Historical and Cultural Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul, which was formerly the capital of the Roman (27AD-1453BC), the Byzantine (395-1453) and the Ottoman Empire (1299-1923) in history! Our local representative will promptly pick you up from the airport upon your scheduled arrival and provide you with an escort to the hotel by private car. After assisting you with check-in, he or she will say goodbye and leave you to enjoy the rest time of the day as you like.

► Free Time Suggestion: 
Getting an overlooking view of Istanbul, the only city in the world straddling Asia and Europe, seems to be the best way to help you gain first impression. Galata Tower offers a 360-degree view of the entire Istanbul landscape, so you can appreciate stunning night views on both sides of the Bosphorus Strait. By taxi, it takes fifteen minutes to get there from the hotel. Or take the Tram Line T1 from Gülhane Station southeast of the hotel to Karaköy Station, and walk northeast for about 15 minutes after exiting the station.

► Recommended Restaurant: Güney Restaurant
After visiting Galata Tower, you can have dinner at Güney Restaurant, which is a two-minute walk away. It costs roughly TL 500-600 (USD 15-18) per person on average. The restaurant offers traditional Turkish dishes such as grilled chicken, butter beef, and grilled fish. From outdoor seats, Istiklal Street’s busy crowds offer a lively backdrop as you savor the local cuisine. After supper, take a stroll across the nearby Galata Bridge and observe the seagulls flying overhead and the anglers on the bridge.
Note: Avoid eating with your left hand, which is a disrespectful gesture in Turkey. Meanwhile, pork-based products and meals are not consumed in Turkey, as they are considered impure in Islam. 

► Safety Tips:
Please use Bitaksi or Uber for taxis to avoid fare hikes or detours. Simultaneously, be particularly aware of people who approach you on purpose when traveling alone. Someone posing as a free tour guide might take you to a carpet store to buy expensive items. Or someone may ask if you’ve lost your wallet, then you’ll be accused of stealing when you touch the wallet he handed. You may also run into people who pose as police officers and demand exorbitant fines. When encountering the above situations, the best way is not to talk to them or accept their “help”.

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

Today, our local guide will show you around the old city area of Istanbul to trace its past glory. The first stop will be the Blue Mosque. It is a Byzantine-style building with round roofs and 6 minarets; going inside, you will find its walls are decorated with lots of blue and white tiles, which is the name origin of the mosque. Next, we’ll head to the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square), a place that was once the city’s hub for sports and entertainment. The best preserved Obelisk of Theodosius, a meticulously carved pink granite monument, will impress you with the marble base beneath it. It shows a vivid scene of Theodosius, state officials, and guards watching chariot races together. Afterwards, we’ll visit the Hagia Sophia opposite the Blue Mosque, a rare religious architecture dated to the Byzantine period.

In the afternoon, you will be guided to the Topkapi Palace, where the priceless exhibits will give you an overview of the royal family’s luxurious lifestyle. The most remarkable is the 86-carat Spoonmaker’s Diamond. It is said that a businessman traded it with three spoons after a beggar discovered it in a trash dump. There are also 49 small diamonds inlaid around it, so you’d better wear sunglasses to feel its dazzling brilliance (just kidding). We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ All-round Access including the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Uncover the fascinating anecdotes of the Harem with our all-included tickets. Weaving tales of intrigue, romance, and power struggles from the past will be vividly explained by our guide.

The last stop of today will be the Grand Bazaar, one of the biggest indoor markets in the world, where you can even find a fountain, a police station and two mosques inside. It is a concentrated exhibition of Turkish culture in addition to a shopping destination. In the distinctive craft stores, coffee shops, and restaurants, experience the friendly warmth and vibrant way of life of the Turkish people. We’ll visit the Beyazit Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.

► Recommended Restaurant: Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant
You can spend more time in the Grand Bazaar then have a meal nearby, or dine at a restaurant next to the hotel. A nice option is Last Ottoman Cafe & Restaurant, which is a five-minute walk north of the hotel. It costs about TL 400-500 (USD 12-15) per person. The specialty food served here is Testi Kebab. The beef is stewed very soft and has a rich flavor. The pot opening ceremony performance is also available for viewing. In addition, the restaurant provides an extensive menu that includes grilled chicken wings, grilled vegetables, butter shrimp and other abundant options. After the dinner, desserts and Turkish black tea are on the house.

Meals: Breakfast

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

After breakfast, the guide will lead you to the dock for a two-hour Bosphorus Strait cruise. This is a fantastic way for you to admire Istanbul’s breathtaking views. The 600-meter-long Dolmabahçe Palace, the spectacular Bosphorus Bridge and the lush Çamlica Hill will all be visible as the cruise slowly advances. Our experienced guide will thoroughly explain each one, even if you are unfamiliar with their history. As soon as you board, please find a vantage seat on the left side or on the second floor to have a better view.

After the cruise, you’ll be escorted to the airport for a 1-hour afternoon flight to Izmir. On your arrival at Izmir Airport, our local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Kusadasi. The rest of the day will be left for you to explore the beautiful and charming seaside town of Kusadasi.

If you get there early, having a rest in our seafront hotels or stopping by the El Heykeli sculptures on the beach are both great options. Or take an 8-minute taxi ride to the Ladies Beach, enjoying sunbathing on free lounge chairs. The crystal-clear turquoise water is ideal for snorkeling and swimming as well. And try to test your skills on jet skis, parasailing and banana boats here if you’re an adventure seeker. The beach offers you an entirely romantic ambiance at night. Here you can stroll along the seaside promenade, watch the sunset, and sample distinctive Turkish seafood.

Meals: Breakfast

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

We will drive for about half an hour to visit Ephesus Ancient City after breakfast. It is currently world’s largest and most well-preserved Greco-Roman city. The Marble Street, Temple of Hadrain, Celsus Library, Trajan Fountain and Grand Theater invite you to explore the grandeur of bygone eras. Especially, focus on the richly decorated façade of the Celsus Library during our visit. The four female statues that guard this temple of knowledge outside the library are unquestionably the finishing touch. Another key attraction is the Grand Theater, which can accommodate up to 25,000 spectators during peak hours. It serves as the primary venue for local festivals, social events, and large-scale performances. Gladiator shows were held here in the late Roman era, drawing sizable audiences. Noblewomen in ancient Rome craved to have an unusual cosmetic: the sweat of gladiators. The sweat was said to be able to deeply nourish skin, leaving it delicate and smooth. Surprisingly, it became a potent aphrodisiac when combined with spices and used in various perfumes. This enabled wearers to emanate her allure and effortlessly draw attention from others. It was a silent statement of strength and glory as well as a boon to feminine charm to own such a bottle of cosmetics.

After lunch, continue to visit the Ephesus Archeological Museum. Relics excavated from the Ephesus Ancient City are displayed here, among which the most famous is the statue of the Goddess Artemis. Afterwards, have a look at the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The two most notable aspects are its elaborate decoration and enormous scale. Although only one column left here, could you imagine that it was originally bigger than the Parthenon in Athens? Today’s guided sightseeing will be ended at the House of the Virgin Mary, where Virgin Mary spent her last 5 years. At last, let’s go back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Today, the guide will accompany you to the next destination of this private Turkey tour, Pamukkale, literally “Cotton Castle”. It is about 2.5 hours’ drive away. There, hot springs gush out from the 200-meter-high (655 feet) rock and flow down slowly. As the calcium contained in the springs settles year after year, many semi-circle pools in milky white have been formed layer upon layer, which look like white cottons scattering on the hillside, hence the name “Cotton Castle”.

★ Special Arrangement: Hot Spring Experience in Travertine Pool
Please get your swimsuit ready and relax in the mineral-rich hot spring water in travertine pool. We invite you to try something unique: cover your body with the mud from the pool’s bottom. These muds can whiten the skin and provide sun protection because they are abundant in many trace elements. As you indulge in the combined benefits of the mud and hot springs, don’t forget to gaze upwards at the stunning travertine terraces.

In the afternoon, we will go on to visit Hierapolis Ancient City on the mountain top of Pamukkale, where you’ll see a large number of cemeteries, beautifully carved Roman stone pillars, amphitheaters and city gates. Different from the Ephesus Ancient City we visited yesterday, the baths here are located outside the city. This unique layout reflects the ancient city’s worship of holiness and purity. And the Hierapolis Archaeological Museum here offers you a close-up look at this ancient city’s rich cultural legacy. At the end of the day, send you to the hotel in Pamukkale for overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Early this morning, we will leave for Konya. After arriving approximately 5 hours later, visit the Mevlana Museum. Konya is the birthplace of whirling dervishes, and the Mevlana Museum is the soul of Konya. Whirling ascetics once used it as a practice area. For them, it is a sacred place because the founder Celaleddin Rumi is buried in it. Inside the museum, you will hear the pious whispers of Rumi’s admirers interspersed with the soft sobs of some fervent believers. Why is whirling a form of asceticism? Sufis believe that by constant whirling, they can achieve a state of unity with nature and thus become closer to the devine. Next to the mausoleum is the Semahane (Ceremonial Hall), where musical instruments and rosary beads are displayed. Additionally, lifelike scenes in the wax museum here will pique your interest.

Then continue to visit Sultanhani Caravanserai, a 13th-century caravan station survived and well protected on the ancient Silk Road. Here you can admire tall porches, spacious stables, exquisite guest rooms and warehouses for storing goods and grains. Then we’ll continue driving to Cappadocia, taking about 2.5 hours on the way. After checking into the hotel and unpacking the luggage, the rest of the day will be given to you to explore the region featured by moon-like landscapes on your own.

★ Unique Accommodation Experience: Staying in a Cave Hotel
Our thoughtfully chosen Hera Cave Suites are carved from rock, allowing you to experience the natural wonders while taking advantage of contemporary amenities. From the hotel terrace, early risers can immerse in the stunning sunrise and the hot air balloons taking off tomorrow morning.

► Recommended Activity: Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
Cappadocia is one of the best places to ride hot air balloons on the earth. The best seasons to experience are April - May and September - October, when you can enjoy mild weather and avoid the tourist rush. From June to August, although the weather is clear and suitable for hot air balloon takeoff, you need to endure hot weather, crowds and high prices. Furthermore, Cappadocia is relatively cold from November to March, with temperatures dropping below zero and a low rate of hot air balloon takeoffs. If you want to enjoy it, book in advance as the seats are limited. We will also be glad to make a reservation for you. Just inform us in advance.

► Recommended Restaurant: Wooden Spoon Cave Restaurant
Located inside a natural cave, this restaurant will make a lasting impression on your first visit to Goreme with its distinctive dining environment and exquisite authentic food. It is approximately TL 400-500 (USD 2-15) per person and is a ten-minute walk east of your hotel. The recommended main course is Beef Sac Tava, which is thinly sliced and roasted to perfection. It tastes well served with rice and Turkish spices. Pizza grilled over a wood fire is also a must-try here. You will not be disappointed by its rich aroma and full cheese flavor, even though it is baked a little slowly!

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

After breakfast, we will set off to explore the northern Cappadocia. The guide will firstly accompany you to the Goreme Open Air Museum, which is home to numerous natural caves that have been converted into monastic residences and churches. The majority of them have a Byzantine architectural style with stunning murals. Our guide will regale you with the wonderful stories that took place within these caves. Please bring enough water, because most of the caves are high up. And the coffee at the museum’s entry is pricey.

★ Exclusive Access to the Dark Church Included
Of all the caves and churches in the Goreme Open Air Museum, Dark Church is the one where the murals are the most well-preserved because of the lack of light. You can pause here to take in the bright murals.

Then proceed to Avanos, a small town famous for pottery making. The potteries here are made of the clay from the Red River flowing by, very unique. And you will witness how traditional handicrafts are made by skilled artisans and hear from seasoned masters about the struggles they overcame to pass down their craft. Afterwards, go to the Devrent Valley famous for the lava rocks. It is also been dubbed “Imagination Valley” since walking here is like stepping into a world that requires boundless imagination. Your starting point is the iconic camel-shaped rock. Its two erect camel humps and slightly elevated head are amazing and lifelike. Next, go on to Pasabag Valley (Monks Valley), where many tall and natural stone pillars like chimneys in the fairy tales stand, hence it is also named Fairy Chimney Valley. The last stop of today will be the Love Valley, where you can take in the stunning sunset views of Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hera Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today’s tour in south Cappadocia will begin with the Cavusin Village. You can appreciate exquisite murals in the Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel) here. Then the guide will escort you to a 2-hour hike in the Red Valley noted for many churches carved in the rocks. Hiking up the steep cliffs here will reveal multicolored rocks that have been eroded by millions of years. If you examine them closely, colored lines that indicate how old they are can also be found. The next stop is Uchisar Castle, excavated from a 60-meter-high (200 feet) boulder. It was once a defensive fortress where its dwellers could shelter for months when invaders arrived. Climb to its top, a panoramic view of Cappadocia is sure to catch your attention.

In the afternoon, we will drive to Pigeon Valley to explore the densely arranged pigeon holes, which come in a variety of sizes and some even reach an incredible two stories high. In addition to being the local inhabitants, pigeons are a fertilizer supplier for the crops and vineyards nearby. And for good reason - the wines of the Cappadocia region are highly regarded. The Kaymakli Underground City will mark the end of our visit today. It is one of the biggest underground cities in Cappadocia, spanning eight stories. Approximately 10,000 people used to live there. With the vivid explanation of our guide, the living scenarios in rooms with various functions will appear before your eyes right away.

At the end of the day, you will be escorted to the airport to embark on a 1.5-hour flight back to Istanbul. Upon your arrival, our local driver and guide will pick you up and safely transfer you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

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

Based on your flight time, our driver will escort you to the airport with a private car. See you and hope that we can serve you again in other world’s destinations in the future!

► For Your Information: 
Consider to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque if your flight departs in the late afternoon. It is a 10-minute taxi ride or a 25-minute walk northwest of the hotel. As a superb example of early Ottoman architecture, although slightly smaller than the Blue Mosque, it is distinguished by the tranquil atmosphere. The gorgeous courtyard and spacious terrace provide you with a breathtaking view of the Golden Horn. Or visit the Grand Bazaar again to enjoy a meal and buy souvenirs if you have enough time. Besides, if you want to extend your Turkish tour or explore other destinations in the world, please contact us to tailor your trip.

Meals: Breakfast