Embark on a captivating 15-day journey through the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Turkey. The adventure kicks off in Istanbul on Day 2, where the day unfolds with a mesmerizing exploration of cultural gems like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Byzantine Hippodrome. The vibrant Grand Bazaar, Old local Market Mahmutpasa, and the Spice Market add a touch of local flavor. A serene boat tour on the Bosporus offers panoramic views of the city. The following day in Istanbul includes visits to the majestic Topkapi Palace and a stroll through the dynamic Istiklal Street in the Taksim Area. Day 4 takes travelers to Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, with stops at the historic Nicaea. Bursa’s Grand Mosque and the silk market of Koza Han immerse visitors in the city’s past. The journey continues to Canakkale on Day 5, exploring the ancient wonders of Troy.
Moving south, Day 6 unfolds with a stop at Pergamum’s Acropolis en route to Kusadasi. The following days weave through the ancient marvels of Ephesus, Priene, and Didyma, with Bodrum’s Apollo Temple and Castle captivating the senses on Day 8. The itinerary then takes a leisurely turn on Day 9, cruising the Dalyan River on a Turkish yacht, embracing the beauty of Kaunos ancient site, mud baths, and Caretta turtles. Days 10 and 11 delve into Saklıkent Canyon, Xanthos, and a boat tour to the sunken city. As the journey unfolds, ancient sites like Myra, Phaselis, and Perge unveil their stories, leading to the cascading terraces of Pamukkale on Day 14.
This immersive exploration captures the essence of Turkey’s historical tapestry, leaving indelible memories of a journey through time and culture.
The links for each day give more historical information and descriptions.
Day 1 (ARRIVE ISTANBUL) Arrive at Istanbul Airport. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
Day 2 ( ISTANBUL) A full day tour in Istanbul including the Hagia Sophia,; the Blue Mosque; the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Old local Market Mahmutpasa and walk down to Spice Market, Boat tour on Bosporus. Overnight in İstanbul
Day 3 (ISTANBUL) After breakfast visit Topkapi Palace move down to the Galata Bridge and head to Istiklal Street to explore the Taksim Area. Visit the Asian side in the afternoon. Overnight in İstanbul
Day 4 (BURSA-CANAKKALE) After breakfast, drive to Bursa which was the old capital of the Ottoman Empire; stopping at visit Nicaea (site of the first Christian ecumenical council) on the way. In Bursa enter the Grand Mosque, Koza Han (silk market) and tour the old city. Overnight in Bursa.
Day 5 (CANAKKALE) Drive to Canakkale and visit ancient Troy and the city. Overnight in Akçay.
Day 6-(PERGAMUM to EPHESUS) Drive to Kusadasi stopping at Pergamum. Visit its Acropolis. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 7– (EPHESUS) Full day tour in Ephesus including the ancient site, remains of the Artemis temple, museum. Overnight in Kusadasi
Day 8– (KUSADASI-BODRUM). Visi the ancient site of Priene and the magnificent Apollo Temple in Didyma. and proceed to Bodrum. Visit Bodrum Castle. Overnight in Bodrum.
Day 9– (BODRUM- FETIYE) After breakfast, drive to Dalyan and take a gulet (Turkish yacht) tour on the river to see the Kaunos ancient site, experience a mud bath and see the Caretta turtles. Overnight in Fethiye.
Day 10- (FETHIYE – KAŞ) Explore Saklıkent Canyon and the ancient site of Xanthos. Overnight in Kas.
Day 11- (SUNKEN CITY BOAT TOUR ) Full day on boat the to explore the sunken city. Overnight in Kaş
Day 12- (KAŞ to ANTALYA) Visit the ancient site of Myra with its rock-cut tombs, and the St. Nicholas church and tomb. Stop at the peaceful double harbor of Phaselis, then proceed to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 13- (ANTALYA) Start with the ancient site of Perge and the Aspendos Theater, then back to Antalya for the Archeological Museum, Old Harbor, and Duden waterfall. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 14- (ANTALYA- PAMUKKALE- ISTANBUL) Drive to Pamukkale to walk down the travertine terraces and walk through the necropolis of Hierapolis. Transfer to the airport for your flight to İstanbul. Overnight in İstanbul.
Day 15– (DEPARTURE) transfer to airport for your flight home.
. Comments: This is an excellent program all year round and you may combine cabin charter and private boat tour on Aegean coast from April to end of October. .
Prices Include
- 14 nights accommodation at hotels at selected category.
- 14 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 10 Dinners at local restaurants
- Professional guide thopughout.
- Transfers and excursions by car/minibus/coach depending on the number of participants.
- Domestic flights
- Entrance fees
- Boat tour for Dalyan river and Sunken city
- Service charges, tips for hotels and restaurants, and all taxes.
Prices Do Not Include
- International flights to and from Turkey.
- Dinners in İstanbul
- Beverages during meals.
- Tips for the guide and the driver.
- Visas (as of Dec 2023, no visa is required for US visitors)
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* Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If the excursions are on the days that these attractions are closed, they might either be skipped or substituted with other attractions depending on the convenience of the program’s schedule