Turkey
Trip Overview
Whether you want to go binge-eating on the world’s tastiest kebabs or go shopping in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or dabble in the various adventure sports, Turkey’s enormous offerings in every field will leave you wanting for more! So, are you ready to explore the Turkish galore? Turkey, The Land of the Crescent Moon, is geographically one of the most unique countries in the world lying partly in Asia and partly in Europe. On this Turkey road trip, embark on a journey through the country’s history and discover why Turkey was one of the most important forces of the ancient world. Begin in Istanbul, a melting pot of east and west which straddles the European and Asian continental border, and end in the ancient Roman spa town of Pammukale. Also visit the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia, cruise down the Bosphorus River, visit the tomb of famed Sufi mystic and poet Rumi and explore Antalya, home of some of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. So let’s begin the Turkish adventure!
About the trip
Duration
9 Nights / 10 Days
Trip Cost
INR 245000 Per Person (EMI Option available)
Excluding 5% GST Per Person (EMI Option Available)
Trip style
Solo / Family / Couple / Friends
Landscapes
Mountains
Activities
Architecture, Hot Air Balloon, Nightlife, Short Cruise / Boat Ride, UNESCO Sites, Walking Tours
Upcoming Dates
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Brochure
Route Map
Itinerary
Arrive in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey and the vibrant city of Istanbul! Upon arriving at Istanbul International Airport, you will be privately transferred to your centrally-located hotel where you will meet your tour guide. This part of your Turkey customized holiday package trip allows you to settle into your accommodation and have the evening free to relax or explore. Napoleon Bonaparte said, “If the earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” Discover why his words were justified as you immerse yourself in the historic sights of this great metropolis. Go for an evening stroll at the Sultanahmet District which sits in the heart of historic Old Istanbul. Glance at the sites of Topkapi Palace, Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), and the Istanbul Archeological Museums. After getting a better feel of the city, sample the exotic cuisine of Istanbul.
Istanbul
City Tour Awaken in Istanbul and have a lavish breakfast in your hotel. This day of your Turkey custom tour package comprises of a full day tour of Istanbul. You will start at Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century. Next you will visit the Grand Bazaar which has 64 streets and 4000 shops! It is also a wonderful place to buy local souvenirs. After lunch in a local restaurant, take a boat cruise through the Bosphorus Strait, admiring the shores of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul. Seeing the city by boat offers an entirely different perspective, allowing you to truly appreciate the size of the city and why it played such an important role geographically for centuries. After a long day of sightseeing, head back to your hotel before venturing out again for dinner in bustling Istanbul.
Istanbul – Old Cit
Today’s focus will be the old town district which is home to nearly all of the most important buildings and sites. This includes the Byzantine-era Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern. One of the city’s most famous sites is the Blue Mosque, also one of the highlights from your list of personalized itineraries in Turkey. It was built in the 17th century and earned its name due to the stunning blue tiles that line its interior. You can easily combine your visit with the Hippodrome, which sits on the west side of the mosque. The other famous site is, of course, the Hagia Sophia, which was built prior to the Middle Ages in the year 537 CE, making it the largest building in the world during that time. It’s difficult to full grasp the grandness of the building until you go inside!
Istanbul to Cappadocia
Today, you will trade the bustling capital of Istanbul for one of Turkey’s most beautiful destinations, Cappadocia. After breakfast, you will head to Istanbul Airport to catch an early flight. Your first stop will be the Göreme Open Air Museum which is home to some of the most beautiful rock-cut churches and frescoes in the world. You will see unique examples of rock hewn architecture and learn about the historical fresco technique. Most of the churches in Göreme Open Air Museum were built in the 10th – 12th centuries. After lunch, you will settle into your hotel and discover the panoramic views from Avcilar Valley and Pasabag Valley (Valley of Monks), where you can see the famous fairy chimneys and cave dwellings. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a restaurant in Göreme, looking out over the valley at sunset.
Cappadocia
As you awake to the gorgeous views of the surrounding valleys, you can opt for an early hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys. This is one of the most famous tourist activities in the world, and it will certainly be an unforgettable experience. Afterward, you will visit the beautiful town of Uchisar, popularly known for its natural fortress. You will then move on to Avanos, famous for its local pottery made with clay from the Kizilirmak River. In the afternoon, you will explore a 13th-century caravanserai where you will watch a local, symbolic and signature performance called the “Whirling Dervishes”. It is a mystic ritual performed by the followers of the Mevlevi Order. In the early evening, you will return to your hotel before heading out for dinner.
Drive to Konya
Visit the Tomb of Rumi Take in a hearty Turkish breakfast before your guide and driver take you to the city of Konya, the home of the whirling dervishes’ sect founder, Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the 13th-century Persian poet, scholar and Sufi mystic. Once you arrive in Konya, which is a three-hour drive from Cappadocia, you will visit the Mevlana Museum where you can see the Tomb of Rumi and learn about the history of one of the greatest and most famous poets in history. The next stop is the Karatay Madrasa, a school built in the 13th century, which houses a number of Seljuk tiles and ceramics. Enjoy a guided walking tour in the heart of Konya, a city which has been inhabited since 3000 BCE.
Drive to Antalya
This morning, embark on a scenic four-hour drive to Antalya, Turkey’s principal holiday resort on the Mediterranean coast. Before reaching Antalya, stop at Perge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which contains ruins dating back to the Bronze Age. Walk through the ancient agora, necropolis, and stadium as you find out about Alexander the Great’s occupation of this city and how its inhabitants became known for their worship of Artemis, goddess of the hunt. The next stop is Aspendos, which is home to the best-preserved theatre of antiquity. In summer months, you can even watch a performance as the Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival takes place here every year. You will arrive at your hotel in Antalya by late afternoon and get a chance to relax at the Mediterranean coast.
Antalya
Sightseeing Enjoy your breakfast with some Turkish coffee before embarking on a guided tour of Antalya. You will start at Hadrian’s Gate, a triumphal arch built to honor the Roman emperor, Hadrian, who visited Antalya in 130 CE. Pass through this gate to enter the Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old quarter. Your guide will show you numerous structures that illustrate the neighborhood’s rich Roman, Byzantine, Selcuk, and Ottoman heritage. Here, you will be able to wander this district’s famous winding and narrow streets, stop at a charming cafe, and pick up gifts at one of its many souvenir shops. End the day with a visit to the Duden Waterfalls, located outside the city. Decompress in nature as you enjoy a snack or picnic in this area loved by locals and tourists alike.
Drive to Pamukkale and Hierapolis
After breakfast, you will start the drive to the incredible town of Pamukkale, famous for its baby-blue, mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. Pamukkale means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, as it is truly an unreal landscape made up of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and a series of terraced basins. Visit the Roman spa city of Hierapolis founded around 190 BCE. Its’ name means “sacred city” and the ancients believed it was founded by Apollo and named for the god of the underworld, Pluto. You will also explore the ruins in Pamukkale, which include an incredibly well-preserved theatre and a necropolis. It also hosts a very unique site, the Antique Pool which is full of Roman columns submerged in the water due to an earthquake. In the afternoon, check in and relax in your spa hotel.
Departure
After exploring the painting-like Turkey, don’t be surprised if you find your calling in artistic ventures or want to become a poet! It is time to say farewell to one of the unique trips in the magnificent Turkey. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Denizli-Cardak Airport for your flight to Istanbul from where you can catch a connecting flight home or choose to spend more time in the city. In case you wish to extend your holiday and explore Turkey further and want to add few more days, we will be happy to assist you.
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Useful information
Trip Inclusions
Accommodation -on Twin Sharing Basis with breakfast Meal as per itinerary
Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, nonsmoking vehicle
Domestic flight between Istanbul and Cappadocia Airport Transfers
Entrance fees
Sightseeing As Per The Itinerary
Visa Assistance
Trip Exclusions
International flight tickets
Personal Expenditure Visa Fee Tips (Driver & Guide)
Travel Insurance
Any Cost Arising Out of Unforeseen Circumstances Like Ill Health, Vehicle Breakdown, Land Blocks, Bad Weather Etc.
Anything which in not mentioned in the inclusion section
5% GST
5% TCS
Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Brochure
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