Türkiye Express

Information

The highlights of Türkiye in 8 days; from Istanbul take a flight to the wonderful region of the fairy chimneys, Cappadocia and then by land travel to the white travertines in Pamukkale and the best preserved ancient city in history: Ephesus. Return to Istanbul by flight from Izmir.

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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 come together 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.
• DAY 03: [B/-/-] 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 observe the variety of vestiges of the different empires that shaped present-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. Return 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. Departure to the airport to take a flight (not included in the program price - check the mandatory supplement) to Cappadocia.
• 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] DAY 05 AND DAY 06 ACCORDING TO THE SEASON: AUTUMN / WINTER
  DAY 05 [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA (AUTUMN/WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of 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 from approx. 16/10 to 14/12) - Departure to visit the Ihlara Valley, one of the most beautiful 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 stop in the village of Belisırma for lunch at a restaurant on the river. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
  
  DAY 06 [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (AUTUMN / WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
  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 06: [B/-/D] DAY 05 AND DAY 06 ACCORDING TO THE SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER
  DAY 05 [B/-/D] CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (SPRING/SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)
  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 06 [B/-/D] PAMUKKALE (SPRING/SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)< br> Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking optional excursions according to the season and weather conditions: - “TURKISH MALDIVES” Departure to visit the Keloğlan Cave and its thousand-year-old stalactites; the ancient city of Laodicea (one of the 7 churches of the Book of Revelation of St. John); you will have the opportunity to bathe in Lake Salda, famous for its blue color, with lunch included . Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.
• DAY 07: [B/-/-] PAMUKKALE – EPHESO – IZMIR/ KUŞADASI - FLIGHT - ISTANBUL
  Breakfast. Free day. Possibility of taking the optional excursion “CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE” Transfer from the hotel to the port of Çeşme. After migration, we leave for the island of Chios to see: the production of mastic, the village of Mesta and its labyrinthine streets from the Byzantine era, Pyrgi and its houses decorated in black and white, the volcanic beach Mavra Volia in Empoios. Transfer to the port and departure for Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and departure to the airport to take the flight (already included in the price of the program) back to Istanbul. Accommodation.
• 8 DAY 08: [B/-/-] ISTANBUL - DEPARTURE
  Breakfast. Transfer to the airport (IST) and return flight.
  *Depending on the flight schedule from Izmir to Istanbul, an extra night in Istanbul may be required. See prices for extra night and transfers at the end of the catalogue.
  
  Important notes: The order of the itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to guide availability and monument closure days, 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 tours are offered in case of closure. Overnight stays in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 2 at the beginning + 2 at the end (as published) // or // 3 at the beginning + 1 at the end. Accommodation can be in Izmir or Kuşadası.
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