[Gold] 12 Days 11 Nights Türkiye Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale, Canakkale

Day 2 - Discover the Historic Wonders of Istanbul

Today, explore the fascinating city of Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. Straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul has served as the heart of multiple civilizations for centuries. Rich in history, culture, architecture, and tradition, the city offers an extraordinary blend of East and West unlike anywhere else in the world.

Itinerary

Hotel → The Walls of Istanbul → Sultanahmet Square → Blue Mosque → Hagia Sophia → Topkapi Palace

The Walls of Istanbul

Begin the day with a visit to the historic Walls of Istanbul, one of the most impressive ancient defensive systems in the world. Originally constructed during the reign of Emperor Constantine I and later expanded by the Byzantine Empire, these formidable fortifications protected Constantinople for centuries. Restored in modern times, the walls remain a remarkable testament to the city's rich military and architectural heritage.

Duration: 15 minutes

Sultanahmet Square

Continue to Sultanahmet Square, the historic heart of old Istanbul. Once the site of the ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople, the square is surrounded by some of the city's most iconic landmarks. Highlights include the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the Column of Constantine, and the elegant German Fountain, commemorating the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898.

Duration: 20 minutes

Blue Mosque

Visit the magnificent Blue Mosque, one of Türkiye's most famous landmarks. Renowned for its six elegant minarets and stunning interior adorned with over 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles, the mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. The beautiful stained-glass windows, intricate calligraphy, and grand prayer hall create an atmosphere of serenity and grandeur.

Duration: 45 minutes

Dress Code:

• Shoes must be removed before entering.
• Modest clothing is required.
• Shorts, short skirts, and sleeveless or off-shoulder tops are not permitted.
• Ladies are required to cover their hair.

Hagia Sophia

Discover the iconic Hagia Sophia, one of the world's greatest architectural achievements and a symbol of Istanbul. Originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into a mosque, and now serving once again as a mosque, this magnificent structure showcases a unique blend of Christian and Islamic heritage. Admire its soaring dome, colorful marble interiors, historic mosaics, and impressive chandeliers that illuminate the vast central hall.

Duration: 45 minutes

Topkapi Palace

Conclude the day's sightseeing at the magnificent Topkapi Palace, the residence and administrative center of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Overlooking the Bosphorus, this sprawling palace complex features elegant courtyards, royal chambers, imperial kitchens, libraries, gardens, mosques, and the famous harem. Explore the grandeur of Ottoman royal life while admiring priceless treasures and exquisite architecture.

Duration: 100 minutes

Meals Included

🍽 Breakfast: At Hotel

🍽 Lunch: Included

🍽 Dinner: Turkish Special Dinner

Overnight

Five-Star Hotel in Istanbul

For departures before April, stay at ADM Grand Hotel or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Ataturk Airport or similar.

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today we will first visit the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence, the founder and first president of the Republic of Turkey. Then we will go to the Museum of the History of Anatolian Civilizations, which was converted from an indoor bazaar and warehouse built in 1493, to learn about the long history of the Anatolian region.

Itinerary:
Istanbul → Ankara → Ataturk Mausoleum (60mins) → Museum of Anatolian Civilizations (60 mins) → Hotel

Ataturk Mausoleum

Anıtkabir is the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and the founder and the first President of Republic of Türkiye. The site is also the final resting place of İsmet İnönü, the second President of Türkiye. The mausoleum was depicted on various Turkish banknotes during 1966–1987 and 1997–2009 and was included in the Turkish Chamber of Civil Engineers list of the fifty civil engineering feats in Türkiye.

Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

The best place in the country to get a better understanding of the complex weave of Türkiye's history, is at the significant archaeological site in Anatolia. The central hall houses reliefs and statuary, while the surrounding halls take you on a journey of staggering history from Neolithic and Chalcolithic, through the Bronze Age Assyrian and Hittite eras, to the Iron Age's Phrygian and Urartian periods.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today we will first head to the inland saltwater lake in central Türkiye, Lake Tuz, known as Türkiye's "land of the sky.” Then, we will continue by car to the most spectacular "weathered area" in the world at Cappadocia. Following, we will visit Goreme Open Air Museum. And then go to the Devrent Valley, a charming valley renowned for its surreal and otherworldly landscapes that will provide you with a unique and distinct experience.

Itinerary:

Lake Tuz (45 mins) → Cappadocia → Goreme Open Air Museum (100 mins) → Devrent Valley (30 mins) 

Lake Tuz

Lake Tuz is the second largest salt lake in Turkey. Because the lake water contains a lot of minerals, it will appear pink and is called the mirror of the sky in Turkey. When the weather is clear, the sky will be printed into a lavender sky, which is simply a place where girls' hearts burst and it is very suitable for various photo taking. Lake Tuz is dry in summer. During the dry period, Lake Tuz is not pink, but a vast expanse of white salt fields.

Goreme Open Air Museum

The Göreme Open Air Museum is a crown jewel in Cappadocia's rich history! This small area contains the best churches in Cappadocia and several monastic complexes. In 1985, the Göreme Open Air Museum was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site to conserve and properly display Cappadocia’s best cave churches. 

Devrent Valley

Derwent Valley, also known as the "Valley of the Imagination," is a fascinating area set in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike other valleys in the region, the Valley of the Imagination has never been inhabited, making it a unique geological wonder. Over thousands of years, wind and water have shaped the soft volcanic tuff to create stunning pink rock formations and fascinating columnar shapes. This otherworldly appearance has earned the Valley of the Imagination the nickname "Moonscape."

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

For departures before April, stay at Charm Of Cappadocia Cave Suites or Uchisar Kaya Otel or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Charm Of Cappadocia Cave Suites or Turbel Cave House or similar.

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today we will first visit the Ozconner Underground City. Cappadocia has many unexpected natural wonders, but the Underground City is by far the most eye-catching. It has ventilation holes and escape routes for air extraction, which is a rare work of art. We will then go to the Red Valley, which attracts many tourists with its breathtaking scenery and vibrant colors. It is a paradise for hikers. Then we will come to the Pigeon Valley, the home of millions of pigeons in Cappadocia. In the evening, the pigeons dance, which is very spectacular. Then visit the Love Valley, whose rock formations have been carved by millions of years of natural erosion. It is a very unique geological wonder. Finally, we will go to the leather jacket store.

Itinerary:

Özkonak Underground City (60 mins) → Red Valley (30 mins)→ Pigeon Valley (30 mins) → Aşıklar Vadisi (30 mins) → leather jacket store (60 mins)

Recommended optional aactivities:

1. Hot air balloon flight;
2. Appreciating belly dance performances at cave restaurants.

Özkonak Underground City

Cappadocia is filled with surprises by mother nature! Underground cities are by far the most jaw-dropping. They are hidden beneath the moonscape topography of this magical region and there are 36 total underground cities. For centuries, these magnificent structures have hosted Cappadocians and provided them with a haven from those who sought their destruction. 

Red Valley

The Red Valley, also known as the Rose Valley, is located in the national park in the north of Goreme. It is composed of cone-shaped, pyramid-shaped and spire-shaped rock bodies. The Rose Valley is surrounded by mountains and rugged rocks. Especially at sunset, the afterglow of the setting sun gives the valley a layer of rose color, and the scenery is particularly moving. The Rose Valley is not far from the town of Goreme. You can take an ATV or ride a horse to the top of the mountain. Long-term running water, floods and frost have cracked these rocks, and the softer parts have been eroded, leaving behind a strange moon-shaped landform, which makes people marvel at the uncanny workmanship of nature.

Cappadocia, Pigeon Valley

Pigeon Valley earned its name from the countless man-made dovecotes (Pigeon Houses) that have been carved into the soft volcanic tuff. While pigeons no longer play such an important role in the area, their rocky homes have still been maintained by locals.

Aşıklar Vadisi

Located in the heart of Cappadocia in Turkey, the Aşıklar Vadisi (also known as Göreme Valley) is a unique geological wonder that draws visitors from all over the world. This valley is known for its distinctive phallic-shaped rock formations, which have been sculpted by natural erosion over millions of years. These formations are not only a stunning sight to behold but also hold significant historical and cultural importance.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

For departures before April, stay at Charm Of Cappadocia Cave Suites or Uchisar Kaya Otel or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Charm Of Cappadocia Cave Suites or Turbel Cave House or similar.

Nestled into the mountains, the distinctive cave hotel is a iconic experiential accommodation in the region. Please kindly note the following:

1. To preserve the natural environment, the hotel does not have an elevator. If staff assist with luggage, it is customary to offer a gratuity of approximately $1 USD.
2. Room sizes vary due to the natural cave structure. Please note that lighting is soft and dust may accumulate more quickly than in conventional hotels.
3. Due to the limited size and small number of rooms, groups may be accommodated across two or more cave hotels.

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today we will depart from Cappadocia and drive to Konya, the capital of ancient Turkey in the 13th century. Located in central Turkey, Konya is one of the oldest urban centers in the world and the birthplace of whirling dance. We will visit the Mevlana Museum, which, in addition to its exquisite decorations, also houses many priceless Koran manuscripts and prose poetry collections, making it the most historically and culturally valuable attraction in Konya.

Itinerary:

Cappadocia → Konya → Mevlana Müzesi (100 mins)

Mevlana Müzesi

Mevlana Museum is one of the famous attractions in Konya. "Mevlana" means "my master" and refers to Geraldine Rumi, the founder of Mevlanaism, who is famous for his whirling dance. The exterior of the museum is eye-catching with its gorgeous minaret covered with green tiles, and it is also a landmark in Konya. The museum covers an area of more than 6,000 square meters. It was formerly a cemetery and is now divided into areas such as monks' tombs, reference rooms, and monasteries. In addition to exquisite and meticulous decorations, it also houses many priceless manuscripts and prose poems. As a historical and cultural attraction in Konya, this museum is best described by a poem by Mevlana: Come to me, no matter who you are, you can come to me, even if you are an atheist, you are welcome to come.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

🍽 Breakfast Included

After breakfast, we will drive to Pamukkale and enjoy a local lunch upon our arrival! After lunch, we will visit Pamukkale, the famous resort area of Türkiye's natural wonders! Following, we will visit the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. After dinner, we will stay at the hotel to rest. 

Itinerary:

Pamukkale and Hierapolis (2 hours)

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a well-known hot spring resort. It not only has natural hot springs that are thousands of years old, but also has strange hills that look like cotton. In fact, they are hard limestone. The landscape of Pamukkale is very unique. The hot springs flow down from the top of the cave, washing the hillside into a stepped shape. The spring water accumulates into small ponds on the platform. Looking down from above, the hot spring platforms are like mirrors, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds. Looking up from below, it looks like a volcano that has just erupted. The white magma covers the entire hillside, which is quite spectacular. The unique scenery has attracted many photography enthusiasts from all over the world. In 1988, Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis on top of it were listed as World Cultural Heritage.

Hierapolis

The sacred Hierapolis of Phrygia is one of the antique cities of the Aegean! It was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. One of the most important sights of Hierapolis Türkiye is an ancient theater that is located on the hillside. The building is constructed of solid rock and the overall height of its steps is about one hundred meters. Fifty rows separated by walkways on seven sectors are seats for spectators. After the completion of the constructions works, the theater could accommodate about ten thousand people. Here you can also see the Hierapolis ruins of the Temple of Apollo.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

Warm Tips for Your Stay at the Pamukkale Hotel:

1. The hotel offers complimentary hot spring access—please observe the designated operating hours.
2. As swimwear and caps sold on-site are priced at a premium, we recommend bringing your own. Towels are not provided free of charge in the hot spring area; you may bring your own or rent one from the hotel.
3. Please note that some Pamukkale hotels do not have elevators. If a porter assists you with luggage, it is customary to offer a modest gratuity in line with local practice.

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today, we will go to Kusadasi (Bird Island), a resort on the Aegean Sea at the western end of Türkiye. After lunch, we will visit the ancient city of Ephesus, which is still very well preserved. Then we will drive to the small mountain town of Sirince! It is located 9 kilometers away from the eastern outskirts of Seljuk Province.  Following, we can stroll along the Aegean Sea and enjoy the sunset. 

Itinerary:
Ephesus (120 mins) →  Sirince (90 mins) → Kusadasi free time

Ephesus

Ephesus is the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. It is a good place to experience and feel the life in the Roman era. The vast ancient city ruins have been preserved for more than 2,000 years and are now one of the monuments listed by UNESCO. The current ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus are northwest-southeast oriented, with a total length of about two kilometers. The main remaining buildings include: stone column corridors, statues of Artemis, the altar of Roman Emperor Domitian, frescoes of ancient Greek philosopher Socrates, reliefs of the leader of the Monophysite school of Christ Theodosius, the Temple of Emperor Hadrian, St. John's Church, libraries, theaters, bathrooms, etc.

Sirince

The scenery of the town is different from the ancient civilization ruins. The streets are full of special taverns, restaurants, souvenir shops, spices, olive products and famous fruit wines. There are all kinds of fruits such as strawberries, apples, peaches, cantaloupes, cherries, blueberries, pears, etc. You can enjoy the taste of various fruit wines here.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

For departures before April, stay at Elite World Kuşadası or Le Bleu Hotel & Resort Kusadasi or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Elite World Kuşadası or similar.

🍽 Breakfast Included

Today, we will drive to the ancient port by the Dardanelles - Canakra (the ancient city of Troy). Here, we will visit the magnificent Big Trojan Horse and the historical relics of the ancient city of Troy! This city was based on a piece of historical relic that has been passed down through the ages. It is best described by the blind poet Homer - the Trojan Horse Massacre.

Itinerary:

Kusadasi → Izmir (Pass-by) → Ancient city of Troy (60 mins) 

Ancient city of Troy

Troy is an ancient Greek colonial city, built by the ancient Greeks around the 16th century BC. In 1998, it was included in the World Heritage List according to the cultural heritage selection criteria. As soon as you enter the scenic area, you will see the huge Trojan Horse. The Turks built it to commemorate history and imitated this huge Trojan Horse. In fact, it is a large building that looks like a horse.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

🍽 Include breakfast

Today we will travel from Canakkale to Istanbul. Visit Taksim Square, located in the city center and considered the heart of modern Istanbul, and then head south to Istiklal Avenue, which is lined with buildings of historical and political significance and is known as Istanbul's "Champs Elysees".

Itinerary:

Canakkale → İstanbul → Taksim square & İstiklal Caddesi (2 hours) → Dolmabahce Palace (Optional)

Taksim square

Taksim Square is the largest square in Istanbul. It is located in the city center of Istanbul's new city. In addition to its high altitude, it is also an important transportation hub in the new city. Subways, cable cars, and buses stop and transfer at the square. Extending from the square, it is Istanbul's bustling commercial street. To the south of the square stands the circular Independence Monument, which commemorates Kemal, the founder of the Republic of Turkey in the 20th century. The lifelike bronze relief statue shows the demeanor of this founding father in front of the world. On every major festival, there will always be many Turks who spontaneously send wreaths.

İstiklal Caddesi

İstiklal Caddesi  in the historic Beyoğlu (Pera) district in Istanbul, Turkey. It is one of the most famous avenues in the city. It acquired its modern name after the declaration of the Republic on 29 October 1923, İstiklal (Independence) commemorating Turkey's triumph in its War of Independence.The street starts at the northern end of Galata (the medieval Genoese quarter) at Tünel Square and runs as far as Taksim Square.İstiklal Avenue is flanked by late Ottoman era buildings (mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries) in a variety of styles including Neo-Classical, Neo-Gothic, Renaissance Revival, Beaux-Arts, Art Nouveau and First Turkish National Architecture. 

Dolmabahce Palace

The Dolmabahce Palace, built during the decline of the Ottoman Empire, is the largest palace building in Turkey and the final glory of the Ottoman Empire. The palace architecture combines the architectural styles of Baroque, Rococo, Neoclassicism and the Ottoman Empire. It has been meticulously carved from the inside to the outside, demonstrating the majesty and luxury of the royal family. Therefore, it has become one of the most famous royal palaces in the world.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

For departures before April, stay at ADM Grand Hotel or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Ataturk Airport or similar.

🍽 Include breakfast

Today, you will visit the Grand Bazaar, an important trade center with a long history in Istanbul, and then go to the Egyptian market with a wide variety of spices. Then you will visit the Gadara Tower, which has survived many wars and earthquakes and still stands tall in the Golden Horn. After the trip to the Gadara Tower, you will go to the Bosphorus to take a cruise to truly experience "Europe on the left hand and Asia on the right hand". The itinerary will ends with a visit to the shopping mall.

Itinerary:

Grand Bazaar(90min) → Egyptian Bazaar(60min) → Galata Kulesi(Non-internal visit，20min) → Bosporus Strait→(Day trip including boat ticket，90min) → Mall of Istanbul, Olivium Outlet Center or Forum Istanbul (120 mins)

Grand Bazaar

With a history of more than five hundred years, Grand Bazaar is an important trade center of Istanbul and Turkey.Though its contemporaries are now used as a museum, the Grand Bazaar continues to be a frequently visited place for many people, still maintaining the importance of the first day. The Grand Bazaar has 22 gates, includes bazaars where valuable goods are sold and workshops where production is continued. A great majority of these shops are selling carpets, jewelry, leather products, touristic goods and textile products.The guild system and the Ahi tradition, which were part of the Ottoman Empire's government system and controlled the opening of a defined number of shops according to the needs, were applied in the Grand Bazaar during the Ottoman period.The roof restoration and infrastructural repairs of the Grand Bazaar were started in 2016 with the contributions of Governor's Office of Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality and Fatih Municipality, and the restoration of the Grand Bazaar was completed after 603 working days.The Grand Bazaar is rushed by local and foreign tourists and a popular destination for those who visit Istanbul, is visited by averagely 150 thousand people a day, and this figure may rise to 300 thousand in summer.

Egyptian Bazaar in Istanbul

Istanbul's Spice Bazaar, also known as the "Egyptian Bazaar", was built in 1664 and has a history of more than 300 years. During the Ottoman Empire, the Egyptian Bazaar was famous for its large bazaar full of spices. The bazaar is located at the starting point of the Allahta Bridge in the Golden Horn, close to the New Mosque. The goods sold here are mainly spices, but with the development of tourism, tea, special handicrafts and other goods have gradually begun to appear. When visiting the Egyptian Bazaar, the most beautiful and eye-catching thing is naturally these native spices of different colors piled up into small hills. You don't have to get too close to smell the rich smell of spices. In additionto spices, you can also buy many products with Turkish characteristics here, such as colorful tableware, various dried fruits and local goods..

Galata Kulesi

The Galata Kulesi is a medieval Genoese tower in the Galata part of the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul, Turkey. Built as a watchtower at the highest point of the mostly demolished Walls of Galata. The tower is now an exhibition space and museum, and a symbol of Beyoğlu and Istanbul.In 1875, the tower's conical roof was destroyed during a storm. It remained without this roof for the rest of the Ottoman period but, many years later, during restoration work between 1965 and 1967, the conical roof was reconstructed.At the same time the tower's wooden interior was replaced with a concrete structure and it was opened to the public.In 2020 the Tower was splendidly restored then reopened as a museum now open for the public and the many tourists visiting Istanbul.It is mainly popular for the 360-degree view of Istanbul visible from its observation deck.

Bosporus Strait

The Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, divides Turkey into Asia and Europe. Large and small ships are either moored or shuttling in the undulating sea, and seagulls are soaring in the blue sky, which is a pleasant scenery. Today, this 31-kilometer-long sea area, with natural scenery and historical monuments, has become one of Turkey's tourist attractions. A common way to visit the Bosphorus is to take a cruise. Sailing here, you can overlook the mosques and palaces on both sides of the strait, and you can also cross the bridge, overlook the city scenery from a distance, and see the sea and sky up close, which is very enjoyable.

🍽 Lunch included

🍽 Dinner Special

For departures before April, stay at ADM Grand Hotel or similar. For departures starting April, stay at Park Inn by Radisson Istanbul Ataturk Airport or similar.

🍽 Include breakfast

Today we will end our pleasant trip to Turkey. You can book a suitable flight to leave Istanbul Airport (IST) according to your needs.

We provide a drop-off service from the hotel at 9:00 am; if the guest's flight is early and needs to leave the hotel for the airport before 9 am, the tour guide can help the guest get a taxi.