Highlights of this Premium tour
PACKAGE – 11nights / 12 Days depending on your departing location
-
- Round trip flights Chennai/ Mumbai-Istanbul, Istanbul-Chennai/ Mumbai ( Please check for final price on your specified date of travel)
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices - Airline taxes & fuel surcharges
- 11 nights First Class accommodations
- 3 nights Istanbul
- 1 night Canakkale
- 2 nights Kusadasi
- 1 night Pamukkale
- 1 night Konya
- 2 nights Cappadocia
- 1 night Ankara
- Hotel taxes, fees & service charges
- Hotel porterage
- All transfers included only with airfare purchase on package arrival & departure dates†
- 21 meals: 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
- Comfortable wireless earphones for enhanced touring
Special Features
- Tour the classical 4000-year-old city of Troy immortalized in Homer’s epic poem, The Iliad
- Visit Pergamum, a kingdom dating back to the 4th century, home to the Roman center of Asclepion
- View Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its sacred hot springs
- Visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic
†Transfers are available for purchase for land only or on alternative flight dates
- Round trip flights Chennai/ Mumbai-Istanbul, Istanbul-Chennai/ Mumbai ( Please check for final price on your specified date of travel)
DAY 1, Sunday – Depart for Turkey
Depart for Turkey
DAY 2, Monday – Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive in Istanbul, at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Your tour will begin with an orientation meeting with your Tour Manger at approximately 7:30 PM. We recommend that you select flights which arrive no later than 4 PM
Overnight: Istanbul
DAY 3, Tuesday – Istanbul City Tour
Embark on a half day morning tour of Istanbul, the only city that straddles two continents Your tour includes the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a 16th century Ottoman Mosque famous for its large quantities of Iznik tiles, which are set in a very wide variety of floral and geometric designs. Continue to the Hippodrome, the place where chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period. Then, visit St. Sophia – the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, which was later converted to a mosque. Proceed to the lively Spice Market with its unforgettable aromas. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Perhaps, embark on the optional cruise along the Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. View humble fishing villages and suspension bridges set against the dramatic outline of the Strait. Then to and the Grand Bazaar, where bargaining is an art. This evening, savor dinner together
Optional: Half Day Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Grand Bazaar (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4, Wednesday – Drive to Canakkale
This morning, depart Istanbul and drive towards the town of Gallipoli, site of the famous Ottoman victory against the Allies during World War I. Cross the Dardanelles and continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey, where you will arrive in the early evening
Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Thursday – Visit Troy, Pergamum, Drive to Kusadasi
This morning, proceed to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer’s epic poem The Iliad. Then, drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period, and visit the Asclepion, the ancient Roman spa center. Continue to Kusadasi, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer, where you will arrive in the early evening
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Friday – Full Day in Kusadasi
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Kusadasi. Or, join the optional tour to Ancient Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World,” once stood. Walk along the 2000 year old marble streets; see the Great Theatre, the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. Visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be her last residence. Following the tour, participate in a leather factory visit to shop or return to the hotel
Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with Lunch
Overnight: Kusadasi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Saturday – Pamukkale Hot Springs, Necropolis, and Hierapolis
Depart Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich hot springs and white terraces. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hierapolis “Holy City,” a UNESCO a World Heritage Site situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a therapeutic thermal spa since the 2nd century B.C. Tonight, gather together for dinner
Overnight: Pamukkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Sunday – Travel to Konya
Today, travel from Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” to Konya, a city renowned for its Seljuk architecture and also as the home of the “Whirling Dervishes.” Arrive in the afternoon and visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana with its distinctive fluted dome of turquoise tiles. View works of the 13th century leader Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. After exploring the museum, join your fellow travelers for dinner together
Overnight: Konya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Monday – Visit Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route to Cappadocia
Depart for Cappadocia, visiting the magnificent Caravanserai of Sultanhan en route. Afterward, visit Guzelyurt, a fine example of cave dwellings and Greek influences in the Cappadocia region. Following a special home hosted lunch, continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, visit a carpet atelier and watch a demonstration of carpet weaving. After, check into your hotel with free time before dinner. Tonight, attend the optional Whirling Dervish performance; their captivating mystical ritual connects one in infinite spinning to perfect harmony
Optional: Whirling Dervishes Performance (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 10, Tuesday – Morning Sightseeing in Cappadocia
Awake very early to participate in the optional hot air Balloon Ride that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations — the feeling is both serene and sublime. Then, explore Cappadocia with your group to see Guvercinlik, Uchisar, Pasabag, and the Devrent Valley. Famed for temples and houses cut directly into the region’s spectacular rock formations, Cappadocia has captivated travelers for centuries. Perhaps, opt to join the optional half day tour of Cappadocia that includes the Open-Air Museum in Goreme Valley; see early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes. Explore the village of Avanos, famous for its beautiful old houses and onyx, and visit a local pottery shop. The tour ends at the fascinating Ozkonak Underground City, built on the northern slopes of Mt. Idis. Return to the hotel with free time before dinner tonight
Optional: Cappadocia Balloon Ride (AM)
Optional: Half Day Cappadocia (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 11, Wednesday – Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
This morning, depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with Neo-Hittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk’s and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb. Continue to the Anatolian Civilizations Museum built in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The museum, features exhibits of Anatolian archaeological artifacts, as well as artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Thursday – Travel to Istanbul
Depart for Istanbul, arriving in the early afternoon. Leisure time to explore on your own on this last day in Turkey. Alternatively, choose to partake in the optional tour to the Topkapi Palace residence of Ottoman Sultans. Tonight at dinner, bid farewell to your Tour Manager
Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace (PM)
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Friday – Depart Turkey
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
Our Hotel Selection for your stay
This first class hotel is situated in Istanbul’s Beyoglu district, nearby the Pera Museum.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a fifteen minute walk from the Galata Tower.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is a magnificent work of the National Architecture Movement and is located in the Old City peninsula.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Istanbul’s Ayvansaray neighborhood.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated in Istanbul’s Karakoy neighborhood.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on a beach in Guzelyali.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located on the waterfront with views of the Strait of Dardanelles.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel has an outstanding location and views of the Aegean just outside Kusadasi town center.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in a prime location providing easy access to major city attractions.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel is located in the commercial and business district of Konya.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the city of Konya.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel overlooks the picturesque hills in the lively Urgup section of Cappadocia.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in the city center of Urgup, near Göreme National Park.
Hotel Details
This superior first class hotel is about a ten minute drive from the city center of Ankara.
Hotel Details
This deluxe hotel is located in a residential area of Turkey’s capital.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is located in Istanbul on the European side.
Hotel Details
This first class hotel is situated in the Besiktas area of Istanbul.
OPTIONAL TOURS NOT INCLUDED IN PACKAGE
Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace
This tour’s highlights include the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum, which houses a collection of Islamic writings, tiles, and carpets as well as various cultural displays that provide insight into Turkish life throughout history. Your tour will also take you to the Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years, including the spectacular Harem section, which constituted the private living space of the Sultan’s family.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #3 | 19 Oct 2020 – 31 Dec 2023 | $79.00 |
Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary with lunch
Tour the Ancient City of Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis, one of the “seven wonders of the ancient world” once stood. Once an important trade center as well as a religious center of early Christianity, the ruins at Ephesus are among the best preserved in the region. Walk along the 2000 year old marble and cobblestone streets. See the Great Theatre that once seated over 24,000 people, dating back to the 1st century AD. Now an open-air archaeological museum, Ephesus was once home to notable philosophers, gladiators, and rulers. The Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastica, Temple of Hadrian, and the two-storied Library of Celsus are some the ancient sites you’ll behold on the walking tour. Visit the Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached and one of the largest theaters in antiquity. Pass through the Arcadian Way, where Mark Antony and Cleopatra once rode in procession and visit the peaceful House of the Virgin Mary near a grove of olive trees, believed to be her last residence and the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, which houses thousands of ancient artifacts from the nearby excavation sites. Lunch at a local restaurant follows the tour.
Approximate tour duration is 8.5 hours.
| Day #6 | 01 Jan 2022 – 31 Dec 2023 | $89.00 |
Also known as the “Sema Ritual”, Whirling Dervish performances began with the inspiration of Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi, one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. The captivating dance of the Whirling Dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture. It is a rare opportunity to experience a seven-century old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.
Approximate tour duration is 3 hours.
| Day #9 | 01 Jan 2022 – 31 Dec 2023 | $50.00 |
Depart early in the morning for a fantastic hot air balloon tour that takes you soaring over the magnificent Cappadocian landscape with its incredible fairy chimney rock formations. A hot-air balloon flight is unique from all other methods of flying in that there is no sensation of motion, creating an experience of tranquility unlike any other. Traveling at heights of up to 1500 feet, the feeling is both serene and sublime. Within moments of lifting off, drift over the treetops and discover the spectacular landscape from an unrivaled perspective. The deep canyons and lush, fertile valleys of Cappadocia provide an ideal setting for a memorable flight and it may even be possible to pick apricots from the trees when they are in season.
Approximate tour duration is 3.5 hours.
The take-off time and the duration of the flight may vary due to weather conditions. Balloon rides will vary between 50 and 75 minutes according to the wind.
*Due to limited capacity, advanced booking is recommended for this tour. This is not an exclusive tour and therefore you may be with passengers from other tour companies. Due to inclement weather conditions, this tour may be canceled and refunded. This tour cannot be rescheduled due to local regulations limiting the daily total number of passengers.
| Day #10 | 01 Nov 2022 – 31 Dec 2023 | $189.00 |
✓ What's Included
- 11 nights in Premium accommodation
- Accommodation with complementary breakfast expect on arrival day.
- Assistance at the airport at the time of arrival and departure
- Travel in istanbul and other places
- All entry tickets to places of visit in above mention itinerary and parking charges have been included in this itinerary i
- Miscellaneous charges like inner-line permits, and all applicable luxury/road taxes.
- All taxes inclusive except 5% GST (Service charge are subjected to change as per Govt. regulations)
- Flight tickets from Mumbai or from Chennai
✗ Not Included
- Visa not included but assistance to get visa will be done
- Personal Expenses such as Laundry, telephone calls, tips & gratuity, mineral water etc
- if you need full board please request in the form
- Cost of any auxiliary charges in hotel other than room charges
- Any cost arising due to natural calamities, cyclone, heavy rains, and non-operation of ferries/cruises or political disturbances etc.
- Additional sightseeing or extra usage of vehicle, other than mentioned in the itinerary
- Package cost will increase during peak season December 10th to January 20th