9 Days / 8 Nights: Treasures of Turkey - From City Skylines to Ancient Ruins in Kusadasi

Kusadasi · History · USD 1870.62

Day 1| Arrival in Istanbul and leisure time Upon arrival at the airport, you´ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After checking in and settling into your room, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Take this opportunity to explore the vibrant surroundings of your hotel, soak in the local atmosphere or simply relax and unwind in preparation for the exciting day ahead. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in İstanbul. Day 2| Highlights of Istanbul After breakfast, embark on a half-day guided tour of Istanbul´s historic heart . Highlights include an exterior visit to the iconic Hagia Sophia , followed by stops at the stunning Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome , where you´ll see the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II. The tour concludes at the bustling Grand covered Bazaar , a treasure trove of local crafts, textils and souvenirs. After that, we'll have lunch at a Turkish restaurant. Then, we'll venture to the magnificent Topkapi Palace , a stunning representation of Ottoman imperial grandeur. Situated on the historic penninsula of Istanbul , the palace offers breathtaking views of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. As you stroll through the palace´s courtyards and gardens, you´ll learn about the Ottoman Empire´s history , its rulers and its lavish court life. The highlights include the imperial treasury, where you´ll fins priceless artifacts such as the Tokapi Dagger and numerous dazzling jewels. You´ll also visit the Sacred Relics Room , which contains revered Islamic relics, including items believed to have belonged to the Prophet Muhammed. The palace´s exquisite tiles, decorative arts, and architecture showcase the fusionof Ottoman and Islamic design, with intricate craftsmanship and elegant interiors. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in İstanbul. Included: Lunch Day 3| Exploration through the heart of Istanbul Get a bird's-eye view of the Golden Horn from the bus, the arm of the Bosphorus and a natural harbour of the historical peninsula separating the old and the new parts of Şehir where the first colonies settled during the Byzantines. This area was home to Byzantine Jews, Italian traders and other non-Muslim minorities. Then, as you drive along the traces of history in Balat, you'll get to see the incredible Metal Church of St. Stephen the Bulgarian, the Jewish Hospital (Or-Ahayim), the Fener Orthodox Patriarchate and the 22 km-long Byzantine City Walls , the strongest fortification of the Middle Ages! After the scenic drive, your morning begins with a visit to the vibrant Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), one of Istanbul´smost colourful and aromatic markets. Wander through the lively stalls filled with exotic spices, herbs, Turkish delights, dried fruits and local handicrafts. The rich scents and bustling energy offer an unforgettable sensory experience. Next, you´ll head to the Bosphorus for a scenic cruise along the strait that separates Europe and Asia. As you glide through the water, take in the breathtaking views of historic palaces, Ottoman mansions and charming villages lining both shores. A highlight of the cruise is the sight of the Rumeli Fortress , a mafnificent 15th-century structure built by Sultan Mehmed II before his conquest of Constantinople. The fortress, with its imposing towers and strategic location, stands as a powerful reminder of the city´s storied past. We will visit a leather showroom if time permits and the stop for lunch at a Turkish Restaurant. Welcome to the awe-inspiring Dolmabahçe Palace , the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans! Built by the renowned architects Karabet and Nikogos Balyan, this magnificent complex spans an impressive 110,000 m². Once the bustling administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, this palace is a true testament to the rich history and cultural splendour of Istanbul. The palace is home to an awe-inspiring collection of European antiquities, furniture and a whopping 4.5 tons chandelier. With 285 rooms and 46 halls, it's a true architectural marvel. And just wait until you experience the Bosphorus Bridge, a unique opportunity to transition from one continent (Europe) to another (Asia) in the blink of an eye! On Camlıca Hill , you can experience the most breathtaking sunset and the widest bird's eye panoramic view of İstanbul from Marmara Sea to the Black Sea . Get ready for the experience of a lifetime as you soar high above the city, witnessing the majestic Bosphorus and Golden Horn from one of the highest and most appealing places of the city. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Istanbul. Included: Lunch Day 4| Istanbul - Ankara - Cappadocia We start the day early, check out of the hotel and depart for the airport to continue our adventure in Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. Arriving in Ankara in the morning, we have some time to explore the city before visiting the Atatürk Mausoleum , built between 1944-1953 to honour the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and Revolution and founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. In addition to the mausoleum, the complex consists of various structures and monuments, as well as a wooded area commonly known as the Peace Park. We then head south through rolling Anatolian plains, dotted with small villages, farmlands and occasional rocky hills. As we approach Nevşehir , the landscape gradually transforms – flat terrain gives way to surreal rock formations and valleys carved by centuries of wind and water erosion. Entering Cappadocia, the scenery becomes truly magical. You´ll witness fairy chimneys, underground cities and ancient cave dwellings carved into soft volcanic rock. We make our way to our selected accommodation for the night where you can settle in, enjoy dinner and prepare for the day ahead. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Cappadocia. Included: Dinner. Day 5| Exploring Cappadocia We start the day with breakfast at the hotel, preparing us for an exciting day ahead of exploring all that Cappadocia has to offer. Our first stop will be the UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches, frescoes and ancient monastic complexes nestled in the surreal landscape. We then make our way to the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views. Walk through the quaint village of Uçhisar and learn about the troglodyte dwellings carved into the rock. Next, we visit Ortahisar, with a slightly less touristic charm, known for its stone castle and authentic village feel. Then, to Ürgüp to see the famous fairy chimneys . Enjoy the iconic, mushroom shaped rock formations and learn about their volcanic rock origins. We will visit a local stone craft centre where you will see stones with traditional and imperial designs made from the Cappadocia´s volcanic rock. We continue to the village of Avanos , famous for its pottery and ceramics and which sits on the banks of the Kizlirmak river . Finally, we conclude the day at a local carpet cooperative, where you´ll see how traditional Turkish carpets are woven by hand. You´ll learn about the different regional styles, natural dyes and symbolic patterns. We make our way back to the hotel for dinner with unforgettable memories. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Cappadocia. Included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 6| A Seljuk Caravanserai en route to Pamukkale We will enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and heading towards Pamukkale, stopping en route at the majestic Seljuk Caravanserai, renowned for its magnificent architecture. The high stone walls and elaborate main portal were designed to accommodate the caravans and their freight. These structures were not only secure stops for caravans transporting goods between Europe and Asia, but also vibrant exchange points for diverse cultural practices. Here we will explore the great complex, made up of bedrooms, stables and refractories, used by the merchants that were passing through the area. After we finish our visit to the great caravan pousada, we make our way to Pamukkale , which is where we will spend the night. Enjoy a relaxing dinner, and recharge your batteries for the day ahead. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Pamukkale. Included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 7| Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi or Izmir Enjoy breakfast at the hotel to start the day off right! Pamukkale, which translates as Cotton Castle, is where we begin today's itinerary, it´s renowned for its travertine limestone terraces deposited by hot springs and is adjacent to Hieropolis. Famous for its natural mineral-rich thermal pools formed over the centuries, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 . The hot springs have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC during the Seleucid Empire. We then head to Kudasi, home to the House of the Virgin Mary , discovered in the 19th century and believed to be the last home of the mother of Jesus. We then visit a leather factory where you can see the famous leather fabrics of the Egea region before continuing on to the ancient city of Ephesus on the western coast of Asia Minor. During the first and second centuries it had a population of over 250,000 inhabitants and monopolised the wealth of half the east. We will visit the Temple of Hadrian and witness the grandeur of the architecture and explore the remains of the temple. You will see the Roman Baths, which have been restored many times, and the Odeon, also known as the Bouleuterion, which was used both as a theatre and as a place where the Ephesian aristocracy met to discuss the affairs of the city. After a full day of exploring we will return to the hotel for the night. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in Kusadasi or Izmir. Included: Breakfast and dinner. Day 8| Back to Istanbul After an unforgettable journey through Turkey´s rich history, culture and stunning landscapes , your final morning in this region begins with breakfast at the hotel. Depending on the flight schedule, you may have some free time to wander the surroundings areas a little bit more before your departure. Later, you will be transferred to Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul and head back to your chosen hotel where you can unwind for the night and soak in your final moments of your Turkish journey. Accommodation: Overnight at your selected hotel in İstanbul. Included: Breakfast. Day 9| Departure day Enjoy your final Turkish breakfast at the hotel, taking in the vibrant energy of Istanbul one last time. After check-out, we´ll take you on a short shopping tour at one of I stanbul´s popular outlet centers - perfect for picking up souvenirs, gifts, or a little something for yourself before heading home. Following the shopping trip, you´ll be transferred back to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight. As your unforgettable journey through Turkey comes to a close, we wish you safe travels and hope to welcome you again on another adventure! Included: Breakfast. Accommodation options: Istanbul - 4-star: Ramada Sultanahmet or similar. 5-star: Eresin Topkapı or similar. Cappadocia - 4-star: Dinler or similar. 5-star: Yunak Evleri / Solem Cave or similar. Pamukkale - 4-star: Lycus River or similar. 5-star: Colossae Thermal or similar. Kudasi - 4-star: Palmin / Faustina or similar. 5-star: Korumar / Adakule or similar. Izmir - 4-star: Kaya Prestige or similar . 5-star: Movenpick / Swissotel or similar.