Welcome to Turkey – Arrival in Istanbul

Your Beautiful Tales of Turkey Tour begins today! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our friendly team will be there to greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in, take the rest of the day to unwind and explore at your own pace. Whether you choose to stroll through the lively streets, indulge in authentic Turkish cuisine, or simply relax at your hotel, let the enchanting charm of Istanbul welcome you.

🌙 Overnight Stay: Istanbul

Discover the Wonders of Istanbul
After a delicious breakfast, embark on a guided tour through the heart of Istanbul, where Asia meets Europe. This dynamic city blends centuries of history with modern energy, offering a captivating journey through its iconic landmarks.

Tour Highlights

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Step into the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire at this magnificent royal palace, home to sultans for centuries. Explore its opulent chambers, beautiful gardens, and awe-inspiring treasury.

🛍 Grand Bazaar – Wander through one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops offering exquisite handicrafts, jewelry, textiles, spices, and more.

🕌 Blue Mosque – Admire the breathtaking Iznik tile interiors of this architectural masterpiece, an enduring symbol of Ottoman elegance and spirituality.

🏟 Hippodrome & Obelisks – Visit the ancient site of chariot races, where historic monuments like the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column still stand, echoing the city’s Roman and Byzantine past.

✨ Hagia Sophia – Experience the awe-inspiring architecture of this legendary structure, which has stood as a cathedral, mosque, and museum, symbolizing the rich cultural tapestry of Istanbul.

A Feast for the Senses
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and history of Istanbul as you marvel at:
The majestic palaces of Ottoman royalty.
The gladiator arenas where ancient battles took place.
The sacred spaces that have inspired devotion for centuries.
The timeless architectural wonders that continue to captivate visitors today.
At the end of your tour, return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Optional Recommendation
🌶 Spice Bazaar Visit (Self-Guided, Not Included in Tour Package)
After the tour, enhance your experience with a visit to the Spice Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with the aromas of Turkish tea, exotic spices, and delightful sweets. This is a fantastic way to soak in the local culture before making your own way back to the hotel.

Important Notes
Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays.
Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays.
Blue Mosque: Limited access on Fridays due to prayer services.

Hotel Pickup Information
🚐 Pickups are available from centrally located hotels in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
Accommodations outside these areas may incur an additional charge. Please contact our team for more details.

🌙 Overnight Stay: Istanbul

A Breathtaking Bosphorus & Istanbul Discovery
Today, embark on an unforgettable journey through Istanbul, starting with a guided exploration of the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, followed by a scenic Bosphorus cruise and a visit to the romantic Pierre Loti Hill.

Morning: Dolmabahce Palace Tour

🏰 Dolmabahce Palace – Begin your day at this opulent imperial palace, built between 1842 and 1853, which housed the last six sultans of the Ottoman Empire. This architectural masterpiece is a blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo styles, showcasing grand halls, stunning chandeliers, and intricate gold-leaf designs.
🔹 The palace also served as the summer residence of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, who spent his final years here.

Midday: Scenic Bosphorus Cruise

🚢 Board your Bosphorus cruise, which takes you on a stunning voyage from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara, offering spectacular views of Istanbul’s waterfront landmarks.
🔹 Maiden’s Tower – A legendary tower with a rich history, once used as a lighthouse, quarantine station, and even a radio tower. Now, it stands as a picturesque restaurant and museum in the middle of the Bosphorus.
🔹 Ancient Walls of Constantinople – Built over 1,600 years ago, these mighty walls protected Topkapi Palace and Istanbul from countless invasions, only being breached twice in history.

🛕 Kucuksu Palace (Stop & Visit) – A lavish Ottoman summer palace built by Sultan Abdülmecid. Despite its small size, its ornate exterior and delicate interior design make it a true gem. Enjoy an hour to explore its beautifully detailed architecture before returning to the boat.
🔹 Ciragan Palace – Once a sultan’s residence, now a luxurious hotel. Though a fire in 1910 destroyed much of its interior, the grand façade remains.
🔹 Ortakoy Mosque – One of Istanbul’s most picturesque mosques, famous for its pink mosaics and stunning location by the water.
🔹 Bosphorus & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges – Sail beneath two of Istanbul’s most iconic bridges, linking Europe and Asia.

🏰 Rumeli Castle – A 15th-century fortress, built by Sultan Mehmed II as part of his strategy to conquer Constantinople. This imposing structure still stands as a testament to Ottoman military power.

Afternoon: Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car Ride
🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – Named after the French novelist who fell in love with Istanbul, this is one of the most romantic viewpoints in the city.
🚠 Cable Car Ride – Glide up the hill for breathtaking panoramic views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn, a natural harbor that has played a crucial role in the city’s history.
☕ Enjoy Turkish Coffee – Take a relaxing break at a traditional café while soaking in the picturesque scenery.

Evening: Return Journey & Final Sightseeing
🚌 Drive through the Old City Walls – Before returning to your hotel (between 17:00 – 18:00), take one last look at the ancient fortifications that have shaped Istanbul’s rich history.

🌙 Overnight Stay: Istanbul

Important Notes
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays – On these days, the tour starts two hours later and may include an alternative itinerary.
Only three sites will be visited on foot: Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill. All other landmarks will be viewed from the boat or bus.

Trabzon City Tour – Exploring the Black Sea Region
🌍 Today, embark on a journey to the stunning Black Sea region as we transfer you to the airport for your domestic flight to Trabzon. This historic coastal city, once known as Trebizond, dates back to 756 BC and offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.

Morning: Discovering Trabzon’s History & Heritage

🏡 Ataturk’s Pavilion – Our first stop is this beautifully preserved historic retreat, where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founder of modern Turkey, once spent his summers. Admire its original furnishings, lush gardens, and stunning views over Trabzon. This villa holds deep sentimental significance for the Turkish people.

🕌 Mosques of Trabzon – Visit some of the city’s most remarkable Ottoman-era mosques, each showcasing stunning architecture and historical importance:
Yavuz Sultan Mosque – An impressive 16th-century Ottoman mosque with elegant design.
İskender Paşa Mosque – A magnificent example of classical Ottoman architecture, built in the 16th century.
Fatih Mosque – Originally a Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque, reflecting Trabzon’s layered history.

Afternoon: Religious & Historic Landmarks

⛪ Kaymaklı Monastery – This ancient Armenian church features intricate frescoes and exquisite stonework, offering a glimpse into Trabzon’s multicultural past.

🏛 Trabzon’s Hagia Sophia – Often called the sister museum of Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, this Greek Orthodox church-turned-mosque-turned-museum houses magnificent frescoes and centuries of history within its sacred walls.

🌉 Zagnos Bridge – A Roman-era bridge, this historic monument has undergone several renovations while preserving its rich historical charm.

Evening: Relax & Enjoy Trabzon
🏨 Overnight Stay in Trabzon – After a full day of exploring Trabzon’s rich cultural and historical treasures, check in to your hotel for a restful evening in this vibrant Black Sea city.

Scenic Journey to Uzungol Lake

🌿 Today, immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Uzungol, one of Turkey’s most stunning landscapes. Nestled in a protected valley, this serene lake is surrounded by lush green mountains, misty forests, and charming wooden houses, offering a peaceful retreat from city life.

Morning: Exploring the Beauty of Uzungol

🚗 Scenic Drive to Uzungol – Depart from Trabzon in the morning and enjoy a picturesque road trip through winding mountain roads, passing tea plantations, waterfalls, and charming Black Sea villages along the way.

🏞 Discover Uzungol – As we arrive at this enchanting lake, take in the crystal-clear waters reflecting the towering pine-covered mountains. The idyllic landscape of Uzungöl is perfect for:
✔ Leisurely lakeside strolls along wooden boardwalks
✔ Hiking trails that offer panoramic viewpoints over the lake
✔ Birdwatching & photography in this protected natural habitat

Afternoon: Relax & Experience Local Culture
☕ Traditional Lakeside Cafés – Savor delicious local Black Sea delicacies, such as:
🍽 Muhlama – A rich, cheesy cornmeal dish
🐟 Freshwater trout, caught directly from the lake
🥤 Rize Tea, harvested from the nearby tea plantations
🛍 Local Shops & Handicrafts – Explore small family-run markets selling handmade wooden souvenirs, local honey, and regional teas.

🏡 Optional Activities: For those who love adventure, Uzungöl offers bike rentals, horse riding, or guided hikes to nearby peaks for even more spectacular views.

Evening: Return to Trabzon
🚗 Scenic Drive Back – As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing drive back to Trabzon, watching the sunset over the rolling hills.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Trabzon – After a day of reconnecting with nature, return to your hotel for a restful night.

Journey to Cappadocia – Arrival & Transfer
✈ Today, embark on the next leg of your adventure as you travel to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia.

Morning: Departure to Cappadocia

🚀 Domestic Flight to Cappadocia – After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri Airport, the gateway to Cappadocia.

👋 Warm Welcome & Transfer – Upon arrival, our team will be there to greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in and soak in the surreal surroundings.

Afternoon: Leisure Time & Exploration
🌄 Relax & Explore at Your Own Pace – After checking in, take the rest of the day to:
✔ Stroll through Goreme, a charming town with cave hotels, cozy cafés, and stunning rock formations.
✔ Visit a local pottery workshop in Avanos, a town famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition.
✔ Enjoy the sunset from Red Valley or Lover’s Hill, offering breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.

Evening: Rest & Prepare for Tomorrow’s Adventures

🏨 Overnight Stay in Cappadocia – Sleep in one of Cappadocia’s unique cave hotels, surrounded by fairy chimneys and rock-carved dwellings. Tomorrow, an unforgettable hot air balloon ride and breathtaking explorations await!

Exploring North Cappadocia – A Journey Through Ancient Wonders
🌍 Today, set off on an unforgettable adventure through North Cappadocia, a region filled with surreal landscapes, ancient settlements, and rich cultural heritage. After being picked up from your accommodation, get ready to explore some of the most iconic and breathtaking sites in Cappadocia.

🌟 Highlights of the Day

📸 Three Beauties – Start your day at one of Cappadocia’s most famous natural landmarks. These three fairy chimneys, surrounded by fascinating legends, make for a perfect photo opportunity.

⛪ Goreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Step into history as you explore this rock-cut monastery complex, featuring:
✔ Ancient churches carved into rock formations
✔ Stunning Byzantine frescoes, some over 1,000 years old
✔ Monastic dwellings that reveal the region’s deep Christian heritage

🌄 Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Let your imagination run wild in this otherworldly landscape filled with rock formations resembling animals and mythical creatures. It’s a dream destination for photography and creative exploration.

🎨 Avanos – The Town of Pottery – Visit this historic town on the banks of the Red River, where pottery-making has been a tradition for centuries.
✔ Watch skilled artisans craft pottery using ancient techniques
✔ Try your own hands at pottery-making in a local workshop

🏛 Monks Valley (Pasabag Valley) – Discover some of Cappadocia’s most iconic fairy chimneys, shaped by nature over millennia. Once home to Christian monks, these towering rock formations hide ancient chapels and hermitages carved into the stone.

🌅 Goreme Esentepe – The Ultimate Panorama – Cap off your tour with a visit to one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in Cappadocia. From here, admire uninterrupted views of the region’s surreal landscape, dotted with fairy chimneys, valleys, and cave dwellings.

🏨 Overnight in a Cave Hotel – Cappadocia
Tonight, experience the magic of staying in a traditional cave hotel. These rock-carved rooms, naturally insulated by volcanic stone, offer a cozy and unforgettable stay, blending history with modern comfort.

🌙 Evening Activity (Optional): Turkish Night Show & Dinner
For those looking to experience the vibrant culture of Turkey, you can join an optional Turkish Night Show in a traditional cave restaurant. This lively evening includes:
✔ Live performances of Turkish folk dances and music
✔ Belly dancing show 💃
✔ Unlimited traditional Turkish food & drinks 🍽️
✔ A mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes performance
📌 This experience is optional and requires an additional cost.

🌜 End of the Day
After a day filled with history, culture, and adventure, return to your cave hotel for a restful night. Tomorrow’s journey will be just as exciting!

🌅 Early Morning (Optional): Hot Air Balloon Flight 🎈
Start your day with an unforgettable adventure! Experience the magic of Cappadocia from above with a Hot Air Balloon Ride, one of the world’s most breathtaking aerial experiences.
🌄 What to Expect:
✔ Watch the sunrise over Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes
✔ Glide above fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient rock formations
✔ Capture breathtaking photos from the sky 📸
✔ Celebrate your flight with a traditional Champagne toast 🥂

📌 This activity is optional and requires an additional cost. Early booking is highly recommended as availability is limited.

🚶‍♂️ South Cappadocia Tour – A Day of Adventure
After breakfast, continue your Cappadocia exploration with a guided South Cappadocia Tour, where awe-inspiring landscapes and underground wonders await!

🌟 Highlights of the Day

🏞 Meskendir Valley – Begin your adventure with a light hike through this stunning valley, filled with hidden cave dwellings, tunnels, and natural rock formations.

🌸 Rose Valley & Red Valley – Marvel at the pink and red-hued rock formations that shift colors with the sunlight. These valleys feature:
✔ Ancient cave churches with well-preserved frescoes
✔ Hiking trails offering panoramic views of the region

🏚 Cavusin Village – Step back in time in this ancient village, home to rock-cut dwellings and early Christian churches. Some of the oldest structures in Cappadocia can be found here.

🐦 Pigeon Valley – Named for the thousands of dovecotes carved into the cliffs, this valley played a crucial role in traditional agriculture, as locals collected pigeon droppings for fertilization.

🏰 Uchisar Castle Panorama – Visit the highest natural viewpoint in Cappadocia! From here, take in breathtaking panoramic views over the region’s surreal landscape.

💖 Love Valley – End your day with a visit to one of Cappadocia’s most iconic and Instagrammable spots, famous for its unique rock formations. This valley offers stunning photo opportunities with its towering, naturally sculpted pillars.

🏨 Overnight in a Cave Hotel – Cappadocia
After a day filled with adventure and breathtaking scenery, return to your cave hotel for another night in Cappadocia’s otherworldly setting.

🌙 Tomorrow, you’ll return to Istanbul for the final leg of your Turkish journey.

Departure – Farewell to Turkey
This morning, it’s time to say goodbye to the magical land of Turkey.

🚐 Airport Transfer – You will be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your flight home or onward to your next destination.
As your Beautiful Tales of Turkey Tour comes to an end, we hope you take home unforgettable memories of:
✨ Istanbul’s rich history and bustling streets
✨ The serene landscapes of the Black Sea region
✨ Cappadocia’s surreal rock formations and fairy chimneys
✨ The warmth of Turkish hospitality and culture

🌍 Until We Meet Again!
Thank you for traveling with us! We wish you a safe and pleasant journey, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more incredible adventures in Turkey.
Goodbye & Safe Travels! ✨😊✈️