SUBJECT TO CHANGE, WHETHER DUE TO WEATHER OR OPERATIONAL ISSUES (ALWAYS INCLUDING THE SAME SERVICES).
DAY 01 (FRIDAY) ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey, a country full of culture, history, and unique experiences, where the differences between East and West come together. Get ready to enjoy an extraordinary vacation. Arrival on an international flight at the spectacular Istanbul Airport (IST). Opened in April 2019, it is now the largest in Europe and one of the largest in the world. After disembarking, passing through immigration, and collecting luggage, head to our meeting point (check your voucher), where our team will welcome you. Afterward, meet our drivers for the transfer to the hotel. Arrival and accommodation. Free time to rest. Overnight.
DAY 02 (SATURDAY) ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Depart for a panoramic tour in one of the oldest areas of the city where we will see the Roman Aqueduct, completed during the reign of Roman Emperor Valens in the year 368. We will continue by admiring the Walls of Constantinople, which remind us of the times when they were seen as invincible, limiting access by land and sea to the so-called "Eis-tin Poli" (the Inner City), possibly the origin of the name Istanbul. We will cross the Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn, where we will have a panoramic view dominated by the minarets of the mosques, the tower that gives the bridge its name, and the Asian side of the city. We will then head to the Beyoglu district to experience the atmosphere of a modern metropolis with traces of classical European architecture at the gates of the Middle East. This area is an open-air commercial and tourist hub filled with shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars around its famous pedestrian street with its nostalgic tram. At the end of the tour, you will have free time. Return to the hotel will be after the optional excursions and will depend on the schedules and meeting points.
Optional excursion "PEARLS OF THE GOLDEN HORN AND BOSPHORUS" (includes lunch at a typical restaurant):
Departure to enjoy the spectacular view of the ancient Walls of Constantinople and the Roman Aqueduct. Visit the former Jewish district in Balat, the Greek neighborhood in Fener, and enjoy magnificent views of the Golden Horn. Next, visit the St. George Cathedral, the main patriarchate of the Greek Orthodox Church; continue to the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, which has the largest dome of all mosques in Istanbul. Then, head to the Spice Bazaar, a place with a special charm due to its colors and aromas, the perfect place to buy teas, herbs, nuts, typical sweets, and, of course, spices. End with a boat tour along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides the city between Europe and Asia, where you will enjoy magnificent views of Ottoman forts, palaces, villas, and bridges connecting both sides of the city. Transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 03 (SUNDAY) ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Free day. Option to take the "JEWELS OF CONSTANTINOPLE" optional excursion (includes lunch at a typical restaurant):
Venture into the historic center of the city, where you can observe a variety of relics from the different empires that shaped modern Istanbul: the Roman Hippodrome, the center of social life in Constantinople for thousands of years, where you will also see the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Obelisk of Constantine, and the German Fountain. Visit the Blue Mosque, with its more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles brought from Iznik; the Basilica Cistern, with over 300 marble columns rising above the water, and then a panoramic view of the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. We will conclude our tour at the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, where haggling is a tradition. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
If you wish to visit the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia, an additional 75 USD per person will be required to the cost of the excursion.
DAY 04 (MONDAY) ISTANBUL – ANKARA – CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast at the hotel and early departure to Ankara to visit the capital of Turkey and the Mausoleum of the founder of the Republic. On the way to Cappadocia, you will have the chance to admire the Salt Lake, where a stop will be made to take photographs at this spectacular site. Next, visit a Caravanserai, a historic inn from the Silk Road era. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
It is also possible to take a domestic flight directly to Cappadocia, please inquire about the additional cost.
DAY 05 (TUESDAY) CAPPADOCIA
Breakfast. Visit this marvelous region with its fascinating and unique landscape formed by volcanic lava over 3 million years ago. Start with the Goreme Open-Air Museum, a monastery with chapels carved into volcanic rocks and decorated with 13th-century frescoes. Continue through the stunning valleys of the region with its "otherworldly" landscapes, where you can appreciate views of the famous "Fairy Chimneys," the geological symbols of the region. A stop will be made to enjoy the incredible panoramic view of the Pigeon Valley, named for the many pigeons that nest in the rocks. In Cappadocia, these birds have long been a source of food and fertilizer.
Continue to the underground city of Cappadocia, one of the many impressive engineering feats built by ancient local communities to protect themselves from attacks throughout history. After the tour, visit a carpet center to learn about the handmade production of these treasures, and a gemstone center offering exclusive regional jewelry designs. Return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight.
Optional programs in Cappadocia:
- “TURKISH NIGHT”: Folk dance presentation in a typical cave with local drinks.
- “JEEP SAFARI”: Adventure through the mystical valleys of the region with stops for the best photos.
- “BALLOON RIDE”: Early morning hot air balloon ride to admire one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth.
DAY 06 AND 07 ACCORDING TO SEASON: AUTUMN / WINTER
DAY 06 (WEDNESDAY) CAPPADOCIA (AUTUMN / WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
Breakfast. Free day. Possibility to take optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions:
- “CAPPADOCIA WINTER CAPITAL – ERCIYES SKI RESORT” (excursion available approximately between 15/12 and 31/03): A unique snow experience with transfers, appropriate clothing rental, cable car ride, and a Turkish-style barbecue included in the price. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
- “AUTUMN COLORS IN CAPPADOCIA” (excursion available approximately between 01/10 and 14/12): Departure to visit the Ihlara Valley, one of the most beautiful with its vegetation, which especially in autumn shows a range of green, yellow, and orange hues. Visit the Selime Monastery, the Red Church in Sivrihisar, and have a lunch stop at a restaurant by the river in the village of Belisırma. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 07 (THURSDAY) CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (AUTUMN / WINTER – 16/10 TO 15/04)
Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with giant waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created stunning terraces and natural waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 06 AND 07 ACCORDING TO SEASON: SPRING / SUMMER
DAY 06 (WEDNESDAY) CAPPADOCIA – PAMUKKALE (SPRING / SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)
Breakfast. Departure to Pamukkale to visit the ancient Hierapolis and the Cotton Castle, a true natural wonder with giant waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools. The name "Hierapolis" comes from Greek and means "sacred city," referring to the numerous temples and religious sites that existed in the city. One of the most notable aspects of Hierapolis was its famous theater, which could accommodate thousands of spectators and is still largely preserved today. The city gained recognition as a popular spa and healing destination due to its natural thermal waters and white limestone pools. These mineral-rich waters created stunning terraces and natural waterfalls known as "Pamukkale," meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale and Hierapolis are listed together as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their historical significance and natural beauty. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 07 (THURSDAY) PAMUKKALE (SPRING / SUMMER – 16/04 TO 15/10)
Breakfast. Free day. Possibility to take optional excursions depending on the season and weather conditions:
- “TURKISH MALDIVES”: Departure to visit the Keloğlan Cave and its millennial stalactites; the ancient city of Laodicea (one of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation by St. John); enjoy a swim in Salda Lake, famous for its blue color, with lunch included. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 08 (FRIDAY) PAMUKKALE – EPHESUS – IZMIR / KUSADASI
Breakfast. Visit Ephesus, the best-preserved Greco-Roman city in Asia Minor from the 1st and 2nd centuries, which houses treasures such as the Roman Theater, the Celsus Library, and the Marble Street. We will also visit the last home of the mother of Jesus, now a pilgrimage site. The visit continues with a leather shop. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
Note: Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season.
DAY 09 (SATURDAY) IZMIR / KUSADASI
Breakfast. Free day. Possibility to take the optional excursion “CHIOS – A GREEK PARADISE”: Transfer from the hotel to the Çeşme port. After immigration, we depart for the island of Chios to explore: the production of mastic, the village of Mesta with its labyrinthine Byzantine streets, Pyrgi and its black-and-white decorated houses, and the volcanic Mavra Volia beach in Empoios. Transfer to the port for departure to Çeşme, Turkey. Arrival and transfer to the hotel. We will continue with a visit to a leather shop famous for its lightweight pieces. The region is also known for its cotton production, and we will have the opportunity to explore locally made textile products. Dinner at the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 10 (SUNDAY) IZMIR / KUSADASI – BURSA – ISTANBUL
Breakfast. Departure to Bursa and panoramic visit to this important city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque and the Green Mausoleum, symbols of the city, which are named for their rich decoration of Iznik tiles. Continue to Istanbul, arrival, and transfer to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 11 (MONDAY) ISTANBUL – DUBAI
Breakfast. Transfer to Istanbul Airport (IST) to catch the flight to Dubai (flight NOT included).
Arrival at Dubai Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight.
DAY 12 (TUESDAY) DUBAI – ABU DHABI
Breakfast. A 2-hour tour from Dubai to the capital of the Emirates, passing through the Jebel Ali Port, the largest man-made port in the world. Stop for photos at the Jazira Residence, the former residence of Sheikh Zayed. We will admire the Sheikh Zayed Mosque, the third-largest mosque in the world, and visit the tomb of this former president of the UAE and father of the nation. Continue to the Al Maqta Bridge, passing through one of the richest areas of Abu Dhabi, the Ministers’ Area. Arrival at the Corniche Street, often compared to Manhattan. Stop for photos at the Emirates Palace Hotel. This hotel has its own helipad and marina, known for being one of the most expensive buildings. We will continue to the Al Batee Area, home to the royal family’s palaces. Return to Dubai. Overnight.
DAY 13 (WEDNESDAY) MODERN DUBAI
Breakfast. A half-day visit to the most modern part of the city, starting at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, a market with an ancient appearance where you can buy souvenirs and enjoy unique views of the Burj Al Arab. Then, transfer to Palm Jumeirah Island to see the Atlantis The Palm hotel and its stunning surroundings. We return on the monorail, which offers the opportunity to appreciate the palm-shaped island in all its grandeur. Next, we will visit Dubai Marina, the largest coastal development of its kind, where we will learn more about the fascinating future of trade and business in the Emirate. Finally, visit the Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, where we will admire the spectacular Burj Khalifa (entrance NOT included), the tallest building in the world. You can stay at the Dubai Mall to enjoy the dancing fountain show, the aquarium, the ice rink, and more than 1000 shops. Return to the hotel on your own. Overnight.
DAY 14 (THURSDAY) DUBAI / 4X4 SAFARI / BBQ DINNER
Breakfast at the hotel. Free morning. In the afternoon, enjoy our most popular excursion. Land Cruisers (6 people per vehicle) will pick you up for an exciting ride through the fantastic high dunes. You will have the opportunity to take unique photos of the Arabian sunset. Once the sun sets behind the golden dunes, we will head to our Desert Camp. The scent of grilled skewers and lamb, bonfires, the smell of traditional hookahs, and the relaxing sounds of Arabic music will invite you to an unforgettable evening. After enjoying a sumptuous dinner, a belly dancer will showcase the ancient art of Belly Dancing. Sand skiing and henna painting are also included, along with water, soft drinks, tea, and coffee. Return to the hotel. Overnight.
DAY 15 (FRIDAY) DUBAI
Breakfast and, at the appointed time, transfer to the airport to catch your return flight.
IMPORTANT NOTES FOR TURKEY:
Accommodation may be in Izmir or Kusadasi, depending on the season.
The order of the itinerary may change without prior notice due to guide availability and monument closing days, always respecting the scheduled visits. The order of optional excursions on days 2 and 3 may also change.
Days of closure: Sunday (Grand Bazaar). Similar visits will be offered, or the day's order may be adjusted in case of closure.
Nights in Istanbul are operated in two ways: 3 at the beginning and 1 at the end (as published) or 2 at the beginning and 2 at the end. If the Grand Bazaar is closed, you will visit the Spice Bazaar instead.
End of our services.
15 days | 14 nights
Countries 2
