Charms of Turkey

Arrival in Istanbul, the city that bridges Europe and Asia. Meet-and-greet at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your flight schedule, you will have free time to rest or take a first walk around the area.

Free morning to rest from your journey or to explore the city on your own. Around midday we start discovering classical Istanbul with the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. We then move to the modern part of the city to see the Galata Tower from the outside and walk along lively İstiklal Street. After lunch, we enjoy a Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, wooden mansions and fortresses. The day ends in the Spice Bazaar, full of teas, nuts, sweets and spices.

Today we cross officially into Asia to discover a more local side of Istanbul. We stroll through Kuzguncuk, with its colourful houses and neighbourhood atmosphere, and continue up to Çamlıca Hill for superb views over the Bosphorus. Then we walk along Salacak, opposite the romantic Maiden’s Tower. Lunch is taken en route in the Bolu area before driving on to Ankara, the capital of the Republic. Arrival, dinner at the hotel and overnight.

We start the day visiting the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir), resting place of the founder of the Republic, with its sober architecture and strong symbolism. Then we set off across the central Anatolian plateau towards Cappadocia, stopping by the Salt Lake (Tuz Gölü) and visiting a caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road. Arrival in Cappadocia, check-in at the hotel, dinner and optional Turkish night with folk dances.

At sunrise, those who wish can join an unforgettable hot-air balloon flight (optional), drifting over the valleys of Cappadocia. After breakfast, we dedicate the day to exploring the region: Göreme Open-Air Museum with its rock-cut churches and frescoes, viewpoints over the Göreme panorama and the striking silhouette of Uçhisar Castle. We visit a cave house to learn about troglodyte life and stop at traditional carpet and jewellery workshops. Dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast we leave Cappadocia and drive across inland Anatolia towards the Aegean region. We cross steppe landscapes and fertile plains, with lunch en route. In the afternoon we arrive in Pamukkale, the famous “Cotton Castle” with its white travertine terraces, and visit the Roman city of Hierapolis with its necropolis and theatre. Dinner and overnight in a thermal hotel.

After breakfast we drive to Ephesus, one of the archaeological jewels of the Mediterranean. We walk along the Marble Street, stop in front of the Library of Celsus, see the impressive Theatre and the Temple of Hadrian. We visit a leather goods shop where local products are presented, then continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a place of pilgrimage. At the end of the day we head to Izmir or Kuşadası for dinner and overnight.

Breakfast and departure towards Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. In the historic centre we visit the Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) and the historic Koza Han (Silk Bazaar). Lunch en route and continuation to Istanbul. Arrival at the hotel and free evening.

Today we dive into the historic heart of Istanbul: the Sultanahmet district. On a walking tour we visit the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, the majestic Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, residence of the Ottoman sultans for centuries. After lunch, there is free time in the legendary Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world.

Breakfast at the hotel and free time until the scheduled transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight. End of our services.