11-day Highlights of Turkey Trip

Upon your arrival at Istanbul Airport, your English-speaking representative will meet you at Gate Number 8, assist with airport procedures, and escort you to your hotel to begin your Turkey trip. After check-in, enjoy a free afternoon to start exploring the vibrant city of Istanbul at your own pace.
Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we’ll begin a full-day tour of Istanbul, starting with the iconic Hagia Sophia — first constructed by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century and later transformed into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15th century. We’ll then visit the Topkapi Palace, which served as the royal residence of Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th centuries. The palace is renowned for its lavish treasury, elegant harem, beautiful courtyards, and pavilions displaying vast collections of historical artifacts.

Next, we’ll head to the majestic Blue Mosque, famous for its six minarets and stunning interior adorned with the renowned blue Iznik tiles. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll continue to the historic Hippodrome, once the site of chariot races. Our final stop will be the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. After the tour, return transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.

In the morning, your Istanbul tour begins with a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Bazaar. This vibrant market, established in the 17th century, is nestled in the historic Eminönü district. From there, we’ll embark on a public boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the natural waterway separating Europe and Asia. As we sail, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of opulent landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, the elegant Çırağan Palace, and the formidable Rumeli Fortress, among other architectural treasures lining both shores.

Next, we’ll explore the atmospheric neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, known for their nostalgic cobblestone streets, vibrant cafes, and the iconic colorful houses frequently featured in Turkish TV series. These quarters offer a unique look into the city’s cultural and everyday life.

We’ll also visit the stunning Bulgarian Orthodox Church of St. Stephen, constructed entirely from cast iron, and view the Orthodox Patriarchate Church nearby in Balat. The day concludes at the iconic Pierre Loti Café, named after the French writer, where you can take in panoramic views of the Golden Horn.Transfer to your hotel. 
Overnight in Istanbul.

As part of your Turkey travel package, you will depart early by bus to Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. Enjoy a scenic drive through the picturesque Bolu Mountains before arriving in Ankara. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel to check in. Dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight in Ankara.

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, honored as Europe’s Best Museum in 1997 for its remarkable collection of artifacts from Asia Minor, particularly Hittite relics.

Continue to the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the revered founder of the Turkish Republic. The journey then leads to Cappadocia, renowned for its surreal volcanic landscapes. En route, enjoy a scenic drive past Salt Lake before arriving at your hotel. Dinner will be served upon arrival.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, begin a full-day adventure included in your Turkey trip. Start with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to ancient rock-carved churches adorned with beautiful frescoes. Continue to the troglodyte village of Uçhisar and take in the scenic views at Pigeon Valley.

Explore Love Valley, known for its unique mushroom-shaped "fairy chimneys," and visit the pottery town of Avanos. In the afternoon, discover the multi-level underground city of Serhatlı (or Özkonak), once a refuge for early Christians. Conclude the day with visits to a carpet weaving center and an onyx and jewelry workshop. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, depart for Aksaray, traveling along the historic Silk Road. Stop at the Sultanhan Caravanserai, a once popular resting spot for camel caravans. Continue on to Pamukkale, where you'll transfer to your hotel. Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, visit Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle," famous for its white travertine terraces formed by thermal springs. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, once a Phrygian city and later an episcopal center during the Byzantine period. Continue to Kusadasi, stopping at the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years. 

During your Turkey travel package, enjoy a fashion show featuring exquisite leather products. Then, visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in Asia Minor, with landmarks like the Temple of Hadrian, Roman Baths, Library of Celsus, Odeon, and the grand theater. Afterward, transfer to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Kusadasi (or Izmir).

After breakfast, head to Pergamon to explore the Asclepion, an ancient healing center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine, where the renowned physician Galen once worked. Next, proceed to Troy, the legendary city immortalized in Homer’s The Iliad and the story of the Trojan War. Afterward, transfer to your hotel in Çanakkale for dinner and an overnight stay.
Overnight in Çanakkale.

After breakfast, depart for Istanbul, passing through Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Bursa is famous for its mosques, fountains, Turkish baths, and silk production. Visit notable sites such as the 14th-century Great Mosque, the Green Mosque, the Green Mausoleum, and the local silk bazaar. Continue your journey to Istanbul, where you will be transferred to your hotel upon arrival.
Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, check out from your hotel and enjoy some free time to explore before your transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight home, concluding your unforgettable Turkey trip.