Turkey Itinerary
13 days - unavailable for 2022
Day 1
ARRIVE at istanbul, turkey
Fly into the cradle of civilization and Turkey’s largest city, Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople).
Day 2
istanbul
In the evening, arrive in Istanbul, take the bus to dinner, stay in a comfortable hotel, and take a break to prepare for tomorrow's brilliant trip.
Day 3
istanbul > corycus ancient city
After breakfast, start the day's rich city tour - attractions include: Topkapi Palace, which was built during the Ottoman Empire, and visit the magnificent Blue Mosque.
In the afternoon, take the bus to the ancient city of Corycus, where there are about 800 of the most exquisite 19th-century Ottoman houses in Turkey, and the traditional handicraft industry such as leather shoes, copper products and cakes and confectionery.
Walk the narrow alleys along the slopes of Corycus, and carefully observe the old houses that have been there for centuries. Learn how the city preserves its ancient style and the secret glory of this great empire.
Day 4
corycus ancient city > ankara > cappadocia
In the morning, take a leisurely stroll along the stone-paved trails and admire the romantic beauty of this rich Ottoman mountain town!
Then return to Turkey's second largest city - Ankara. Ankara, located in Asia Minor, is not a tourist city, but it must also be visited due to its capital status.
Then visit the Anatolian Civilization Museum. After, stop by a Memorial Hall, which was built to commemorate the founder of the Republic of Turkey - General Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The building combines the ancient Western Temple, Greek and Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic architectural features.
Continue to the charming Cappadocia area.
Day 5
cappadocia
Today, visit various types of buildings in the mountains. The unique rock formations are similar to pieces of art.
Afterwards, visit the world-famous Goreme Open Air Museum and the cave churches, which are full of art craftsmanship. Also stop by the Kaymakli Underground City.
Later, take a tour of the local, traditional, hand-made carpet factory and learn about how famous Middle Eastern carpet is woven and produced.
Lastly, visit the Turkey Jade Jewelry Exhibition Center.
Day 6
cappadocia > KONYA > pamukkale
In the morning, drive through the mountainous terrain and travel through the second largest lake in Turkey, Salt Lake, to the ancient city of the Anatolian Plateau, the old capital of the ancient Turkish kingdom.
Then enjoy lunch, then visit the exquisite and elegant Mevlana Museum and the 12th century Alâeddin Mosque.
Then cross the scenic Talos Mountains and reach the Turkish Riviera's Cote d'Azur to the fascinating spa resort of Pamukkale. Stay at the Hot Spring Hotel tonight, and enjoy the opportunity to relax and unwind.
Day 7
Pamukkale > EPHESUS > Kusadasi
The pool water comes from the nearby hot springs. It is said that whether it is used for soaking or drinking, it is beneficial for your health— especially against sciatica and good for gynecology, the nervous system, the urinary organs and more. The hot spring area was exclusive to the nobles of the Roman era and is said to have a magical therapeutic effect.
Then, in the Greek and Roman classical civilization tour, tour the most amazing historical city of the Bible – Ephesus: marble paved streets, ancient market, stadium, theater, temple, library and other magnificent relics. Not to mention, the perfect urban plan of the Roman period can be seen here. It was once the most prosperous city in the Asiatic region.
Next, take a bus to Kusadasi, the resort town of the Mediterranean region of western Turkey.
Day 8
Kusadasi > Troy Ancient City
After breakfast, take a bus to the site of the Trojan Ancient City, where the ancient "Homer's Epic" was written. Troy, the famous city of Truva is located on the southern side of the Dardanelles Strait, and is now the World Heritage of Humanity protected by the United Nations International Cultural and Education Office (UNESCO).
Upon arrival, visit the antique model of the giant Trojan, imagine the fierce battle of 3,300 years ago, the love between the timid Paris and the first beauty of Greece, Helen, and the great charm of love.
In the afternoon, stay at the Aegean Sea Resort, Ghana Kali, overnight. Troy has one of the most famous archaeological sites in 4,000 years of history. It is the setting of the epic story of the Spartan and the Greek warriors who attacked Troy from Greece in the 13th and 12th centuries before the epic Iliad inspired some great creative artists.
Day 9
Istanbul
After breakfast, take a special bus to the Ghana Kali Pier and prepare to take a boat across the Marmara Sea, cross the Dardanelles, and travel between Europe and Asia. Arrive at the opposite side of Istanbul and then go to dining.
In the afternoon, visit an ancient Roman underground reservoir with more than 300 Collins-style stone pillars, looking like an underground palace complete with melodious music and water reflections, creating a mysterious atmosphere. It is a public building that is both practical and aesthetic.
Continue to the best shopping spots in Istanbul like Kapli Carsi – meaning “roof market” in Turkish. There are at least 5,000 traditional Turkish shops in the market, including carpets, embroidered fabrics, spices. You can see jewelry, Turkish bronze products and antiques and experience the fun of foreign bargaining.
Day 10
Istanbul > united states
Pack up today, say goodbye to the ancient city, take a luxury airliner and return home. Have a good trip!