Istanbul Trip Overview
In a week, you will explore magnificence of Turkey with best Turkish hospitality, one you will never forget. You will experience Turkish culture and hospitality along with Anatolian civilization in history within all these unique destinations. Besides, you will get the taste of the delicious Anatolian cuisine. Visit the most of treasures and historical sites of Turkey to include European Cultural Capital Istanbul, Izmit the city of green and forests, magnificient lake of Abant in Bolu, Ankara the capital of Turkey, Hattusa with the signs of first Women Reign over the centuries, Zile where Julius Ceasar said the famous Veni Vidi Vici words, Anatolian Civilizations city of Tokat, Anatolian Central city of Sivas and Fair Chimneys and the Underground Cities of Cappadocia. An Ideal tour for these who want to relax at beautiful of Turkey.Travel through history and spectacular scenery.Be surprised by the colorful traditions you come across along the journey.
Additional Info
Duration: 8 days
Starts: Istanbul, Turkey
Trip Category: Cultural & Theme Tours >> Cultural Tours
Explore Istanbul Promoted Experiences
What to Expect When Visiting Istanbul, Turkey, Turkey
In a week, you will explore magnificence of Turkey with best Turkish hospitality, one you will never forget. You will experience Turkish culture and hospitality along with Anatolian civilization in history within all these unique destinations. Besides, you will get the taste of the delicious Anatolian cuisine. Visit the most of treasures and historical sites of Turkey to include European Cultural Capital Istanbul, Izmit the city of green and forests, magnificient lake of Abant in Bolu, Ankara the capital of Turkey, Hattusa with the signs of first Women Reign over the centuries, Zile where Julius Ceasar said the famous Veni Vidi Vici words, Anatolian Civilizations city of Tokat, Anatolian Central city of Sivas and Fair Chimneys and the Underground Cities of Cappadocia. An Ideal tour for these who want to relax at beautiful of Turkey.Travel through history and spectacular scenery.Be surprised by the colorful traditions you come across along the journey.
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul – Arrival Day – Istanbul City Tour – Izmit
Pass By: Istanbul, Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey!!! Arrive to Istanbul and we depart from the hotel at 08:30am for the Istanbul City Tour. “TOPKAPI PALACE” The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The palace houses an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. Robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, and the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
Next on the list is the “SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE” Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the “BLUE MOSQUE” because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. Outside the Blue Mosque we find the “HIPPODROME”. The Ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and entertainment. The Hippodrome comprises of three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.After a short enjoyable lunch break we head to the Grand Spice Bazaar for shopping.
After the tour we depart for Izmıt that is 115 km away from Istanbul to have dinner and stay overnight in Izmit
Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 2: Izmit Tour – Abant Lake and Ankara
Pass By: Izmit, Izmit, Kocaeli Province
After breakfast we will check out and depart for Izmit the city center with All Terrain Vehicles to go into the heart of the nature of the Izmit plateaus.. After the Izmit city tour we depart for Abant Lake. Abant is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. The lake is at the end of a 22 km drive. The seven kilometer walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don’t wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees.. After lunch we depart for Ankara. Overnight in Ankara.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 3: Ankara Tour – Hattusa Tour and Zile
Pass By: Great Temple, Hattusas Milli Park Bogazkale Merkez, Bogazkale, Corum Turkey
After breakfast we will depart for a visit to modern Turkey’s founder’s (Mustafa Kemal ATATURK) final resting place called Anıtkabir, the mausoleum. We depart for Hattusa afterwards. Located in the region of Alacahoyuk. Hattusa, a true historical heaven, in UNESCO World Heritage List as well as World Memory List with the hieroglyphics archives found as of 2001, having housing all 4 civilization periods from bronze ages on. Being a Hittites’ cultural and religious center, these grounds have witnessed 1500 years of humanity’s development along with Anatolian Heritage that is also world famous with its roasted chickpeas, gourmet rice varieties. After the Hattusa tour depart for Zile. Dinner and Overnight in Zile.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 4: Zile Castle Tour – Tour of Ballica Cave and Tokat
Pass By: Zile Kalesi, Tokat Turkey
After breakfast we depart for Zile where the famous saying of “Veni Vidi Vici” by Roman Emperor Caesar, took place. Also the traditional homes that have historical texture to the every stone..After the Zile Castle Tour we will be visiting famous Ballica Caves that is known to have healing powers for Asthma patients. Overnight in Tokat
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 5: Tokat City Tour
Pass By: Tokat, Tokat, Tokat Province
After breakfast, depart for Tokat City Tour, the city of Anatolian civilizations, visiting the famous Tokat Castle and historical places of Tokat such as historical lodging and dwelling points, forums and religious educational centers, Tokat Museum that is awarded globally as well as Clock Tower in downtown. While sightseeing in the city, you will notice the sincere hospitality and honest warmth of the local people. You will also get a chance to visit local shops with very affordable prices for shopping souvenirs. You will have opportunity to visit Farm fields between May to November for picking fresh fruits and vegetables fress off their branches and meet with local people. On other dates, we will witness Traditional Turkish village wedding ceremonies if we come across or may get a chance to perhaps cook authentic dishes with villagers.Overnight in Tokat
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 6: Tokat to Sivas and Sivas City Tour – Cappadocia
Pass By: Sivas, Sivas
After the Breakfast in the Hotel, we will depart to Sivas.Visiting Ottoman highlights; Meydan Mosque and Şems-i Sivasî Tomb, İhramcızade Cultural and Art House, Subaşı Kervansarayı, Taşhan Kervansarayı. After the Sivas tour depart for Cappadocia.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 7: Cappadocia Underground City & Goreme Open Air Museum
Pass By: Cappadocia, Cappadocia
You will be picked up approximately 09:30 We will drive you to Ozkonak Underground City, one of the best preserved Underground cities in Cappadocia. Than visit to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of Cappadocia. After Uchisar, you visit Goreme Open Air Museum, the Heart of Cappadocia. Goreme Open Air Museum is famous for frescoes dating to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks. Next stop is Cavusin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses. After Cavusin you go to the restaurant in Avanos to have lunch. After lunch, you visit a pottery work shop, to see how to make potteries. Then you go Pasabagi where you can see three – headed fairy chimneys. After Pasabagi you visit another workshop to see Cappadocian handwoven carpets and kilims. Next stop is Devrent Valley, which is also called Imagination Valley, where you can see natural rock formations looking like animals. Then you head to a wine shop in Urgup for wine tasting. Last stop is Three Beauties, three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. This tour will end approximately at 18.00 and you will be returned back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
No accommodation included on this day.
Day 8: Cappadocia to Istanbul By Domestic flight – End of Tour
Pass By: Cappadocia, Cappadocia
After breakfast you will have free time in Cappadocia. Today we depart for Cappadocia Airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul and then back to home. We hope you have a memorable time in Turkey and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another tour in Turkey. Have a safe trip back home and thank you for choosing us.
Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.
