11 Days Journey Through Turkey

We then commence our full-day excursion in Istanbul after breakfast. Start with the iconic Hagia Sophia, built by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century before later serving as a mosque under Ottoman sultans in the 15th century and converted back and forth many times since. Then we are going to see Topkapi Palace, which used the last 600 years as the Ottoman sultans beginning from the 15th to 19th century with an amazing treasury, incredibly beautiful harem, and numerous extensive courtyards full of expensive possessions. Then walk over to the Blue Mosque, one of the world-famous religious sites having six minarets and an incredible interior with blue Iznik tiles.

Lunch at the local restaurant post where we shall be visiting Hippodrome (The site of the ancient chariot races) and then onto the world's oldest covered shopping mall, Grand Bazaar.

Back to the hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch.

Today we are heading to Spice Bazaar, also called the Egyptian Bazaar which is 17th century Istanbul. Next, cruise the Bosphorus Strait and take in stunning views of Istanbul's grand palaces, ornate fortresses & unique landmarks, the Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace & Rumeli Fortress amongst others. Then we tour two historic districts: Fener and Balat original cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and charming cafes. These locations are also some of the most commonly used filming places by many Turkish TV shows.

Following the majestic Bulgarian Orthodox St. Stephen Church all in cast iron, we stop by the Church of Orthodox Patriarchate in Balat. End the day at Pierre Loti Café and be amazed with the semi-sea view Golden Horn and panoramic views.

Head back to your hotel for the evening.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Leave for Ankara, the capital city of Turkey, very early in the morning by bus. Then Ankara is famous for its incredibly deep history and impeccable culture. Take the scenic route via the Bolu Mountains and arrive in Ankara.

Head to your hotel after check-in.

Overnight in Ankara.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

After breakfast, next go to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations has a lot of items there, the Hittites have many things on display. After that proceed to Atatürk Monument, the Founding Father of the Republic of Turkey. Proceed further and visit Cappadocia, on a land filled abundant with unusual geological formations. Along the way, see the big Salt Lake. Get a room for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel once there.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

After breakfast start a full day sightseeing through natural, and historical features in the area. That evening, stop by Göreme Open-Air Museum to see the cave-hewn churches with good frescoes. Tour Uçhisar Troglodyte village and the Pigeon Valley nearby Go to Love Valley, famous for its fairy chimneys, and finally to the pottery town Avanos. In the afternoon, tour the underground city of Serhatlı (or Özkonak), a multi-level complex used by early Christians as a refuge. Conclude the day with a visit to a local carpet workshop to see Turkish carpet weaving, followed by a demonstration of onyx and jewelry craftsmanship. Return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Head towards Pamukkale by breakfast, driving through Aksaray, and taking a look at the Sultanhan Caravanserai located on the Silk Road.

Get into your hotel for dinner and overnight in Pamukkale upon arrival at the place

Overnight in Pamukkale

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Begin each day with a visit to Pamukkale, famous for its gorgeous white terraced travertine pools originating from hot springs. Discover some of the Pamukkale Turkey things to do, such as exploring its natural beauty and relaxing in its warm waters. Proceed to the Paleo-City of Hierapolis, an important Phrygian oppidum that later became a leading Christian site under Byzantine. After that continued to Kusadasi and visited the The House of Virgin Mary which is said to be where she lived her last days. In Kusadasi, also explore some of the best Kusadasi places to visit, including the ancient town of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities remaining in the world. Sightsee the Temple of Hadrian, Roman baths, Library of Celsus, Odeon, and the great theatre. Finally, enjoy a fashion show of exquisite Turkish leather items before hotel check-in for dinner and an overnight stay.

Kusadasi (Kusadasi or Izmir) Overnight

Main meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast, travel to Pergamon and visit the Asclepion, an ancient medical center where the famous physician Galen once practiced. Continue to Troy, the legendary city made famous by Homer’s Iliad. Arrive in Çanakkale and transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Overnight in Çanakkale.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner.

After breakfast, depart for Istanbul with a stop in Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In Bursa, visit the 14th-century Great Mosque, the Green Mosque, the Green Mausoleum, and the local silk bazaar, along with other top things to do in Bursa. Continue to Istanbul, where you will check into your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals: Breakfast

Check out of your hotel after breakfast. You will then be transferred to the airport with some free time to explore Istanbul on your own later this afternoon before flying home.

Meals: Breakfast