Essential Turkey

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival, our representative will meet you at the airport with a sign on which your name is written and transfer you to your hotel.

Discover the vibrant markets and stunning waterways of Istanbul with our Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Bazaar Half Day Morning Tour. This half-day morning experience begins with a visit to the bustling Spice Bazaar, where you can immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and aromas of this historic market. Following this, you'll enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise by boat, offering magnificent views of palaces, mosques, and historical villas along the strait, including a view of the impressive **Rumeli Fortress** from the boat (please note there is no interior visit to the fortress on this tour). Please note that lunch, personal expenses and drinks are not included.

Day 2: Istanbul

Embark on the Istanbul Classic Full Day Tour, a comprehensive journey designed to showcase the most significant landmarks of Istanbul's historical peninsula over a full day. This extensive tour includes visits to the iconic Hagia Sophia, the majestic Blue Mosque and the ancient Hippodrome, stepping through centuries of history. You will also explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the historic seat of the Ottoman Empire, the ancient church of Hagia Irene, and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the world-famous Grand Bazaar. Please note that suitable clothes for mosque visits are necessary for Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, meaning shoulders and knees must be covered and women require a head covering. Additionally, please be aware that Topkapi Palace and Hagia Irene are closed on Tuesdays, and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Please note that lunch, entrance fee, personal expenses and drinks are not included.

Day 3: Cappadocia

According to the flight time, you will be picked up from hotel and transferred to airport to catch your international flight.

Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia region

Experience a deeply spiritual and mesmerizing evening with our Dervish Show. We will provide convenient transfer from your hotel to the historical venue where the performance takes place. Here, you will witness the captivating Sema ritual performed by Whirling Dervishes, a spiritual journey rooted in the philosophy of Mevlana Rumi; this ancient practice involves the dervishes whirling in a trance-like state, representing the soul's ascent to God and a beautiful expression of devotion and transcendence. Following this moving cultural experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 4: Cappadocia

Embark on our Cappadocia, a full-day journey exploring the highlights of this magical region. We'll begin our adventure by picking you up from your hotel in the morning. Our first stop is Imagination Valley (Devrent Valley), a place where your imagination will run wild as you discover rock formations resembling various shapes and animals. Next, we'll visit Pasabag (Monks Valley), famous for its iconic multi-headed fairy chimneys and the fascinating hermit dwellings carved into them.We then proceed to the Zelve Open Air Museum, an impressive former rock-cut village and monastery complex, offering a glimpse into the region's history and early Christian life. Our tour continues to Avanos, a charming town renowned for its traditional pottery craftsmanship, located by the Red River. You'll have the opportunity to see a pottery demonstration. Finally, we will head to the Uchisar Castle Panorama point, the highest point in Cappadocia, providing breathtaking panoramic views of the unique landscape and the majestic Uchisar rock castle. Throughout the day, our professional and experienced guide will share insights about the history, culture, and geology of Cappadocia. At the end of the full-day exploration, we will transfer you back to your hotel.

Day 5: Izmir

At a convenient time, you will be met and transferred to airport to connect your onward flight.

Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 6: Izmir

You will be met at Harbor, Airport or at your Hotel in Izmir, Selcuk or Kusadasi. It takes 3 hours to reach Pamukkale Travertine Terraces and Hierapolis Ancient City from Kusadasi, and 4 hours from Izmir. There will be a break halfway for the needs. You will have an open buffet lunch upon arrival in Pamukkale, then head to the South Gate of Pamukkale (Hierapolis). Your Tour Guide will explain Necropolis (cemetery) of Hierapolis which is one of the biggest ancient cemeteries in Anatolia with 1.200 graves, Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, and the Main Street, Byzantium Gate. After the tour in Hierapolis, there will be a break which you can spend your time to swim in the Ancient Pool (aka. Cleopatra Pool). Please note that swimming in the pool costs an extra fee. The Cleopatra Pool is warmed by hot springs and littered with underwater fragments of ancient marble columns. It is possibly associated with the Temple of Apollo. The pool provides a rare opportunity to swim among antiquities to visitors! During the Roman period, columned porticoes surrounded the pool; earthquakes toppled them into the water where they lie today. If you want you can walk to the natural warm water terraces which were formed by the hot water that contains calcium. The temperature of the water is about 35 degrees all the time even in the winter season. You can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, located next to the ruins of Hierapolis Ancient City. The extraordinary effect is created when water from the hot springs loses carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate, built up in steps on the plateau, gave the site the name Pamukkale (cotton castle). After the tour you will be taken back to harbor, airport or your hotel in Kusadasi or Izmir.

Day 7: Izmir

First of all, we will visit the House of Mother Mary. This place is discovered by Lazarist priests after a Germannun described the house and the mountain according to her visions as it is the last residence of Virgin Mary. This shrine is a pilgrimage center for Catholics, being cared by Lazarist Fathers. Lazarist Fathers still celebrating the mass every day. Then we will drive to Ephesus Ancient City. Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. In Ephesus we will see, Celcus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan and the Theater. We will have lunch in a local Turkish restaurant. After lunch we will visit Isa Bey Mosque which is built in 1375 by Anatolian Seljuks. The last stop of the tour will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus Ancient city.16:00 End of the tour. Drive back to your hotel.

At a convenient time, you will be met and transferred to airport to connect your flight to your onward destination