Welcome to Turkey – Begin Your Journey in Istanbul

Your Turkish adventure begins the moment you arrive in Istanbul, a city where history, culture, and modernity blend seamlessly.

🛬 Arrival in Istanbul & Private Airport Transfer
🔹 Upon landing at Istanbul Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel.
🔹 Meet your professional guide and driver, who will accompany you throughout your journey, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience.
🔹 Check into your hotel and take some time to relax and refresh before your first evening in Turkey.

📌 Tip: If you arrive early, you may wish to take a leisurely walk around Sultanahmet Square, where you can see the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia from the outside before your official tour begins.

🌙 Evening Optional Tour: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise (Highly Recommended! – Pre-Booking Available)
🕰 Tour Duration: ~3 hours
🚢 Embark on a magical evening cruise along the Bosphorus, the historic waterway that divides Europe and Asia.

🏰 Marvel at Istanbul’s illuminated landmarks from the water:
🔹 Dolmabahce Palace – A grand Ottoman palace with stunning waterfront views.
🔹 Ortakoy Mosque – A beautiful Baroque-style mosque situated by the water.
🔹 The Maiden’s Tower – A legendary island tower with a romantic history.
🔹 Bosphorus Bridges – Pass under the bridges connecting two continents.

🎭 Enjoy an evening of vibrant entertainment while dining on authentic Turkish cuisine:
💃 Mesmerizing Belly Dancing Performance.
🎶 Traditional Turkish Folk Dances from different regions of Turkey.
🌀 A spiritual Whirling Dervish show, offering a glimpse into Sufi traditions.

🍽 Feast on a delicious multi-course dinner, including:
Turkish mezes (appetizers).
Freshly grilled meats & seafood.
Turkish desserts & unlimited soft drinks (alcoholic options available).
📌 Note: This optional tour is available at an additional cost and must be booked in advance due to high demand.

🏨 Accommodation: Overnight in Istanbul
After an unforgettable first night in Turkey, return to your hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of Istanbul’s historic Old City.

Today, embark on a guided exploration of Istanbul’s Old City, home to some of the world’s most iconic historical landmarks. After a day of discovery, journey to Çanakkale, a city rich in history, serving as the gateway to the legendary city of Troy.

🌟 Morning: Istanbul Old City Tour

🕌 Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) – A Masterpiece of Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture
📍 Originally built as a Byzantine church in 537 AD, later converted into a mosque, and today stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s rich heritage.
🔹 Marvel at the massive central dome, considered a groundbreaking feat of engineering.
🔹 Admire the stunning blend of Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy.
🔹 Learn about its transformation from a church to a mosque, and now a museum.
📌 Fun Fact: The Hagia Sophia was the world’s largest cathedral for nearly 1,000 years!

🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Seat of Ottoman Power for 400 Years
📍 Built in 1478, this lavish palace was the home of Ottoman sultans and the administrative center of the empire for four centuries.
🔹 Explore its grand courtyards, opulent pavilions, and imperial treasury.
🔹 Visit the Harem (optional, requires an additional entrance ticket), where the sultan’s family and concubines lived in luxury.
🔹 Admire relics from Ottoman history, including jewels, weapons, and sacred Islamic artifacts.
📌 Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🕌 The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) – A Jewel of Ottoman Architecture
📍 One of Istanbul’s most iconic mosques, known for its six minarets and stunning blue Iznik tiles.
🔹 Walk through its serene courtyards and marvel at its domed ceilings and intricate calligraphy.
🔹 Learn about its architectural significance and its role in Ottoman-era worship.
🔹 Visit the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine chariot racing, and admire its ancient obelisks and statues.
📌 Note: The Blue Mosque is closed to visitors during Friday prayers.

🛍 The Grand Bazaar – A Shopping Wonderland
📍 One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, dating back to 1461.
🔹 Wander through thousands of shops selling handmade carpets, jewelry, spices, textiles, and ceramics.
🔹 Experience the art of Turkish bargaining with friendly shopkeepers.
🔹 Admire the historic architecture, colorful lanterns, and lively atmosphere.

📌 Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
📌 Tip: Try Turkish tea or a cup of authentic Turkish coffee in one of the bazaar’s hidden courtyards!

🚗 Afternoon: Travel to Canakkale
🕰 Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours (Istanbul → Canakkale)
🌅 Travel through Turkey’s beautiful countryside, passing rolling hills and the Sea of Marmara before arriving in Canakkale.

🏨 Evening: Overnight in Canakkale
Check into your hotel in Canakkale, a city steeped in history, located near the legendary site of Troy and the Gallipoli battlefields.

Sights Visited

Today, embark on a fascinating journey through history, visiting two of Turkey’s most legendary ancient cities—Troy and Pergamon. Walk in the footsteps of Homer’s heroes, uncover the mysteries of the Trojan War, and explore the hilltop wonders of Pergamon, before traveling to the Ephesus region for an overnight stay.

🌅 Morning: Discover the Ancient City of Troy

📍 Troy – The Legendary City of Homer’s Iliad
Step into one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world, where myth and history intertwine.

🔹 Highlights of Troy:

🐎 The Trojan Horse – A Story of Deception & Victory
🔹 Learn about the legend of the wooden Trojan Horse, famously used by the Greeks to infiltrate and conquer Troy.
🔹 A replica of the Trojan Horse stands at the entrance, perfect for photos and storytelling.

🏛 Layers of History – Nine Cities in One
🔹 Troy is not just one city—it has been rebuilt nine times, spanning over 4,000 years of history.
🔹 See the excavated layers of Troy I to Troy IX, revealing different eras of civilization.

🏛 Key Landmarks of Troy:
🔹 The Bouleuterion – The Senate building, where leaders made crucial political decisions.
🔹 The Odeon – A small theatre used for musical performances and gatherings.
🔹 Sacrificial Altars – Ancient remnants of religious rituals and ceremonies.
🔹 City Walls & Towers – The massive stone fortifications that once protected Troy from invaders.

📌 Fun Fact: The historical Troy was once believed to be purely mythical—until its discovery by Heinrich Schliemann in the 19th century, proving that Homer’s epic tales had real historical roots.

🚗 Midday: Travel to Pergamon (~3 Hours Drive)
Enjoy a scenic drive through western Turkey’s rolling countryside, as you head to the next ancient wonder—Pergamon.

🏛️ Afternoon: Explore the Ancient City of Pergamon

📍 Pergamon – The City of Scholars & Healers
Once a thriving Greek and Roman metropolis, Pergamon was renowned for its knowledge, architecture, and medicine.

🔹 Highlights of Pergamon:

🏰 The Acropolis – A City Above the Clouds
🔹 Perched on a hilltop with panoramic views, the Acropolis of Pergamon is a masterpiece of urban planning.
🔹 The inspiration for Athens’ Acropolis, it houses many remarkable ruins.

📚 The Athenaeum Library – A Gift for Cleopatra
🔹 Once home to 200,000 scrolls, Pergamon’s library was one of the greatest of the ancient world.
🔹 Legend has it that Mark Antony gifted the library’s collection to Cleopatra as a wedding present!

🏛 The Temple of Trajan – A Roman Marvel
🔹 A magnificent marble temple dedicated to Emperor Trajan, partially reconstructed using original stones.
🔹 Reflects the grandeur and religious devotion of the Roman era.

⚕️ The Sanctuary of Asclepius – The Ancient Healing Center
🔹 Located down the valley from the Acropolis, this site was one of the world’s first medical centers.
🔹 Features a sacred healing fountain, where ancient patients sought cures for their ailments.
📌 Fun Fact: The symbol of modern medicine (the serpent-entwined staff) originates from Asclepius, the Greek god of healing, whose sanctuary was in Pergamon.

🚗 Evening: Travel to the Ephesus Region (~3.5 Hours Drive)
After exploring Troy and Pergamon, continue your journey southward to the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

🏨 Accommodation: Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi
📌 Tip: Kusadasi is a vibrant coastal town, perfect for an evening stroll by the Aegean Sea, while Selcuk is a quieter town, ideal for history lovers staying near Ephesus.

Sights Visited

Today, step back in time as you explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Discover its grand monuments, stunning architecture, and rich history, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, a site of deep religious significance.

🌅 Morning: Exploring the Ancient City of Ephesus

📍 Ephesus – A Journey Into the Past
Once one of the most powerful cities in the Roman Empire, Ephesus was home to nearly 200,000 people, making it the second-largest city after Rome. Though in ruins today, its splendor is still visible, showcasing its role as a political, religious, and commercial center.

🔹 Highlights of Ephesus:

⚓ The Original Harbor – A Maritime Powerhouse
🔹 Though now seven kilometers inland, Ephesus was once a major seaport and trading hub.
🔹 The harbor served as a gateway for merchants, warships, and travelers from around the world.
🔹 Imagine bustling marketplaces and grand ships docking, bringing wealth and culture to the city.

🎭 The Great Theatre – The Grand Stage of Ephesus
🔹 A massive amphitheater with a seating capacity of 25,000, one of the largest in Anatolia.
🔹 Hosted gladiator battles, dramatic performances, and political gatherings.
🔹 The theatre’s incredible acoustics still allow visitors to hear sounds from the stage, even in the highest rows.

🏛️ The Library of Celsus – A Wonder of the Ancient World
🔹 One of the most photographed landmarks in Turkey, symbolizing knowledge and culture.
🔹 Once housed 12,000 scrolls, making it one of the greatest libraries of antiquity.
🔹 Though only its majestic façade remains, it still exudes grandeur and beauty.

🚶 Marble Street – Walking Through History
🔹 A well-preserved marble-paved road, once bustling with citizens, merchants, and philosophers.
🔹 Lined with ruins of shops, public buildings, and mosaics.

🚻 Other Notable Landmarks:
🔹 Scholastica Baths – Roman-era baths used for cleansing and socializing.
🔹 Mosaic Sidewalks – Walk on 2,000-year-old decorative flooring.
🔹 Public Toilets – Ancient Roman communal toilets, an example of early urban plumbing.
🔹 The Brothel – A historic house of pleasure, marked with carvings leading the way.
🔹 Monuments & Gates – Including the Hercules Gate and Domitian Square, offering a glimpse into the city’s former glory.
📌 Tip: Don’t forget to bring comfortable shoes, as the city is large and best explored on foot!

🌿 Afternoon: The House of the Virgin Mary

📍 A Sacred Pilgrimage Site
After exploring Ephesus, journey to Bulbul Mountain, where the House of the Virgin Mary is located.
🔹 Believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus, making it a sacred site for Christians and Muslims alike.
🔹 A humble stone house, preserved as a shrine and prayer space.
🔹 Features a peaceful garden, a wishing wall, and a sacred spring believed to have healing properties.

📌 Fun Fact: The site was discovered based on the visions of a German nun, Anne Catherine Emmerich, in the 19th century, leading to its recognition by the Vatican.
📌 Tip: Bring a small note or prayer to leave on the Wishing Wall, a tradition followed by visitors from around the world.

🏨 Evening: Accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi

🏨 Overnight Stay in Selcuk or Kusadasi
🔹 Selcuk – A charming town near Ephesus, known for its historical atmosphere and authentic Turkish culture.
🔹 Kusadasi – A lively seaside resort town, perfect for relaxing by the Aegean coast.

📌 Optional Evening Add-ons:
🌊 Seaside Dinner in Kusadasi – Enjoy a fresh seafood meal by the harbor.
🎭 Turkish Folklore Show – Experience traditional music and dances.

Sights Visited

Today, experience the breathtaking beauty of Pamukkale, known as “The Cotton Castle,” and explore the ancient Roman city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Relax in thermal pools, walk among historical ruins, and even opt for an adrenaline-pumping paragliding adventure!

🚗 Morning: Travel from Ephesus Region to Pamukkale
🕰 Journey Duration: ~3 hours (Selcuk/Kusadasi → Pamukkale)
🌄 Enjoy a scenic drive through Turkey’s picturesque countryside, passing olive groves, small villages, and rolling hills.
📌 Fun Fact: The thermal waters of Pamukkale have been used for healing purposes since ancient times, attracting visitors for thousands of years!

🌊 Afternoon: Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle

📍 Pamukkale’s White Travertine Terraces
🔹 Walk barefoot across the dazzling white limestone terraces, shaped by mineral-rich hot springs over centuries.
🔹 Relax in the warm, healing waters as they cascade over the travertine steps.
🔹 Take in the otherworldly scenery, resembling a frozen waterfall under the sunlight.
📌 Tip: Bring a swimsuit if you want to dip in the natural thermal pools!
📸 Photo Spot: The upper terraces offer a stunning panoramic view of the valley below.

🏛️ Afternoon: Hierapolis – The Ancient Spa City

📍 Hierapolis – The Roman City of Healing & Culture
Once a thriving Greco-Roman city, Hierapolis was famous for its sacred hot springs and religious significance.

🏟️ Theatre – A Grand Amphitheater Overlooking the City
🔹 One of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Turkey, seating over 12,000 spectators.
🔹 Carved into a hillside for durability, still standing strong despite earthquakes.
🔹 Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

🌞 Temple of Apollo – A Shrine to the Sun God
🔹 Built in honor of Apollo, the god of sun, music, and prophecy.
🔹 Though only its foundations remain, its historical significance endures.

⚰️ Necropolis – The Largest Ancient Cemetery in Turkey
🔹 A vast two-kilometer-long burial site, containing over 1,200 tombs.
🔹 Features mausoleums, sarcophagi, and stunning funerary art.

🌫️ The Plutonium – Gateway to the Underworld
🔹 A mystical cave, once believed to be an entrance to Hades (the underworld).
🔹 Emits toxic gases, leading ancient priests to believe it was guarded by Pluto, the god of the underworld.
🔹 Surviving a visit was considered proof of divine protection!

📌 Fun Fact: The Plutonium was rediscovered by archaeologists in 2013, confirming centuries-old myths about deadly gas emissions.

🪂 Optional Tour: Pamukkale Paragliding (Pre-Booking Recommended! – Additional Cost)
For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, take to the skies with a paragliding flight over Pamukkale!
🔹 Soar above the white travertine terraces for breathtaking aerial views.
🔹 Admire the contrast between the natural wonder of Pamukkale and the ancient ruins of Hierapolis.
🔹 A thrilling experience, perfect for adventure seekers and photographers!
📌 Note: The flight lasts ~15-30 minutes and includes safety equipment and a professional instructor.

🏨 Evening: Overnight Stay in Pamukkale
🏨 Accommodation: Overnight in Pamukkale

📌 Optional Evening Add-ons:
🛀 Visit Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural thermal spring filled with ancient Roman columns.
🍽️ Enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner, featuring grilled meats, mezes, and local desserts.

Sights Visited

On the final full day of your Turkey tour, travel back to Istanbul, stopping en route to explore the historically rich and naturally beautiful city of Bursa. Known as “Green Bursa”, the city seamlessly blends Ottoman heritage, lush landscapes, and spiritual significance.

🚗 Morning: Travel from Pamukkale to Bursa
🕰 Journey Duration: ~4.5 hours (Pamukkale → Bursa)
🌄 Enjoy scenic countryside views as you travel toward Bursa, passing through forests, olive groves, and small villages.
📌 Fun Fact: Bursa was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire (1326-1363) before the capital was moved to Edirne and later to Istanbul.

🌿 Afternoon: Exploring Green Bursa
📍 Bursa – The Heart of Early Ottoman Culture & Green Landscapes
Nicknamed “Green Bursa” for its abundance of parks, forests, and Ottoman-era green tiles, the city is a perfect blend of history and nature.

🔹 Highlights of Bursa:
🕌 Green Mosque (Yesil Camii) – A Jewel of Ottoman Architecture
📍 Built by Sultan Mehmet I in the 15th century, this mosque is one of the finest examples of early Ottoman architecture.
🔹 Famous for its intricately handcrafted green and turquoise Iznik tiles, which inspired the city’s nickname.
🔹 A spiritual and architectural masterpiece, still an active place of worship today.
🔹 Marvel at its elegantly arched ceilings, detailed calligraphy, and serene ambiance.
📌 Tip: Look closely at the mihrab (prayer niche), which features dazzling floral and geometric designs.

🏛️ Green Tomb (Yesil Turbe) – A Magnificent Resting Place
📍 Built by Sultan Mehmet II in 1421, this majestic mausoleum is the final resting place of Sultan Mehmet I.
🔹 Adorned with stunning green and blue Iznik tiles, both inside and out.
🔹 Features intricate Ottoman calligraphy and tilework, creating a visually breathtaking monument.
🔹 Surrounded by beautiful gardens, offering a tranquil and reflective setting.
📌 Fun Fact: The octagonal structure of the Green Tomb is unique among Ottoman mausoleums, symbolizing eternal peace and grandeur.

🍽 Optional: Taste Bursa’s Famous Iskender Kebab (Highly Recommended!)
📍 Bursa is the birthplace of Iskender Kebab, a delicious dish of thinly sliced lamb or beef, drizzled with tomato sauce and yogurt, served over pita bread.
📌 Tip: Try the original Iskender Kebab at a local restaurant in Bursa, made using the traditional recipe from the 19th century!

🚗 Evening: Return to Istanbul
🕰 Journey Duration: ~2 hours (Bursa → Istanbul)
🌉 Travel across the Bosphorus Bridge, officially returning to Istanbul for your final night in Turkey.

🏨 Accommodation: Overnight in Istanbul

📌 Optional Evening Add-ons:
🌊 Farewell Dinner at a Rooftop Restaurant Overlooking the Bosphorus.
🛍️ Last-minute shopping in the Spice Bazaar or Istiklal Street.

Sights Visited

Today marks the conclusion of your unforgettable journey through Turkey. As you prepare to depart, take a moment to reflect on the incredible historical sites, breathtaking landscapes, and rich cultural experiences you’ve enjoyed throughout this adventure.

🚗 Private Airport Transfer & Departure
🕰 Transfer Time: Based on Flight Schedule
🚖 Enjoy a comfortable, hassle-free transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).

✈️ Check-in for your flight back home or onward travels.
🔹 Say goodbye to Istanbul’s iconic skyline as you drive past the Bosphorus, historic palaces, and grand mosques.
🔹 Take one last moment to savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine, whether it’s a cup of Turkish coffee or a box of baklava to-go.
🔹 Your driver and guide will ensure a smooth farewell, making sure you reach your flight with ease.

🌍 A Journey to Remember
From the Ottoman wonders of Istanbul to the legendary ruins of Troy and Pergamon, the grandeur of Ephesus, the natural beauty of Pamukkale, and the rich history of Bursa, this tour has been a perfect blend of history, nature, and cultural discovery.

🙏 A Heartfelt Thank You!
We truly hope that your time in Turkey has been extraordinary and that you take home unforgettable memories.

💌 Stay Connected & Return for More Adventures!
Turkey has so much more to offer—whether it’s the Turquoise Coast, Cappadocia’s hot air balloons, the Black Sea Highlands, or Mount Nemrut, we would love to welcome you back for another adventure.

✨ Safe Travels & Until Next Time!
Wishing you a smooth and safe journey home, and we hope to see you again in the future!