23 Days Private Turkey Tour

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival in Istanbul

You will arrive to the New Istanbul Airport. Here, you will meet your warm travel agent employee to get a transfer to your authentic hotel. You will stay in Istanbul for that night.

Hotels : Legacy Ottoman Hotel – Kalyon Hotel or similar

Day 2 – Istanbul

Your private guided Turkey tours will start with the Ottoman heritage in Istanbul. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel and start the tour from Blue Mosque completed in 1616. Next, you will visit the famous Topkapi Palace. This palace has a comprehensive collection of the belongings of the sultans for the last five centuries. You can visit the Harem to witness the imperial lifestyle. You will walk the road to the Imperial Council called Divan Yolu. Next, you will have your lunch in a local restaurant. You will walk on the cobble stones streets to see the Rustem Pasha Mosque completed in 1561 by Sinan the Architect. Next, you will go to the famous Spice Market where the goods of the Venetians and Genoese and eastern spice were sold in the ancient times. Your tour will end at Grand Bazaar which was the most important shopping area of the ancient todays. You can shop in this amazing bazaar. After having your dinner, you will spend the night in Istanbul.

Meals : Breakfast,Lunch
Hotels : Legancy Ottoman Hotel – Kalyon Hotel or similar

Day 3 – Istanbul

On this day in Istanbul when you travel to Turkey, you will start your amazing tour after having your breakfast. After a short drive, you will see it is worth travelling Turkey. You will visit Dolmabahçe Palace with an amazing Bosporus view. The interior decoration of the palace is impressive with 14-ton gold ornaments. The rich and comprehensive collection includes paintings, furniture and Bohemian crystals. Also, this palace has a Harem section where you can see other important collections. Next, you will go to Kabatas pier to start your 2-hour private Bosporus Tour. You will have your lunch at a local restaurant. Then, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Trabzon. When you land in airport, our staff will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Trabzon. You will spend the night in Trabzon.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch 
Hotels : Park Dedeman Trabzon – Novotel Trabzon or similar

Day 4 – Trabzon

Here, you will visit the famous Sumela Monastery located on a steep hillside inside the rock surrounded by forests of Trabzon. The monastery was built on the 4th century just before the Roman Empire was divided into East and West Roma. The monastery was built by two Athenian clergymen called Barnabas and Sophronius. These two clergymen are believed to painted the extraordinary icon of the Virgin Mary in a cave. You will spend the night in Trabzon.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Park Dedeman Trabzon – Novotel Trabzon or similar

Day 5 – Trabzon – Erzurum

You will leave the hotel after your breakfast.
You will pass the silk road via the Zigana mountains to reach Karaca Cave. The cave is one of the best examples in Turkey with its formation. You will drive to Erzurum via Bayburt. You will visit Double Minaret and Yakutiye Medrese. You will get free time in Rustem Pasha Bedesten for shopping. Here you can find the famous oltutas (jet stone) earrings. You will spend the night in Erzurum.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Sway Hotel Erzurum or similar

Day 6 – Erzurum – Kars – Ani

After having your breakfast at the hotel, you will start your journey to Kars where you will visit the Ani archeologic area. In your travel Turkey adventure, you will go to Ani which is an old architectural site dating back to the 5th century AD. This place was the Armenian capital in 806. From here, you will go to Sarikamis which was a famous place for Tsars of Russia to rest. You will have your dinner and stay in Sarikamis.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Sehr-i Beyza or similar

Day 7 – Kars – Dogubeyazit – Van

For this day, you will meet at 08:30am at the reception. You will drive to Dogubeyazit. Here, you will visit the splendid Ishakpasha palace which was built around the 18th century by a family who rules this region. You will visit the legendary Mount Ararat. According to legends and ancient traditions, it is said that The Noah’s ark rested on top of this mountain. There are 2 summits in Mount Ararat which are Large Ararat (5165 m) and Small Ararat (3925 m). You will visit Muradiye waterfalls as you go back to the city centre. You will spend the night in Van.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Elite World Van or similar

Day 8 – Van

For this day, you will meet at 08:30am at the reception.
Following your breakfast, you will visit the Akdamar Island. There is an Armenian Monastery dating back to the 11th century. The monastery has a lovely architecture and Lake Van view. You will go back and visit Tusba Castle. You will have your lunch in a nearby restaurant and visit Cavustepe. You will spend the night in Van.

Meals : Breakfast,Lunch
Hotels : Elite World Van Hotel or similar

Day 9 – Van – Mardin

You will leave the hotel early as the road takes a long time. In this journey, you will leave Van behind and go to Bitlis located on the west of the lake. From here, you will drive to Mardin which is close to Iraqi border. You will see the conic tombs of Seljuk and Turkish rulers near Bitlis and Ahlat. You will spend the night in Mardin.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Tarihi Selçuklu Konağı – Mardin Osmanlı Konağı or similar

Day 10 – Mardin – Urfa

For this day, you will meet at 08:30am at the reception.
Mardin is in the southeast of Turkey on a high hill overlooking the plains Turkey and Syria. You will start your private Turkey tour from deir-al-zafaran (the saffron monastery) which is the Syrian Orthodox Patriarchy centre and monastery. You will have your lunch and drive to Hasankeyf near the Tigris river. The city will be submerged due to a dam project on the Tigris. Hasankeyf is famous for its caves, hidden waterways, tombs, palaces and an exquisite mosque.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Âlâ Han Boutique Hotel–Hilton Garden Inn Sanlıurfa or similar

Day 11 – Urfa – Kahta ( Nemrut )

For this day, you will meet at 08:30am at the reception.
You will visit Mevlid Halil mosque, prophet Abraham’s cave and the famous fish pool. You will get the chance to shop in the old bazaar. You will go to Harran a city known to be home to prophet Abraham. Here, you will visit the castle, Islamic social complex and interesting beehive-formed adobe houses. You will spend the night in Kahta.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : White Star Hotel or similar

Day 12 – Nemrut – Cappadocia

On this day, you will visit the summit of the Mt. Nemrut (one of the most popular UNESCO world cultural heritage sites). Here, you will watch the amazing sunrise, visit the colossal heads and statues of ancient deities from the mythology. Small minibuses will take you to the top of the mountain. Everything you will see is at 8000 ft. There are statues on top of the mountain on two plain areas which are separated by crushed rock. The entire complex was built by Antiouchus about 2000 years ago as a monument to his divine ancestry. You can visit the old Arsemeia castle, cross over the Cendere Bridge (Septimius Severus bridge) that is still in use dating to the 3rd century and Tumulus Tomb of Karakus. You will go back to your hotel to have breakfast. Then, you will visit Kahramanmaraş to taste the famous ice-cream and drive to Cappadocia to spend the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Mustafa Resort Cappadocia – Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Misty Cave Hotel or similar

Day 13 – Cappadocia

Cappadocia is an important place among the Turkey tourism destinations. You will start your tour with Kaymaklı Underground City. This underground city is considered as an interesting underground settlement in Cappadocia. From there, you will go to Sahinefendi (Sobesos). Here, you will see Mosaic Art and Archaeological excavation site from the Byzantine Period. The valley villages with mountains around them gives us a spectacular view. Our next stop will be Keslik Monastery near Cemil. The ancient frescos are hidden behind a smoke layer. Here, you will visit Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) which is an old Roman town with its old houses. These houses are the great examples of late Roman settlements and architecture in the region. Our next stop will be the Red Valley. The valley consists of incredible volcanic rock formations. This valley is at the centre of Cappadocia. Still, the valley is not overcrowded by tourists. You will spend the night at Cappadocia.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Mustafa Resort Cappadocia – Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Misty Cave Hotel or similar

Day 14 – Cappadocia

After breakfast, you will continue to discover Cappadocia. You will go to Devrent valley to see the rock formations. You will go back in time with troglodyte houses. Then, you will visit Pasabag which has “fairy chimneys”. Here, you can even hear the “songs of fairies” near Zelve. You will take your lunch in Avanos which is the centre of red pottery since 3000 BC. Here, you will witness the traditional pottery craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you will go to Goreme Open Air Museum. The museum is home to incredible examples of the Byzantine art in Cappadocia. There are churches carved in the rocks with frescoes and paintings created betyouen the 10th and the 13th century. Our next stop in your tour will be Uchisar Rock-Castle which gives a panoramic view of the Cappadocian valleys. You will stay in Cappadocia for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Mustafa Resort Cappadocia – Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Misty Cave Hotel or similar

Day 15 – Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya

You will have a regional breakfast at your hotel. After your breakfast, you will leave for Konya. On your way, you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai. Caravanserais were important structures to support the commerce and people travelling on commercial routes across Asia, North Africa and South-Europe. These roads were known as the legendary silk road and the spice road. When you arrive in Konya, you will see the Mevlana Sufi Temple. Mevlana is the founder of Sufism and whirling dervishes. You will spend the night in Antalya

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Aspen Hotel Special Class – Tuvana Hotel Special Class or similar

Day 16 – Antalya

If your travel Turkey, Antalya is an important destination. Here, you will start your tour with Perge. This city was originally a Hittite settlement dating back to around 1500 BC. Here, you will see incredible and well-preserved streets, public baths, nymphaeum, and agora. Also, you will see the fountain dedicated to the River God. The waters of this river once poured down to the heart of the city. Our tour will continue with Aspendos which has one of the best-conserved amphitheatres in the world. Also, you will visit the famous Kursunlu waterfalls and the Antalya Museum. You will stay in Antalya for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Aspen Hotel Special Class – Tuvana Hotel Special Class or similar

Day 17 – Antalya – Pamukkale

When you have your breakfast, your private Turkey tour will continue with Pamukkale Here, you will visit the Travertine Terraces and Hierapolis. The Travertine Terraces at Pamukkale are amazing looking mineral water ponds covered with calcite waters forming a set of terrace and ponds with amazing look. The terrace looks like a cotton or snow. This is why the Turkish name for this place is Pamukkale which means cotton castle. You will enjoy the white terraces. After that, you will transfer to your luxurious hotel. You will spend the night in Pamukkale.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Doga Thermal Health & Spa Hotel – Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal or similar

Day 18 – Pamukkale – Kusadasi

You will drive for Ephesus. On your way, Aphrodisias is one the places you will see. Aphrodisias cist is famous for being a centre for arts. Especially, sculpture was a top characteristic. The Aphrodisias School of Sculpture had a unique style and was well- known across the Greek and Roman world. You will move to Priene. Although Ephesus is the most famous cities in the Aegean region, Priene which is not as popular is an important ancient settlement in this region. Priene is located to view the Meander Valley and the amazing temple in the city is in a good condition. You will stay in Kusadasi for the night as it is close to Ephesus.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa – Boutique Class or similar

Day 19 – Ephesus

On this day, you will visit Ephesus. You will follow the footsteps of famous ancient individuals such as Alexander the Great, Caesar, Cicero, Apostles Paul and John and many others in this city. Terrace Houses which require an extra entry fee shows the wealthiest Roman. The terrace houses are in an amazing condition. The mosaics and frescos in these houses are incredible. It is believed that the Virgin Mary was brought here by St John after the Crucifixion. It is believed that she spends her last years near Ephesus on an isolated mountaintop. For commemorate her, Franciscans constructed a chapel. The chapel is open for visitors. Pope has designated this chapel as a pilgrimage site for the Christians. You will visit the Temple of Artemis which is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You will stay in Kusadasi for the night as it is close to Ephesus.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa – Boutique Class or similar

Days 20 – Kusadasi – Pergamon – Canakkale

On this day, you will drive to Pergamon or also known as Pergamum. This place was an important kingdom during the Hellenistic period. Pergamon is known to have the second-best library after the library of Alexandria during the ancient Greek period. The library was called the ancient Library of Pergamum. When papyrus export was halted by the Ptolemies which is caused by competitors and shortages, the people of Pergamon invented a new substance to be used as a paper in the codices. This substance was called pergaminus or parchment as you know it. Fine calf skin which was the predecessor of vellum was the main ingredients. Asclepion is located in the loyour city on the southwest of the lower city and there is a sanctuary for God of Health. Asclepics was one of the largest hospitals in ancient times. The hospital was on the west part of the city. The city was an important culture, art and medicine centre in the ancient days. You will go to Canakkale to spend the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Kolin Hotel – Buyuk Truva Hotel or similar

Day 21 – Troy – Dardanelles – Gallipoli – Istanbul

On your Private Turkey Tour, your next stop will be Troy. The city is famous for the wooden horse and the epic war in the ancient times. Next, you will drive to Gallipoli. Here, you will cross the Dardanelles, an important water way and reach to Istanbul to stay for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Legancy Ottoman Hotel – Kalyon Hotel or similar

Day 22 – Istanbul

On this day of your private tour, you will visit the Byzantine Relics. When you travel to Turkey, you can see different cultures across the country. Byzantine culture is one of them. You will start your tour with the Hippodrome at the middle of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Cisterns. Here, you will see the Serpentine Columns and Egyptian Obelisk. You will also visit the nearby Wilhelm German fountain. You will take your lunch in a local restaurant. Next, you will go to Chora Museum also known as Kariye Museum to see the amazing Byzantine frescoes. Your tour will end in the Basilica Cistern known as the Yerebatan Cistern. Istanbul to stay for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch
Hotels : Legacy Ottoman Hotel – Kalyon Hotel or similar

Day 23 – Departure – Home

This is the last day of your private travel Turkey tour. You will transfer you to the New Istanbul Airport three hours before your international flight.

Meals : Breakfast