TOUR Itinerary
On arrival at Istanbul International Airport, you will be met by our local representative in Turkey for a brief meet and greet. Later, proceed to your city centre hotel in Istanbul for check-in.
In the evening, enjoy the popular Bosphorus dinner cruise. Bosphorus strait separates Istanbul’s European side from its Asian side. So, a cruise along the Bosphorus gives you a glimpse of the complete charm of Istanbul. Enjoy your dinner on the cruise while watching fabulous Turkish folk dance performances.
After breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed for a sightseeing tour of Sultanahmet area, Istanbul’s old city.
We will begin the sightseeing tour of the Old city with a visit to the 15th century Topkapi Palace. The palace was home to the family of Ottoman Sultans and also their administrative headquarters. Today it serves as a museum showcasing Ottoman clothing, weapons, religious relics and the wondrous Spoonmaker’s diamond, the fourth largest diamond in the world. Next we visit the Hippodrome to see the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpent Column, remnants of a now extinct stadium for horse racing and chariot racing. During the tour, we also visit The Blue Mosque one of the most prominent landmarks of Istanbul. This Ottoman era mosque incorporates many elements of Byzantine architecture into the Islamic architecture and is considered by many as the last great mosque of Classical period. Our tour is going to conclude in Grand Bazaar for giving you free time of visiting this legendary bazaar. After transfer to the hotel. Dinner coupon at an Indian Restaurant (5 min walking distance from hotel).
Overnight in Istanbul.
After breakfast the hotel, proceed for a day-time Bosphorus cruise. The Bosphorus 2- Continent Cruise is a unique experience in Istanbul, Turkey, offering the opportunity to explore both Europe and Asia in a single journey. Enjoy the scenic and historical landmarks on both sides. The cruise will allow you to admire the Dolmabahce Palace, the Beylerbeyi Palace, the Ciragan Palace, Ortaköy and the Rumeli Fortress, ancient wooden villas and bridges and all the wonderful and unique maritime landscapes.
Afterwards, we will transfer to airport to catch our flight to Cappadocia.
Renowned for its unique and surreal rock structures, Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey that comprises of multiple towns and cities. Located on the silk road, the region’s affluent resources were often looted forcing locals to live in caves. These caves gradually developed into underground cities. The region was plagued by volcanic activity over millions of years – dispersing lava over the entire region. This lava was eroded by the actions of wind, rain and ice, leading to formation of these fantastic and uniquely shaped structures that are today synonymous with Cappadocia.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a full-day sightseeing tour to Cappadocia.
Our first real encounter with Cappadocia almost Martian landscape is in the Dervent valley. From here we pause at Avanos centre of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river and is its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. Afterwards, we will also visit Red valley and then Rose Valley to explore the famous rock- cut churches and hike 2 km.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
SEGV’S RECOMMENDATION : Early morning, catch a breath taking hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia. With over hundreds of hot-air balloons taking off each morning, Cappadocia is indeed one of the best places in the world to enjoy this fun activity. Generally lasting for about an hour, you get to hover above the region and enjoy aerial views of the lunar landscape below.
After breakfast at the hotel, proceed for a tour of Cappadocia’s open air museums and underground cities.
The tour will begin with a visit to Zelve open air museum which gives you a glimpse of the best Byzantine art in Cappadocia. Here you see houses, churches, and monasteries built by the people of the Cappadocia Region, who realised that the soft rocks engulfing the region could be easily carved out for habitation. Next we shall visit Pigeon Valley and we continue our tour to the famous underground city of Cappadocia. The underground cities developed in this region as a way of natives to safeguard themselves against plundering tribes. These cities were built over multiple stories, with stables, tunnels, cellars and shafts to reach underground rivers.
After the tour, proceed to the airport to catch the evening flight to Antalya. After arrival transfer to the hotel. Antalya is one of the most popular beach destination in the world. Its stunning beaches are flanked by large hotels and the city’s old Harbour is home to luxury yachts. It’s a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters.
Overnight in Antalya.
After breakfast at the hotel, Proceed for a city tour of Antalya
We begin the tour with a visit to the majestic Duden Waterfalls. The breath-taking falls are unique because here the water falls directly into the sea. Our next stop will be in Antalya’s old town, also called Kaleiçi. Here, you will see the Gate of Hadrian Also visit Palm Street , a Roman triumphal arch built in honor of Emperor Hadrian’s visit in 130 AD. , a picturesque street lined with towering palm trees, charming cafes, and boutique shops.
Also check out the popular landmarks in Kaleice such as the Clock Tower, Fluted Minaret, and the ancient harbor. There are many beautiful old houses in Kaleici.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Antalya.
After early breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to Pamukkale – The Cotton Palace and the city of Hierapolis.
Located in Southern Turkey, Pamukkale is a site of other-worldly natural beauty. For millions of years, mineral rich water from nearby hot springs have deposited Calcium Carbonate, leading to formation of the exquisite Travertine terraces. You can wander about this cotton castle on your own and dip in the hot water canals that have served as a natural spa since 2nd BCE.
After the tour of the beautiful Travertine terraces, we will explore the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. Apart from being a major religious centre, the city was a popular thermal spa resort where elite visitors come from far and wide to dip into the hot springs. During the tour of this surprisingly well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site, we will visit the Temple of Apollo, Necropolis (Cemetery), Antique Pool and the amphitheatre.
After the tour return to Antalya for overnight stay.
SPECIAL NOTE: Cleopatra Pool ticket can only be purchased on the spot and is not included in tour price. Please do not forgot to bring your swimsuit with you.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to Antalya airport to catch your flight back to India.
Arrive home with pleasant memories of your Turkey tour organized by State Express Global Voyages, which we are sure you will treasure for a lifetime.
