Special Turkey with Cappadocia

If you are looking for something special and extraordinary then look no further. Enjoy first-class service and guided transportation through the historical and picturesque sites of Istanbul, battlefields of Gallipoli, the Trojan Horse of Troy, Pergamon offers one of the Seven Churches of St John from the Bible before reaching the ancient city of Ephesus, the white calcium hot pools of Pamukkale, beautiful views of the Mediterranean coast in Antalya, Konya Mevlana before seeing the underground cities of Cappadocia. 

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Gallipoli: The World War I battle for control of the Dardanelles (Hellespont) strait was fought mainly on Turkey’s Gallipoli peninsula with appalling casualties. Around 100,000 were killed and 400,000 wounded during the nine-month campaign (1915-1916) between the Ottoman Empire and the Allied powers (British Empire and France). Today, the Gallipoli battlefields are silent, preserved as a national historic park strewn with marble and bronze monuments, among the most emotionally touching places in Turkey.

Pergamon: the city had great strategic value since it overlooked the Caicus River Valley (Bakırçay) which provided access from Pergamon to the Aegean coast. Pergamon reached the height of its influence during the Hellenistic period, becoming the capital of the Attalid kings. During the Roman period the city was the first capital of the Asian province, but it eventually lost this status to a local rival, Ephesus. Pergamon is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Pamukkale: (Cotton Castle) is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbours Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake

Antalya: Before Antalya became one of Turkey’s top summer resort towns, it was the ancient city of Attalia, founded during the Hellenistic period, later becoming part of the Roman Empire. As such, Antalya’s old town is one of its most important sights harking back to its rich past. 

Day 1: ARRIVAL ISTANBUL (45km – 50 min)

Upon arrival at the airport meet our representative and transfer to your hotel. Check in and spend the rest of the day at leisure exploring Istanbul. 

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: ISTANBUL: CITY TOUR

After breakfast, start the Istanbul City Tour with the visit of the Hippodrome. Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Then, visit Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque. Across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, it was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue ‘’Iznik’’ tiles. Next, visit Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. After lunch, the guide will take you to the Ali Pasazade with a unique atmosphere and reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; exotic spices and herbs, traditional Turkish sweets and coffee, souvenirs and many other goods in souvenir shops and stores. After the tour transfer back to your hotel. 

Optional Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorus Tour: Tonight between 19:30 to 23:30 you can join an optional entertaining dinner cruise program on the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia are connected. You will spend an unforgettable night on the Bosphorus with dinner, unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic & soft drinks, belly dance show, Turkish Folklore show, DJ Performance and great entertainment on Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. End of the entertainment at about midnight, transfer to your hotel.

Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: ISTANBUL – GALLIPOLI TOUR – CANAKKALE (350 km – 5 hrs)

Early in the morning we depart for Gallipoli to visit the battlefields. On the way we will have a short break in a restaurant area where you can have your breakfast and relax before we continue the journey. Upon arrival in Gallipoli enjoy your lunch break in a local restaurant and relax before departing for the battlefields. Visit Gabatepe Museum, then the fields with Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, the places where the war had started. Continue to Beach Cemetery, Lone Pine and Chunuck Bair. After the tour drive to your hotel for check in and enjoy your dinner in the hotel. 

Overnight in Canakkale.

Day 4: CANAKKALE – TROY – PERGAMON – KUSADASI (420 km – 6 hrs)

After breakfast check out and depart for Troy. Visit the famous archaeological and mythological site of Troy, home of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. After Troy tour, 3-hour drive to Pergamon. First, we stop for lunch break in a local restaurant and after the lunch depart for tour of the magnificent Bergama Museum. It is an impressive Museum, and you may see many important relics from Ancient Pergamon. Pergamon is famous for its jewellery, stones and silver so on the way, we will visit a jewellery center. Later we arrive at Kusadasi for check in and dinner at the hotel.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: KUSADASI – EPHESUS – SIRINCE – KUSADASI (55 km – 1.5 hrs)

Today after breakfast we depart for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world en-route, visiting the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand Theatre. After the lunch break we will visit a place which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet weaving centre. Then, we will continue to the Turkish village Sirince with Anatolian Greeks construction style. The houses on the slope are all original with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. There will be some free time to explore the area of the village. On the way we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. On this guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Return to your hotel where your dinner will be served.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 6: KUSADASI – PAMUKKALE TOUR (190 km – 3 hrs)

After breakfast, we depart for Pamukkale. Upon arrival check in at the hotel and enjoy your lunch. Afterwards we shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, then walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs. Return to the hotel where your dinner will be served. 

Optional Tandem Paragliding: Make your Pamukkale Tour unforgettable by participating in Pamukkale Tandem Paragliding experience. Enjoy a flight over the stunning and infamous White Mountain in Pamukkale and observe spectacular views over this unique area's attractions. Tandem Paragliding in Pamukkale is an ideal alternative experience for those who wish to feel some exciting moments. It can also be the perfect way to explore the attractions from above and appreciate the beauty of the natural scenery. This tour will end at approximately 17.30 and then you will be back at your hotel.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 7: PAMUKKALE – ANTALYA (250 km – 3.5 hrs)

After breakfast, we depart for Antalya. On arrival check in at the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Enjoy lunch and dinner served at the hotel.

Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour: we will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning for the take off at 05:30 am before sunrise. On the Balloon, you will witness the magnificent and unique view of nature by viewing the morning sunrise over the ancient city of Hierapolis and Cotton White Travertines which is listed as one of the best 7 wonders of the world and registered in the UNESCO heritage list. After the Hot Air Balloon excursion, we will celebrate our landing with a champagne ceremony and return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast (Please confirm with your guide the day before as the optional tour starts early in the morning).

Overnight in Antalya.

Day 8: ANTALYA OLD TOWN TOUR & WATERFALLS

Today after breakfast we will visit Antalya old City (Kaleiçi) Marina, Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate, Broken Minaret and Hidirlik Tower. Kaleici is a small historic part of Antalyas modern city. In history it was once the sprawling modern Roman town, then the Byzantine Empire, then Seljuks, and finally the Ottoman Turkish town. The Hadrian's Gate also known as The Three Gates is a triumphal arch which was built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Antalya's broken wonder is the Broken Minaret of the Korkut Mosque, which itself was built originally as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, and thus did not have a minaret at all. Hidirlik Tower is a landmark tower of tawny stone in Antalya, Turkey, where Kaleiçi meets Karaalioglu Park. It is believed to be built in Hellenistic era on a square plan and later turned into circular tower in 2nd century AD and was either used as a fortification or a lighthouse in the past. We have lunch then depart for Duden waterfalls. All the streams of the region aim at finding their way into the Mediterranean and they pour down the slopes of the Taurus, sometimes overland sometimes underground and reaching their destination, result in lovely waterfalls, of which there are more than twenty. After the tour come back to hotel and rest of day free at leisure. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Overnight in Antalya.

Day 9: ANTALYA – KONYA – CAPPADOCIA (570 km – 7 hrs)

After breakfast early in the morning drive to Konya. On the way we will have a break for coffee and after some rest we will continue to Konya. After lunch break we will visit the imposing green tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes). After the Konya Mevlana tour drive to Cappadocia. Arrive at Cappadocia and check in to your hotel where your dinner will be served. 

Optional Cappadocia Turkish Night Show: During the evening at 19:30, we have an optional tour to enjoy our Turkish Night Shows, which are traditions that have survived from the Ottoman Empire to the present day. You may have great fun in the real caves, with the rich Anatolian food menu, unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, belly dance show, Turkish Folklore show, DJ Performance and warm service of Anatolian Hospitality.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 10: CAPPADOCIA: UNDERGROUND CITY & GOREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM

After breakfast pick-up from the hotel. We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best preserved underground cities in Cappadocia. After the Underground City tour, you visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to the 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. The next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to have lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery workshop, to see how to make potteries. Then you go to Love Valley. Love Valley Cappadocia is a hidden valley with scenic formations to say the least. Despite the resemblance to manhood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. After Love Valley you visit another workshop to see Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. The next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. The last stop is Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. Return back to your hotel where you will enjoy your dinner. 

Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour: we will pick you up from your hotel in the most beautiful and unique area of the world at 05:30 am before sunrise. And we will go to the area where hundreds of Hot Air Balloons will take off. We will watch the sunrise over those splendid fairy chimneys and valleys that impress people with their exquisiteness. After making our flight in about 1 hour, we will celebrate our experience with champagne when we land and collect our flight certificate. Then we will return to our hotel. (Please confirm with your guide the day before as the optional tour starts early in the morning).

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 11: CAPPADOCIA – ISTANBUL DEPARTURE (80 min by flight, not included)

After breakfast you will have free time in Cappadocia. Depart for Kayseri Airport for a domestic flight to Istanbul (not included) and then back home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future on one of our tours again.

Comfortable and warm clothing for the mountains and comfortable summer clothes & shoes. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.