Grand Tour of Turkey

With Grand Tour of Turkey, you’ll Experience the best of Turkey. From the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in bustling Istanbul to the underground city of Sarhatli near Cappadocia and the excavations of ancient Ephesus to the ‘Cotton Castle’ springs near Pamukkale – explore the diversity of this ancient land.

Day 1
Arriving at Istanbul Ataturk Airport, you will continue on to the domestic terminal for your short flight to Kayseri. Be met by your guide Historian and Folk culturist Dr. Alp Kaya. Cappadocia will thrill you with its unique landscapes. Checking in our hotel, you will have some time to relax before the sunset over Kizilcukur Valley. Dinner will be served at our hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 2
We will start your day touring Kaymakli Underground City and the Soganli Village where early Christians have settled. Later you will reach Sinassos where lunch will be served in the Old Greek House. In the afternoon you will be visiting the Valley of Three Graces and the Develi Valley to observe extraordinary rock formations. This evening enjoy your welcome dinner served at Elai Restaurant in Uchisar, overlooking the surrounding valleys, Elai is a gem on its own creating a great asset to the Cappadocia’s gourmet lovers.

Day 3
We will set out to climb the rock-caved natural citadel of Uchisar to enjoy a superb view of the region. Continue your morning touring Monastic Center of Goreme. Lunch will be served at the banks of Red River. In the afternoon you will walk through the valleys of Zelve that was a town composed of hundreds of rock-carved houses occupied until 1942. You will return to your hotel at the end of your touring for some rest. Diner and overnight at the Hotel. Optional Activity: In the morning you may enjoy an unforgettable memory of Cappadocia Hot air ballooning over the nature-formed valleys.

Day 4
In the morning you will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your short flight to Izmir. Leaving Izmir you will first stop at the remains of the Temple of Artemis that was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Then you continue to Ephesuswhere history and archaeology will offer you incredible richness. We end the day at Kusadasi, on the shores of Aegean Sea. Diner and overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5
Checking out from our hotel we head to Milet ( ancient Miletus ) where St Paul talked to the elderly. Having free time for lunch on the way we continue to Bodrum ( ancient Halicarnasus ) Before heading to our relaxing hotel we visit the Mouseleum, another spot among the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 6
After breakfast you will be transferred to Bodrum Airport for your short flight to Istanbul. Spreading on two continents, Istanbul has a charm that will embrace you as soon as you arrive in the city precincts. Light lunch will be served on our private boat, prepared to give us a tour along the world famous Bosphorus. Late afternoon you will get to discover one of the busiest spots, the Istiklal Street, you will enjoy the view of the 18-19th century buildings that currently serve a variety of purposes such as hosting art galleries, restaurants or diplomatic centers and that reflect cultural profundity and richness of Istanbul. Check in to our hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 7
This morning your first visit will be to the home of the Sultans: Topkapi Palace also being the administration of Ottoman Empire. Basilica of Saint Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built in history, the Underground Cistern will be this mornings other attractions. Following free time for lunch, we visit the Blue Mosque. Afterwards you will be exploring the Grand Bazaar and Nuru Osmaniye (Glamour of the Ottomans) district. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 8
This morning you will start your day touring Rustem Pasha Mosque, that display the utmost level of craftsmanship of masters of Iznik ceramics. Continue your morning exploring the Spice Market that was built in 1664. After a lunch break we will be driven into the Old City to reach a treasure hidden in back streets; theChurch of Chora, where the mosaics are known to have similar characteristics with St.Mark’s of Ravenna. In the afternoon you will be escorted back to your hotel for a relaxing afternoon.

Day 9
Transfer to airport for your international flights after breakfast.

All transfers upon arrival and at departure.

8 nights HB accommodation in hotels mentioned in itinerary. Welcome dinner (venue outside the hotel).

2 organized group lunchesand 4 dinners at hotels.

All entrance fees to the museums and sites named in itinerary.

All domestic flights and related transfers to/from hotels.

English speaking professional guidance throughout the tour.

Travel & Health insurance.

Local (VAT) and additional taxes.