Treasures of Turkey: An Unforgettable 10-Day Cultural Odyssey

Welcome to Turkey! Our representative will welcome you upon arrival in Istanbul and transport you to your hotel. You’ll have some free time to rest or explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, meet your tour guide at the hotel reception for a welcome briefing.

Overnight.

Begin your day with a panoramic tour of Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents. Visit the grand Süleymaniye Mosque, an architectural masterpiece. Drive along the historic ancient city walls and enjoy scenic views of the Golden Horn, followed by a walk through the bustling fishing district. Stop to admire the exterior of the world-renowned Hagia Sophia.

Later, enjoy some free time at Taksim Square, the heart of modern Istanbul. Take a ride on the charming old tram, and perhaps visit the iconic Galata Tower. Your evening will include an Indian meal at a recommended restaurant, offering a taste of home.

Overnight.

This morning, visit the spectacular Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, known for its lavish courtyards and pavilions. Then, embark on a private boat cruise along the Bosphorus, witnessing the beauty of the strait that divides Europe and Asia. Enjoy the unique views of Ottoman palaces, wooden mansions, and lively waterfronts.

Disembark on the Asian side of Istanbul and explore Uskudar, known for its grand mosques and peaceful streets. After lunch, travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey, where dinner is included at your hotel.

Overnight.

After breakfast, explore the highlights of Ankara, including the Ataturk Mausoleum, a monument dedicated to the founder of modern Turkey, and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, showcasing Turkey’s rich cultural history. Enjoy some free time at a shopping mall, where you can explore local brands and savor an array of food options.

Continue your journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Turkey’s Anatolian peninsula. Stop at SALT LAKE, a surreal landscape of shimmering white salt flats, and visit Hacibektas, home to the tomb of the revered Sufi mystic.

Arrive in Cappadocia, where dinner is provided. An Indian meal will be available during this stage.

Overnight.

Immerse yourself in the magical landscape of Cappadocia, famous for its fairy-tale chimneys, rock formations, and cave dwellings. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-carved churches with stunning frescoes, and climb up to Uchisar Castle, offering panoramic views of the region.

Discover the underground city of Kaymakli, where thousands of people once lived. Experience the otherworldly charm of Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) with its iconic fairy chimneys. After a full day of exploration, unwind with a hearty dinner. Optional: You may also choose to participate in a hot-air balloon ride to witness Cappadocia’s breathtaking sunrise.

Overnight.

Visit the lush Ihlara Valley, known for its picturesque churches carved into cliffs. On the way to Konya, stop at a historic 13th-century Caravanserai, once a rest stop for traders along the Silk Road.

In Konya, visit the Mausoleum of Rumi, where you’ll learn about the mystical Sufi order of the Whirling Dervishes. Dinner will be provided. For an authentic cultural experience, we recommend attending the Whirling Dervishes performance in the evening (optional).

Overnight.

Travel through scenic landscapes to Egridir, a charming town nestled by a large lake. Enjoy a lakeside lunch and explore the town’s historic walls and mosques. Then, continue to Pamukkale, famous for its stunning white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Dinner is included at your hotel.

Overnight.

Today, visit Ephesus, the most well-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, once home to 250,000 people. Discover the House of the Virgin Mary and the Basilica of St. John. Marvel at the ruins of temples, the grand theater, and the famed Library of Celsus.

Later, head to the coastal town of Kusadasi, known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful beaches. Dinner is included at your hotel, with time to explore the vibrant local markets.

Overnight.

This morning, visit the modern city of Izmir, the most progressive and cosmopolitan city in Turkey. After a brief city tour, continue to Bursa, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its traditional bazaars, mosques, and thermal baths. Visit the Green Mosque and enjoy some free time for lunch.

Arrive back in Istanbul in the evening for your final night in this captivating city.

Overnight.

After breakfast, your tour concludes. Transfer to the airport for your flight back home, carrying memories of an unforgettable journey through Turkey’s rich culture, history, and landscapes.

End of Tour