Spellbounding Turkiye

Day 1

Welcome to Istanbul

• Welcome to Istanbul ! We're excited to begin this journey with you.
• As you arrive at the airport, our team will be there to greet you.
• Enjoy a comfortable transfer from the airport to your hotel.
• Upon checking into your hotel, make sure to verify the details of your itinerary.
• Information about your welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travellers can be found on the hotel's reception area boards.
• Prepare for an exciting adventure ahead, starting with your first interaction with your guide and travel companions.

Day 2

Istanbul City Tour

• Embark on a panoramic tour of the city, uniquely built on two continents.
• Visit the Suleyman Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, immersing yourself in its magnificent architecture.
• Explore the city's historic elements, including the ancient walls and the iconic Golden Horn.
• Wander through the bustling fishing district and admire the exterior of the famed Hagia Sophia.
• As the day winds down, we will transfer you to Taksim, the city's vibrant commercial and local hub.
• Enjoy dining in one of Taksim's numerous local restaurants.

Optional activities include a ride on the charming old tram that traverses the area or visiting the nearby Galata Tower.

Day 3

Travel from Istanbul to Ankara

• Start your morning with a visit to the grand Topkapi Palace, the former administrative hub of the Ottoman Empire, where you can admire its stunning courtyards and pavilions.
• Embark on a 1-2 hours boat trip on the Bosporus, aboard .
• Enjoy the Bosporus' lively vibe, a strait linking the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, uniquely splitting Istanbul into European and Asian sections.
• Savour the sight of bustling boats, palatial sultan residences, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman villas while crossing under the bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
• Disembark on the Asian side and explore the neighbourhood of Uskudar, known for its impressive mosques like Yemi Valide and tranquil streets. Don't miss the iconic Maiden's Tower.
• Take time out for a lunch break amidst the historic charm of Uskudar.
• Continue your afternoon journey to the Anatolian peninsula, ultimately arriving in Ankara, with a delightful dinner awaiting you.

Day 4

Ankara to Capadoccia

• Commence the day with breakfast before exploring Ankara, Turkey's cosmopolitan capital, renowned for its bustling cultural life including state ballet, opera, symphony orchestra, and national theatre companies.
• Visit the grand Mausoleum of Ataturk and the ancient Ankara Castle, whose initial construction dates back eight centuries BC.
• Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations to delve into the diverse cultures that shaped Turkey's rich heritage.
• Take a midday break at a spacious shopping mall with a variety of culinary options in its food court.
• Post-lunch, continue your journey to the intriguing region of Cappadocia. En route, make a pitstop at the breathtaking Salt Lake.
• Visit Hacibektas, home to the tomb of a 13th-century Sufi mystic. Respect for the pilgrims is paramount, with appropriate attire and quiet behaviour suggested.
• Finally, head to Nevsehir where a delightful dinner awaits, rounding off an unforgettable day.

Day 5

City Tour of Capadoccia

• Spend a day exploring the fantastic region of Cappadocia, renowned for its lunar landscapes, churches, and cave dwellings.
• Discover the open-air museum of the Goreme Valley, admiring churches etched directly into the rock formations. Entrance fees are included.
• Explore Uchisar, a natural fortress offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
• Visit Kaymakli and explore its underground city, which could accommodate 30,000 inhabitants.
• On the way back to Avanos, stop by Pasabag, also known as the 'Valley of the Fairies', for a mesmerizing walk in this stunning natural area.
• Enjoy free time to unwind and explore at your own pace before ending the day with a delicious dinner.

Day 6

Travel from Cappadocia to Safranbolu

• Embark on a captivating journey into the heart of Anatolia, travelling north where landscapes become lush and green.
• Arrive in Safranbolu in the early afternoon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site once significant in caravan routes.
• Explore this charming small city, taking in its preserved Ottoman-era architecture and unique heritage.
• Savour a traditional Turkish tea served in the courtyard of a stunning old Caravanserai, immersing yourself in the city's rich history.
• Conclude your day with a delightful dinner, rounding off an insightful exploration of Safranbolu's past and present.

Day 7

Journey across Safranbolu - Gokgol Magarasi - Eregli - Istanbul

• Begin your journey by following the Black Sea coast, taking in the region's verdant landscapes.
• Visit Gokgol Magarasi, where an entrance to this magnificent cave with its underground river and vibrant colours awaits.
• Continue to Eregli, a Black Sea town, where you can enjoy some leisure time for lunch.
• Discover the awe-inspiring Cehenemagzi caves and tombs in Eregli, steeped in rich mythology.
• Arrive in Istanbul by the end of the day . Overnight at Hotel.

Day 8

Departure

• Start the day with breakfast and then enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace.
• A transfer will be provided to the airport for your departure in the evening.