Turkey’s Illustrious Past…

On arrival at the Istanbul airport, you will be received by a member of your local team or an appointed driver who will take care of your transfer and check-in formality at the hotel.
Post lunch, you shall meet your tour director (for a group) or our local representative, who will share information on Turkey’s life and go through all the essential information you need to know, such as local customs, safety, transport, money exchange… He’ll go through your itinerary for the next seven day and answer the questions you may have. You will learn more about your tour, and if you are with the group, you shall familiarise yourself with your travel companions.
Rest of the day for an orientation walking tour of `Historical Peninsula`, the region also called Sultanahmet. The area’s main sites include Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, the Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern. And in the evening you can satiate your hunger with Turkish dinner along with the mystical musical atmosphere. 

Stay: Istanbul.

This morning after breakfast, we assemble for a pre-visit briefing on “Understanding Site”. We start our day with the tram ride to Galata Tower; the oldest standing still towers in its original form. This 14th-century Genoese tower gallery offers a 360-degree view of the city. Later you drive to Istanbul Archaeology Museums, one of the wealthiest archaeology museums in the world. This Museum has an enormous collection, which goes back to the oldest civilisations and realises humans’ very long journey. Next, before embarking on the 2 Hour Golden Horn and Bosphorus Cruise Tour, you will get some good time for your lunch. During this fantastic cruise, you will discover the Golden Horn, and the 32 km long Bosporus. While passing under famous bridges, you will see Istanbul’s main attractions, as well as spectacular seaside residences of different centuries. After this memorable cruise, you can spend some time at The Hippodrome of Constantinole, now known as Sultan Ahmet Square. In ancient time it was an arena for chariot races and other entertainment.

Today after breakfast, we gather for pre-visit discussion about the “Understanding Site” Our day will start with the visit to Hagia Sophia – This ancient basilica, constructed by Constantine the great within the 4th century and reconstructed by Justinian within the 6th century, is one among the architectural marvels of all time. Ayasophya (Turkish name) was initially a church, later turned into a mosque, then turned Museum in 1935, but again turned into Mosque in July 2020. It takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and luxurious dome. Next halt will be at Basilica Cistern, also called the Sunken Palace, is one of nearly a hundred Byzantine cisterns that once existed below ancient Istanbul. It was constructed in the 6th century in the rule of Byzantine Emperor Justinian. One of the most impressive and mystical buildings in the city. Here the visitor’s attraction is the two Medusa Heads, used as supports under the two columns.
After some good time for lunch, we head toward Topkapi Palace, one of the major tourist attractions. Here everyone should be prepared for the long queue. It was the Ottoman emperors’ former residence, with three courtyards, terraces with astounding views & prized collections.
The last stop is going to be The Grand Bazaar (Kapali Çarsi), which is one of the largest covered markets in the world. Daily, around 400,000 people walk through this colourful 500-year-old market. It has over 60 lanes & is home to over 4000 merchants employing 26,000 people.

Today after breakfast & session of ‘Understanding Site’. Today we explore the works of Great Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan, also known as “Sinan Agha the Grand Architect”. This great Architect was responsible for constructing more than 300 major structures and other more modest projects, such as schools.
Our first stop will be at Şehzade Mosque Complex, 1543 AD Set around the third hill of Istanbul, the Şehzade Mosque was built by Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in 1543 in memory of his deceased son. The Mosque complex was Mimar Sinan’s first important regal commission and finally one of his most striving architectural works, even though it was designed early in his long career. Sinan, the Architect, has explored the philosophy of human connection with the divine in its most humble way without being covered in visual opulence. It offers visual sophistication and expanse of the heavens through its dome that spreads on all four sides.
Our next stop will be for Sülemaniye Mosque Complex, 1557 AD. It was built by Sultan Suleyman the magnificent that rightly lives up to its patron’s nickname. The mosque displays the ultimate might of the Ottoman periods’ golden age. But does ‘might’ have to be necessarily equated with gilded gold and opulence? Sinan, the Architect, has brought together the expressions of human might. The divine might at this mosque using the poetics of proportions, the flood of natural light, intelligence, feelings and pleasure that cannot be brought by the majestic size and glistening gold interiors.
Located on the Istanbul’s third hill crown, the complex faces spectacular views of the Golden Horn.
We shall pay a visit to the tomb of the great Architect. Sinan died in 1588 CE and is buried in a grave of his design, just to the north of the Sülemaniye Mosque, across a street named Mimar Sinan Caddesi in his honour.
Later you will get a good time for lunch and wander around Balat-Fener region, giving you a chance to witness Istanbul as a melting pot of cultures. This region was home to the old Greek Orthodox and Jewish neighborhoods of Istanbul.
Our next brief halt shall be for The Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora, A haven of the byzantine art with its mesmerising mosaics and frescoes mosaics of the 14th century. During the 16th century, The Ottoman period, this Christian church was converted into a mosque; it became a museum in 1945. but is turned back into a mosque in 2020.
We shall conclude our day after visiting the colourful Istiklal Street. It is pedestrianised. A historical tram operates along the street from Taksim Square to Tunel, World’s second oldest funicular. This street is the centre of entertainment and shopping with numerous restaurants, souvenir shops, international brand stores, and historical passages.

After breakfast, we gather for the information session on today’s site visits. We start with the breath-taking site of Dolmabahce Palace. The 31st Ottoman Sultan, Abdülmecid build it. It is one of the most wonderful palaces situated on the banks of Bosphorus Strait. The interior of the palace replicates the grandeur of the era and designed like the lavish European palaces. Post lunch break, we shall visit the beautiful Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century and named for 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior. It is an active mosque that boasts six minarets rather than the standard four. This mosque was built Sultan Ahmet-I and designed by Sinan’s student Mehmed Ağa. The design of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is drawn precisely from Şehzade Mosque but with an overwhelming size. The mosque interior is filled with an opulent display of the finest blue Iznik tile, making it a living museum.
Later we stop at the Museum of Turkish and Islamic art. Housed in the Ibrahim Pasha Palace, displays illuminated Qurans, miniatures, antique carpets and more. It has the world’s best Islamic art collection.
Today’s itinerary will be concluded with the visit to Spice Bazar (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı, meaning “Egyptian Bazaar”). It is the most famed covered shopping compound after the Grand Bazaar. The bazaar is the centre for the spice trade in Istanbul. Still, in recent years shops of other types are slowly replacing the venders of spices.

Rise and shine at early hours and take the first flight to Izmir leaving Istanbul behind. On arrival in Izmir, we go for The Antique city Ephesus, the early Roman capital of Asia-minor, housing people right from saints to slave traders. The Temple of The Artemis is represented in the ‘Seven wonders of the early world’. Ephesus is regarded as a complete and well-planned city on our planet. It also holds numerous grand public buildings as the impressive Library of Celsus, the theatre, and Hadrian’s Temple. Ephesus is one of the most important centres of the ancient era inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015. It is an outstanding example of a Roman port city, with sea channel and harbour basin.
Then lunch break around 13 00 during Turkish Village Tour Sirince’s construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks The houses on the slope are all original with their white paints Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of Turkey’s best wines especially fruit wines We will see the vineyards, and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine with Turkish winemakers In the evening, we will drive to Ladies beach if time permits.
Post lunch break we leave for Kusadasi, one of the oldest tourist destinations of the country. After check formalities, the rest of the day is to enjoy its lovely beaches and restaurants serving delicious Aegean food. Watching amazing sunset on Ladies Beach is a must.

After breakfast, We’ll be leaving from the hotel for a memorable picnic boat trip. On this long day tour, you will get an opportunity for sailing, swimming and relaxation. This trip can provide a whole vacation with many large natural bays and numerous coves and inlets. The entire area has excellent moorings, and scuba diving lovers will get the opportunity to explore these waters. You will be reaching back to the hotel in the evening.

After an early breakfast, check out and you leave for Pamukkale. After three and half-hour drive, we reach Pamukkale through a stimulating landscape where peasants make their living. The Turkish meaning is Cotton Castle. Or one can call it, an ancient Hierapolis (Holy City). Most tourists come to Pamukkale for the travertines alone, but this place has a two-in-one deal, with the famous ruins of the Roman spa town of Hierapolis. On arrival, check into the hotel.
Post lunch, first, we explore the ruins of the Roman spa town of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hierapolis is an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins include a well-maintained theatre and a necropolis with sarcophagi that extended for 2km.
And the next visit shall be to a surreal natural wonder of rippling semi-circular, pure-white travertines. This white mountain is one of Turkey’s most photogenic spots and one of its most famous landmarks. At this place, the Calcareous hot springs descending over cliffs have created fascinating travertines in the sort of white terrace and basins.

Rise and shine at early hours, after a cup of tea/coffee, we leave for Konya, which is located on the ancient Silk Road. Konya has a rich historical and spiritual heritage to explore. Before reaching Konya, we take a photo stop to see the beautiful Sultanhanı Caravanserai. We should arrive at Konya between 13.00 – 14.00. Post lunch we visit the Mevlana Museum, one of the main reasons to visit Konya Mevlana Museum shelters the tomb of Celaleddin Rumî 1207 1273 a poet, a mystic and one of the great spiritual philosophers and teachers of all time. After the Konya Mevlana tour drive to Cappadocia Arrival to Cappadocia around 18.30 to 19.30 and check into your hotel.

Today we’ll get to understand the Cappadocia region. In this volcanic region,10 million years ago the geological formation stated. And as a result of these formations, phallic like pillars have come to life. The gorgeous horse country Katpatuka, (as the Persians called her) is an excellent land strip, enchanting and mysterious. Cappadocia region is additionally famous for its arts, including ceramic and carpets.
Tour starts with Uchisar Castle, the very best point of Cappadocia. After Uchisar, you visit Goreme outdoors Museum, the guts of Cappadocia. Goreme outdoors Museum is legendary for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the lifetime of Jesus and monks. Next, we visit Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you shall get a good time for lunch.
Post lunch, you visit a pottery workshop, to ascertain the way to make potteries. Then you go Pasabagi where you’ll see three-headed fairy chimneys. After Pasabagi you visit another workshop to watch artisans working on Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is additionally called Imagination Valley, known for natural rock formations seeming like animals. Then you proceed to a wineshop in Urgup for gathering. Lastly, we see the Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which symbolise Cappadocia. This tour will end by late evening, and you’ll be returned to your hotel.

After breakfast, you shall be dropped to Kayseri airport for your journey to your home town. Tour concludes.