Turquia Fabulosa

Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul



Arrival and assistance. Transfer to the hotel. Accommodation.

Day 2 | Istanbul - Ankara

Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning with the option to participate in the optional excursion “Essence of Constantinople.” At the agreed time (approximately 2:00 p.m.), departure by bus to Ankara, crossing the intercontinental bridge of Istanbul. Arrival in the country's capital, dinner, and accommodation. 

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

OPTIONAL EXCURSION – ESSENCE OF CONSTANTINOPLE (Half day without lunch)

An immersive experience of the city's most iconic tourist attractions. The tour includes a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait (on a regular boat), sailing along the Sea of Marmara between the Asian and European sides of Istanbul. During the cruise, you can see monuments such as the Dolmabahce and Ciragan Palaces, as well as the Rumeli Hisar Fortress, among others. Next, we will visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a symbol of the various religious transformations it has undergone over the centuries, from church to museum, to its recent conversion back into a mosque. We will then have free time at the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sundays and religious holidays), a building that houses more than 4,000 shops inside.

Day 3 | Ankara - Cappadocia

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, dedicated to the “Father of the Turks” and founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal. Continue to Cappadocia, with a stop at Salt Lake, Turkey's second largest lake, known for the vibrant color of its waters, which can vary to shades of pink due to chemical reactions from algae, depending on the season. During the journey, we will explore the underground city of Ozkonak or Saratli, built by Christian communities to protect themselves from Arab attacks. The underground city still has stables, common rooms, a meeting room, and small rooms for families. Before arriving at the hotel, we will visit a pottery shop, where we will learn about the production process, the quality of the handmade ceramics, and how they have become part of the region's cultural heritage. Dinner and accommodation.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 4 | Cappadocia

OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON RIDE EXCURSION At sunrise, possibility of participating in an optional hot air balloon ride excursion, a unique experience over the rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, and moon-like landscapes. Return to the hotel.

Breakfast at the hotel. Day dedicated to the exploration of this fantastic region, with an emphasis on the Göreme Open-Air Museum, one of the most important sites in Cappadocia. The museum is famous for its rock-cut churches, dating from the 10th and 11th centuries, and for its impressive Byzantine paintings and frescoes. Furthermore, the Göreme Open-Air Museum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reflects its historical and cultural importance for the region. Next, a stop at a local jewelry store to discover how precious stones are part of the tradition and trade of jewelry in Cappadocia. We will continue with a visit to the troglodyte village of Uçhisar, which offers stunning panoramic views and a fascinating rock-cut castle. Then, we will explore the Love Valley, one of Cappadocia's most iconic settings, with its stone columns and towers that create a surreal and romantic environment. Departure for the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), known for its curious and varied rock formations that resemble figures and animals, and the Pigeon Valley, where caves and niches were historically built by local inhabitants to house pigeons and collect guano, a valuable fertilizer.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

OPTIONAL TURKISH SHOW EXCURSION In the evening, an optional excursion is offered to attend a show of typical dances of the region. The show includes unlimited drinks such as beer, wine, and raki (a traditional Turkish drink containing 40 degrees of alcohol and anise). We will have dinner at the hotel before going to the venue. Return and overnight stay.

Day 5 | Cappadocia - Pamukkale

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Pamukkale, with a stop at a carpet store to explore the rich tradition of Turkish weaving and discover how carpets reflect the cultural heritage and craftsmanship techniques passed down through generations. Then, a visit to the Kervansaray, an ancient caravanserai that illustrates the historical tradition of the region. We continue the journey to Hierapolis, known as "The Sacred City" due to its numerous temples and religious buildings, and Pamukkale, where limestone pools formed by thermal water make the region a point of great interest. The name "Pamukkale," which means "Cotton Castle," is famous for its white layers of travertine covering the natural pools, creating a scene of unique beauty. Both were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their relevance and appeal as a global tourist destination. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 6 - Pamukkale – Ephesus - Izmir or Kusadasi

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Ephesus. Arrival and visit to the ruins of Ephesus, which was the fifth largest city in the Roman world in its time. During our visit, we will explore the famous Celsus Library, one of the most impressive of antiquity, surpassed only by the Library of Alexandria. We will also visit the Great Theater, capable of seating up to 25,000 spectators, and various Roman and Hellenic temples, such as the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Agora. We will walk along Marble Street, one of the main thoroughfares of the ancient city, and pass by the House of Love and the magnificent theater, where important events and shows were held. Then, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John and lived until her Assumption (according to Catholic doctrine) or Dormition (according to Orthodox beliefs). This sacred site is a pilgrimage point, attracting numerous Christian tourists throughout the year. In the afternoon, we will make a stop at a leather production center, where we will attend a fashion show featuring pieces from the seasonal collection. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Meals included: Breakfast and dinner

Day 7 - Izmir or Kusadasi – Pergamon – Canakkale

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for the ancient city of Pergamon, one of the main cultural, commercial, and medical centers of antiquity. We will visit the famous Asclepion, considered one of the most important health centers of the time, dedicated to the god of medicine. This place is also known as the first psychiatric hospital in history, where medical research was conducted and various methods of treatment were applied. After the visit, we will continue our journey to Canakkale, stopping in the center to take photos of the Trojan Horse, the same one used in the Hollywood movie starring Brad Pitt. (Entrance to the Troy excavation is not included).

Transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Meals included: breakfast and dinner.

Day 8 | Canakkale – Bursa – Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure for Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the city, we will visit the Great Mosque, known as “Ulu Camii,” one of Bursa's most important landmarks. We will also visit the famous Silk Bazaar, “Koza Han,” a significant ancient trading center during the Silk Road era, where merchants sell silk, textiles, and traditional handicrafts. Finally, we will explore the Green Mausoleum, the tomb of Mehmet I, Ottoman sultan, which is an impressive example of green earthenware tiles covering both the exterior and interior, reflecting the skill and decorative style of the period. Continue to Istanbul. Accommodation.



Meals included: Breakfast

Day 9 - Istanbul

Breakfast at the hotel. Free day with the option to participate in the optional excursion “Pearls of Istanbul,” with lunch included.

Meals included: Breakfast

OPTIONAL EXCURSION – PEARLS OF ISTANBUL (Full day with lunch)

The excursion begins with a visit to Topkapi Palace, where the sultans lived between 1478 and 1856. This palace is a monumental complex consisting of various kiosks, gardens, and scattered areas, located in the historic district near the entrance to the Golden Horn. We then continue to the Hippodrome and visit the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque. Opened in 1617, it is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets, highlighting its importance. We ended the visit with free time at the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), located in the old historic district of Eminonu, an ideal place to buy spices, dried fruits, teas, and a variety of other typical Turkish delicacies. After the visit, we returned to the hotel. Accommodation. 

Day 10 - Istanbul - Departure

Breakfast at the hotel. At the agreed time, transfer to the airport.

Meals included: Breakfast

NOTE: Check-out is at noon and luggage can be left at the hotel.

Passengers have free time UNTIL THE TIME SET FOR THE TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT.