10 DAYS TURKEY DELIGHT TST10D 2023-24

                                     Istanbul - Kusadasi - Ephesus – Turkish Village Sirince – Pamukkale - Antalya – Konya - Cappadocia – Istanbul


Day 1 - Arrival Day

Istanbul

Upon our arrival at Istanbul International Airport, our representative will meet, assist and transfer you to the hotel. Istanbul was the capital city of Byzantium & Roman Empires and Ottoman State. It is a most fascinating city, which actually crosses two continents Europe and Asia. It is a city of amalgamation of museums, bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to every one’s taste, customs and fifteen million people. Overnight in Istanbul.


Day 2

Day 2

Istanbul City Tour

After breakfast, we have a Istanbul City Tour. Our first visit will be the HIPPODROME.  The Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Then we will visit the SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE, which is across from Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. It was built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Our next visit will be HAGIA SOPHIA GRAND MOSQUE. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, previously known as the Church of Divine Wisdom, is simply the best of its kind! Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is the greatest surviving example of Byzantine Architecture. For 1000 years, it was once the largest church in the world, decorated with stunning 6th century golden mosaics. Today it is a mosque. Lunch break at 13:00 pm. After lunch,  the TravelShop Group will  be taken to the ASIL EFENDI, which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel.

OPTIONAL DINNER CRUISE ON THE BOSPHORUS TOUR: Tonight Between 19:30 to 23:30 we have an optional Entertaining Dinner Cruise program on the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia are connected. You will spend an unforgettable night on the Bosphorus with dinner, unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, belly dance show, Turkish Folklore show, DJ performance and great entertainment on Bosphorus Dinner Cruise. End of the entertainment at about midnight (00:00 am), transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

(Breakfast and Lunch included)

 

Please Note: Please do not forget to carry headscarf with you for the visit of religious places as Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia Mosque.


Day 3

Day 3

Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise and Flight to Izmir / Kusadasi

After breakfast enjoy BOSPORUS BY BOAT; a traditional excursion by boat along the waterway separating Europe and Asia. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will see the magnificent sights of the following attractions from your boat. Dolmabahce Palace, and further along, the parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. On the coastal edge of this park, is Ciragan Palace, 300 meters of its marble facade faces the shore. In Ortakoy a great variety of artists, gather every Sunday to display their work along the street. Ortakoy is a symbol of tolerance with a church, a mosque and a synagogue existing side by side for centuries. RUMELI FORTRESS (view from boat), built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1452 prior to the conquest of Istanbul. It was completed in only four months to control and protect the infamous Bosporus passage. It is one of the most beautiful works of military architecture anywhere in the world. BEYLERBEYI PALACE (view from boat), a empire summer residence of Ottoman sultans. It exists in its original renovated glory, featuring antique furniture and magnificent gardens with the Harem on the Asian side of Istanbul. Lunch break at a Turkish restaurant. After lunch we will take you to the GRAND SPICE BAZAAR, which is a unique atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping. Here you will find; Exotic Spices and Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits, small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores. After the tour transfer to Istanbul Airport for domestic flight to Izmir. Transfer from airport and check in to your hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)


Day 4

Day 4

Kusadasi - Ephesus Tour - Turkish Village Sirince

After breakfast around 08:30 am, depart from hotel for a fully guided tour of Ephesus. One of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. On route, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes street, famous Roman baths, Celsus Library and Grand Theatre. Lunch break around 13:00 pm. After lunch, we will visit a place which continues to perform one of the oldest arts in Turkey; a carpet-weaving centre. After lunch, we will tour a Turkish Village. Sirince’s construction style today belongs to Anatolian Greeks. The houses on the slopes are all Original with their white paints. Sirince Village also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. We will see the vineyards and it is time to learn how to make fruit wine. In the evening, you will be tested on your knowledge of making fruit wine. On the way, we will visit one of the famous leather production centers of the region, where you will have the opportunity to get a good factory rate. On this guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of ancient craftsmen. Overnight.in.Kusadasi.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)


Day 5

Day 5

Kusadasi - Pamukkale Tour

We depart for Pamukkale at 08:00 am. Upon arrival to Pamukkale we have a lunch break until 13:30 pm. Afterwards we will visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, walk around this natural phenomenon and have the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs. Denizli/Pamukkale means seaside in Turkish and is located on the Buyuk Menderes River.  It is a growing industrial town, known for its textile industry and outlet shopping. You will visit one of the famous textile factories of Pamukkale.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

OPTIONAL TANDEM PARAGLIDING: After Pamukkale Trip, we recommend you to Optional Pamukkale Paragliding tour. Make your Pamukkale Tour unforgettable by participating in Pamukkale Tandem Paragliding Tour. Enjoy a flight over the stunning and infamous White Mountain in Pamukkale and observe spectacular views over this unique area's attractions. Tandem Paragliding in Pamukkale is an ideal alternative experience for those who wish to feel some excited moments. It can also be the perfect way to explore the attractions from above and appreciate the beauty of the natural scenery. This tour will end at approximately 17.30 and you will be transfer back to your hotel. We will stay in a thermal hotel, which has the most beautiful natural hot water of Pamukkale, and you can enjoy the hot thermal pool in the hotel.

 

OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON TOUR: As an option, the next day, we will have the opportunity to take a Hot Air Balloon Flight over Pamukkale's unique white travertines early in the morning, if you want to experience this perfect and unique hot air balloon trip, please make your reservation before you go to Pamukkale. Overnight


Day 6

Day 6

Pamukkale to Antalya

For our guests who want to experience the Hot Air Balloon Tour in Pamukkale, we will depart to the area where balloons take-off at 05:30 in the morning. On the Balloon, you will witness the magnificent and unique view of nature by viewing the morning sunrise over the ancient city of Hierapolis and Cotton White Travertines. They are listed as one of the best 7 wonders of the world and registered in the UNESCO heritage list. After the Hot Air Balloon Excursion, we will celebrate our landing with a champagne ceremony and return to the hotel for a delicious breakfast.

After breakfast, at 10:00am we depart for Antalya. The trip is going to take roughly 3 to 4 hours. Once you reach Antalya, check in to your hotel and rest of time is yours. Dinner and Overnight in Antalya

(Breakfast and Dinner included)


Day 7

Day 7

Antalya Old City Tour and Waterfalls

After breakfast drive to Antalya Old City ( Kaleiçi ) Marina, Clock Tower, Hadrian's Gate, Broken Minaret, Hidirlik Tower: Kaleici is a small historic part of Antalya's modern city, also known as the Old City of Antalya. In history it was once a sprawling modern Roman town, then a Byzantine Empire, then Seljuks, and finally the Ottoman Turkish town. The Hadrian's Gate (or Hadrianus Gate or The Three Gates), is a triumphal arch which was built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian. Antalya's wonder is the Broken Minaret of the Korkut Mosque, which itself was built originally as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD, and this did not have a minaret at all. The Hidirlik Tower is a landmark tower of tawny stone in Antalya, Turkey, where Kaleiçi meets Karaalioglu Park. It is believed to be built in the Hellenistic era, as a square plan and later turned into circular tower in 2nd century AD, and was used as a fortification or a lighthouse in the past. We have lunch at the hotel and than depart for Duden Waterfalls.  All the streams of the region aim at finding their way into the Mediterranean and they pour down the slopes of the Taurus, overland or underground and reaching their destination, resulting in lovely waterfalls, of which there are more than twenty. After the tour go back to hotel and rest of day is yours. Overnight in Antalya

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)


Day 8

Day 8

Antalya - Konya – Cappadocia

After breakfast at 08:00am drive to Konya. 2.5 hours later we have a coffee break and continue to Konya for lunch at 13:00 pm. After lunch, visit the imposing green - tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect (Whirling Dervishes). After the Konya Mevlana tour, drive to Cappadocia. Arrival to Cappadocia around 18:30 pm. and check into your hotel.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)

Please Note: If you wish to join our optional activity of Cappadocia Hor Air Ballooning for tomorrow, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning.
 

OPTIONAL CAPPADOCIA TURKISH NIGHT SHOW: During the evening at 19:30 PM., we have an Optional Tour to enjoy our Turkish Night Shows, which are traditions that have survived from the Ottoman Empire to the present day.  You will enjoy the rich Anatolian food menu, unlimited local alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, belly dance show, Turkish Folklore show, DJ performance and warm service of Anatolian Hospitality. Overnight in Cappadocia.
 


Day 9

Day 9

Cappadocia Tour with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum

For our guests who will experience the Hot Air Balloon Tour, we will pick you up from your hotel in the most beautiful and unique area of the world at 05:30 am. in the morning before the sunrise. We will go to the area where hundreds of Hot Air Balloons will take off through the air. We will watch the sunrise over those splendid fairy chimneys and valleys that impress people with their exquisiteness. After making our flight for about 1 hour, we will celebrate our experience with champagne when we land and collect our flight certificate. Then we will return to our hotel and have our delicious breakfast.
After breakfast at 09:30 depart for a Cappadocia Tour. We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best-preserved underground cities in Cappadocia. After Underground City tour, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum, is famous for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to a restaurant in Avanos to for lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery workshop, to see how to make pottery. Then you go to Love Valley. Love Valley Cappadocia is a hidden valley with scenic formations to say the least. Despite the resemblance to man hood, these amazing rock formations are far from man-made. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. Last stop is the Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and you will be returned back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

(Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included)


Day 10

Cappadocia to Istanbul - End of Tour

After breakfast you will have free time in Cappadocia. Today we depart for Cappadocia Airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul and then back to home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing IBMT Tours.

(Breakfast included)


Includes:

  • All Airport transfer mention in site the Itinerary
  • 2 nights hotel in Istanbul
  • 2 nights hotel in Kusadasi
  • 1 night hotel in Pamukkale
  • 2 nights hotel in Antalya
  • 2 nights hotel in Cappadocia
  • 9 buffet breakfasts
  • 7 local lunches at restaurants during to tours
  • 7 local dinners at the hotels
  • Guided Istanbul City Tour
  • Guided Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise Tour
  • Guided Ephesus and Sirince Village Tour
  • Guided Pamukkale Tour
  • Guided Antalya Old City Tour with waterfalls
  • Guided Konya Tour
  • Guided Cappadocia Tour with Underground City and Goreme Open Air Museum
  • All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
  • Transportation in a fully air - conditioned, non - smoking coach
  • Professional English - speaking tour guides
  • Domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir
  • Domestic flight from Izmir to Kayseri / Nevsehir
  • Domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

 

Excludes:

  • International flightsl
  • Insurance: All types
  • Turkey entry visa
  • Tipping
  • Hotel room taxes
  • Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry
  • Any others expenses which are not mentioned at the included section

Destination

HOTEL CATEGORY & LISTS

Istanbul

5 Star La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul

Kusadasi

4 Star  Casa De Sole Hotel

Pamukkale

5 Star Pam Thermal Hotel

Antalya

4 Star Best Western Plus Khan Hotel

Cappadocia

El Puente Cave Hotel