IMMORTAL TURKEY

Welcome to Istanbul!

Upon arrival, you will be greeted and transferred directly to your hotel.

At Istanbul Airport, one of our assistants will be waiting to accompany you on the transfer to the hotel in one of our high-comfort vehicles.

At the hotel, we will proceed with the check-in process, and the rest of the day will be free for you to relax and start exploring this impressive city.

Greca Tip: Discover the best tips to make the most of your trip in the following article: The Best Tips for Planning a Trip to Istanbul

After a delicious breakfast, we will head out to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, located on the third hill of Istanbul, offering one of the most iconic views of the city. This mosque was built under the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the famous imperial architect Sinan.

After the visit, you will have free time to explore the city at your own pace or, if you prefer, you can opt for an additional full-day excursion to the historic area of Istanbul. During this excursion, you will admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine art; visit the famous Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans for four centuries; enjoy a traditional lunch in a local restaurant in the Sultanahmet area; admire the Blue Mosque, a marvel of proportion, elegance, and harmony; and explore the Hippodrome, home to the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, the Fountain of the Emperor Wilhelm, and the Egyptian Obelisk. In the late afternoon, we will visit the famous Grand Bazaar, where you will have free time to wander through its more than 4,000 shops.

Accommodation.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to try some local traditional dishes, such as Kofte (lamb or beef meatballs), Pide (Turkish pizza), Sis Kebab (grilled meat skewers), Lokum (Turkish delight), or Baklava for a sweet ending

Upon waking up, we will start the day with a delicious breakfast.

Afterward, we will embark on one of Istanbul's most iconic activities: a relaxing boat ride on the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe from Asia.

During the journey, you'll admire the majestic palaces of the sultans, the ancient and picturesque wooden houses, and enjoy the city's history from a unique perspective. Next, we will visit one of the highlights: the Spice Bazaar, founded by the Ottomans over five centuries ago and still operating today. Our visit will conclude at this fascinating market, where you can immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere and explore its vast variety of shops.

In the afternoon, you will have the option to join a tour with lunch to the Asian side of the city, starting with the Beylerbeyi Palace, located on the Asian side of the Bosphorus. This former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans is full of history. You will also have the chance to admire the famous Bosphorus Bridge, which connects both shores of the city. After lunch, we will explore the fascinating district of Üsküdar on the Asian side, then head to Çamlıca Hill, one of Istanbul's seven hills and the highest point in the city. At 268 meters above sea level, Çamlıca Hill offers stunning panoramic views of both sides of the city. At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel.

Accommodation.

We will start the day with a delicious breakfast, preparing ourselves for a day full of unforgettable experiences.

We will depart for Ankara, crossing the majestic Bolu mountains. Upon arrival, we will take a panoramic tour in our comfortable coach of the capital of the Turkish Republic, the second most populous city in the country. Ankara is a modern and cosmopolitan city, deeply rooted in history and rich in cultural heritage. One of the most iconic stops will be the Anıtkabir Mausoleum, an undeniable symbol of the city, as it houses the remains of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

In the evening, we will arrive at our hotel where we will enjoy an exquisite dinner and rest for more adventures the following day.

Accommodation.

After a refreshing morning, we will enjoy a delicious breakfast.

We will begin our journey towards the fascinating region of Cappadocia.

On the way, we will have the opportunity to admire the second largest lake in Turkey, the Salt Lake, as well as a historic 13th-century caravanserai, an ancient medieval inn that reflects the legacy of that era.

Finally, we will arrive in Cappadocia, a unique destination of incomparable beauty.

Dinner and accommodation.

Greca Tip: During the journey, you can enjoy the landscapes of Anatolia, which gradually evolve as we approach the magical region of Cappadocia.

After our daily breakfast at the hotel, we will depart in the morning towards Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities and the former capital of Asia Minor. Here, we will visit the Temple of Adrian, the Temple of Trajan, the theater, and the Library of Celsus. We will also explore the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent her final years.

Next, we will visit a leather goods gallery, famous for the production of lambskin garments from the region. In the late afternoon, we will head towards Kusadasi or Izmir.

Dinner at the hotel and accommodation. (During the summer months, from May to October, accommodation may be in Izmir and its surroundings instead of Kusadasi).

Greca Tip: Take your time to admire the architectural details and exceptional views.