Turkey: Where East Meets West – A Journey of Contrasts and Surprises

Arrive in Istanbul
After Immigration and Customs procedures met by driver and transferred to hotel.
Check-in to Hotel
Free time for rest after a long journey

This is a full-day private walking tour of Istanbul, which includes visits to some of the city's most iconic landmarks. The tour starts at the Hippodrome, an ancient stadium that was used for chariot races. Here, you can see three monuments, including the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, you'll visit the Sultanahmed Imperial Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, which was built in the 16th century and is famous for its stunning interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. You'll also explore the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, a historic church that is a prime example of Byzantine architecture and decorated with golden mosaics. The tour then takes you to the Topkapi Palace, the former home of Ottoman sultans, which houses an impressive collection of treasures, including crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain. Finally, the tour ends with a shopping excursion at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest markets in the world, with over 4000 shops, restaurants, and banks.

The second part of the private tour in Istanbul includes a morning boat tour along the Bosphorus, passing by major attractions such as Dolmabahge Palace and Rumeli Fortress. After that, the tour continues with a walk in the Taksim area, where you'll see the Galata Tower from the outside and explore the Istiklal walking street. The tour also includes a visit to the Pera district, where you'll discover hidden spots and learn about its cosmopolitan history. The guide will also recommend the best local eateries, cafes, and bars while strolling along Istiklal Avenue.

The tour includes breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. After that, there will be a transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Bodrum. Upon arrival at Bodrum, a driver will be waiting to receive and assist you.

Experience the beauty of the Bodrum coastline with a Lazy Day Boat Trip. Embark on a sailing boat to explore hidden islands and caves, some only accessible by boat. You'll have the chance to bathe in a natural hot spring, snorkel in crystal-clear waters and enjoy swim breaks near Rabbit Island. Discover Kara Ada (Black Island) and visit the Springs of Grotto mineral water. Optionally, you can even ride camels at Camel Beach.

The day starts with breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. Then, you will embark on a 6-hour drive to Antalya. Upon arrival in the evening, you will check-in to the hotel and have free time to relax and enjoy the beach. You will spend the night at the hotel.

The Antalya city tour includes several famous landmarks and attractions. The Hadrianus Gate, also known as The Three Gates, is a triumphal arch that was built to honor Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Broken Minaret of the Korkut Mosque is another notable sight, originally built as a Roman temple in the 2nd century AD. The Clock Tower, a Roman tower dating back to the 2nd century, is now a commanding structure in the neighborhood area. The Yivli Minare or fluted minaret is Antalya's most distinctive landmark, built by the Seljuk sultan Alacddin Kykubad in the 13th century. The ancient harbor is still at the heart of Antalya and a popular place for locals and tourists to gather. The Duden Waterfalls are also a must-see attraction, consisting of two cascades and nearly 50 feet tall and 20 meters wide.

After having breakfast at the hotel, check-out and depart for a 7-hour drive to Cappadocia with a stopover in Konya. In Konya, you will visit the Mevlana Mausoleum and Museum, which is located in the city center. This historic site includes a mausoleum and a lodge that belongs to the Sufi sect of whirling dervishes founded by Mevlana Rumi's followers, and it's a must-see attraction in the city.

You will have a full day private tour in Cappadocia, starting with a visit to the Ozkonak Underground City, which was rediscovered in the 1970s by a farmer who noticed excess crop water going into the ground. This ancient city, likely built in the Byzantine era, is located on the northern slopes of Mount Idis and can house up to 60,000 people across its ten floors, although only the first four floors are open to visitors today. The city had a built-in communication system, ventilation holes, a winery, and a water well, and it was well-equipped to defend itself against enemies.

You will also visit the Cavasin Valley, a quiet village known for its beautiful churches, abandoned rock houses, and great hiking opportunities. The Gavusin village is dominated by its cliff, and its empty cave houses make for a fun place to explore. The Love Valley, known for its natural wonders and giant, tricky-shaped monuments left by mother nature, is another destination on the tour.

In addition, you will visit the Devrent Valley, which reveals many different rock formations and animal-shaped rocks, making it look like a sculpture zoo created by nature. Finally, you will visit the Pasabaglar-Monk Valley, which has a wonderful landscape and is famous for its various collections of fairy chimneys, making it seem like a museum of fairy chimneys. The valley's extraordinary scene creates a metaphysical world and relaxes the spirit of visitors. The tour also includes a visit to the Legend of Three Beauties, which takes its name from the fairy chimney of two adults and a child and is one of the most important symbols of Cappadocia.

Check out at Airport for Flight to Home