10-Day Turkey Tour from Istanbul with Airport pick up - Mediterranean and Balkans Tour Code: 838-20299 europamundo 2602607

We'll start with a panoramic tour of the city, exploring this unique metropolis that spans two continents. Our tour includes a visit to the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, as well as stops at the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia.As the afternoon draws to a close, we'll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city's most vibrant commercial district. There, you'll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and hop on the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.

Your day begins with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, known for its stunning courtyards and pavilions. Admission is included. Afterward, you will embark on a private boat trip on the Bosphorus, lasting approximately two hours. This journey takes you through the strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You will see the lively activity of the strait, pass under the two bridges linking the continents, and admire waterfront palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Boat tickets are included. You will then disembark on the Asian side in the Uskudar district and continue by road to the Anatolian Peninsula, arriving in Ankara in time for your included dinner.

After breakfast, we'll begin our day with a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We'll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We'll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. We'll continue our journey to Cappadocia, making a stop at the Salt Lake for lunch, taking in its its breathtaking landscapes. We'll also visit Hacibektas, a revered pilgrimage site. Please be mindful of the dress code and maintain silence during our visit, as this sanctuary houses the mausoleum of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic. We'll then proceed to Nevsehir, arriving in time for dinner, which will be included.

We'll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure will begin in the Goreme Valley, where we'll visit the open-air museum and marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Next, we'll visit Uchisar, home to a natural fortress, followed by a visit to Kaymacli, an underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. On our way back to Avanos, we'll stop at Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, where we'll take a walk in this breathtaking natural area. You'll have some free time before we wrap up the day. Dinner will be included.

At the far edge of Cappadocia, we'll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we'll learn about the Dervish order. Dinner will be included. In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

We'll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques. You'll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we'll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.

We'll depart for Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor. Two thousand years ago, it was home to a quarter of a million inhabitants. We'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive ruins of Ephesus (tickets included). We'll then continue to Kusadasi, a popular coastal city known for its lively atmosphere, vibrant commerce, and a small castle. Dinner will be included.Note: During high season, from May to October (inclusive), accommodation will be in Izmir. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, we'll head directly to Izmir without stopping in Kusadasi. We'll enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city, located on the Aegean Sea coast. The following day, on our way to Istanbul, we'll make an additional stop for lunch in the traditional town of Balikesir.

We'll set off for Izmir, the third most populous city in Turkey, where our guide will lead a brief tour of this vibrant metropolis, known for being the most westernized and modern in the country. We'll then head inland, pausing for lunch along the way before arriving in Bursa. This historic city, the fourth largest in Turkey, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its center. Highlights include the traditional commercial districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the renowned Green Mosque. We'll reach Istanbul by the end of the day.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.