Destination- TURKIYE - 12D9N REMARKABLE TURKIYE (NOV-MAR)
Assemble at the airport and depart for Istanbul, a unique city that’s built on two continents, Asia and Europe.
Upon arriving, your Mediterranean adventure begins with a tour of historic Istanbul. You'll drive past to see the magnificent Valens Aqueduct before boarding a ferry to cross the Sea of Marmara to reach Bursa. We shall then embark on a tour to explore the Green Tomb and the Green Mosque.
After breakfast, depart for Safranbolu to explore its perfectly preserved Ottoman town. Enjoy unique displays of late Ottomanurban architecture containing over 1,000 registered artefacts from the 17th to 19th centuries. Head up to the highest point of Hidirlik Hill, which overlooks the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Safranbolu Old Town, for a picturesque view. Then, visit historical sites like the Old Town, Cinci Han, Yoruk Village and Kaymakamlar Museum.
Today, we will drive to Ankara to visit the Ataturk Mausoleum. It is an important site that showcases the history of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - 'the Founding Father of modern Turkiye'. Thereafter, we will stop for some photos at the second largest lake in Turkiye,Lake Tuz. The saline lake is one of the world's largest and surrounded by plateaus. Stay the night in Cappadocia.
This morning, you may consider going for a famous Turkiye experience - a Hot Air Balloon Ride over the most extraordinary landscapes or a Jeep Safari Tour, at your own expense (subject to weather conditions). Then, kick-start your full day tour of Cappadocia with photos stops to gaze at Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle. Next, visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a World Heritage Site with fascinating cave churches and biblical frescoes. Then, stop by Monks Valley (Pasabag) for some memorable photos at one of the most picturesque spots ofCappadocia. We will enjoy the local specialty, Pottery Kebab, for lunch at a restaurant overlooking the valley. After lunch, continue to Kaymakli Underground City, once a hiding place for early Christians escaping Arabic persecutors. Last but not least, visit a Jewellery Centre where can admire some handcrafted natural stones. As night falls, adjourn to a Cave Restaurant for a traditional Turkish Belly Dance Show with unlimited drinks service.
After breakfast, visit a Turkish carpet showroom before leaving Cappadocia. En route, stop at an old caravanserai that dates back to the 13th century. You will soon reach Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, which is the best place to learn about the sect of the whirling dervishes. Then, proceed to Pamukkale where you will end your day with a relaxing soak in a hot thermal pool.
Today, we will explore Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle" due to the white, cottony appearance of the mineral bath spas that abound in the calcium-rich province. See landmarks such as the Hierapolis ruins and the iconic white Travertine Terraces before taking a dip in the mineral-rich hot springs. After that, leave for Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Admire the impressive ruins of the Library of Celsus, one of the most photographed highlights of Ephesus. Continue to the Ephesus Experience Museum to immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the ancient city. Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a place believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life. Next, travel to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town on Turkiye's Aegean coast, and make a pit stop at the Turkish Delight and Apple Tea Outlet before we settle for the night.
Begin the day with a visit to a Turkish Leather showroom. After which, travel to the ancient city of Pergamon to see the impressive Acropolis, which is dramatically situated atop a hill to the northeast of town. Enjoy a cable car ride up the hill as you relish in the sight of impressive temples, the library, theatre and arsenals. We will next make our way to Troy to see the famous Trojan Horse - a huge, hollow wooden construction by the Greeks to gain entrance into Troy during the Trojan War. Finally, sit back and relax as we embark on a leisure drive along the coast to Canakkale.
Note: Cable car rides are subject to weather conditions.
Depart Canakkale for Istanbul via the longest suspension bridge in the world. The 1915 Canakkale Bridge has reached completion in Turkiye with a span of 2,023 metres, becoming the longest suspension bridge in the world. We will start with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans. Wind down with a walk around the world's largest canopied market - the Grand Bazaar as you partake in some haggling for bargains at some 4,000 stalls hawking jewellery, pottery, spices, carpet, leather and more.
We shall continue our sightseeing tour of the 'imperial city' by visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia - magnificent monuments dedicated to two major religions of the world peacefully standing side by side. Next, view the remaining structures of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, which comprises 3 monumental columns and one fountain.
Note: Blue Mosque is closed until 2.30pm during Friday prayers.
Today spend the day at your leisure, you may consider an optional visit to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and a cruise along the European and Asian shores of the Bosporus. Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
We hope you enjoyed your trip with our company and we look forward to seeing you again for your next trip.
Suggested Excursions:
Additional activities that complement your holidays will be at your own discretion and is entirely optional.
*Minimum group size may apply.
• Hot Air Balloon Tour: USD280
• Cappadocia Jeep Safari: USD120
• Bosphorus Cruise + Spice Market: USD75
Service Fee Guideline:
(based on 12D9N)
• USD110 per person
Notes:
• A minimum group size of 15 passengers is required for a confirmed departure.
• The sequence of the itinerary, flight schedules and hotels are subject to change without prior notice in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
DEPARTURE DATE | AIRLINES | TWIN FARE | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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07/Mar/2025 [03MTADBW07/25TK] 12D9N REMARKABLE TURKIYE |
From $ 2588 |
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Tour code: MTADBW
Relive the glory days of the formidable Ottoman Empire in Turkiye as you wander the wondrous UNESCO City of Safranbolu and its old town to soak up fantastical scenes of yesteryear.