Essential Turkey 10 Days

Welcome to Istanbul, a captivating blend of history and modernity where your private driver will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Depending on your schedule, you will explore the aromatic Spice Market, known as the Egyptian Bazaar, and then embark on a scenic Bosphorus Cruise, offering breathtaking views of the city's iconic landmarks along the waterway dividing Europe and Asia.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Airport Transfer
• Spice Market & Bosphorus Cruise

Istanbul boasts a wealth of iconic landmarks that epitomize its rich history and cultural significance. Today you will explore the Hagia Sophia, a marvel of Byzantine architecture, has transitioned from a church to a mosque and now stands as a museum, showcasing exquisite mosaics and breathtaking domes. Nearby, the Topkapı Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Ottoman sultans, housing a remarkable collection of artifacts and treasures. The Blue Mosque, with its stunning blue tiles and elegant minarets, stands as a testament to Ottoman architectural mastery and religious devotion. Adjacent to these wonders lies the ancient Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of Byzantine life, now adorned with ancient monuments and relics. Beneath the city streets, the Basilica Cistern reveals an underground world of ancient engineering and mystical ambiance, while the Grand Bazaar delights visitors with its labyrinthine alleys and vibrant market atmosphere.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Guided Tour of Istanbul

Journey to Bursa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we explore the Grand Mosque adorned with splendid painted inscriptions, followed by a visit to the Koza Han, renowned for its silk production during the Ottoman Era. Continuing our exploration, we admire the remarkable architecture of the early Ottoman Empire, particularly the Green Mosque & Tomb, known for its outstanding tile work and magnificent marble façade. Upon arrival in Çanakkale, we take a leisurely stroll around this vibrant waterfront town and may have the opportunity to see the Trojan horse, gifted by the producers of the movie Troy in 2004. (5 hour driving)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Çanakkale

• Guided Tour of Bursa

This morning, we'll explore Troy, an ancient city with over 4,000 years of history, once thought to be purely mythical until archaeological discoveries confirmed its existence, revealing nine distinct periods of settlement from 3000 BC to AD 400, with each layer representing a different era of habitation. At Troy, we'll observe the remnants of ancient city walls and a replica of the legendary wooden horse, while historians continue to debate the historical accuracy of the Trojan War. Following our visit, we'll journey to Bergama, known as the ancient Greek city of Pergamon, renowned for its cultural, commercial, and medical significance, boasting landmarks such as the Acropolis, theater, and library, before concluding our day in authentic village of Şirince. (5 hours driving)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Şirince

• Guided Tour of Troy & Pergamon

Ephesus, once the second largest city in the Roman Empire and a prominent seaport, thrived commercially and spiritually, evolving into a significant center of early Christian worship. Founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th Century BC, it later flourished under Roman rule, with its Temple of Artemis standing as one of the original Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Our visit encompasses the grand amphitheatre, marble streets, and remarkable Library of Celsus, offering glimpses into its illustrious past, before concluding in Şirince village for a taste of local wine and a leisurely exploration of its vibrant market.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Şirince

• Guided Tour of Ephesus

This morning, journey through the fertile lands of Anatolia to visit Aphrodisas, one of Turkey's most beautiful archaeological sites, diligently excavated and restored by teams from New York University. The well-preserved stadium, temple of Aphrodite, tetrapylon, and baths of Hadrian offer a captivating glimpse into the city's ancient splendor, with many statues and architectural remnants displayed in the on-site museum curated by Professor Erim and his team. After lunch, drive to Pamukkale, known as 'Cotton Castle,' where thermal waters have sculpted breathtaking pools and terraces over centuries, offering a mesmerizing sight with purported healing properties, complemented by the nearby ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman bath center with extensive archaeological wonders to explore. (3.5 hours driving)
 

• Overnight at a Hotel in Pamukkale

• Guided Tour of Aphrodisias - Pamukkale

Today, we depart early from Pamukkale for Cappadocia, stopping at Konya, known as 'Iconium' in Roman times, and later as the capital of the Seljuk Turks, home to the mystic Sufi poet Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. We explore Mevlana's Mausoleum and museum, delving into his works and the artifacts of the 'Whirling Dervishes' sect he founded. Continuing our journey, we visit Sultanhanı, Anatolia's largest caravanserai, providing insight into the ancient trade routes and the role of caravanserais in facilitating trade along the Silk Road. Overnight in Cave Hotel in Cappadocia. (7.5 hours driving)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Cappadocia

• Guided Tour of Konya

Cappadocia, shaped by ancient volcanic activity and erosion, boasts surreal landscapes of spires, domes, and pinnacles. Early birds can catch a mesmerizing sunrise on a hot-air balloon ride over the 'other-worldly' landscape. Explore the Kaymaklı Underground City, with its eight levels (four open to the public), featuring stalls, stables, churches, and kitchens carved from soft volcanic stone. Uçhisar Fortress offers panoramic views of valleys and fairy chimney formations, while the Göreme Open Air Museum showcases Byzantine cave chapels adorned with vibrant frescoes. Afternoon adventures include a stroll through Dervent Valley, known for its surreal rock formations, and a visit to Pasabaglar Valley, famed for its fairy chimneys followed by a stroll through Love Valley to admire its surreal rock formations and charming landscapes. Later afternoon, we may discover the beauty of hand-made carperts, a tradition that reveals the nomadic origins of the Turkish people. Tonight, you have an opportunity to attend a folk dance show or witness an original Whirling Dervish 'Sema' performance.

• Overnight at a Hotel in Cappadocia

• Guided Tour of Cappadocia

After breakfast we leave the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia behind and drive to airport to fly Istanbul and then transfer to your hotel. You will have have leisure afternoon in Istanbul. (1.5 flight to Istanbul + 2 hours driving)

• Overnight at a Hotel in Istanbul

• Airport transfers
• Domestic flight

After breakfast, transfer to airport. (1 hour driving)

• Transfer to Airport