COLORS OF TURKEY

Welcome to Turkey, a country rich in culture, history, and unique experiences, where Eastern and Western influences blend seamlessly. Prepare for an extraordinary vacation.

Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration, and collecting your luggage, proceed to our meeting point at Exit Gate 8. Following this, meet our drivers for transfer to the hotel. Arrival and check-in. Free time to rest.

Note: If you cannot find our representatives at the meeting point, please contact our emergency number.

Breakfast. Free day. Optional excursion: “PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS” Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Visit the old Jewish quarter in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the “Golden Horn”; then visit the Church of St. George, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Suleymaniye Mosque, designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and featuring the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. Proceed to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its color and aroma, the ideal spot to buy teas, herbs, nuts, traditional sweets, and of course, spices; conclude with a boat trip along the Bosphorus Strait, which divides the city between Europe and Asia, where you will admire the wonderful views of Ottoman fortresses, palaces, villas, and the bridges connecting both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: The order of the days of excursions in Istanbul may be reversed based on operational conditions, such as the number of participants, weather, traffic, or monument closure days.

Breakfast. Free day. Optional excursion “JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE” (includes lunch at a traditional restaurant): Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) for a tour of the historic center of the city, where you will see remnants from the various empires that shaped modern Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, center of social life in Constantinople for centuries, where you can also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain; the Blue Mosque, with over 20,000 hand-made ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; enjoy a panoramic view of Hagia Sophia, built in 537 as an architectural wonder that has served as a church, mosque, and museum. From the outside, the structure impresses with its enormous dome, an astonishing technical achievement at the time and still one of the largest domes in the world. Continue with the majestic Topkapi Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, where we will visit the beautiful royal gardens, the kitchens, and the rooms of the royal treasures. Discover the mysterious Harem, where the sultan’s wives and children lived, famous for its luxurious decoration.

We continue to the Aya Irini Church, a Byzantine church that did not become a mosque, and end our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world where bargaining is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Accommodation.

Note: For entry to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, consult for additional fees.

Breakfast "lunch-box" and early departure (approx. 06:00 - time to be confirmed by the guide) to Ankara for a panoramic visit of Turkey’s capital and the Atatürk Mausoleum, the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, you will view the Salt Lake, where a stop will be made for photographs at this spectacular location, followed by a visit to a Caravanserai, an ancient Silk Road inn. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 08:00 to explore this wonderful region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Start with the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continue to the region's impressive valleys with their “otherworldly” landscapes, where you can view the iconic geological formations, the famous “Fairy Chimneys”. A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible and extensive panoramic view of some of the famous volcanic rock valleys with spectacular shapes. Proceed to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities for protection throughout history. After the tour, visit a carpet center to see the artisanal production of these treasures and a gemstone center with exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel, dinner, and accommodation.

Optional programs in Cappadocia: “TURKISH NIGHT” Folkloric dance performance in a typical cave with local drinks; “JEep SAFARI” adventure through the region's mystical valleys with stops for the best photos; “HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE” early in the morning to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 06:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to Pamukkale to visit ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder, with giant waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city", referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of Hierapolis' most notable features was its famous theater, which could hold thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created impressive natural terraces and waterfalls known as "Pamukkale", which means "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their historical significance and natural beauty. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to see locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Accommodation.

Breakfast. Departure approx. at 08:00 (time to be confirmed by the guide) to visit the House of Mary, located on a nearby hill. This place is revered as the final home of the mother of Jesus, who, according to Christian tradition, spent her last years in Ephesus under the care of the apostle John. Today, the house is an important pilgrimage site for both Christians and Muslims, who consider it a sacred site. We will pass through Selçuk for a panoramic visit of the city with its rich history, appreciating the Ottoman castle, the Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis, which has made Ephesus an important religious and cultural center of antiquity. Continue with a visit to a showroom specializing in leather goods, where you can see high-quality products made from lambskin, famous for their lightweight pieces. Transfer to the airport for the flight back to Istanbul (flight not included - check mandatory supplements; transfers are included for one group transfer). Accommodation.

Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kuşadasi depending on the season.

Breakfast. Transfer to the airport (IST) and flight back.