Welcome to Turkey. Arrive at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, get picked upand transfer to your hotel. Check in,

Free day,

First overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul,

Breakfast,

Full day tour of Iconic Istanbul – pick up by 08:30, drop off by 18:00;

You can take in some of the most iconic sights of Istanbul in this morning tour that commences with a visit to the Blue Mosque.  This magnificent mosque which was designed by Sinan and completed in 1616 is known for its majesty and superb iznik ceramic tiling.

Continue outside to stroll along the Hippodrome.  This vast public space was built by the Romans in the 3^rd and 4^th centuries AD to accommodate events such as chariot races and gladiator fights.  It is also home to the Column of Constantine, an Egyptian obelisk and the Serpentine Column.

Next to the Hippodrome we will visit the Hagia Sophia (only from outside view, no interior visit). Originally built in 537AD as a Greek Orthodox church, this breath-taking building was converted to a mosque by the Ottomans and is now a museum.  Inside there are two floors built around a central nave.  It is adorned with superb decorations and has an enormous dome that soars overhead.

Finish the morning with a walk through the Grand Bazaar for some shopping or just to absorb the sights, sounds and historic architectural beauty of this bustling market.

Lunch,

Come on a tour to the famous Topkapi Palace and skip the queues that flock to see this magnificent and historically significant site. Built in the middle of the 15th century, the walled complex comprised of the palace and its buildings dominate a small raised peninsula. The buildings are nestled within beautiful grounds that sweep down to the sea. For centuries, the palace was the political centre of the highly influential Ottoman Empire and although it is now purely a museum, as you visit its parts including courtyards, the Treasury, various pavilions, the holy relics, weapons and the Harem you will see how great it was.

Originally meaning “sacred peace”, the Hagia Irene is located in the outer courtyard of Topkapi Palace and it is the oldest church of the Eastern Roman Empire (Byzantine). The building reputedly stands on the site of a pre-Christian temple. It ranks as the first church completed in Constantinople, before Hagia Sophia, during its transfiguration from a Greek trading colony to the Eastern capital of the Roman Empire. It was also the second largest church in Istanbul after Hagia Sophia.

Evening transfer to Istanbul Airport and flight to Ankara. Transfer to your hotel following the flight and check in,

Overnight stay at your hotel in Ankara,

Breakfast,

Full Day Ankara City Tour – pick up by 09:30, drop off by 16:00;

The tour commences with a pick up from your hotel in Ankara. Then we will visit the Maouselaum of Mustapha Kemal Ataturk who was the leader of the Turkish War of Indepence and founder of the Republic of Turkey. In 1953, Ataturk’s body was taken from Ethnographical Museum to Anitkabir. The Lion’s Road, you will encounter 24 statues of lions which symbolized power and protection during the Hittite Empire.

The tour goes on with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilization which was established in 1921. It has collection of Anatolian archaelogical artefacts and artefacts from the Palaeolithic Age to the present.

Lunch,

The afternoon part of your tour starts with a visit to Ankara Ethnography Museum which was the first museum built by the directive of Mustapha Kemal Ataturk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey. You will see the enriched collection of works such as Ottoman calligraphic art, ornaments etc.

The tour comes to an end with a visit to historical Ankara Castle which was built during 2nd Century. Throughout the centuries, it was demolished and repaired over and over again. During your visit to the castle, you can enjoy the picturesque view of Ankara.

After the tour drive to Cappadocia. Arrive and check in,

First overnight stay at your hotel in Cappadocia,

Optional: Morning Hot Air Balloon Flight Cappadocia – Early morning at Sunrise;

Have you thought of making a hot air balloon trip one of the highlights of your trip to Turkey? It is hard to imagine anywhere better to experience the thrill of the ride than above the incredible landscape of Cappadocia. In a balloon, you can take in the beauty and expanse of this breath-taking place from a different perspective as you drift in silence to heights of up to 700 meters.

Breakfast,

Full day Regional Tour – pick up by 09:30, drop off by 16:00;

Cappadocia is known for its stunning conical rock formations (fairy chimneys), colourful landscapes and ancient homes that were carved into the rock formations. This tour takes you through the beautiful Devrent (Imagination) Valley where fairy chimneys tower overhead before moving into Pasabag (Monk Valley) nearby, where the fairy chimneys have strange double and triple-headed caps.

After lunch at Avanos, you will visit the Goreme open air museum that has churches and frescoes from the 10^th and 12^th centuries. The day finishes at Uchisar Castle, a fortress that was cut from a large and tall fairy chimney.

Second overnight stay at your hotel in Cappadocia,

Breakfast,

Full day Hiking and Underground City Tour – pick up by 09:30, drop off by 16:00;

The hike starts in Red Valley which is known for its stunning scenery, colourful rock cliffs and beautiful fairy chimneys. After walking for 4 kms, you will arrive at Cavusin, a Greek village that features rock-cut churches.

After lunch, the tour continues to the underground city of Kaymakli which is the largest underground city in the region, and Pigeon Valley where dove cotes, many of which are decorated, have been carved into the rock. The last stop is the rugged Ortahisar Castle which is the largest fairy chimney in Cappadocia.

After the tour drive to Konya. Arrive and check in,

Overnight stay at your hotel in Konya,

Breakfast,

Full day Konya Tour – pick up by 07:30, drop off by 18:00;

This full day tour shows you the highlights of the large historical city of Konya in the south west of Turkey. Konya dates back to the time of the Hittites and is also home to much Seljuk culture and the famous whirling dervishes.  The tour takes you to:

Mevlana Museum, this complex houses the properties and works of the 13th century religious leader and poet Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.  Mevlana founded the whirling dervish sect of Sufism and museum’s collection includes their musical instruments, calligraphy, fabrics, carpets and a library. It also holds the tombs of Mevlana, his wife, children and a number of notable Sufis.

Karatay Tile Museum, a beautifully restored 13th century medrese is now the tile museum.  The interior of the medrese is tiled in blue and white Seljuk enamel tiles and there is also a beautiful collection of ceramics.

Ince Minare Museum, this museum houses an impressive collection of Seljuk-era wooden and stone sculptures including animal reliefs from the old walls of the city.  It was built in the 13th century as a medrese and has a stunning carved portal.

Aladdin Mosque and Palace, the beautiful Alaeddin Mosque sits atop a hill in central Konya. It is another example of 13th century architecture and is notable in part for the many beautiful columns inside. At the foot of the hill is the excavation site of Alaeddin Kaykobad’s palace.

Aziziye Mosque, this is a typical mosque was originally built in the 17th century but was restored 200 years later after it was destroyed by fire. This late renovation resulted in the mosque being reconstructed in an unusual Rococo style which contrasts sharply with others you will see.

Old Bazaar, behind the Mevlana Museum is a sprawling, colourful and bustling bazaar which is just right for wandering, exploring and maybe finding a treasure to take home.

After the tour drive to Denizli. Arrive and check in,

Overnight stay at your hotel in Pamukkale,

Breakfast,

Full day Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) tour – pick up by 09:30, drop off by 15:30;

This tour starts in Pamukkale to visit the expansive and magnificent ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis that was founded in the 2^nd century BC to take advantage of the thermal pools nearby.

Hierapolis sits atop a hill and features an enormous necropolis, baths, theatre, temples, an agora and antique pool.  You will have time to yourself to wander the site before walking down the hill on the sparkling white travertine and enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.

Entry to Cleopatra’s Pool in Hierapolis is not included in the cost of the tour.

Drive to Kusadasi following the tour. Arrive at the hotel and check in,

First overnight stay at your hotel in Kusadasi,

Breakfast,

Full day Ephesus Tour – pick up by 08:30, drop off by 16:30;

The day starts with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary that is significant to both Christians and Muslims and currently serves as a chapel. From here, the tour continues to Ephesus – one of the most important harbour cities of the antique world. The ruins are magnificent and highlights include the Celsus Library, Gate of Augustus, the beautifully-decorated terrace houses, a huge amphitheatre and the Temple of Hadrian.

Enjoy lunch at a local Turkish restaurant and afterwards, a trip to Isa Bey Mosque (1375) and the ruins of the Artemis Temple which was one of the Seven Wondders of the World.

Second overnight stay at your hotel in Kusadasi,

Breakfast,

Free day,

Evening transfer to Izmir Airport and flight to Antalya. Transfer to your hotel following the flight and check-in,

First overnight stay at your hotel in Antalya,

Breakfast,

Full day Antalya City Tour – pick up by 09:30, drop off by 16:00

Antalya is one of the most sightseeing attractions in Turkey. Its history dates back to 200 BC when the Greeks began their settlement.

We will take you to the historical old town (Kaleici) where you will encounter the beauty of Ottoman Architecture and the Hadrian Gate which was built in 130 AD in order to commemorate the Emperor Hadrian.

Along the way, we will visit the Duden Waterfalls. Afterwards, you will have a free time at Antalya Bazaar where you can go shopping.

The Old Fluted Minaret with its 38 m height is one of the top historical attractions in Antalya. It was built in 13th Century by the Seljuks. Today, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List (not operated from october to april, we will skip during winter months).

Tunektepe Cable car has length of 1706 metres. It can carry 1200 people and has 36 cabins. Enjoy the cable car ride which will last 9 minutes.

Drop off at your hotel finishing the tour,

Second overnight stay at your hotel in Antalya,

Breakfast,

Full day Perge, Aspendos and Side Tour – pick up by 08:00, drop off by 17:00

Discover some of Antalya’s ancient cities on a full day trip.

Perge was an important city of ancient Parnphylia which was settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC.  The buildings you see now date from the Roman era and include a gymnasium, agora, theatre, public baths and a long colonnaded marble-paved street that was originally lined with shops and statues. The city gate flanked by two towers dates from the Hellenistic period, 3 centuries BC.

The magnificent theatre in Aspendos is breath-taking and is still in use for special events. Built in the 155 AD it incorporates some Greek aspects into its design and is considered by many to be the best example of a Roman theatre in the world today.

Side was an ancient port city and trading centre that still houses many Greco-Roman ruins including the agora, Dyanisos Temple, the Temple of Apollo with its massive columns and a theatre.

At the end of the day, we will stop and take in the natural beauty of the 18 metre waterfall in the Kursunlu Waterfall National Park.

Third overnight stay at your hotel in Antalya,

Breakfast,

Free day,

Evening transfer to Antalya Airport and flight to Istanbul. Transfer to your hotel following the flight and check-in,

Second overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul

Breakfast,

Full day tour of Europe & Asia, Panoramic views from Camlica Hill – pick up by 08:30, drop off by 18:00;

Take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, the busy waterway that runs between the Marmara and Black Seas with European Istanbul on one shore and Asian Istanbul on the other.  Sit back, relax and enjoy the fresh air, the sea and the sights as you pass magnificent palaces, mosques, mansions and places of historical note.

After getting off the boat at Eminonu, continue your tour into the historic Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar nearby that is bursting with traditional sweets, coffee and spices, and oozing with appeal.

This tour also takes you on a drive around part of the 20km of magnificent stone walls of old Istanbul that date from the 5^th century.  This series of walls surrounded the old city, featured 55 gates and 400 towers and is still an integral part of Istanbul.

Lunch,

The Dolmabahce Palace was built during the first half of the 19^th century as the administrative centre for the Ottoman Empire and home to the sultans and their families.  This enormous palace is set amongst well-kept grounds and unlike earlier buildings of importance in Istanbul, it was built in a blend of Ottoman and classical European styles. The palace is very opulent and heavily decorated with gold, valuable stone (alabaster, marble and porphyry), crystal (including crystal chandeliers and the Crystal Staircase) and beautiful rugs.

Later you will drive over the Bosphorus Bridge to the summit of Camlica Hill which is popular for its magnificent panoramic views and the opportunity to take some great photos.

Third overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul

Breakfast,

Free day,

Evening: Dinner Cruise – pick up by 19:30, drop off by 23:45;

Enjoy a Sea breeze and the lights of Istanbul from the water during this evening cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Your evening includes pick up from your hotel, a delicious dinner, unlimited drinks, belly dancing, regional dancing, folk shows, and transport back to your hotel.

Fourth overnight stay at your hotel in Istanbul

Breakfast,

Free day,

Transfer to Istanbul Airport 4 hours before your flight. End of our services here. Thank you for choosing us for your travel in Turkey.