Welcome to Your Tour! ✨🏙️

Your incredible journey through Turkey begins now! Upon your arrival in Istanbul, our friendly team will be there to greet you at the airport and ensure a smooth transfer to your hotel.
✅ Private airport pickup for a stress-free arrival.
✅ Comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you can unwind after your travels.
✅ Free time to explore Istanbul at your own pace or simply relax.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Full-Day Tour: Istanbul’s Iconic Sights 🏛️✨
Today, immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich history and stunning architecture, visiting some of the city’s most famous landmarks. From Byzantine marvels to Ottoman grandeur, this tour offers a deep dive into Istanbul’s fascinating past.

📍 Highlights of the Tour

🔹 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) 🕌
✅ One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, built between 1609 and 1616.
✅ Famous for its striking domes, six towering minarets, and grand courtyard.
✅ The interior is adorned with over 20,000 blue İznik tiles, creating an awe-inspiring ambiance.
📌 Note: The mosque is closed to visitors during Friday prayers, but you can still admire its exterior beauty and surroundings.

🔹 Hippodrome & Obelisks 🏟️
✅ Once the center of Roman and Byzantine life, hosting chariot races and grand events.
✅ Home to historical monuments, including:
The Obelisk of Theodosius – An ancient Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinople in the 4th century.
The Serpent Column – A bronze monument dating back to ancient Greece.
The German Fountain – A beautifully crafted gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II.

🔹 Hagia Sophia & Museum 🏛️
✅ Built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian, the Hagia Sophia was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly 1,000 years.
✅ Converted into a mosque by the Ottomans, and now a museum and UNESCO-listed site.
✅ Marvel at the massive dome, intricate mosaics, and a blend of Christian and Islamic influences.

🔹 Topkapi Palace & Harem 🏰
✅ Served as the administrative and royal residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years.
✅ Explore its lavish halls, opulent courtyards, and sacred relics.
✅ Visit the Harem (optional, additional fee required) to see where the sultan’s family and concubines once lived.
📌 Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🔹 Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) 🛍️
✅ One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, dating back to 1461.
✅ A maze of over 4,000 shops, offering handwoven carpets, gold jewelry, ceramics, textiles, spices, and souvenirs.
✅ A vibrant atmosphere where you can experience centuries-old trade and craftsmanship.
📌 Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

📍 Our Recommendation: Spice Bazaar Visit (Independent) 🌶️🍵
Once your guided tour concludes, you’ll have free time. We highly recommend:
✅ Visiting the Spice Bazaar, where fragrant spices, Turkish teas, and colorful delights create an unforgettable sensory experience.
✅ Sampling Turkish delight, dried fruits, saffron, and herbal teas from local vendors.
✅ Exploring at your own pace before returning to your hotel.
📌 This visit is not included in the guided tour but is easy to explore independently.

📌 Important Notes & Pickup Information
🔹 Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays.
🔹 Blue Mosque: Entry restricted during Friday prayers.
🔹 Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays.
🔹 Hotel Pickup Locations: Complimentary pickups from Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim. (Additional charges may apply for locations outside these areas.)

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Bosphorus Cruise & Iconic Istanbul Landmarks 🌊🏛️
Today’s journey offers a perfect blend of history, breathtaking architecture, and stunning Bosphorus views. Sail between Europe and Asia, explore Ottoman palaces, and take in spectacular panoramic sights of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🔹 Dolmabahce Palace Tour 🏰
Begin your day with a guided tour of Dolmabahce Palace, a magnificent Ottoman residence built between 1842 and 1853, blending Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
✅ Former residence of the last six Ottoman sultans, featuring lavish interiors, intricate gold-leaf decorations, and opulent furnishings.
✅ The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, gifted by Queen Victoria of England.
✅ Grand ceremonial halls, marble staircases, and stunning waterfront views.
📌 Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays—on these days, the tour will start two hours later.

🔹 Bosphorus Cruise: Istanbul from the Water 🚤🌉
Step aboard a scenic boat cruise along the Bosphorus, where you’ll see:

✅ Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A mysterious islet with a legendary past, once used as a lighthouse, hospital, and radio tower—now a restaurant and museum.
✅ The Old Constantinople Walls – Ancient fortifications that protected Topkapi Palace and the Byzantine Empire for centuries.
✅ Kucuksu Palace – A lavishly decorated imperial hunting lodge, where you’ll have a short stop to explore its grandeur.
✅ Ciragan Palace & Ortakoy Mosque – Ottoman-era architectural gems, perfectly positioned along the waterfront.
✅ Bosphorus & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges – Connecting Europe and Asia, offering stunning engineering feats.
✅ Beylerbeyi Palace & Rumeli Castle – Key Ottoman landmarks with rich history and stunning architecture.

📌 Walking stops: Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill.
📌 All other landmarks will be seen from the boat or bus.

🔹 Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car Ride 🚡🌅
Named after French novelist Pierre Loti, this hilltop retreat offers:
✅ Breathtaking views of the Golden Horn, one of Istanbul’s most scenic spots.
✅ A relaxing cable car ride, providing stunning panoramas as you ascend and descend.
✅ Cafés overlooking the city, perfect for enjoying a traditional Turkish tea while admiring the picturesque skyline.

🔹 The Old City Walls 🏰
Wrap up your tour with a scenic drive along Istanbul’s historic Old City Walls, offering a glimpse into the city’s ancient fortifications and defensive structures.
✅ Originally built by Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century, these walls protected Constantinople for nearly 1,000 years.
✅ Well-preserved gates and towers, showcasing the city’s historic grandeur.

📌 Tour Details & Important Notes
🔹 Return Time: Approximately 5:00-6:00 PM.
🔹 Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays – On these days, the tour will start two hours later.
🔹 Walking stops only at:
Dolmabahce Palace 🏰
Kucuksu Palace 🏛️
Pierre Loti Hill 🌅
📌 All other sights will be viewed from the boat or bus.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

Sights Visited

Hotel Pickup & Flight from Istanbul to Trabzon ✈️🌿
On the fourth day of your Green and Sunny Dreams Tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in Istanbul (limited to hotels in Sultanahmet and Taksim) and transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Trabzon.
🛬 Upon arrival in Trabzon, you will be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax and prepare for the day’s adventure.

📍 Journey to Uzungol: A Lakeside Retreat 🏞️💦
Departing from Trabzon, we will travel to Uzungol, a stunning highland lake located about one hour away. Nestled in the Kackar Mountains, Uzungöl is famous for its alpine scenery, mist-covered forests, and peaceful ambiance.

📍 Cultural Stops Along the Way

🔹 Tea Factory Visit 🍃☕
✅ Learn about Trabzon’s centuries-old tea industry, a key part of the Black Sea region’s economy.
✅ Watch the tea production process, from harvesting to drying and packaging.
✅ Sample fresh, aromatic Turkish tea, and purchase high-quality local blends to take home.

🔹 Surmene Knives & Gift Shop 🔪🎁
✅ Visit Surmene, a region renowned for its master blacksmiths who have been crafting high-quality knives for over 3,000 years.
✅ Watch artisans at work, demonstrating traditional forging techniques.
✅ Browse an impressive selection of handcrafted knives, each expertly crafted and uniquely designed.
✅ Pick up a one-of-a-kind gift from this heritage craft.

📍 Afternoon: Discovering Uzungol Lake 🌲💦
Upon arrival in Uzungol, enjoy a delicious lakeside lunch before setting out to explore at your own pace.

🛶 Rent a pedal boat and glide across the peaceful lake, soaking in the mirror-like reflections of the mountains.
🥾 Follow scenic hiking trails that lead through forested hills, offering chances to spot local wildlife such as lynxes, wild boars, and colorful bird species.
📸 Capture breathtaking photos of the glacial lakes, waterfalls, and alpine scenery that make Uzungöl one of Turkey’s most picturesque destinations.
☕ Relax in a cozy café by the lake, sipping on traditional Turkish tea while enjoying the serene atmosphere.

📌 Did You Know? Uzungöl sits at 1,090 meters above sea level and was formed by a landslide blocking the Haldizen River, creating a natural lake surrounded by lush forests.

📍 Evening: Return to Trabzon 🌅🚐
As the sun sets over the Black Sea, we’ll begin our journey back to Trabzon, enjoying the scenic drive through rolling green valleys.
🚐 Drop-off at your hotel, where you can relax and unwind after a full day of exploration.

🌙 Overnight in Trabzon

Sights Visited

Fırtına Valley, Ayder Plateau & Natural Wonders 🌿🏞️
Today’s adventure takes you deep into the lush landscapes of the Black Sea region, where you’ll explore rushing rivers, misty mountains, and serene highland retreats. This journey is the perfect mix of culture, adventure, and nature, offering breathtaking scenery and thrilling experiences.

📍 Morning: Clothing Factory Visit & Fırtına Valley
🕘 Pickup Time: 9:00 AM from your hotel in Trabzon.
🚐 Departure: Scenic drive through the lush green landscapes of the Black Sea region.

🔹 Clothing Factory Visit 👕
✅ Gain insight into Turkey’s textile industry and how locally made garments are distributed nationwide.
✅ Witness traditional and modern manufacturing techniques.
✅ Browse and purchase high-quality, locally made clothing (optional).

🔹 Fırtına Valley (Storm Valley): A Natural Wonderland 🌊🌲
Next, we head to Fırtına Valley, one of Turkey’s most picturesque river valleys. Known for its rolling green hills, mist-covered mountains, and ancient bridges, this valley is a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
✅ Marvel at centuries-old stone bridges, gracefully arching over the rushing Fırtına River.
✅ Spot the unique crisscrossing pulley systems, used by villagers to transport goods between remote mountain homes.
✅ Learn about the valley’s cinematic fame—the award-winning Turkish film Bal (Honey) was filmed here.

📌 Optional Activity: River Rafting in Fırtına Valley 🚣‍♂️🌊
For those seeking adventure, experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the Fırtına River. This exhilarating activity provides a completely different perspective of the valley’s stunning scenery. (📌 Additional cost applies.)

📍 Afternoon: Discovering Ayder Plateau 🏔️🌿
From Fırtına Valley, we’ll ascend into the Ayder Plateau, a stunning mountain retreat known for its fresh alpine air, wooden houses, and breathtaking landscapes.

🔹 Lunch with a View 🍽️
Enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional highland restaurant, surrounded by majestic mountain peaks and dense forests.

🔹 Free Time for Exploration 🚶‍♂️🌲
After lunch, you’ll have time to explore the plateau at your own pace:
✅ Hike through scenic trails, passing wooden chalets, wildflower meadows, and waterfalls.
✅ Breathe in the crisp mountain air, perfect for relaxation and meditation.
✅ Photograph the stunning landscapes, capturing the dramatic cliffs and mist-covered peaks.
📌 Optional Activity: Relax in Ayder’s Natural Thermal Springs ♨️
For a truly rejuvenating experience, visit Ayder’s natural hot springs, known for their mineral-rich, healing waters. (📌 Additional cost applies.)

📍 Evening: Waterfalls & Return to Trabzon 💦🌄
On our way back, we’ll make several scenic stops at the region’s most beautiful waterfalls, allowing time to:
✅ Enjoy the relaxing sound of cascading waters.
✅ Take in the serene natural surroundings.
✅ Capture breathtaking landscape photos before heading back to Trabzon.
🚐 Return to Trabzon in the evening, where you’ll be dropped off at your hotel for a relaxing night.

🌙 Overnight in Trabzon

Sights Visited

Trabzon’s Old City & Scenic Highlights 🏛️🌿
Today, explore Trabzon’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes, uncovering the city’s Byzantine, Ottoman, and modern Turkish heritage before flying to Antalya’s Mediterranean paradise.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🔹 Aya Sofya Museum: Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia 🏛️
✅ A Byzantine-era church-turned-museum, dating back to the 13th century.
✅ Features well-preserved frescoes, detailed mosaics, and intricate stone carvings.
✅ A beautiful courtyard and sea-facing gardens, offering a peaceful atmosphere.

🔹 Ataturk’s Villa: A Presidential Retreat 🏡🌳
✅ A charming summer residence where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stayed during his visits to Trabzon.
✅ Elegant Art Deco architecture, surrounded by manicured gardens.
✅ Fascinating exhibits, including original furniture, historical photographs, and Ataturk’s personal belongings.

🔹 Boztepe Hill: Panoramic Views of Trabzon 🌅
✅ A scenic hilltop park, offering breathtaking views of the city and the Black Sea.
✅ Perfect spot for photography, capturing Trabzon’s skyline and coastal beauty.
✅ Enjoy a cup of Turkish tea at a hilltop café, soaking in the relaxing atmosphere.

🔹 Sera Lake: A Hidden Natural Gem 💦🌳
✅ A serene lake, naturally formed by a landslide in 1950.
✅ Surrounded by lush greenery, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and photography.
✅ Optional Activity: Rent a small paddle boat for a peaceful ride on the lake (additional cost applies).

📍 Afternoon: Transfer to Antalya ✈️🏖️
🚐 Transfer to Trabzon Airport, where you’ll catch your domestic flight to Antalya.
🛬 Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy your first evening in the Mediterranean paradise of Antalya.

🌙 Overnight in Antalya

Sights Visited

Antalya’s Old City, Waterfalls & Scenic Highlights 🏛️🌊
Today, explore Antalya’s charming Old City, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking coastal views, combining history, nature, and adventure for an unforgettable day.

📍 Highlights of the Day

🔹 Kaleici (Old City) Walking Tour 🏰🚶‍♂️
Step into Antalya’s historic heart, where Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences come together. Walk through narrow, winding streets, lined with colorful Ottoman-era houses, quaint cafés, and hidden courtyards.
✅ Hadrian’s Gate – A grand Roman arch built in 130 AD to honor Emperor Hadrian.
✅ Hıdırlık Tower – A 2nd-century Roman watchtower with coastal views.
✅ Republic Square – A lively public plaza offering panoramic views of Antalya’s coastline.
✅ Hidden courtyards & boutique shops, showcasing traditional Turkish craftsmanship.
📌 Pro Tip: Stop by a local café and enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or pomegranate juice, soaking in the Old City’s ambiance.

🔹 Boat Ride & Waterfalls Tour 🚤💦
After exploring Kaleici, set sail on a scenic 1-hour boat ride, offering unmatched coastal views and stops at two of Antalya’s most famous waterfalls:
✅ Karpuzkaldıran Falls (Lower Duden Falls) – A stunning waterfall plunging directly into the sea from a 40-meter-high cliff.
✅ Duden Falls – A majestic cascade, best viewed from the water.
✅ Enjoy a relaxing lunch onboard, surrounded by serene coastal beauty.
📌 Did You Know? The Duden waterfalls originate from water flowing from the Taurus Mountains, creating a natural wonder that has mesmerized travelers for centuries.

🔹 Tunektepe Cable Car & Sarısu Beach 🚡🏖️
Continue the adventure with a thrilling ride on the Tunektepe Cable Car, offering:
✅ Spectacular aerial views of Antalya’s coastline, Old Town, and surrounding mountains.
✅ A scenic descent to Sarısu Beach, a relaxing coastal park and picnic area.
✅ Free time to unwind by the shore, take a short walk, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
📌 Fun Fact: The Tünektepe Hill reaches 618 meters above sea level, making it one of the highest viewpoints in Antalya.

📌 Important Notes & Pickup Information
🔹 Complimentary pickup is available for hotels in Konyaaltı and Kundu.
🔹 Additional charges may apply for pickups outside these areas—please contact our team for details.
🔹 The boat tour and cable car ride are subject to weather conditions.

🌙 Overnight in Antalya

Sights Visited

Pamukkale & Ancient Hierapolis Tour 💦🏛️
Today, experience one of Turkey’s most breathtaking natural and historical wonders—the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis. This journey combines relaxation, history, and adventure, offering stunning landscapes and fascinating ruins.

📍 Early Morning: Transfer to Pamukkale 🚍🌅
🕠 Pickup Time: 5:30 AM from your hotel in Antalya.
🚍 Morning Bus to Denizli – A scenic drive through the Turkish countryside.
📍 Arrival in Denizli: Our representatives will meet you at the bus station and provide a private transfer to Pamukkale.
🔹 Lunch in Pamukkale 🍽️
Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious meal at a local restaurant, giving you time to recharge before exploring.

📍 Midday: Pamukkale’s Natural Wonders 💦✨
Prepare to be amazed by the white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its mineral-rich, healing waters.
✅ Walk barefoot along the dazzling white terraces, feeling the soft calcium deposits beneath your feet.
✅ Relax in the warm, soothing waters, which have been drawing visitors for thousands of years.
✅ Capture breathtaking photos of the surreal cotton-like landscape, a truly one-of-a-kind natural wonder.
📌 Did You Know? The name “Pamukkale” means “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, referring to the cotton-like formations of the travertine pools.

📍 Afternoon: Exploring the Ancient City of Hierapolis 🏛️
After soaking in the thermal waters, step back in time to Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city built around these healing hot springs.

🔹 The Ancient Amphitheater 🎭
✅ A massive Roman theater with a seating capacity of 12,000 spectators.
✅ Panoramic views of the entire Pamukkale region.
✅ Intricate carvings and well-preserved stage decorations that bring history to life.

🔹 Temples & Cathedrals ⛪
✅ Discover the remains of temples and churches, showcasing Hierapolis’s spiritual diversity.
✅ Walk through the Roman baths, once used for healing and relaxation.

🔹 The Necropolis ⚰️
✅ One of Turkey’s largest ancient cemeteries, home to thousands of sarcophagi and tombs.
✅ A blend of different cultural influences, reflecting the diverse groups who sought healing in Hierapolis.
📌 Optional Activity: Take a swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, an ancient thermal bath where you can bathe among submerged Roman columns. (📌 Entry requires an additional fee.)

📍 Late Afternoon: Tour Conclusion & Relaxation 🌅
🕓 Tour Ends at 4:00 PM – Return to your hotel in Pamukkale to unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening.

📍 Optional Adventure: Pamukkale Paragliding 🪂✨
For those seeking an extra thrill, consider an optional paragliding tour over Pamukkale’s natural terraces and ancient ruins.
✅ Soar high above Pamukkale, witnessing a breathtaking aerial view of the white travertines and historic ruins.
✅ Feel the excitement of gliding over one of Turkey’s most stunning landscapes.
✅ An unforgettable adventure, perfect for capturing incredible photos and videos.
📌 This activity is optional and available at an additional cost. If you’d like to add this thrilling experience, let us know in advance!

🌙 Overnight in Pamukkale

Sights Visited

Early Morning Optional Tour: Hot Air Balloon Ride 🎈✨
Begin your final day in Pamukkale with a magical hot air balloon ride, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience above this breathtaking natural wonder.
✅ Flight Duration: Approximately 1 hour.
✅ Unmatched Views: See Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, ancient ruins, and lush green landscapes from above.
✅ Sunrise Experience: Witness the soft golden light illuminating the cotton-white formations and Roman ruins.
✅ Champagne Celebration: Toast to an unforgettable journey upon landing.
📌 This activity is optional and available at an additional cost. If you’d like to add this experience, let us know in advance!

📍 Transfer to Denizli Airport & Flight to Istanbul ✈️🏙️
🚐 Hotel Pickup & Private Transfer to Denizli Airport.
🛫 Flight from Denizli to Istanbul, marking the final leg of your journey.
🛬 Arrival in Istanbul, where our services officially conclude.

📌 Need Further Assistance?
If you require:
✅ Additional travel arrangements, such as flights or transfers.
✅ Accommodation bookings in Istanbul or another destination.
✅ Local recommendations for dining, shopping, or sightseeing.
👉 Our team at Alaturca is happy to assist you!

🌍 Thank You for Choosing Alaturca! ✨
We hope you leave Turkey with cherished memories of breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again! 🚀😊