Turkey Highlights Tour for the Beginners
Day 01: Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul to join the Turkey Highlights Tour for the Beginners and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
Day 02: Istanbul (09:00-17:00)
A full day walking tour starting with Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations and political activities of the old city where one can also see the “Obelisk of Egypt”, “Serpent Column” from Delphi, the “German Fountain of Wilhelm II” and the “Colossus”. Continue to Blue Mosque (Closed on Friday mornings and the last minute occasions beyond our control and therefore no responsibility is assumed), famous for its mosaics with some 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and its six minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century, also representing one of the best examples of classical Turkish art. Cross to Hagia Sophia (Closed on Friday mornings and the last minute occasions beyond our control and therefore no responsibility is assumed)), one of the great architectural marvels of the ancient world, constructed as a basilica in 536 AD by Emperor Justinian. It definetely takes the breath away with the sheer size of its interior and its magnificent dome. Thereafter proceed to Grand Covered Bazaar (Closed on Sundays), the biggest “souk” in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets, ceramics and leatherwear.
In the afternoon proceed to Hagia Irene Church (Closed on Tuesdays), built in the 4th century as its neighbor to the Hagia Sophia. After the conquest of Istanbul, the administrators eventually incorporated it into the grounds of Topkapı Palace. Then on to Topkapı Palace – Harem section is excluded – (Closed on Tuesdays); built in 1468 on one of the seven hills of Istanbul by Mehmet the Conqueror, and consequently became the seat of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. Obviously it offers superb views from the peninsula. The palace houses the treasures of the Sultans especially the extravagant Treasury with its magnificent jewels, and the priceless Chinese porcelain, amongst the best collections in the world, weapons, calligraphy section, and more.
Day 03: Istanbul (08:30-12:30)
A morning tour to visit the aromatic Spice Bazaar from 1663 with its domed and vaulted shops selling spices and herbs along with a wide variety of commodities. Egyptian Bazaar is another name for it as it was once endowed with the Cairo imposts. Then proceed to the pier so as to embark the public boat. Sailing through the waterway separating the two continents – Asia and Europe – with a possibility to take pictures of the marble palaces, ancient wooden villas of Ottoman architecture besides modern residentials. During this trip one can see Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges from the sea. Disembark the boat and end of our services.
*Depending on the preference of the guests public transportation including taxi, subway, tram or funicular can also be taken whilst touring
Day 04: Istanbul-Cappadocia (09:00-18:00)
Transfer to the airport for the flight to Nevsehir or Kayseri. On arrival proceed to Derbent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Paşabağı (Monk’s Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to pottery town Avanos , the heart of the craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay that local craftsmen shapes comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Göreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church exclusive; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going back to the hotel.
Day 05: Cappadocia (09:00-18:00)
Optional (extra) balloon tour
If taken, the tour departs at around 04:30-05:30 early morning.
Meet at the hotel lobby in the morning and visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Çavuşin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Ortahisar Castle, similar to Uchisar Castle in style, where one can observe storage caves. In the afternoon visit Kaymaklı (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery. Drive back to the hotels.
Day 06: Cappadocia-Izmir-Kuşadası (09:00-15:00)
Transfer to the airport in Nevsehir or Kayseri for the flight to Izmir (Depending on the travel date/flight schedule a direct or indirect flight via Istanbul can be used). On arrival transfer to the hotel in Kuşadası.
Day 07: Kuşadası
Day at leisure.
The following optional tours can be taken:
*Pamukkale tour
*Pergamum tour
*Priene-Miletus-Didyma tour
Day 08: Kuşadası-Ephesus-Kuşadası (09:00-17:00)
Departure in the morning and visit Ephesus Antique City (Hillside Houses exclusive), one of the most popular ancient sites of Turkey with many acres of carefully excavated port city, one of the 12 cities of the Ionian League. Walk through the marble streets lined with wonderful public buildings like the Temple of Hadrian, Baths of Scholastica, Library of Celsus and Grand Theatre where St. Paul preached during his missionary journey. Stop by the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon drive on to the House of Virgin Mary that the Third Ecumenical Council in 431 A.D. claimed that she had spent her last years in Ephesus together with St. John (Only on PRIVATE tours, St. Jean Basilica – or, depending on preference – Ephesus Museum – is added on to the itinerary before going back to the hotel in Kuşadası).
Day 09: Kuşadası-Transfer to the Next Destination
Transfer to the port in Kuşadası, airport in Izmir or another destination.
* Our tours are locally hosted in Istanbul, Cappadocia and Kuşadası
* On both GROUP and PRIVATE options Istanbul and Pamukkale tours are carried out on PRIVATE basis for the sake of better service quality
* We suggest to extend your trip with Greece arrangements
Our Rates Include:
* Pick up from Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport and transfer to the hotels in Sultanahmet, Taksim, Sisli and Ortakoy
Additional fees may apply for all the other locations
* Accommodation on the designated hotels – depending on availability on the requested dates
The inclusions at the tours are shown with the following initials:
B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner
* English speaking licensed professional guides throughout the tour
Additional fees apply for the other languages that can be assigned only on PRIVATE basis
* Air-conditioned vehicles the size of which depends on the number of the participants, unless specified as walking tours
* Admission fees
* Domestic air tickets as designated on the itinerary
* Lunches only on full day REGULAR/SEAT-IN-COACH tours
* Local taxes and service charges
Our Rates Exclude:
* Personal expenses
* Customary tips to the guides and drivers
* Lunches on PRIVATE tours
* Anything that is not designated as included
GROUP TOUR:
Hotels Assigned on This Tour:
We keep the right to replace the hotels with similar or upgraded ones when necessary
ISTANBUL (Levni Spa Hotel)
CAPPADOCIA (Cappadocia Cave Suites)
KUŞADASI (Ilayda Avantgarde or LaVista Hotel)
Guaranteed Travel Dates for 2022 & Prices:
Our rates in American Dollar are inclusive of guidance in English, transportation, admission fees and taxes
Daily Throughout the Year
Please contact us for the price
PRIVATE TOUR:
Hotels Assigned on This Tour:
We keep the right to replace the hotels with similar or upgraded ones when necessary
ISTANBUL (Sirkeci Mansion | Superior Room)
CAPPADOCIA (Gamirasu | Deluxe Room)
KUSADASI (Doubletree by Hilton Kusadasi | Marina View)
Guaranteed Travel Dates for 2022 & Prices:
Our rates in American Dollar are inclusive of guidance in English, transportation, admission fees and taxes
Daily Throughout the Year
Please contact us for the price
