Historical Tour of Turkey

Thanks for choosing us for your 11-day Turkey private tours! Upon your landing, our local representative will pick you up at the airport. We understand the fatigue of long flights, so a well-prepared private car will transfer you to the hotel. Nestled in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, the hotel offers easy access to major attractions. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day on your own.

► Clothing Tips:
A scarf or shawl is a must-have item in your suitcase. In addition to shielding you from the sun and keeping warm, they could be used as headscarf when visiting places of worship like mosques. As our tour involves a lot of outdoor visits, wearing a pair of well-fitting and supportive flats will enable you to easily explore the sceneries. Also, high-coverage sunscreen, sunglasses and parasol are needed.

► Free Time Suggestion:
Starting at the top of a new city may be the best way to discover it. A 13-minute taxi ride from the hotel will take you to the Galata Tower. It was built in the Byzantine period (395-1453) and originally used as a lighthouse. The 360-degree panoramic view from the best observation platform on the 8th floor will quickly erase your exhaustion from the flight. The scenery of the old and new city areas, the Golden Horn, and the Bosphorus Strait are all in sight. Arriving at twilight allows you to witness the breathtaking sunset as well.

► Stay Safe and Avoid Scams:
Use Uber or BiTaksi when hailing a taxi to avoid additional fees resulting from street taxi drivers’ bad routes and detours. Additionally, in busy public areas, be wary of strangers who approach and chat with you. They may commit fraud under the pretext of keeping items, taking photos, polishing shoes, etc. Do not easily believe what strangers say, and refrain from having deep communication or transactions with them.

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

After breakfast, your private guided tour will officially begin in the old city area of Istanbul listed as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Our guide will firstly show you around the Blue Mosque, whose walls are decorated with more than 20,000 blue-and-white tiles which earn it the renowned name. Then we will visit the Hagia Sophia. Originally built as a church in the Roman Empire (27 BC - 1453 AD), it was turned to a mosque for 481 years before becoming a museum in 1935. Therefore, you can witness the religious diversity in this architectural representative integrating eastern and western cultures. Next, we are going to visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square), the world’s largest hippodrome back to Roman Empire. Several historical relics are well-preserved here, including the obelisk from Egypt. The benches and fountains in front of the square are close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, enabling you to capture the panorama of these two iconic structures with a wide-angle lens. Imagine the mesmerizing sight as the minarets and domes of these architectural gems complete the frame simultaneously.

In the afternoon, we’ll head to visit the Topkapi Palace, Sultans’ residence from 1465 to 1853. It provides you with a window into the luxurious lives of the royal family and invaluable artifacts. We’ll enter through the Imperial Gate, the largest one among its seven main gates, historically just reserved for the Sultan’s use. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday. 

★ VIP Tickets to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Our all-inclusive tickets promise you a special exploration in the Harem of Topkapi Palace, where you can appreciate more luxurious decorations with Ottoman style.

Today’s final destination will be the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a great place to pick unique souvenirs and taste local specialties. A must-try experience is sampling a cup of Turkish coffee, renowned for its unfiltered flavor. Interestingly, the Turks will turn their cups upside down on a tray after savoring, then determining their luck based on the patterns formed by the coffee grinds. They even developed apps only for fortune-telling. If you are interested, ask the shop owner or guide to help you check fortune. We will visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday. 

Our guide will then escort you back to your hotel. Otherwise, if you’d like to explore the Grand Bazaar further, you can bid farewell to the guide and get back on your own. 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.

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

In the morning, we will drive to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923). Arriving there about 2 hours later, you’ll be first leaded to visit the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami). It showcases the exquisite elegance of Islamic architecture, inviting you to admire its intricate tiles, carvings, and Arabic calligraphy. The fountain under the open dome is considered the source of “holy water”, where you can wash your hands and face to get the blessings from ancient traditions. Then we’ll continue to visit the Green Mosque, named for the hexagonal green tiles that adorn the interior walls. Specially, it has two rolling stone columns with earthquake prediction capability. Next to the mosque is the Green Tomb, which houses the cenotaph of Sultan Muhammad I. After that, we’ll proceed to the Koza Han (Silk Market). Bursa was a significant Silk Road station, so this market still retains traditional silk products. Feel the texture of this ancient fabric here, and marvel at the exquisite local craftsmanship.

★ Special Arrangement: Cable Car Adventure up Uludag Mountain
Subsequently, we will drive for 25 minutes more to Uludag Mountain. It is the best ski resort in Turkey, also a great destination for hiking. To save you energy, we will considerately book the cable car for you. Our carefully planned cable car trips offer different scenery in each season. In spring and autumn, you will be intoxicated by colorful hillsides and golden leaves; in summer, the lush forests offer you a refreshing escape from heat; and in winter, it will be turned into a snow wonderland. Arriving at the summit, you will have an unprecedented view of the entire mountain. The air pressure difference throughout the two-kilometer ascent and descent of the cable car may cause discomfort in your ears. Chewing gum will help you ease it. In the late afternoon, our guide and driver will escort you back to the hotel in Istanbul.

► Recommended Restaurant: Loti Roof Lounge
The restaurant is a 15-minute walk southwest of your hotel and costs around TL 900-1,000 (USD 27-30) per person. It is located on the top floor of a hotel, so you can enjoy a stunning night view of Istanbul while dining. Cheese mushrooms are popular as an appetizer, and for main courses, sushi and mixed kebab are recommended. In particular, the chef will do his best to offer special dishes to vegetarians.

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

At the appointed time, the guide will pick you up and transfer you to the pier to start a two-hour Bosporus Strait Cruise. Bosporus Strait is the dividing line of Europe and Asia, so a cruise is the best way to enjoy the views of the European and Asian sides at the same time. You can see Dolmabahce Palace, Bosporus Bridge, Camlica Hill and lots of Ottoman buildings along the way. As the seats are not fixed, a left-side or second-floor seat is more recommended for an enhanced panoramic view. Our knowledgeable guide will enrich your experience by narrating captivating historical tales of the strait and its surroundings. A selection of snacks and drinks are available at the reception desk. Consider to buy a simit to attract seagulls to interact with you.

After the cruise, the guide will accompany you to the airport to take an hour’s flight to Izmir. Upon your landing, you’ll be escorted to the hotel in Kusadasi, a beautiful seaside town.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Indulge in the picturesque sea view in our well-picked hotel, visit the El Heykeli sculpture on the beach, or take a taxi south for 5 minutes to the island Güvercinada. The most striking structure on the island is a 14th-century castle Guvercinada Kalesi, which was an important military fortress during the Ottoman Empire. The sunset here steals the show, promising you a stunning view as beautiful as an oil painting. Then stroll along the bustling commercial promenade and savor the delicious Turkish seafood.

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

After breakfast, we will set off to Ephesus Ancient City, which is the best-preserved ancient Roman city in the world. Here, we will visit Curetes Street, where the remaining marble columns silently narrate the rise and fall of the city; Celsus Library, once the third largest library in the world boasting a collection of 12,000 volumes and resembling a palace from afar; Temple of Hadrian, whose attraction lies in its magnificent facade adorned with four Corinthian columns and a curved arch; Trajan Fountain, with towering height and intricate carvings offering you a glimpse into its former splendor; Grand Theater, an iconic venue that had hosted countless plays, operas and gladiator performances.

► Interesting Facts about the Gladiators
The diet of the gladiators in ancient Rome was mainly carbohydrates and beans, so their bodies were not as muscular as you imagine. However, such a diet ensured an abundant supply of subcutaneous fat. Following rigorous training, they exhibited remarkable strength and endurance, surpassing that of ordinary people. When confronted with a sword strike in a battle, their ample fat often acted as a shield to protect themselves. Obviously, being “fat” is sometimes beneficial.

In the afternoon, our journey continues with a visit to the Ephesus Archaeological Museum and Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only a solitary stone pillar reminding people its location, the intricate carvings and reliefs on it will astound you with the outstanding artistic achievements of ancient Greek craftsmen. Our knowledgeable guide will tell you about its construction background, sacred rituals, and the myths that surround it, offering you a cross-time dialogue with the ancient Greek civilization. Next, we’ll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, which is a holy site of Christianity, where Virgin Mary and the apostle St. John once lived in seclusion. After the visit, the guide will escort you back to the hotel.

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

After breakfast, we’ll proceed to Pamukkale, which takes around 2.5 hours on the way. Since ancient times, Pamukkale has been famous for its high-quality hot springs. The water gently cascaded from lofty heights over the years, making the calcium content in the spring water accumulate and then form natural pools that shimmer like snow-white cotton. Hence, Pamukkale got its ethereal name, which from afar resembles a majestic castle crafted from cotton. When visiting travertine pools, go barefoot to preserve the unique landforms. Pack a bag for your shoes and a pair of socks to avoid the prick brought by the stones.

★ Soothing Hot Spring Experience
Prepare your swimsuit to relax in our specially arranged hot spring at the dreamy travertine pools. Gently tap the warm spring water with your toes, or allow the soothing waters to envelop you in a gentle embrace. The white mud in the pool is also a natural skin-care treasure. Try to apply it on your whole body to have a wonderful nourishment.

In the afternoon, we will continue to visit Hierapolis Ancient City at the top of Pamukkale, which is home to a wealth of well-preserved buildings. Solemn cemeteries, magnificent theaters, and mysterious Ploutonion all show the prosperity of the ancient city in the past. Please focus especially on the cave Ploutonion. Since all animals would die after entering this cave, it was believed to be the entrance to the realm of the Pluto, but actually caused by high-level carbon dioxide inside the cave. After finishing today’s sightseeing, we will drive for around 3.5 hours to Antalya and stay overnight at a local hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Yemenli Meyhanesi
This restaurant is a 15-minute walk southeast of your hotel and costs around TL 800-900 (USD 24-27) per person. It specializes in fresh seafood, and you can choose the type and preferred cooking method. In addition, avocado salad and black pepper steak are worth a try. The restaurant also has live band performances and wonderful belly dance performances, providing you with a dining atmosphere full of joy and romance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya or similar

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and then we will head to the Upper Duden Waterfalls about 12km (7.5miles) northeast of Antalya. Nestled within a park, this 15-meter-tall waterfall offers you breathtaking views. Traverse the natural trails to admire its majestic power at every bend. Along the way, you may encounter bats and parrots. In addition, in summer, entering the caves behind the waterfalls enables you to escape the heat and get exclusive photo opportunities.

Next, we will visit the Aspendos Theater, where its grandeur will immediately captivate you at a first glance. Built on the mountain, it could accommodate more than 15,000 spectators. Some areas even retained the original mosaic decorations, and you can marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Roman era. What’s even more fascinating is its unparalleled acoustic effect. The designer ingeniously incorporated a row of bronze cylinders within the grooves behind the horizontal aisle, which resonated at distinct frequencies according to different intervals. As melodies came from the stage, these bronze cylinders harmoniously danced with the music, spreading the sound waves to every corner of the theater.

In the afternoon we will return downtown to visit the Kaleici (Antalya Old City). It was founded in the Kingdom of Pergamon about 200 BC and was ruled successively by the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Hadrian’s Gate and the red-roofed Ottoman houses will be your first impression of this historic area. Our knowledgeable guide will also introduce historical landmarks such as the Antalya Clock Tower, Broken Minaret Mosque (Kesik Minare Cami) and Hidirlik Tower, helping you gain insight into Antalya’s long history. The last stop is the Kaleici Marina (Roman Harbor), where you can indulge in the serene sight of boats moored in the harbor, the skyline of the city in the distance and the Mediterranean Sea from the observation deck.

Today’s scheduled itinerary comes to a close here. If you decide to stay longer, discover lively local life by exploring the nearby restaurants and craft shops on your own. Then return to the hotel with a leisurely stroll as it is located just next to the marina.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya or similar

In the early morning, we will leave for Konya, which is about 4 hours’ drive away. On the way, feel free to ask for stops to have short breaks or take pictures. On arrival in Konya, the guide will escort you to visit the Mevlana Museum, a sacred site for Muslims worldwide. The mausoleum of Mevlana serves as its core and is honorably covered with gold-embroidered velvet. Surrounding chairs are often filled with worshippers who have come to pray. Mevlana was also the founder of the Turkish Whirling Dervishes. Whirling Dervish was originally a religious ritual and changed over time to become a performance that blends art, philosophy and spirituality. With their right palms facing the sky, performers are embracing the will of the divine, and their left palms facing the ground symbolizes conveying the will to the world. The constant rotation is a symbol of the endless cycle of all things in the universe. To gain a deeper insight into the origin and cultural significance of this dance, observe the musical instruments and rosaries worn by the monks displayed within the museum.

★ A Special Accommodation Experience in Cave Hotel
In the afternoon, we will continue driving for about 3.5 hours to Cappadocia, and then check into a cave hotel. In our carefully selected cave hotel, each room is authentically restored to the raw beauty, and various glass lamps inside provide you with a warm ambiance. The room is equipped with a private small terrace, and you can enjoy the natural beauty of Goreme without leaving the room. In addition, the hotel also has an expansive rooftop with spectacular views of hot air balloons taking off in the morning.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon
Hot Air Balloon ride showcases Cappadocia’s unique landforms from a breathtaking perspective. Among many hot air balloon companies, Butterfly, Royal and Air Kapadokya stand out for their excellent riding experience and safety. They offer two distinct basket sizes. If you prefer a lively atmosphere, take the large one that can hold 12 to 20 people on a 60-minute flight. Alternatively, choose the smaller one for a more intimate experience with 2-8 people, and flight time is up to 90 minutes. The price is about 110-150 euros and must be paid in cash, but doubling during the peak season from June to August. Book a seat in advance because they are quite limited. If you need any help with the reservation, please let us know in advance.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadoica or similar

Cappadocia is a must-see destination in Turkey, boasting a lunar-like terrain which is formed by the cooperation of volcano eruption 3 million years ago and natural weathering. Soft rocks inspired the ancient people here to carve dwellings and churches within, drawing visitors all over the world. Today’s northern Cappadocia trip will begin with Goreme Open Air Museum. It is located in a steep valley and is full of volcanic rocks and caves in various shapes. Many caves show striking similarity, so be sure to follow our experienced guide to uncover those extraordinary natural wonders. As most of the caves are located on the top of mountains and there are limited shopping facilities around, bring plenty of drinking water before trip. Skip buying coffee at the entrance of the museum, as the price is ridiculously high.

★ Exclusive Access to the Dark Church
Appreciate the most well-preserved murals in the Goreme Open Air Museum with our all-inclusive tickets. In the dark and mysterious light and shadow, these bible-themed murals will transport you to a world of spiritual enlightenment.

Then we’ll go to Avanos, a well-known pottery town since 2000 BC. Here, artisans for generations shaped red clay from the Kizilirmak River into exquisite pottery pieces. You’ll observe the intricate process of ceramic creation firsthand accompanied by our guide. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), where various animal-shaped rock formations will evoke your endless imagination. Capture their unique shapes and textures with your camera. The next stop is the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). Basalt fairy chimneys, ranging from single to multi-headed and pointy-capped, paint a surreal landscape in the area. Our last destination, Love Valley, offers a great angle to overlook Cappadocia. Finally, you will be transferred back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Göreme Han Restaurant
This restaurant is a 15-minute walk northeast of your hotel and costs around TL 400-500 (USD 12-15) per person. Whether classic mix grill and Turkish ravioli or crispy grilled fish, every dish offers a culinary journey through Goreme’s flavors. Besides, vegetarian meals are available here. Don’t forget to try Turkish yogurt, which is a completely fresh taste when paired with vegetables as a dip.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadoica or similar

After enjoying the hearty breakfast in the cave hotel, we are going to explore the southern Cappadocia. First of all, the guide will lead you to the Cavusin Village. Many dovecote-liked rooms carved out of the steep rock await your admiration. We will also visit the Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel) here, where a statue of Virgin Mary graces the garden. A pool next to it enables you to make wishes by dropping a coin. Then we will hike for about 2 hours in the Red Valley. Enjoy this serene experience and unhindered views of the surrounding terrains by strolling along the meandering roads or climbing to the panoramic viewpoints. Bring ample water, pack sun protection gear, and wear suitable hiking shoes for your comfort and safety. After that, we will go to see Uchisar Castle, the previous commanding point of Cappadocia and a former military cavern fortress. Stand atop it to get sweeping views of the whole Cappadocia region.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to visit Kaymakli Underground City, the largest underground city in Cappadocia. More than 100 tunnels intricately weave inside the underground city, making visitors easily to get lost. But our experienced guide will accompany you throughout the entire adventure, enlightening on the distinctive uses of various caves and the causes of certain collapses. Moreover, the underground city will present you an unparalleled visual experience, offering a glance at neighboring caves through specific openings that are artfully illuminated.

► Tips:
a. Pack a lightweight jacket to keep warm, because the temperature within the underground city hovers around 13-16°C (55.4-60.8°F);
b. Avoid carrying a backpack since the narrow tunnels involve bending and squatting;
c. Assess your suitability for this adventure if you have heart disease, claustrophobia, or asthma.

Today’s sightseeing ends here, and then the guide will transfer you to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight to Istanbul, where our local driver will be waiting for you at the airport and escort you to the hotel for a good rest.

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

This will be your last day in Turkey. According to the schedule of your leaving flight, our driver will escort you to the airport on time. We hope you will be satisfied with our service and we will look forward to serving you again!

► For Your Information:
If your flight departs in the late afternoon or evening, consider visiting the Museum of Innocence, the world’s first museum that was created because of a novel. The most eye-catching part is the 4,213 cigarette butts that cover the entire wall, and the heroine’s lipstick marks can be vaguely seen on each one. Remarkably, every exhibit within this museum mirrors the plot of the novel, with 83 pieces corresponding to the 83 chapters of the story. Even if you haven’t read the book, you can still gain insights into the social landscape of Istanbul during that era. Admission costs TL 350 (USD 10), and the museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Board the Tram Line T1 from Gulhane station next to your hotel, and alight at Tophane station. Then a 10-minute walk northward will lead you to the museum. Revisiting the Grand Bazaar for some souvenirs is also a good choice if time permits.

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

Meals: Breakfast