Turkey in Depth by Land

Welcome to Turkey! Upon your arrival, our local representative will pick you up at Istanbul Airport, holding a board with the logo of AgateTravel and your names on. Then you’ll be escorted to the hotel with our well-prepared private car. On the way, he or she will briefly introduce our itinerary to you. After check-in, the rest of the day will be left for your own arrangement. Your Turkey guided tour will officially start tomorrow.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
After a long flight, relax at the hotel or take a 15-minute walk northwest to visit Beyazit Tower if you feel fine. It provides you with an unmatched perspective to view Istanbul from the top. Winding Golden Horn and spectacular Bosphorus Strait entirely unfold in front of you here. Its well-designed evening lighting system is also attractive, changing colors to indicate the weather tomorrow: blue for a sunny day, green for rain, red for snow, and yellow for fog.

►Tips: 
If you want to explore further afield, use BiTaksi and Uber to hire a car. The price per kilometer and real-time routes are displayed above to prevent detours and additional fees. If you encounter a scammer, use the 153 Municipal Taxi Complaint Hotline (supporting English service) or Uber’s complaint function to safeguard your rights. Additionally, do not blindly believe individuals who approach you for conversation in downtown areas or popular destinations. They are probably going to defraud money under the pretense of keeping things, taking pictures, polishing shoes, etc.

► Packing Checklist for Your Reference:
1.Currency: The official currency is lira, while euros and dollars are sometimes accepted. Visa and MasterCard are widely used;
2.Electronics: Buy a Turkcell SIM card online ahead of time or on arrival;
3.Personal items: Necessary skin care products and cosmetics, especially sunscreen;
4.Clothing: Pack comfortable sports shoes to cope with Turkey’s sloping terrain. Attires that cover your knees and shoulders are required in several places of worship. Women should bring a headscarf. A thick coat is also needed to keep warm when riding or watching hot air balloons in Cappadocia in the early morning.

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

At the appointed time, our guide will pick you up and accompany you to explore the rich history and diverse culture of Istanbul old city. Our first destination is Hagia Sophia, where you can find many incredible yet harmonious religious elements. Discover the meaning behind the biblical stories and saints’ portraits on the walls with our knowledgeable guide. In the center, Islamic prayer rugs and incense burners have replaced the former altar, demonstrating its status as a holy place for Muslims to worship devoutly.

★ Our Guest Privilege: Fast Entry to Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia is crowded with a constant stream of visitors every day, but we have made reservations for you in advance so that you can avoid the crowd by our specially arranged tour routes.

Next, we’ll visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square). Pay special attention to the Serpent Column here, a turquoise spiral column once topped by three giant serpent heads and golden bowls. The partially restored component is now on display at the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. Then you’ll be guided to the Blue Mosque, which is comparable to the Great Mosque of Mecca. As the sunlight permeates through its 260 stained glass windows, bringing enchanting glows within, you’ll find yourself immersed in an almost ethereal world. Also noteworthy are its six minarets and the blue-and-white Iznik tiles that adorn the interior walls.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Topkapi Palace. It has been transformed into a museum, showcasing invaluable treasures from Ottoman Sultans. Among them, the China porcelains stand out to draw your attention. They were continuously imported into Istanbul through the ancient Silk Road and became highly sought after treasures by royal family and nobles. Have a close observation of them and feel the interplay of Eastern and Western civilizations in Istanbul. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday. 

★ VIP Access: Special Entry to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Unveil a mysterious Harem of opulence, elegance and intrigue with our all-inclusive tickets. Delve deep into the hidden corners and stories once happened here.

Afterwards, go to the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops to enjoy vibrant ambiance here. Try to customize your own handicrafts with unique design or sample Turkish cuisine at one of many restaurants here. Don’t miss the specialty Doner (Sandwich), made of fresh bread, vegetables, and grilled meat, which provides you with an extremely rich flavor. We’ll visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday. When today’s tour ends, the guide will escort you back to the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Mivan Restaurant Cafe
You can have dinner at the Grand Bazaar, or take a 10-minute walk south to Mivan Restaurant Cafe. It costs about TL 700-800 (USD 21-24) per person. The restaurant offers free appetizers. Try their Mixed Kebab or Tavuk Kebabı (Roast Chicken) for the main course. Then you’ll have an insight of Turkish cookery’s essence with every bite of tender and juicy meat. And if you have a meat restriction, the chief will replace it with other suitable options. You will also receive complimentary apple tea after the dinner. Make reservations in advance due to the large number of diners.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

This morning, we will drive about 4.5 hours to the Gallipoli Peninsula, where bears tragic memory of the Gallipoli Campaign. During World War I, the Allies attempted to occupy Istanbul to relieve the pressure of multi-front warfare. But the Anzac army, as the main force, was ill-prepared and unfamiliar with the terrain, and encountered strong resistance from the Turkish army commanded by the “Father of Turkey” Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Both sides had made enormous sacrifices, with over 50,000 soldiers losing their lives. Thus, the Gallipoli Campaign was one of the bloodiest conflicts of WWI.

Upon arrival, the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park is an important place for you to engage with this history. The sites we’ll visit include the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair Memorial, Lone Pine Memorial and Canakkale Martyrs Monument. Accompanied by our knowledgeable guide, you will finish a thorough historical experience and better understand the cruelty of war and the challenge of maintaining peace. In addition, the park combines magnificent natural scenery with stunning seascapes, steep cliffs and dense forests. Spend a tranquil day here to feel the harmony of nature and history. After the visit, we will drive for about 1 hour to Canakkale and check into a local hotel to stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kolin Hotel Spa & Convention Center, Canakkale (5 stars) or similar

After having breakfast in the hotel, we’ll drive for about 1 hour to visit the Troy Ancient City. Explore nine sections here to find those historical artifacts from various eras. Another particular highlight is the iconic Trojan Horse, standing as a vivid reminder of the mythical Trojan War. This two-story wooden horse is spacious enough to hide dozens of people within. Ascending to its top, a view of the Trojan Plain unfolds, but please be careful as the stairs inside are narrow and steep.

In the afternoon, about 3-hour drive will take us to the Pergamon Ancient City, tracing the ancient Greek civilization back 2,000 years. Our exploration will center on its acropolis, which is full of magnificent ruins of temples, palaces, theaters and more. Contrary to the perfect proportions and intricate sculptural mastery found in Athens’ Acropolis, the architecture here embodies the grandeur and sophistication of ancient Roman urban planning and design. Besides, this ancient city is also home to Asclepion, the earliest mental hospital in history.

Then we will drive for 2.5 hours more to get to Kusadasi, and check in a local hotel. Kusadasi is a bustling seaside town built on a small hillside. Upon arrival, enjoy the stunning sea view at our carefully selected oceanfront hotel or visit the El Heykeli sculpture by the sea. Additionally, the town offers a wide range of restaurants and bars where you may spend a happy evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

Today, our local guide and driver will accompany you to visit the Ephesus Ancient City. Marvel at the enthusiasm and ingenuity of the ancient Romans for the urban infrastructure by visiting the Curetes Street, Celsus Library, Great Theater, Baths of Varius and Hercules Gate here. Furthermore, the Hercules Gate boasts the Goddess of Victory carving, which inspires the Nike Swoosh. On the relief, she holds a palm leaf in her right hand and an olive ring on her left hand. Pay attention to the lower left corner of the relief, featuring a curled hook shaped by a flowing ribbon, from which the well-known hook shape logo originated.

In the afternoon, we will head to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World for its striking visuals, inestimable artistic value and profound representation of ancient Greek religious culture. Then we will go to the Ephesus Archeological Museum, displaying the world’s oldest and best preserved Artemis statue. Multiple egg-shaped objects or breasts adorn her body, showing closed connection between Artemis and fertility. Our final destination is the House of the Virgin Mary, a small yet sacred space evoking Virgin Mary’s life. Find inner peace and let your soul find rest here. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

It will be a relaxing day today. Start with a lie-in and a hearty breakfast since there is no planned activity this morning. Then leisurely wander along the coastline, chat with the old fishermen by the shore, or spend a tranquil time in a café. Moreover, Kusadasi bazaar offers a window to local life. Be sure to visit a barber shop! In addition to the basic services, Turkish barbers specialize in using foam razors for facial shaving, accompanied by soothing massage with fragrant lotion. If this is your first haircut adventure during a trip, it must be an unforgettable experience!

In the afternoon, you’ll be escorted to Pamukkale. Upon arrival in a 2.5-hour drive, check-in at our hand-picked hotel with both indoor and outdoor pools. The outdoor pool is spacious and well-equipped with loungers, sunshade umbrellas, and towels. The indoor pool area boasts jacuzzi, a Turkish bathroom, steam room, and sauna, offering you ultimate relaxation. Enjoy them for a pleasant evening and rejuvenate for tomorrow’s adventures.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal, Pamukkale (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, you’ll be guided to visit Pamukkale. Its cotton-like appearance was formed because spring water flew down from the top of the mountain. After thousands of years of calcification, layers of semi-circular white natural limestone stairs had occurred. And a pale pink part awaits you near the top area, which is very eye-catching.

★ Customized Experience: Relax in Warm Embrace of Travertine Pool
Undoubtedly, taking a hot spring bath in such a dreamy place is a lifetime experience. So please bring your swimsuit and enjoy this specially planned, stress-relieving hot spring bath. Even more exciting is having a spa with special sedimentary mud from travertine pools, which are abundant in trace elements and minerals, which are priceless natural skin-care ingredients.

Then we will visit the Hierapolis Ancient City on top of Pamukkale. This ancient city is once flourished because of its hot springs, attracting lots of aristocracy and civilians. Among its many buildings, the Cleopatra Antique Pool deserves your special attention. Naturally carved by a series of earthquakes, this pool holds therapeutic thermal waters and relics from the ancient Roman era. It is believed that the Egyptian queen Cleopatra had once swum in this pool. No wonder this pool bears her name!

In the afternoon, we are going to drive 3.5 hours to Antalya, the last destination of today. Antalya is a beautiful seaside city known as the pearl of the Mediterranean. Arriving by dusk and after checking into the hotel, walk through the narrow alleys in the old town and feel the sea breeze on your own. Get your first impression of Antalya in roadside shops, cafes, restaurants, bars and craft shops.

► Recommended Restaurant: Aynalı
The restaurant is next to the port in Antalya’s old town, a 5-minute walk northeast of the hotel, and costs around TL 500-600 (USD 15-18) per person. It promises you a magnificent sea view while dining. The signature seafood platter is highly recommended. Another specialty is the dessert kunefe, with fried noodles as its bottom and covered with fresh cheese and crushed figs. After proper baking, the flavors of various ingredients intertwine in your mouth, bringing an unprecedented taste.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya or similar

In the morning, we will drive about 20 minutes to visit the Upper Duden Waterfall. It is located in a beautiful valley and offers a spectacular view as it cascades down the cliffs. Stop by the waterfall and capture the stunning moment with camera. Alternatively, continue your exploration along the boardwalk and enjoy the refreshing mist of water on your face. There is an artificial cave along the route, which provides another breathtaking viewpoint to take in the surrounding splendor.

After that, drive 1 hour to the Aspendos Theater. Its symmetrical layout and steep stone stairs showcase the essence of ancient Roman architecture. Furthermore, its distinctive acoustic design is especially noteworthy. Legend has it that if a coin is dropped in the middle of stage, the subtle sound can reverberate every corner of the theater. Prepare a coin and listen to the echo the same as more than 2,000 years ago.

► Photography Tips from Our Experts:
Stand in the center of the theater then constantly rotate, and your photographer needs to stand high and set the continuous shooting mode to capture the dynamic moments of your rotation. Or slowly move the camera along the arc of the theater to incorporate the majesty of the Roman columns and the vastness of the blue sky and white clouds into your picture.

In the afternoon, we will return to the Kaleici, Antalya’s Old City. Our first stop is Hadrian’s Gate, inviting you to witness Antalya’s Roman splendor. Strolling down the cobblestone path, distinctive urban charm greets you with the red-roofed buildings from Ottoman Empire (1299-1923). We’ll also explore historic landmarks like the Antalya Clock Tower, Broken Minaret Mosque (Kesik Minare Cami), and Hidirlik Tower here. Finally, we will arrive at Kaleici Marina (Roman Harbour). Walking along the pier, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Mediterranean Sea accompanied by the soothing sea breeze.

This is the end of today’s visit. If you want to stay a little longer, explore Antalya’s rich nightlife by yourself, visiting the craft shops and bars near the marina. The hotel is just next to the marina.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Adalya Port Hotel, Antalya or similar

This morning, we’ll drive about 4 hours to the next destination, Konya, one of Turkey’s oldest cities and the ancient religious and cultural center of Turkey. After a short break, you’ll then be guided to visit the Mevlana Museum, where Mevlana, the founder of Turkish Whirling Dervishes, was buried. Explore the ascetic life and spirit of whirling dervishes through the intricate wax figures in the museum. The items they used, such as musical instruments, rosaries, and ceremonial implements, are also on display. Notably, every December, a grand whirling dance prayer ceremony is held here to commemorate this great founder. Sufism posits that everything is rotating all the time and human existence is a circular process. Therefore, they seek an ethereal world and pay tribute to the divine by ceaseless whirling.

Next, we’ll visit Karatay Medresesi (Tile Works Museum) nestled in a 13th-century academy. Tiles and exquisite ceramic artworks from the Seljuk Empire (1037-1194) and Ottoman Empire are exhibited here, enabling you to see into Islamic art and culture. Today’s last stop will be the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai. At its heart, a small mosque stands as a sanctuary for traveling merchants to worship. Wine shops, bathrooms, medical rooms, and other rooms in different functions can be found here, providing a full range of services for merchants. This might be a five-star hotel on the ancient Silk Road at that time! In the end, you’ll be escorted to a local hotel and stay overnight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Konya (5 stars) or similar

In the morning, drive for about 4 hours to reach Cappadocia, which features strange landscapes like the surface of the moon, long history and splendid culture. On arrival, we will directly explore Northern Cappadocia. The first stop is the Goreme Open Air Museum, a dual gem of world’s cultural and natural heritage. Beyond its unique karst landscape, more than 30 cave churches scattering across the valley are another highlight. Explore these mysterious caves one by one with our guide as he explains how the monks dug them out of rock centuries ago.

★ Enhanced Privilege: Special Access to the Dark Church
Our all-inclusive tickets promise you a special access to the Dark Church to elevate your visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum. Dim light here offers a unique ambiance while granting a clear view of well-preserved murals. Pay attention to the vibrant colors and intricate details on the masterpieces like the Last Supper and the Birth of Jesus.

Then head to Avanos, a small town making pottery with red clay. Follow our guide to see how common dirt is turned into beautiful pieces of art. The town center is crossed by the Kizilirmak River. Its distinctive red clays have made it an invaluable resource to the region’s pottery industry. Next, we’ll visit the Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley). Prepare to be astounded by the remarkable artistry of nature as you see fairy chimneys in various sizes, heights and shapes. We’ll visit the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) after that. The rocks here take on the shapes of various animals. Why not discuss with guide about which one resembles a horse while which one resembles a sheep? Our last destination is the Love Valley, where you can have a bird’s eye view of the magnificent sunset views of Cappadocia. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted to a local cave hotel.

★ Experience Primal Romance in the Cave Hotel
Our carefully selected hotel combines raw charm with modern coziness, allowing you to indulge in nature’s splendor while basking in a warm atmosphere. Nightfall reveals a panoramic view of the twinkling town below from the hotel’s terrace.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon Ride
Visitors to Cappadocia won’t want to miss the hot air balloon ride. At 4:00-5:00 am on your reservation day, the hot air balloon company will pick you up and take you to the take-off point. Upon arrival, enjoy breakfast and listen to the safety briefing. The hot air balloon begins to inflate for takeoff. As the hot air balloon slowly rises, you can overlook the magnificent scenery of Cappadocia. The flight usually lasts 60-90 minutes. After the hot air balloon lands smoothly, you will be led out of the basket and celebrate this flight with champagne. You will also get a flight certificate as a souvenir. If you are interested, please tell us in advance so we can reserve a seat for you smoothly.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast, drive to the Southern Cappadocia to have a day trip. The first stop will be Cavusin Village, mainly exploring its noted church Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel). Then we will have a 2-hour hike in the Red Valley, where you can appreciate spectacular columns of red volcanic rocks. The surrounding vineyards and orchards against the red rocks create a striking contrast, producing great materials to enrich your photo gallery. Next, we’ll visit Uchisar Castle, carved out from a 60-meter-high giant rock. It had been a defensive fort in ancient time. On its top, you can overlook the moon-like landscape around, so make sure you have enough memory on your camera or cell phone.

► Secret Tips for Taking Stunning Uchisar Castle Photos
1. Best Shooting Spot: Follow the inside stairs up to the first platform, and then go deeper into the path on your right. You’ll find a cave with a surprising “heart-shaped skylight”.
2. Shooting Skill: The photographer should stand in a corner of the cave in a semi-squatting position. Lower the camera slightly and tilt it to achieve the desired angle. Adjust the phone camera to a wide-angle setting between 0.5x and 0.7x to ensure the figure looks its best and the body proportions are optimized.

In the afternoon, we’ll drive to the Pigeon Valley, named after the many pigeon nests carved into the rocks and cliffs. The iconic clay-pot tree is also here, inviting you to capture its beauty and whisper your wishes. Our last destination is the Kaymakli Underground City. Ladders connected all floors inside, and numerous vertical shafts and covert escape routes had been excavated. Every time you go a certain distance, a deep and tall cylindrical hole can be found. Despite the complete darkness, you can sense the wind blowing. It turns out that they are ventilation openings to maintain fresh air supply. After the visit, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

► Insider Tips:
Dress comfortably, and pack a light jacket or shawl for subterranean warmth. Select shoes with adequate support and fit, because you’ll walk through narrow and winding passages for a long time. Follow our guide’s pace as the interior corridors are quite complex, with some parts even requiring you to bend or squat to move forward.

► Recommended Restaurant: TUMA Restaurant
This restaurant is a 10-minute walk east of the hotel and costs around TL 500-600 (USD 15-18) per person. Its spacious and charming terrace is a highlight, perfectly for enjoying exquisite cuisine while admiring panoramic night view of Goreme. Grilled steak and meatballs are popular main dishes, and the dessert pistachio pie is also worth a try. Its rich pistachio filling is a great match for ice cream, without being overly sweet, and its crust will give you a rich taste of different textures.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast, we will leave Cappadocia for Ankara about 4.5 hours’ drive away. On the way, stop to see Lake Tuz. The shallow water level begs you to enter and capture the surreal “mirror of the sky.” Moreover, slippers are required to participate in the Lake Tuz welcoming ceremony, which is a subtle tingling sensation brought by small salt crystals.

When we arrive at Anakra, you’ll be guided to visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. It was named the first “European Museum of the Year” as early as 1997. As the intersection of multiple civilizations, the exhibits here cover the Paleolithic period (about 3 million years ago) to the Urartian period (9th-6th century BC). Afterwards, we’ll also visit the Anitkabir (Ataturk’s Mausoleum) built in honor of Kemal, the founder of modern Turkey. It provides a solemn atmosphere. Also serving as a museum, it displays the artifacts that Kemal used, from dignitaries, and paintings depicting his life.

► Why Ankara is the capital of Turkey?
Although Istanbul is more well-known, it is a contested place for military strategists and has been threatened by wars and invasions many times due to its key location between Asia and Europe. Ankara, by contrast, has a natural barrier that is easy to defend and difficult to attack. Such a location is of great importance to the security of the capital. In addition, Istanbul, as the capital of the Ottoman Empire, gathered a large number of old aristocratic and conservative forces. After Kemal came to power, to reduce the resistance to secularization and modernization, he decided to move the capital to Ankara.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Wyndham Ankara (5 stars) or similar

After traveling around Turkey, we will drive back to Istanbul today, taking 5 hours on the way. After check-in, the afternoon will be left for your own plan.

► Free Time Suggestion: Bosphorus Strait Sunset Cruise
How could you miss magnificent sunset over the Bosphorus Strait? From the Gulhane Station next to your hotel, take Tram Line T1 to Eminönü Station. Then stroll to Eminönü Pier to begin your romantic sunset cruise. The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace at dusk are more sacred as you see them on the ship. Capturing sunset is most optimal when you are in the middle of the strait. A luxury yacht is the best option if you want a more opulent experience. Exquisite snacks and drinks are available while taking in the sea breeze, so that your taste buds and soul can indulge in this romantic adventure together.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

This will be your last day in Turkey. Depending on your flight time, our driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport.

► For Your Information: 
If your flight departs in the late afternoon, take an 18-minute taxi trip from your hotel to Taksim Square. As the heart of Istanbul, it epitomizes a blend of culture and modernity. Ottoman relics and trendy cafes live peacefully amidst a variety of architectural styles. You can pick up some souvenirs to take home. When you are tired, enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or chat with travelers from all over the world in an outdoor café. Remember to snap a picture with the vintage tram to create a treasured memory.

If you are interested in extending your stay in Turkey or planning to visit other destinations, please contact us and we will be glad to serve you again!

Meals: Breakfast