Best of Turkey Tour

Thanks for booking our 9 days best Turkey tours! Once you land in Istanbul Airport, our local representative will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in downtown. Rest time of the day depends on your own plan. Take a rest in the room to recover from the long flight, or go out to visit some sites per your preference.

► Currency Exchange:
a.ATM: Highly suggested. Most ATMs accept international credit and debit cards, and it is prevalent with good exchange rates.
b.Exchange offices: Recommended. Exchange offices like DOVIZ usually offer better rates than banks. But some may attract customers with lower exchange rates and then make up for the loss with extra charges, so inquire before exchanging;
c. Airports and hotels: Not recommended due to unfavorable exchange rates.

► Recommended Restaurant: Otantik Restaurant
This restaurant is a 10-minute walk southwest of your hotel and costs around TL 700-800 (USD 21-24) per person. It serves traditional Turkish and Mediterranean dishes, and vegans can also find something you like. The main course Manti is highly recommended. For the ideal finish, try a Katmer dessert with pomegranate tea. Verify if the service charge is included in the bill when you check out. If not, tip 10% of the total bill, leaving cash on the table, or adding it to the credit card payment.

► Safety Tips:
Keep an eye out for frauds during your free exploring time. Under the guise of exchanging money, strangers may replace your real money with fake ones. Or someone might thrust pigeon food into your hands and demand a hefty price. Scams involve in dining consumption may also happen, by displaying a menu with varying pricing when you order and check out. As such, remain vigilant and avoid approaching strangers who strike up a conversation. Use Bitaksi or Uber when you need a ride to lower the risk of using cash.

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, our guide will accompany you to explore Istanbul’s charming history in its old city area. The first stop will be the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square). Several monuments stand here, including the most eye-catching obelisk. After the Roman Empire conquered Istanbul in 390 AD, it was moved from Egypt to here, servings as a significant record of the cultural interchange between ancient Egypt and ancient Rome. Then we’ll head to the nearby Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s landmarks. The origin of its name is because the interior walls are decorated with more than 20,000 pieces of blue and white İznik tiles. Next, we will visit Hagia Sophia, which is a masterpiece of religious architecture in Turkey that combines Christian and Islamic styles. The most distinctive part is the big round roof, which is 54.8 meters (179.8 feet) high above the ground and supported by four pillars.

► Tips: A mask and portable plastic bag will be useful to stay away from unpleasant odors and potential loss of shoes during the shoe-removing visit at the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. Women also need to wear a headscarf. If your clothing does not meet the requirements, do not worry, it is available at the entrance.

In the afternoon, you’ll be guided to visit the Topkapi Palace. Ottoman Sultans lived here from 1465 to 1853. It has evolved into a museum fusing history, culture, and art after several centuries of expansion and renovation. Among its all structures, the fourth courtyard is the most distinctive one, showcasing the artistic taste and craftsmanship of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923) while providing a window to overlook the Bosphorus Strait. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ Privileged Entry to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Our all-inclusive tickets provide you with a rare glimpse into the private lives of the imperial families in the Harem. Learn about their daily routines and customs with our knowledgeable guide.

Our last destination is the Grand Bazaar, a home to over 60 streets and over 4,000 shops. Explore a stunning array of choices like tea sets, spices, porcelain, carpets and lanterns here. If you have a favorite item, do not pay right away because bargaining is a fun interactive experience here. Inquire at several different stores and buy from the one offering the best deal. Sincere compliments on the merchandise or store owners will assist you in obtaining a better deal. Make a deal if you can reduce the product’s initial price by 20% to 50%. Besides, it’s also an excellent place to sample Turkish specialties like Kofte. Tiny bubbles appear on the freshly baked Kofte as it sizzles, and the gravy runs down when you cut. It is not as dry as typical burger meat and easier to chew than steak. We’ll visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.

Our guide will then escort you back to your hotel. Otherwise, you can bid farewell to the guide if you’d like to explore the Grand Bazaar further. A 15-minute walk northeast or a 5-minute ride on Tram Line T1 (3 stops from Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı to Gülhane) will take you back to the hotel.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, the guide will lead you to the Egyptian Bazaar, also known as the Spice Market. In addition to traditional spices and food, it gives you a thorough picture of the locals’ everyday lives. Try before buying is available at many stores. Here, your mouth is the most reliable judge, so do not worry about being restrained by the shopkeeper’s stare.

★ Special Arrangement: Bosphorus Strait Cruise
Then we will board a cruise ship for a 2-hour journey over the Bosphorus Strait. The strait bisects Istanbul, as a dividing line between Asia and Europe. Numerous historical sites can be seen along the cruise, such as Dolmabahce Palace, the new royal palace for Ottoman Sultans; Ciragan Palace, a palace representative of the late Ottoman Era and now a luxury 5-star hotel. Take up a vantage point on the left side of the ship so that you can have a clear view of Istanbul’s European area. With the guide’s engaging and fascinating explanation, find out more about historical and cultural backgrounds of these attractions.

After that, the driver will transfer you to the airport to board a 1.5-hour flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, our driver based there will pick you up and then escort you to a cave hotel.

★ A Fresh Experience to Stay Overnight in a Cave Hotel
The cave hotel in Cappadocia is more of a fresh experience than just a place to rest. Our well-chosen hotel is carved out of natural rocks and has a beautiful terrace where you can watch the hot air balloons flying over the sky at sunrise.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon
A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia will definitely offer you a magical exploration. If you are interested, please let us know in advance so that we can successfully book a seat for you. At 4:00-5:30 am, you’ll be transferred from the hotel to the departure point by the car offered by the hot air balloon company. After refreshments and safety instructions, embark on a passenger basket, witnessing a stunning sunrise over Cappadocia’s karst landscape. The landing process will be very smooth, so you don’t have to worry too much. The staff will also pour champagne and issue a certificate to commemorate your flight.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

There are so many sites worth visiting in Cappadocia, so we will stay here for two days. This day, we will focus on exploring its northern part. The greatest place to view Cappadocia’s lunar-like landscapes and cave buildings among several attractions in the area is the Goreme Open Air Museum, which is our first destination today. More than 30 rock cave churches are carved here, along with stunning paintings and murals. Follow our guide to gain a complete explanation of these murals.

★ VIP Access to the Dark Church in Goreme Open Air Museum
You can admire the timeless murals inside the Dark Church with our all-inclusive tickets. Due to the lack of light, their vivid colors had been well preserved, showcasing the artistic genius of monks who once practiced here.

Next, we will visit Avanos, a small town specializing in making potteries. Get ready to be impressed by the time-honored traditional craft here. Red clay from the Kizilirmak River, which flows through the town’s core, is Avanos’ artistic secret. Our next stop is the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). It is filled with enormous rock columns with a mushroom-like top, known as fairy chimneys. Then we’ll visit the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley). Have a close observation on the camel-shaped rock at the entrance, which greets every visitor to this amazing valley. Afterwards, we will transfer you back to the hotel. On the way, stop over at Love Valley to admire the spectacular sunset views of Cappadocia. The splendor and prosperity of the region can be seen when using a wide-angle lens. Adjust focus and composition to emphasize a particular building when you want to capture distant details, adding vibrancy and fun to the final image.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today’s visit will start with the Cavusin Village, once a Greek settlement in Turkey. We will walk through the ancient village to visit the oldest church in the Cappadocia region - Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel). Then we’ll go to Rose Valley, famous for the land and rocks in red. There, the guide will escort you to enjoy a 2-hour hiking.

► Tips：Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and hiking shoes as the road is covered with talc and weeds. Use sunscreen and bring plenty of water to combat the intense sun. Masks and scarves can shield you from dust as the Rose Valley has a popular ATV path.

Next, we’ll proceed to the Red Valley. Get a closer look at the chapels and pigeon houses carved into the rock by crossing this red terrain. Our next destination is the Uchisar Castle, Cappadocia’s largest and highest fairy chimney. Ascending to its top, a panoramic view of scattered valleys, villages and iconic rock formations unfolds before your eyes. And then you’ll be guided to visit the Kaymakli Underground City, consisting of eight stories connected by meandering tunnels. It looks like a huge maze filled with bedrooms, library, churches, meeting rooms and more. Following the guide’s extensive explanation, you can picture how the Hittites in the 12th century BC, using only their hands and simple tools, built such a safe and comfortable living environment in this little, dim place.

► Defensive Wisdom of Underground City
The residents here disguised the ventilation shafts as water wells, because the enemy had attempted to put flammable poisons into these wells to cut off their water supply. However, the fire caused by the poison in the well could be quickly controlled and extinguished due to the special design of the ventilation shaft. The poisonous smoke can be absorbed by the tuff, so it could not pose a threat to the residents in the underground city.

► Recommended Restaurant: Cratus Premium Restaurant & Lounge
Located a 10-minute walk northeast of your hotel, this terrace restaurant offers you great viewing experience while dining, and costs around TL 800-1,000 (USD 24-30) per person. One of the restaurant’s specialties is Testi Kebab. In addition, the cheese mushrooms and steak with prunes are very well received. The cheesecake Saint Sebastian, which boasts thick layers, a delicate texture, and the ideal amount of sweetness, is also not to be missed. The waiter here will even assist you in capturing pictures with the wonderful nighttime townscape. Remember to make a reservation in advance.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be escorted to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight to Izmir. If there is no direct flight, we will help you to transfer in Istanbul. Upon arrival at the Izmir airport, our driver based there will pick you up and then drive about an hour to lead you to the hotel in the seaside town Kusadasi. During the rest time of the day, you may explore this beautiful coastal town by yourself.

Our well-chosen hotel is right by sea. Once you get outside, turn right to arrive at Kusadasi Coast. Visit that iconic landmark sculpture of a hand holding several pigeons. Or enjoy the view of the stunning Aegean Sea and the opposite harbor across the bay while relaxing on a bench by the water. Alternately, take a leisurely stroll along the shore while indulging in the sound of the waves.

► Recommended Restaurant: Mezgit Restaurant
Among many restaurants along the coast, Mezgit is definitely worth a try, costing around TL 700-800 (USD 21-24) per person. Fresh seafood delicacies like shrimp, octopus, sea bass and grilled salmon are its specialties. The service here is really thoughtful, and they ask if any undesired portions need to be removed when grilling. A fruit bowl and Turkish black tea are also given after the meal, which undoubtedly further adds to your dining experience.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

Today, let’s start with the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although just one column was left here, the statue of Artemis and model of the temple at Ephesus Archaeological Museum allow you to sense its former grandeur and appreciate superb craftsmanship of the ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Then we will visit the Ephesus Ancient City. You’ll view the historical relics like Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Baths of Varius and Grand Theater. “Modern” facilities like public restrooms are also available here. The marble-carved toilets included deep ditches beneath and an ideal water circulation mechanism to promptly flush away waste. Furthermore, a system of ceramic water pipes was integrated into the public restrooms to keep people warm even in the cold winter.

► Insider Tips for Ephesus Sightseeing
1. Dress simply to blend in with the historic ruins and add depth to your pictures;
2. Take caution when visiting and taking pictures because the ground inside the ruins is uneven and the theater’s stairs are steep;
3. Hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are very essential since the ruins are open and unsheltered.

Next, we’ll head to the House of the Virgin Mary. According to the Bible, before Jesus died, he told St. John to take care of Virgin Mary. Four to six years after Jesus’ death, Virgin Mary was moved to Ephesus and remained there until her death to avoid persecution. You will be escorted back to the hotel following the visit.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

We’ll set out to Pamukkale after breakfast, which is about 2.5 hours’ drive away. Pamukkale, meaning Cotton Castle in Turkish, is a collection of tiered white pools created by the deposition of hot springs rich in calcium carbonate.

★ Our Guest Privilege: Unwinding Hot Spring Experience in Travertine Pool
Bring your swimsuit as our special arrangement allows you to unwind in the travertine pools. Hot spring water will nourish your skin with minerals and trace elements inside. Once you step into the pool, all the tension and pressure melt away, leaving you thoroughly relaxed and rejuvenated.

► Expert Tips for Capturing Stunning Photos in Pamukkale
We’ll arrive at Pamukklae during the golden hours of soft light for optimal photography time. Attires in vibrant hues like bright yellow, fiery red and sky blue can create a striking contrast against layers of white travertine pools. Moreover, the white rocks are highly reflective, wearing sunglasses and hats to protect your eyes from glare while adding a fashionable touch to your photos.

We will also visit the Hierapolis Ancient City nearby, a holy place for recuperation since the 2nd century AD. Many dignitaries were proud to soak in hot springs and enjoy their old age here, and the ancient city thus reached its heyday. However, many died while recuperating, leaving more than a thousand tombs that you can see outside the ancient city. After the visit, the driver will transfer you to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be escorted to the local hotel in our well-prepared private car.

Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

Your Turkey tour will draw to an end after being escorted to the airport. Hope you spend a great time in this charming historical country with us!

► For Your Information: 
If your flight leaves in the late afternoon or evening, consider to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, a 10-minute taxi ride from the hotel. You will be amazed by the windows made of 130 shades of glass inside. It gives the mosque a more expansive appearance in addition to adding a beautiful lighting visual effect. Furthermore, the mosque’s hilltop location allows you to relive the breathtaking vistas of Istanbul and capture moments that will always be remembered.

If you want to extend your Turkey trip to other destinations, such as Antalya, Konya, or continue to explore other countries in Asia and Europe, please contact us to customize your itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast