3 Seas of Turkey

Information

An 11-day tour that will take you from the Sea of ​​Marmara to the Mediterranean and the Aegean. After visiting Istanbul, we will take a flight to Cappadocia, the region of the fairy chimneys, and from there continue to the Turkish Mediterranean: Antalya. Visit the ancient Roman city of Perge and Kaleici. Continue to the Cotton Castle in Pamukkale, Ephesus and return to Istanbul via Bursa.

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Tour Plan

• DAY 01: [-/-/-] ARRIVAL - ISTANBUL
  Welcome to Türkiye , a country with a unique history and culture, where you will experience an extraordinary holiday. A new world of experiences awaits you, where the differences of East and West are combined in one country. Arrival by international flight to the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST), inaugurated in April 2019 and today the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration and collecting your bags, you must go to our meeting point (check your voucher) where our team will meet you. Then we will meet our drivers and modern vehicles for your transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest.
• DAY 02: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure for a panoramic tour of one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, whose construction was completed under the reign of the Roman Emperor Valens in 368. We will continue to appreciate the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli/ or Inner City", possibly from where Istanbul got its name. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the "Golden Horn" where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the Tower that gives the bridge its name and the Asian side. Then we will enter the Beyoglu district to appreciate the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gateway to the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist center, full of shops, cafes, restaurants and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic train. At the end of the visit, you will have free time. You will return to the hotel after the optional excursions have finished, depending on the schedule and meeting point. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek quarter in Fener and contemplate the magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Cathedral of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Mosque of Suleymaniye the Magnificent, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and which has the largest dome of all the mosques in Istanbul. We head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with special charm due to its color and aroma, the place par excellence to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets and of course spices; Culminating with a boat ride through the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, we will appreciate the wonderful views of the Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas and the bridges that connect both sides of this city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation. During the afternoon we will have the opportunity to take part in a special optional “ISTANBUL STREET GASTRONOMY”: This food tour is a unique experience walking through the streets of the most historic region of Istanbul in the heart of ancient Constantinople that invites diners to taste a selection of typical and traditional bites. With this food tour, we will visit the hidden treasures of Istanbulite flavor through a combination of textures and artistic presentations, participants have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the gastronomic diversity, while enjoying a feast for the senses. It is an opportunity to discover new flavors, ingredients and culinary techniques, appreciate the art and passion hidden behind each dish. A food tasting is a journey of discovery, a gastronomic adventure that delights the palate and creates memorable memories.
• DAY 03: [B/-/D] ISTANBUL - FLIGHT - CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch in a typical restaurant): Delve into the historic center of the city, where you can see the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped modern-day Istanbul: the imposing Topkapi Palace, residence of the sultans and main administrative center of the Ottoman Empire; Hagia Sophia with its majestic Byzantine architecture and mix of Christian and Islamic religious elements; the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years; the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world and where haggling is a tradition. Departure to the airport to take a flight (not included in the price of the program - check the mandatory supplement) to Cappadocia. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 04: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Today we will visit this wonderful region with its fascinating and original landscape, formed by volcanic lava more than 3 million years ago. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th century frescoes. Visit the stunning valleys of the region with their “otherworldly” landscapes. We will also appreciate the views of the symbols of the region's geological formations, the famous "Fairy Chimneys". We will stop to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, which owes its name to the numerous pigeons housed in the rocks, as in Cappadocia these animals have long been a source of food and fertilizer. We will visit an underground city in Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering works built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. At the end of our tour, we will visit a carpet center to learn about the artisanal production of these pieces that are true treasures. We will then visit a gemstone and jewelry center with exclusive designs from the region. Return to the hotel, dinner and accommodation. Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Presentation of folkloric dances in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEEP SAFARI” adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops to take the best photos; “BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
• DAY 05: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions: - “CAPPADOCIA WINTER CAPITAL – ERCIYES SKI RESORT” (exc. ​​operated from approx. 15/12 to 31/03) - unique snow experience with transfers, rental of appropriate clothing, cable car ride and Turkish-style barbecue included in the price. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation. - “AUTUMN COLORS IN CAPPADOCIA” (exc. ​​operated between approx. 16/10 to 14/12) - Departure to visit the Ihlara Valley, one of the most beautiful valleys for its vegetation, which especially in autumn gains a spectrum of various shades of green, yellow and orange. We will visit the Selime Monastery, the red church of Sivrihisar, we will have a stop in the village of Belisırma for lunch at a restaurant on the river. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 06: [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA - ANTALYA
  Breakfast. Departure for Antalya and en route we will get to know the Taurus Mountains, an impressive mountain range that stretches along the southern coast of the country. These majestic mountains, covered in dense forests and dotted with picturesque valleys, offer a spectacular and diverse landscape. With heights exceeding 3,000 metres, the Taurus Mountains provide a breathtaking setting for nature lovers and hiking enthusiasts. Numerous hiking trails and paths meander through their rugged slopes, providing unparalleled panoramic views of the region and the Mediterranean Sea. Arrival in Antalya, overnight.
• DAY 07: [B/-/D] ANTALYA
  Breakfast. Visit of Kaleici Known for its charm and ancient character, Kaleici is a maze of narrow, cobbled streets surrounded by fortified walls. In this district, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the city, discovering restored old Ottoman houses, historic mosques, charming squares and traditional craft shops. Kaleici is a popular destination for tourists looking for an authentic experience in Turkey, with its bohemian, cozy and romantic atmosphere. We continue through the historic center of Antalya and the Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall. This waterfall is known for its natural beauty and the lush surroundings. The Karpuzkaldiran waterfall is fed by the Duden River and falls from a height of approximately 40 meters down a steep rock face. The name "Karpuzkaldiran" means "lifting a watermelon" in Turkish, which refers to the ancient practice of using a water elevator to transport watermelons from the river to the city. It offers a beautiful setting to relax and enjoy nature. Free afternoon. Optional excursion “CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN” with lunch included: Departure to the magnificent city of Perge, an important city in the Roman province of Pamphila, which during the Hellenistic period was one of the richest and most beautiful in antiquity, where the water that comes from the mountains pours directly into the sea in a drop of about 30 meters. Transfer to Aspendos, an ancient city where we will visit one of the best preserved Roman theaters in the world. Lunch. Continuing to Kaleici; the ancient Antalya, with a mix of ancient and modern history, showing old port houses from the 18th and 19th centuries. Visit to a jewelry store, once the region is known for its high standard production of jewelry products and world brands. Return to the hotel. Dinner and accommodation.
• DAY 08: [B/-/D] ANTALYA - PAMUKKALE
  Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, a giant waterfall, stalactites and natural pools. The name “Hierapolis” is derived from Greek and means “sacred city”, referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theatre, which had a capacity to hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural hot springs and white limestone pools. These waters, loaded with minerals, created stunning natural terraces and waterfalls known as “Pamukkale”, which in Turkish means “cotton castle”. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight stay.
• DAY 09: [B/-/-] PAMUKKALE - EPHESO - KUŞADASI/IZMIR
  Breakfast. Transfer and visit of Ephesus, the best preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which preserves treasures such as the Roman Theatre, the Library of Celsus and Marble Street. We will visit the last house of Jesus' mother, today a place of pilgrimage. We will continue with a visit to the Basilica of St. John, the place where St. John the Evangelist was buried. We will continue with a visit to a leather shop, famous for its light pieces. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to see locally made textile products. Dinner and accommodation. Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi depending on the season.
• DAY 10: [B/-/-] IZMIR/ KUŞADASI - BURSA - ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Departure to Bursa and panoramic tour of this important city, which was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit to the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, symbols of the city and named after their rich Iznik tile decoration. Continuing to Istanbul, arrival and transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.
• 11 DAY 11: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the Airport (IST) and return flight. End of our services. Important notes : Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season. The order of the itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and closing days of the monuments, always respecting the visits to be made. The order of the optional excursions between days 2 and 3 may also be changed. Closing days for visits: Sunday - Grand Bazaar | Tuesday - Topkapı Palace. Similar visits are offered or the order of the day is changed in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end (as published) // or // 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end. In case the Grand Bazaar is closed, the Spice Bazaar will be visited.