Welcome to Turkey!

📍 Arrival in Istanbul
Your unforgettable journey begins today as you arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST). Our team will be waiting to greet you and ensure a comfortable private transfer to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul.

🛎 Hotel Check-In
Once checked in, take the rest of the day to relax and settle in after your travels.

🌍 Explore at Your Own Pace
If you’d like to start discovering the city, consider:
✔ A leisurely walk along Istiklal Street
✔ A scenic sunset cruise on the Bosphorus
✔ Sampling delicious Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant

💤 Overnight: Istanbul
Rest up, as tomorrow marks the beginning of your incredible adventure through Turkey! 🚀

🏙 Discover Istanbul Like a Local
📍 Tour Start Time: 08:30 AM
🚗 Pickup from Your Hotel

🌟 Tour Highlights

🛍 Grand Bazaar
🔹 One of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets
🔹 Over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets, ceramics, leather goods, and spices
🔹 A true cultural experience with lively bargaining and historic architecture

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise
🔹 A scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus Strait
🔹 Stunning views of Istanbul’s skyline, palaces, and mosques
🔹 Pass under famous bridges that connect Europe and Asia

🌆 Taksim Square & Istiklal Street
🔹 The heart of modern Istanbul, bustling with locals and street performers
🔹 Walk down Istiklal Street, lined with shops, cafes, and historical buildings
🔹 Ride the nostalgic red tram (optional)

🏰 Galata Tower & Karakoy District
🔹 Pass by the Galata Tower, a medieval landmark with panoramic city views
🔹 Explore Karaköy, a trendy neighborhood with street art, boutique shops, and local coffee houses

🌉 Walk Across Galata Bridge
🔹 Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Horn
🔹 Watch local fishermen and admire the blend of old and new Istanbul

🍽 Optional Street Food Tasting (Highly Recommended!)
❌ Not included in the package price but available along the route.
✔ Try simit (Turkish bagel), balik ekmek (grilled fish sandwich), borek (flaky pastry), and baklava 🍡

📌 Important Notes
✔ Lunch is not included in the tour price.
✔ Bring comfortable shoes for walking.
✔ The tour includes free time for independent exploration.

🛏 Overnight: Istanbul

Sights Visited

🏰 Explore Istanbul’s Historical Treasures
📍 Tour Start Time: 08:30 AM
🚗 Pickup from Your Hotel

🌟 Tour Highlights

🕌 Blue Mosque
🔹 Renowned for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and six minarets
🔹 One of the most majestic mosques in the Islamic world
🔹 A peaceful and spiritual atmosphere

🏟 Hippodrome & Obelisk
🔹 The social and political center of ancient Constantinople
🔹 See the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain
🔹 Learn about chariot races and imperial celebrations

🏛 Hagia Sophia
🔹 One of the greatest architectural masterpieces in the world
🔹 A Byzantine cathedral turned mosque, now a UNESCO-listed site
🔹 Marvel at stunning mosaics and Ottoman calligraphy

🏯 Topkapi Palace
🔹 Explore the opulent residence of the Ottoman Sultans
🔹 See the famous Imperial Treasury and the Holy Relics
🔹 Walk through the beautiful palace gardens with panoramic Bosphorus views

🛍 Shopping Experience
🔹 Browse local artisan goods, Turkish carpets, ceramics, and souvenirs
🔹 A great opportunity to purchase authentic, handmade Turkish treasures

🍽 Optional Experience: Spice Bazaar
(Not part of the guided tour but highly recommended for free time afterward!)
✔ Spice Bazaar: A colorful and fragrant market offering spices, teas, Turkish delights, nuts, and dried fruits

📌 Important Notes
✔ Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
✔ Blue Mosque has limited entry on Fridays due to prayer services.
✔ Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

🛏 Overnight: Istanbul
Tomorrow, prepare for a powerful journey to Gallipoli as you walk in the footsteps of ANZAC soldiers.

Sights Visited

⏰ 6:30 AM – 7:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure 🚐
📍 Destination: Eceabat (Gallipoli Region)
🚌 Comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking minibus

🥗 Midday: Arrival & Lunch
✔ 12:00 PM – Arrive in Eceabat and enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
✔ Take time to relax before beginning the historical battlefield tour.

🎖 Afternoon: Fully Guided Gallipoli Tour (1:00 PM – 6:00 PM)
Step into history as you visit some of the most significant battle sites from the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I.

📍 Sites to Visit in Gallipoli:
✔ Brighton Beach – One of the ANZAC landing sites, providing historical insights into the battle.
✔ Beach Cemetery – The resting place of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the legendary ANZAC medic.
✔ ANZAC Cove – The site where Australian and New Zealand forces landed in April 1915.
✔ Ariburnu Cemetery – A solemn burial ground for fallen ANZAC soldiers.
✔ ANZAC Commemorative Site – The location of modern ANZAC Day services, honoring those who served.

✔ Respect to Mehmetcik Statue – A tribute to the Turkish soldiers who bravely defended their homeland.
✔ Lone Pine Australian Memorial – Commemorating the courage of Australian soldiers during battle.
✔ Johnston’s Jolly – Walk through preserved trenches where ANZAC and Turkish troops once fought.
✔ Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery – Honoring the heroic sacrifices of Turkish soldiers.
✔ The Nek – The tragic battlefield where ANZAC forces faced heavy losses in a heroic charge.
✔ Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial – A crucial site commemorating New Zealand’s role in the campaign.

📸 A powerful and reflective experience, as you walk in the footsteps of history.

🏨 Evening: Hotel Check-In & Relaxation
✔ 6:00 PM – Check in at your hotel in Eceabat or Canakkale.
✔ Rest & reflect on the day’s profound experiences.

🛏 Overnight: Eceabat or Canakkale
📍 Prepare for tomorrow’s visit to Troy & the Anzac Day Dawn Service.

Sights Visited

🍽 7:30 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel
✔ Enjoy a delicious breakfast to start your day.

🏺 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Fully Guided Troy Tour
Step into the legendary world of Troy, one of the most famous archaeological sites in history.

📍 Troy Tour Highlights:
✔ Trojan Horse – See the replica of the legendary wooden horse from Homer’s Iliad.
✔ 3,700-Year-Old City Walls – Marvel at the ancient fortifications that protected Troy.
✔ Houses of Troy I – Discover settlements dating back to 3000 B.C.
✔ Bouleuterion (Senate Building) – Explore the political center of ancient Troy.
✔ Odeon (Concert Hall) – Imagine cultural performances held in this historic venue.
✔ Troy I to Troy IX – Witness the layers of civilization, spanning thousands of years.

📸 A must-visit site for history and mythology lovers!
✔ 12:00 PM – Return to Canakkale by midday.

🌊 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Free Time in Canakkale
Spend your afternoon relaxing or exploring this beautiful coastal town.

📍 Suggested Activities in Canakkale:
✔ Cimenlik Castle – Visit this Ottoman fortress with stunning views of the Dardanelles.
✔ Beaches – Unwind at Habbele Plaji or other serene coastal spots.
✔ Canakkale Naval Museum – Learn about the naval history of the Dardanelles.
🛍 Enjoy local shops & cafés before the evening departure.

🚍 8:00 PM – Departure for Anzac Cove
✔ Depart from Eceabat or Canakkale to Anzac Cove for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.
✔ Upon arrival, settle into the grandstands or sleeping grounds for the night.

📺 Throughout the night:
✔ Watch documentaries & films about the ANZAC campaign on big screens.
✔ Reflect on the historical significance of Gallipoli.

🌙 Overnight: Anzac Cove (No Hotel Accommodation)
🛏 Prepare for an emotional and unforgettable Anzac Day experience.

Sights Visited

📍 Anzac Day Ceremonies

🍽 Morning: Breakfast Box Provided
✔ Begin this solemn day with a breakfast box as you prepare for the commemorations.

🎖 5:30 AM – Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove
✔ Attend the moving and reflective Dawn Service, honoring the ANZAC soldiers who served during the Gallipoli campaign.
✔ Experience this emotional and historic moment at the very place where the ANZAC troops landed in 1915.

🇦🇺 10:30 AM – Australian National Service at Lone Pine
✔ Commemorate the courage and sacrifice of Australian soldiers at Lone Pine, one of the key battle sites of the Gallipoli campaign.
✔ Listen to tributes and reflections from military officials and dignitaries.

🇳🇿 11:45 AM – New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair
✔ Pay tribute to the bravery and contributions of New Zealand’s soldiers at Chunuk Bair, a significant battlefield in the campaign.
✔ Reflect on the perseverance of the New Zealand forces in one of the toughest battles of Gallipoli.

🚍 Afternoon: Return to Eceabat or Canakkale
✔ After the final ceremonies, travel back to Eceabat or Canakkale for rest and reflection.

🌙 Overnight: Eceabat or Canakkale
🛏 A day of deep remembrance, reflection, and respect.

Sights Visited

🚐 10:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure for Pergamon
✔ Start your day with a comfortable hotel pickup and begin your journey towards Bergama (Pergamon).
✔ Travel through scenic landscapes on your way to one of the most influential cities of the ancient world.

🍽 1:00 PM – Lunch in Bergama
✔ Enjoy a delicious local meal before diving into the rich history of Pergamon.

🏛 1:30 PM – 5:30 PM – Fully Guided Pergamon Acropolis Tour
✔ Immerse yourself in the wonders of Pergamon, once the cultural and intellectual heart of the Hellenistic world.
✔ Marvel at its breathtaking hilltop ruins, showcasing Pergamon’s artistic, political, and religious significance.

📌 Sites to Visit in Pergamon:

🏛 The Acropolis – The center of Pergamon’s grandeur, perched atop a dramatic hill.
📚 Library of Pergamon – Once home to over 200,000 scrolls, rivaling the Library of Alexandria.
⛪ Temple of Athena – A tribute to the goddess of wisdom and warfare.
⚡ Altar of Zeus – An architectural masterpiece, famed for its intricate relief carvings.

🎭 Hellenistic Theater – One of the steepest theaters in the world, offering breathtaking views of the valley.
🏋 Gymnasium – Built on terraced levels, showcasing Pergamon’s focus on physical education.
🏺 Lower Agora – The ancient marketplace, once bustling with trade and commerce.
🍷 Temple of Dionysus – Dedicated to the god of wine and festivity, displaying Pergamon’s artistic excellence.

🚍 5:30 PM – Transfer to the Ephesus Region
✔ Begin your scenic transfer to Selcuk or Kusadasi, home to the famous ruins of Ephesus.

🌙 Evening: Arrival & Hotel Check-in
✔ 8:30 PM – Arrive in Selcuk
✔ 9:30 PM – Arrive in Kusadasi

🏨 Overnight: Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
✨ Prepare for an unforgettable journey through the ancient city of Ephesus the next day!

Sights Visited

🚐 8:30 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure for Ephesus
✔ Begin your day with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Travel to the legendary Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved and significant ancient cities in the world.

🏛 Ephesus Ancient City Tour Highlights
📌 The Marble Streets of Ephesus
✔ Walk along the ancient marble-paved streets once bustling with traders, philosophers, and artisans.
✔ Imagine life in the Roman capital of Asia Minor, a city that once housed over 200,000 residents.

📌 The Celsus Library
✔ Admire the stunning two-story facade of the Library of Celsus, one of the most famous landmarks in Ephesus.
✔ Once home to over 12,000 scrolls, this library symbolized knowledge and wisdom in the Roman world.

📌 The Great Theatre
✔ Stand in awe before the massive amphitheater, capable of seating 25,000 spectators.
✔ Learn how this space was used for gladiator fights, plays, and political discussions.

📌 The Temple of Hadrian
✔ Explore this beautifully decorated temple, dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
✔ Admire its intricate relief carvings depicting Ephesus’ mythological history.

📌 The Terrace Houses (Optional Entry Fee)
✔ Discover the elegant homes of Ephesus’ wealthy elite, featuring well-preserved frescoes and mosaics.
✔ Learn about the advanced Roman heating and plumbing systems used in these luxury homes.

⛪ House of the Virgin Mary
✔ Visit the sacred House of the Virgin Mary, located in the hills above Ephesus.
✔ According to Christian tradition, this is where Mary spent her final years, under the care of Saint John the Apostle.
✔ A significant pilgrimage site, visited by Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, and Pope Benedict XVI.

🏛 Temple of Artemis
✔ Witness the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
✔ Once a grand structure with 127 marble columns, it was among the largest temples ever built.
✔ Learn about its significance in Greek and Roman religious practices, dedicated to the goddess Artemis (Diana).

🌙 Evening: Return & Overnight Stay
✔ After a full day of exploration, return to Selcuk or Kusadasi for a relaxing evening.

🏨 Overnight: Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
✨ Prepare for your journey to Pamukkale the next day!

Sights Visited

📍 Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

🚐 8:30 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure for Pamukkale
✔ Begin your journey with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Travel to the stunning Pamukkale (Cotton Castle), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its surreal white travertine terraces and ancient Roman ruins.

🌿 Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour Highlights
📌 Lunch on Arrival
✔ Enjoy a delicious lunch upon reaching Pamukkale, giving you energy for the day ahead.

📌 Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle)
✔ Witness the breathtaking white calcium terraces, a natural wonder formed by thermal mineral waters.
✔ Walk barefoot on the warm, healing thermal waters, which cascades down the cliffs, creating turquoise pools.
✔ Learn about the healing properties of the waters, known for their skin and health benefits since ancient times.

📌 Hierapolis Ancient City
✔ Discover the Roman spa city of Hierapolis, built atop the Pamukkale terraces, where people once bathed in the thermal waters for spiritual and physical healing.
🔹 Roman Baths – Walk through the ruins of the ancient public baths, showcasing Roman engineering and luxury.
🔹 Ancient Theatre – A beautifully preserved Greco-Roman theater offering panoramic views of the landscape.
🔹 Necropolis (City of the Dead) – One of the largest cemeteries of the ancient world, filled with elaborate tombs and sarcophagi.
🔹 Plutonium (Gateway to the Underworld) – An ancient cave releasing toxic gases, once used for rituals dedicated to Pluto, the god of the underworld.

🪂 Optional: Pamukkale Paragliding (Not Included in Package)
✔ For adventure seekers, take a paragliding flight over Pamukkale, experiencing a once-in-a-lifetime aerial view of the travertines, Hierapolis ruins, and the surrounding landscape.

🌙 Evening: Departure for Cappadocia
✔ 9:00 PM – Board a comfortable overnight bus to Cappadocia, where your adventure continues!
✔ Rest and relax on the overnight journey, as you prepare to explore the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.

🏨 Overnight: Bus to Cappadocia
✨ Prepare for breathtaking landscapes, cave dwellings, and fairy chimneys!

Sights Visited

🌄 Morning: Welcome to Cappadocia!
✔ Arrive in the magical landscape of Cappadocia, where ancient history and otherworldly rock formations come to life.
✔ Check into your Cave Hotel – an experience in itself, offering traditional yet modern comforts inside ancient rock-carved rooms.
✔ Take the morning to rest, explore your hotel, or wander through the charming local villages at your own pace.

🚀 Optional Adventure: ATV (Quad) Bike Safari (Not Included in Package)
📍 5:00 PM – Sunset ATV Safari Adventure
✔ For those looking for an adrenaline rush, embark on an ATV (quad bike) safari through Cappadocia’s dramatic landscapes.
✔ Ride through ancient valleys, hidden trails, and rock-carved formations, offering a thrilling off-road experience.
✔ Catch the sunset from panoramic viewpoints, watching the sky turn golden, orange, and pink over the famous fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.

📌 What’s Included in the ATV Tour?
✔ Guided tour through valleys and rock formations
✔ Sunset panoramic stop for breathtaking photos
✔ Helmet and safety gear provided
✔ A thrilling off-road adventure!
(Note: This activity is optional and requires additional booking. Please inquire in advance.)

🏨 Overnight: Cappadocia Region
✨ Tomorrow, prepare for an unforgettable day exploring the ancient wonders and unique landscapes of Cappadocia!

Sights Visited

🌅 Early Morning: Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Not Included in Package)
✔ Timing: Pre-dawn departure, returning before breakfast.
✔ Experience: Glide over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, deep valleys, and ancient rock dwellings as the sunrise casts a golden glow over the landscape.
✔ Why It’s Special: Witness the breathtaking scenery from above, surrounded by dozens of colorful balloons drifting through the sky.

📌 Includes:
✔ Hotel pickup & drop-off
✔ 1-hour balloon ride with a certified pilot
✔ Champagne celebration & flight certificate
(Note: Hot Air Balloon flights sell out quickly – booking in advance is highly recommended.)

🚐 10:00 AM – Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
🗺 Today’s guided tour takes you through South Cappadocia’s most stunning landscapes and ancient wonders.

📍 Highlights of the Day:
✔ Underground City – Descend into an intricate maze of tunnels used by early Christians to hide from invaders.
✔ Pigeon Valley – A stunning valley filled with ancient rock-carved pigeon houses, once used for farming and fertilization.
✔ Uchisar Castle – The highest rock fortress in Cappadocia, offering panoramic views of the surreal landscape.
✔ Cavusin Village – An ancient village with rock-hewn houses and churches, providing a glimpse into local life from centuries ago.
✔ Rose Valley – A scenic 4 km trek through Meskendir & Rose Valley leading to Red Valley, famous for its vibrant rock formations and soft pink hues.

📌 Includes:
✔ English-speaking guide
✔ Hotel pickup & drop-off
✔ Entrance fees
✔ Lunch at a local restaurant

🎭 Evening: Optional Turkish Night Show & Dinner (Not Included in Package)
✔ Timing: 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
✔ Experience: Enjoy a traditional Turkish cultural night featuring:
✔ Folk dances & music from different regions of Turkey.
✔ Belly dancing & Whirling Dervish performance.
✔ Unlimited local drinks & a full-course Turkish dinner.
✔ Setting: The event takes place in a charming cave restaurant, enhancing the authentic cultural atmosphere.
(Note: This activity is optional and requires pre-booking.)

🏨 Overnight: Cappadocia Region
✨ Prepare for another exciting day exploring the North Cappadocia region tomorrow!

Sights Visited

📍 Day 12: North Cappadocia Tour & Departure for Istanbul

🚐 10:00 AM – Full-Day North Cappadocia Tour
Today, explore the fascinating northern region of Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes, ancient rock-carved churches, and rich cultural heritage.

📍 Highlights of the Day:
✔ Goreme Open-Air Museum – A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-hewn churches, monasteries, and vibrant frescoes from the Byzantine period.
✔ Monks Valley (Pasabag) – Marvel at mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, once inhabited by Christian monks seeking solitude.
✔ Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – A landscape filled with rock formations resembling animals and mystical figures—a natural wonder shaped by wind and time.
✔ Avanos – Visit this picturesque riverside town, famous for its traditional pottery-making techniques that date back thousands of years.
✔ Small Villages & Handicrafts – Experience authentic Cappadocian culture by visiting local villages and watching artisans craft traditional Turkish handicrafts.

📌 Includes:
✔ English-speaking guide
✔ Hotel pickup & drop-off
✔ Entrance fees
✔ Lunch at a local restaurant

🌙 Evening: Overnight Bus to Istanbul
✔ 8:00 PM – Depart for Istanbul on a comfortable overnight bus.
✔ Travel Duration: Approximately 10-12 hours with scheduled rest stops.
✔ Seating: Reclining seats with air-conditioning and onboard facilities for a smooth journey.
✔ Overnight: Bus to Istanbul.
✨ Prepare for the final day of your unforgettable journey!

Sights Visited

🛬 9:00 AM – Arrival in Istanbul
After an overnight bus journey, you will arrive back in Istanbul in the morning, marking the conclusion of your incredible 13-day journey across Turkey.

💡 Options After Arrival:
✔ Transfer Assistance – If you require airport transfers, additional accommodation, or onward travel arrangements, our team is happy to assist.
✔ Explore Istanbul Further – If you have additional time, consider visiting local markets, relaxing at a traditional Turkish hammam, or enjoying a final stroll along the Bosphorus.

🙏 Thank You for Traveling With Us!
We hope this once-in-a-lifetime journey through Turkey has been meaningful, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future! ✨

📌 End of Tour.