and explore the various shops and cafés. Overnight in Istanbul.
After a leisurely breakfast, join our selected tour guide for sightseeing this historical city. Visit the home of the Ottoman Sultans of the past, the Topkapi Palace. Marvel at the incredible architecture and opulent décor of this historical sight completed in 1478 with numerous rooms and chambers. Next we visit to the most impressive structure in Istanbul known as ‘Hagia Sohpia’ dominates the Golden Hour’s skyline and a must visit when you are in Istanbul. Listen the fascinating stories about this wonder from your guide and explore the stunning mosaics work in the majestic complex. Next we proceed to Basilica Cistern, largest among the underground cisterns in Istanbul and excellent example of underground water storage. Marvel at Medusa Heads as you stroll through the dim colonnades.
Next we stop at Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Mosque and one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Head insider the complex and be amazed at the glorious interior which is an example of brilliant planning and materials used. Marvel at the famous blue tiles that earned the mosque its name. Head towards Hippodrome, was a public place for gathering and many events, it also depicts how was the early civic life centuries ago.
You will have option to visit Rustem Pasa Mosque, an architectural treasure tucked away from the main sites. The intricate work of Iznik Tiles covered the entire walls, mihrab and mimbar as well. You can have dinner at one of the local restaurants in city and you will be transferred back to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Embark on cultural exploration of old city that takes you to the lively bazzars with a crown of the Golden Horn known as Süleymaniye Mosque.
Start your day with visit to Grand Bazaar, with more than 4000 stores and 61 covered streets, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. With its shops this bazaar is also famous for its lifestyle experience attracts travellers from all over the world. Take walk in the vibrant lanes of the market with your guide. Your senses will get overwhelmed by sights, sounds and the scents.
Our next stop is Sülemaniye Mosque, one of the most popular landmarks of Istanbul which can hold up to 5000 people. Take walk in the airy courtyard of mosque and explore the adjacent gardens.
Next, make way to Spice Bazaar for a unique cultural experience with your guide and feast your senses with sights, flavors and aromas. Observe the local life very closely and grab a cup of hot Cay.
In the evening make your way down the Bosphorus Strait from your luxury cruise for 2 hours with your knowledgeable guide. Bosphorus is a waterway between two continents- Asia and Europe. Cruising through 2 seashores of Istanbul beholds special sights of past and present Turkey. Guide will explain about the waterfront palaces, hotels, mosques, mansions and more. On return to port, our driver will transfer you back to hotel for overnight stay.
On Day 4, of your Turkey Tour Package, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for flight to Cappadocia. On arrival, you will be greeted by driver and transferred to hotel.
After freshen up meet your driver and guide for a thrilling experience in Devrent Valley which is full of unique rock formations that resembles to many animals and human like shapes. Take a guided walk of this amazing valley and learn why it is called ‘Imagination Valley’ holds it space in places to see in Cappadocia. Next, we visit Pasabagi Valley or Monks Valley situated between Avanos and Goreme dotted with the ubiquitous fairy chimneys.
We will drive towards the town of Avanos famous for its beautiful pottery making. Have lunch at a local restaurant followed by drive to open air museum of Goreme, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular historic sites in Cappadocia. You will find marvelous rock-cut churches with beautiful frescoes carved on rocky surroundings. Guide will explain about architecture as you stroll around this mystical landscape. Next, we visit the finest example of a historic cave home is the Uchisar Castle located on the top of the hill with unmatched panoramic views of Cappadocia. Head towards Pigeon Valley, a beautiful valley close to Uchisar earned its name from the countless manmade pigeon homes carved into the soft tufa since ancient times. After spending some time here and many photographs we return to hotel by evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Best way to experience Cappadocia is from a hot-air balloon. Early this morning, our driver will pick you up from hotel and transfer you to launch site to board the flight for a beautiful sunrise of your lifetime. Enjoy light complimentary breakfast before take-off. Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon ride is an amazing experience that takes you to its rock cut formations and ancient Byzantine era. Dozens of balloons life up above the horizon to spot nature’s best fairy tale with serene surroundings.
Land gently after an hour and enjoy a glass of nonalcoholic champagne followed by transfer to hotel by our driver.
After freshen up join your tour guide and driver for a historic exploration of Cappadocia. Start with exploration of historical Ortahisar Citadel, which is one of the first multi-story structures in the world famous for its unique architecture. Get back in ancient times when visiting this historical castle offers splendid views of famous fairy chimneys and magnificent Mount Erciyes in the background. Ahead to Cappadocia’s famous underground settlements known as Derinkuyu or Kaymakali. It is an incredible feat of engineering which gives clues about the lifestyle of people in ancient world. Go underground and learn the history from your guide about this labyrinth dating back to 1200BC. Your next stop is Cavusin a small quaint village in outskirts was inhabited by Christian orthodox families until the mid-20th century. Visit the churches and rocky settlements and see the peculiar troglodyte settlements.
Enjoy lunch at the selected restaurant before driven to Red Valley, one of the best places to watch sunrise and sunset in Cappadocia. Imagine being on a different planet as the red colored tuff rocks present a different terrain in front of you. Visit a local vineyard and learn about the process and enjoy leisure time before we transfer you back to hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Morning after breakfast, you will be transferred to Cappadocia Airport to board your one-hour flight to Izmir. On arrival, you will be greeted by our local guide and driver for Ephesus Tour. Ephesus is one of the most important cities of Turkey figured in ancient world which was the trading center of ancient world and a religious center for early Christians.
Head south from Izmir towards Selcuk to embark on a journey back in time. Walk around the historical complex with your guide and learn about the Ephesian life as it was centuries ago. This private tour of Ephesus will enhance your knowledge and gives an insight on history of Classical Greece to the Roman Empire and to the spread of Christianity. Walk around the historical complex and take plunge in Roman architecture and the history. Pass through the 2000 years old pathway lined with historical buildings and ancient columns followed by visit to magnificent Theater. Marvel at the Roman Baths and admire the Celsus Library, one of the most spectacular buildings in Ephesus. Continue to the house of Virgin Mary, to gain insight on her life where she spent her final years. Complete your visit with a tour of the Basilica of St. John’s, built in 6th century. Enjoy the splendid views of Selcuk town and surrounding mountains before going back to Izmir. Check in at hotel and stay overnight.
On Day 7 of your Turkey Tour, embark on journey to Bodrum en-route we stop at two hidden wonders of Turkey. Our first stop will be ‘Nazarkoy’ village famous for its Turkish Evil Eye a cultural bead with history of more than 5000 years. It is one of the most beautiful villages of Aegean. This bead is being used all over Turkey to keep the bad energy away as well as it is preferred as an ornament too.
Move ahead and stop at Sirince village, a quaint village which is a perfect fusion of Turk-Greek culture. With your guide walk in the cobblestone streets and explore this beautiful town before we drive to Bodrum. Check in at your hotel and enjoy leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Bodrum peninsula is paradise for its, climate, sea, culture, rich heritage and natural beauty strikes very well to the visitor. Today embark on a private guided tour of Bodrum takes you to one of the ancient wonders of the world known as Mausoleum of Helicarnassus. This epitome of architecture is 1500 years old and originally was a tomb. Learn the history of this spectacular monument with your guide and move to your next sight Bodrum Windmills overlooking the peninsula, capture plenty of photographs and listen the history from your guide. Marvel at the Myndos Gate, one of the most interesting historical sights in Bodrum was a crucial part in city’s fortifications and played an important role in the defense of the city. Continue to the Ancient Theater of Helicarnassus built in the hillside rock in the 4th century BC, offers panoramic views of city. Spend some time here followed by free time to explore markets. You will be transferred back to hotel for overnight stay.
This morning set sail on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast from a private traditional gulet boat. You will be transferred to a local harbour to board a vessel for ultimate mix of exploration and relaxation. Sail around the unspoiled shorelines of Turkish Riviera filled with crystal clear water and perfect for swimming. Continue to Kara Ada, a small island which is famous as Black Island famous for its healing mineral springs. Grab a drink from a restaurant and move to mineral springs at a nearby cave to treat your skin with mud believed to have been used by Cleopatra herself. It is said that using this mud and water can combat various diseases and preserve beauty. Return to boat sail towards Poyraz Cave, famous for its crystal-clear waters becoming it one of the best diving spots in Bodrum. Make your way to the nearby Meteor Bay, take swim into the blue waters of Meteor Bay and enjoy delicious fish lunch before moving towards the harbour. You will be transferred to hotel from port for overnight stay.
Check out from hotel after breakfast and our driver will transfer you to Airport to board flight for onward journey.
