
Day 1: Arrival Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, a stunning and enigmatic city nestled in Turkey's Marmara
region. Discover its breathtaking beauty, rich culture, vibrant lifestyle, and
the perfect blend of contrasts that make Istanbul truly unique. Upon arrival,
our local representative will warmly greet you and escort you to your hotel.
The rest of the evening is yours to leisurely explore the wonders of Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul
On our panoramic city tour, we'll explore a city straddling two continents. We'll visit the Mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, Istanbul’s largest mosque, and see the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, and the fishing district. We'll also admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, we'll transfer you to Taksim, Istanbul’s bustling commercial and local hotspot. Enjoy dinner at one of its many restaurants, ride the historic tram, or visit the nearby Galata Tower.
Day 3: Ankara
In the early morning, we will begin with a visit to Topkapi
Palace, the grand administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its
stunning courtyards and pavilions. Next, enjoy a private two-hour Bosphorus
boat trip exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This strait, which separates
Istanbul into European and Asian sides, connects the Black Sea with the Sea of
Marmara. As we cruise, we'll view the vibrant activity of the strait, pass
under the bridges linking Europe and Asia, and admire the sultans' palaces,
traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman villas. We will disembark on the Asian
side, exploring the Uskudar neighborhood with its prominent mosques, Yemi
Valide, the Maiden’s Tower, and tranquil streets. After lunch, we will continue
our journey to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara for dinner.
Day 4: Ankara & Cappadocia
After breakfast, we’ll explore Ankara, Turkey's vibrant
capital with over 5 million residents and a rich cultural scene, including its
performing arts center with the State Ballet and Opera, the Presidential
Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We'll visit the
impressive Mausoleum of Atatürk and the ancient Ankara Castle, dating back to 8
centuries before Christ. Additionally, we’ll tour the Museum of Anatolian
Civilizations to learn about the diverse cultures that shaped Turkey. After a
stop at a large shopping mall for lunch, we’ll travel to Cappadocia. En route,
we'll visit the breathtaking Salt Lake and the sacred site of Hacıbektaş, where
you can explore the tomb of the 13th-century Sufi mystic with respect
(appropriate attire and silence are recommended).
Day 5: Cappadocia
Spend a full day exploring the stunning region of
Cappadocia, renowned for its otherworldly landscapes, rock-cut churches, and
cave villages. Begin with a visit to the Göreme Valley, including its open-air
museum and rock-carved churches (entry tickets included). Next, explore
Uçhisar, a natural fortress offering panoramic views. In Kaymaklı, tour the
impressive underground city that once sheltered up to 30,000 people. On the way
back to Avanos, stop at Paşabağ, the Valley of the Fairies, to stroll through its
striking natural formations. Enjoy some free time to further soak in the beauty
of this unique region.
Day 6: Konya
At the edge of Cappadocia, we'll explore the Ihlara Valley,
renowned for its refreshing waters, rock-hewn churches, and ancient villages.
We’ll then journey onward, stopping at a 13th-century caravanserai before
reaching Konya. In Konya, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (Rumi) and delve
into the history of the Dervishes (entrance included). Dinner is included, and
we recommend attending an evening whirling dervish performance at a cultural
center for a captivating experience.
Day 7: Pamukkale
We embark on a picturesque drive through lakeside
landscapes, arriving in Eğirdir, a charming town beside a large lake known for
its walls and mosques. After lunch, we proceed to Pamukkale-Hierapolis, where
the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning "Cotton Castle"
(entrance included).
Day 8: Kusadasi
We head to Ephesus, the most well-preserved ancient city in
Asia Minor, once home to 250,000 people. Explore the House of the Virgin Mary,
the Basilica of Saint John, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus (entrance
included). Next, we travel to Kuşadası, a vibrant coastal town known for its
lively atmosphere, shopping, and charming small castle.
Day 9: Izmir – Istanbul
We travel to İzmir, Turkey’s fourth-largest city, known for its modern values and lifestyle. After a brief guided tour of this westernized city, we head back inland, stopping for lunch on the way. Our journey continues to Bursa, the fourth-largest city in Turkey, whose historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring traditional markets, mosques, religious schools, and public baths. The Green Mosque is a notable highlight. We arrive in Istanbul by the end of the day.
Day 10: Istanbul Departure
After breakfast at the hotel, check out and transfer to Istanbul
Airport for your flight to your next destination via Istanbul.
₹135550/ Per person