Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Konya, Pamukkale and Kusadasi for 10 Days

Welcome to our Istanbul!!

Your adventure begins with a seamless transfer from the airport to your hotel. Once settled in, you will have free time to rest or explore the surroundings at your own pace. In the afternoon, you will receive all the necessary information to start your circuit, which can be found on the informational boards located at the hotel reception.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of your free time to familiarize yourself with the local surroundings. May your journey be the beginning of an unforgettable experience!. Find the best tips to maximize your trip in the following article: The best tips for planning a trip to Istanbul.

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast, before hopping on our bus to start our journey.

Today we will take a fascinating panoramic tour of Istanbul, a unique city that spans across two continents: Europe and Asia.

During this tour, we will explore the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul, and discover the imposing historic walls.

We will enjoy a panoramic view of the Golden Horn, the natural harbor that separates the two sides of the city, and stroll through the picturesque fishermen's district. We will also admire the exterior of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, which gives it a fascinating blend of cultures, traditions, and architecture from different parts of the world.

As evening falls, we will offer a transfer to Taksim, the vibrant commercial and cultural center of Istanbul. You will have time to dine in one of the many restaurants in the area, enjoy a ride on the historic tram, or visit the Galata Tower for spectacular views of the city.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to haggle in Istanbul's markets! It’s a tradition that is part of the local culture and always a fun experience.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will begin a fascinating day in Istanbul. We will start with entry and a guided visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, where its courtyards, pavilions, and treasures evoke centuries of history. The atmosphere of the palace, together with its views of the Bosphorus, offers an authentic immersion into imperial grandeur.

Later, we will experience an unforgettable moment as we board a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing between Europe and Asia for approximately two hours. From the boat, we’ll admire sultans’ palaces, elegant wooden mansions, Ottoman villas, and the lively maritime activity that animates these waters. We will pass beneath the bridges that connect both continents—one of the city’s most iconic sights.

We will disembark on the Asian side, in the picturesque district of Üsküdar, before continuing our journey toward the Anatolian Peninsula. We will arrive in Ankara at sunset, where an included dinner will await us, bringing a local touch to the end of the day before we return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: In Ankara, if you have the chance, try the traditional döner; its authentic flavor perfectly reflects the cuisine of Anatolia.

After a comforting breakfast, we will begin our visit to Ankara, the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, with a population of over 5 million inhabitants and a rich cultural life.

We will explore its prominent performing arts center, home to the State Ballet and Opera, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, as well as numerous national theater companies. We will also visit the imposing Mausoleum of Atatürk, the symbol of the nation, and the ancient Ankara Castle, whose construction dates back over 8 centuries before Christ. We will include an entrance to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which provides a profound understanding of the diverse cultures that have left their mark on Turkey.

Next, we will head to the fascinating region of Cappadocia.

Along the way, we will make a stop for lunch by the Salt Lake, enjoying its stunning landscapes. Then, we will proceed to Hacibektas, a place of deep respect for pilgrims (appropriate attire and maintaining silence during the visit is recommended), where the sanctuary housing the tomb of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic, is located.

Finally, we will continue to Nevşehir, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and check in for the night.

Greca Tip: Visit the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) to learn about Turkey's history and enjoy panoramic views of the city. It’s a must-see landmark!

Early in the morning, after an energizing breakfast, we will dedicate the entire day to exploring the fascinating region of Cappadocia, famous for its otherworldly landscapes, churches, and ancient troglodyte villages.

We will begin our day in the Göreme Valley (entrance included), where we will discover its open-air museum and the stunning churches carved directly into the rocks.

Next, we will head to Uçhisar, a natural fortress offering panoramic views of the region.

We will then proceed to Kaymaklı, where we will explore the incredible underground city that could house up to 30,000 people.

On our way back to Avanos, we will make a stop at Pasabag, also known as the "Valley of the Fairies," where we will have the chance to walk among its unique rock formations and enjoy this spectacular natural setting.

At the end of our day, we will have free time and an included dinner to relax and enjoy the evening.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the sunrise in a hot air balloon. It's one of the most iconic experiences, where you'll get to see the stunning landscapes of rock formations and fairy chimneys from above. An unforgettable view!

In the surroundings of Cappadocia, we explore the charming Ihlara Valley, known for the freshness of its waters, as well as its churches and picturesque villages carved into the rock.

Next, we continue our journey with a stop at a 13th-century Caravanserai, a fascinating relic of ancient trade routes. Afterward, we arrive in Konya, where we will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana (Rumi), a sacred site that introduces us to the history of the Dervishes. (Entrance included).

Dinner is included at the end of this beautiful day of exploration.

In the evening, we suggest you enjoy a unique experience: the Whirling Dervishes Dance performance, a manifestation of the mystical Sufi tradition, taking place at the city's cultural center.

Greca Tip: Take the opportunity to learn about the philosophy of the Dervishes and their connection to meditation and Sufi mysticism.

After our breakfast, we will head out and begin our journey along a picturesque road surrounded by lakes, reaching Eğirdir, a charming town next to a large inland lake, known for its impressive walls and majestic mosques.

You will have free time to enjoy a delicious lunch. Afterward, we will head to Pamukkale to explore the stunning calcite formations of Hierapolis, a true natural phenomenon that has given rise to the famous "Cotton Castle" (entrance included).

At the end of the day, we will enjoy a delicious dinner.

Greca Tip: Be sure to wear comfortable footwear, as walking on the calcite formations can be slippery.

In the morning, after a hearty breakfast, we will head towards the coastal town of Kusadasi, known for its lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery. From there, we continue to Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. Our guide will lead us on a brief but fascinating tour of this modern and westernized city.

We will then make our way inland, stopping for a delicious lunch before arriving in Bursa, the fourth-largest city in Turkey. Bursa’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to traditional commercial neighborhoods, mosques, religious schools, and public baths. The Green Mosque is particularly noteworthy.

Finally, we will reach Istanbul by the end of the day.

Greca Tip: Be sure to try local delicacies such as the famous "Iskender kebab".