Day 1 -
Arrival to Istanbul and complete customs in Istanbul // Overnight in Istanbul
Please proceed to
the exit gate #9 after luggage claim in Istanbul. You will find our
representative waiting you with an A4 paper written ‘YOUR NAME’ and he will
call the driver waiting in the parking lot to come and pick you up. Your
private transfer will take around 1 hour to your hotel.
Day 2 -
Walking the Old City of Istanbul // Overnight in Istanbul
The second full
day in Istanbul begins with a visit to the Hippodrome - for more than 1000
years the Hippodrome was the Byzantine center for sporting and
social life; including chariot races, coronations, parades and court
ceremonies. After strolling around the Hippodrome area, we will visit the BlueMosque - the Grand
Mosque of the Ottomans. This is a still-functioning mosque and offers beautiful
Iznik ceramic tile work inside as well as spectacular architecture inside and
out. TheHagia Sophia is our
next stop - regarded as one of the marvels of architecture and engineering, the
Hagia Sophia is currently a museum with a rich history. Built in 537 AD it is
still considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture. Before lunch we will
also visit the underground Basilica Cistern which offers rows upon rows of
marble columns and carved statues in this beautiful water reservoir. Enjoy your
lunch with views of the Hagia Sofia. After lunch we will take a short stroll to
the famous Topkapi Palace - the
imperial palace of the Ottomans. After touring the palace, we will relax on the
terraces of the palace overlooking the Bosporus of Istanbul and enjoy a cup of
Turkish coffee before returning to your hotel.
Day 3 – Bosphorus
Cruise, Mosque of Rustem Pasha & Grand Bazaar // Overnight in Istanbul
Your day will
start with a stroll from the old city of Istanbul to the Golden Horn to
catch a regular Bosporus cruise in between the Asian and
European continents. For an hour and more, you will be floating through the
real history channel. Big mansions located by the water will take you to the
19th Century of Istanbul. Your return will give amazing opportunities to take
pictures of the Old City of Istanbul, once the capital of Byzantium and
Ottoman empires. You will embark by the Spice market and stroll in and around the bazaar
where the Spices from India were sold to the Ottoman merchants before they
sailed to Europe. The spice market is now hosting several Turkish delight shops
allowing you to taste various kinds of them and Turkish Viagra. Nearby the
market, a hidden gem, Rustem pasha mosque, is located housing the
best Ottoman tiles, making the Blue mosque jealous. Grand Bazaar, which is the oldest yet functioning
covered shopping mall of the world will be visited before returning to your
hotel.
Day 4 – From Istanbul to Sapanca // Overnight in Sapanca (Bungalow Stay)
After breakfast at your hotel, we depart Istanbul and drive east toward thepeaceful town of Sapanca, known for its lush nature and relaxed
atmosphere. Our first stop will be the Sapanca Cable Car, offering
panoramic views over the surrounding forests, hills, and the lake below. This
scenic ride provides a wonderful introduction to the natural beauty of the
region and is a perfect opportunity for photos. Following the cable car
experience, we will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, where you can taste
regional flavors in a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. After lunch, we
continue to Ormanya Natural Life Park, one of the largest wildlife and
nature parks in the area. Here, you will have time to walk through forest
paths, observe wildlife habitats, and enjoy the fresh air in a peaceful
environment designed to reconnect visitors with nature. Later in the afternoon,
we visit Sapanca Lake, a serene lakeside area ideal for relaxing walks
and enjoying the calm scenery. You will have free time to stroll along the
shore, take photos, or simply sit and enjoy the view.
In the evening, we check in to your bungalow accommodation in Sapanca.
Surrounded by nature, your bungalow stay offers a quiet and comfortable
setting, perfect for unwinding after a day filled with scenic experiences. Overnight
in Sapanca.
Day 5 – From Sapanca to Bolu // Overnight in Abant
After breakfast in Sapanca, we depart and drive toward the Bolu region,
an area celebrated for its dense forests, mountain scenery, and pristine lakes.
Our first destination today is Yedigoller National Park, one of Turkey’s
most picturesque natural reserves, famous for its seven interconnected lakes
hidden deep within a forested landscape. Upon arrival, we explore the park at a
relaxed pace, following scenic walking paths that wind through towering trees
and along the lakeshores. This is an ideal setting for light walks,
photography, and simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere created by nature.
Surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty, we take a break for lunch, enjoying
a meal in harmony with the tranquil environment of the national park. After
lunch, we continue our journey to Golcuk Nature Park, a postcard-perfect
crater lake nestled among pine forests. The charming wooden house by the lake
and the reflections on the water create a serene and photogenic stop. You will
have free time to walk around the lake, relax by the water, or capture beautiful
landscape photos. Later in the afternoon, we drive to Abant Lake, a
high-altitude nature retreat known for its calm surroundings and scenic walking
trails. Upon arrival, there is time to enjoy a leisurely stroll around the
lake, take in the mountain air, and unwind in this peaceful setting before the
evening. We then check in to your hotel in the Abant area, where you can relax
and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of the region after a day immersed in nature. Overnight
in Abant.
Day 6 – From Bolu to Ankara // Overnight in Ankara
After breakfast at your hotel in the Abant area, we depart and drive toward
Ankara, the capital of Turkey and the political heart of the country. Upon
arrival in Ankara, we begin our day with a visit to Anıtkabır, the
mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, founder of the Turkish Republic. This
monumental complex is not only a place of remembrance but also a powerful
symbol of modern Turkey. As we walk through the ceremonial grounds and halls,
your guide will share insights into Ataturk’s life, vision, and the foundation
of the Republic. Our next stop is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations,
widely regarded as one of the most important museums in Turkey. Located at the
foot of Ankara Castle, the museum houses extraordinary artifacts from
prehistoric Anatolia through the Hittite, Phrygian, Urartian, and Roman
periods. The exhibits provide a fascinating overview of the civilizations that
shaped Anatolia over thousands of years. Following the museum visit, we enjoy
lunch at a local restaurant in Ankara, After lunch, we continue to Ankara
Castle, a historic fortress overlooking the old quarters of the city.
Walking through its narrow streets and stone walls, you will enjoy panoramic
views over Ankara and gain a sense of the city’s layered history, where
ancient, Ottoman, and modern elements blend together. In the late afternoon, we
transfer to your hotel in Ankara. The remainder of the evening is at leisure,
allowing you to rest or explore the surroundings independently after a
culturally rich day. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 7 – From Ankara to Cappadocia // Overnight in Cappadocia (Cave Hotel)
After breakfast at your hotel in Ankara, we depart and drive south toward
Cappadocia, one of Türkiye’s most unique and captivating regions, famous for
its otherworldly landscapes shaped by volcanic activity and centuries of human
habitation. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, we begin a half-day introductory tour
designed to ease you into the region. Our first stop is Devrent Valley,
often referred to as Imagination Valley, where naturally formed rock shapes
resemble animals and figures, inviting visitors to see Cappadocia through a
creative lens. This area offers a gentle walk and a fun, visually striking
introduction to the region’s fairy chimneys. We then continue to Pasabag(Monks Valley), home to some of the best-preserved and most iconic fairy
chimneys in Cappadocia. Walking among these unique rock formations, you will
learn about the early Christian hermits who once lived here, carving their
dwellings directly into the soft volcanic stone. Our final stop of the day is Avanos,
a charming town set along the Kızılırmak River and renowned for its
centuries-old pottery tradition. Here, you will have time to explore the town
center and, if you wish, visit a local pottery workshop to see traditional
techniques that have been passed down through generations. After the tour, we
transfer to your cave hotel in Cappadocia. Carved into the natural rock
formations, your accommodation offers a unique and atmospheric stay, allowing
you to fully experience the character of the region. The evening is at leisure
to relax and enjoy the magical ambiance of Cappadocia. Overnight in
Cappadocia.
Day 8 – Full Day in Cappadocia // Overnight in Cappadocia
For those who wish, the day begins before sunrise with an optional hot airballoon flight, one of the most iconic experiences in Cappadocia. Floating
gently over fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations as the sun rises
offers unforgettable views and a truly once-in-a-lifetime perspective of the
region. After the balloon flight, we return to the hotel for breakfast. Our
full-day Cappadocia exploration begins with a visit to the Goreme Open AirMuseum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the spiritual heart of early
Christian Cappadocia. Walking through rock-cut churches and chapels adorned
with well-preserved frescoes, you will gain insight into monastic life and the
religious history that shaped the region over centuries. We then continue to Kaymakli Underground City, one of the largest and most impressive underground
settlements in Cappadocia. Descending through its narrow tunnels and chambers,
you will discover how ancient communities lived, worked, and sought protection
beneath the surface, creating an extraordinary subterranean world. Following
the underground city visit, we drive toward Uchisar, home to the highest
rock fortress in Cappadocia. From the panoramic viewpoints around Uchisar
Castle, you will enjoy sweeping views across the surrounding valleys and fairy
chimneys, making this one of the best photo stops of the day. Later in the
afternoon, we enjoy a gentle walk through Pigeon Valley, named after the
countless pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. This scenic valley walk offers
a peaceful contrast to the morning’s historical sites, allowing time to relax,
take photos, and appreciate Cappadocia’s natural beauty. At the end of the day,
we return to your hotel in Cappadocia. The evening is at leisure, giving you
time to rest or enjoy the magical atmosphere of the region at your own pace. Overnight
in Cappadocia.
Day 9 – Full Day at Erciyes (Turkey’s Alps) Ski Center (from Cappadocia) // Overnight in
Cappadocia
Early in the morning, we depart
from Cappadocia and drive toward Erciyes Ski Center, located on the
slopes of Mount Erciyes, the highest mountain in Central Anatolia. The scenic
drive takes approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, passing through wide plains and
mountain landscapes as we approach the ski resort. Upon arrival at Erciyes Ski
Resort, you will have a full day to enjoy winter activities at one of Turkey’s
most modern and well-equipped ski centers. The resort offers a wide range of
slopes suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers, as well as areas for
non-skiers to enjoy snow activities and mountain views. Ski and snow equipment
rental is available on-site for those who need it, allowing you to travel light
and enjoy the day without hassle. Whether you choose to ski, try snow
activities, or simply relax and take in the alpine scenery, Erciyes provides a
fun and refreshing mountain experience. During the day, we take a break for
lunch at a mountain restaurant, where you can enjoy local and international
dishes while overlooking the snow-covered slopes. In the late afternoon, we
depart Erciyes and return to Cappadocia. After a day filled with fresh mountain
air and winter adventure, the evening is at leisure to relax at your hotel. Overnight
in Cappadocia.
Day 10 | Departure
Private transfer from Cappadocia hotel to one of Cappadocia airport. End of
Services…