SIMPLY TURKEY

Upon our arrival in what was once Byzantium (and later Constantinople), a Spanish-speaking assistant will be waiting for us at the airport. They will inform us about all the details of our itinerary, answer any questions we may have, and give us a brief introduction to the city and its daily life.

The transfer to the hotel will be carried out by one of our vehicles.

At the hotel, our assistant will help us with the check-in. The rest of the day will be free to relax and start enjoying this impressive city.

Greca Tip: Find the best advice to make the most of your trip in the following article: Everything you need to know about Turkey.

After a delicious breakfast, at the designated time, we will be picked up from our hotel or the nearest meeting point to visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, located on Istanbul’s third hill, offering one of the city’s most famous panoramic views. The mosque was built by the renowned imperial architect Sinan under the orders of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

After this visit, we will have free time to explore the city at our own pace, or we can optionally take a full-day tour of Istanbul’s historic district.

For our convenience, this tour includes a English-speaking official guide, entrance fees, lunch at a central restaurant, and visits to the most outstanding monuments left by the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires: Hagia Sophia (exterior), the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, which houses over 4,000 shops inside.

At the end of the tour, returning to the hotel will be at each traveler's discretion. If we feel like it, we can continue strolling through the beautiful Sultanahmet neighborhood.

Greca Tip: Don’t miss the chance to try the delicious apple tea, served hot or cold!

After a delicious breakfast and at the indicated time, we will begin the tour with one of the most famous activities in this great country, a cruise on the Bosphorus, the channel that separates Europe and Asia. During this journey, we will be able to admire the Sultan's palaces, old and typical wooden houses, and enjoy history in a different way.

Next, we will visit one of the must-see places, the Spice Bazaar, also known by many as the Egyptian Bazaar. It dates back to 1663, when Istanbul was the last city on the Silk Road and a strategic entry point to all of Europe.

At this point, our excursion ends, but we can optionally take a visit with lunch to the Asian side of the city, where we will visit the Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire.

We will also explore the Eyup district, a place full of history and iconic architectural structures. One of the main attractions is the Eyüp Sultan Mosque. Nearby, we will find the Pierre Loti Café, where we will have a unique view of the Golden Horn.

At the end of the visit, we return to the hotel or have the option of enjoying a dinner with a typical show.

Greca Tip: If your visit to Pierre Loti Café coincides with sunset, take the time to relax and enjoy a view that will be hard to forget.

After our breakfast at the hotel, we will depart on our air-conditioned bus towards the Bolu mountains to reach the current capital of Turkey, Ankara. Here, we will take a panoramic tour to explore this city, the second most populated in the country, a modern and cosmopolitan city but full of history and ancient culture.

Next, we will visit the Anıtkabir Mausoleum, a symbol of Ankara, as it is the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic.

At the end of the afternoon, we will head to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Although Istanbul was the capital of many empires throughout history, since 1923, when the Republic of Turkey was founded, Ankara has been the capital.

After having breakfast at the hotel, we will head southeast towards the city of Cappadocia. Along the way, we will pass by the second-largest lake in Turkey, Lake Tuz (Salt Lake), and have the opportunity to visit an ancient 'Roadside Inn' used by travelers at the end of the Middle Ages, known as a Caravanserai.

Upon arriving in Cappadocia, we will head to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Greca Tip: If you want to experience something unique, don't miss the chance to join our Hot Air Balloon Ride excursion to watch the sunrise from the sky in Cappadocia

Very early at sunrise, we will have the option to join a hot air balloon excursion, a unique experience, over the marvelous rock formations, fairy chimneys, natural formations, and lunar landscapes of the splendid and magnificent Cappadocia.

After a refreshing breakfast, we will dedicate the day to exploring this fantastic region, with its spectacular fairy chimneys, unique in the world, starting with the Goreme Valley, with its cave churches and paintings from the 10th and 11th centuries.

We will visit the Avcilar Valley, which has a spectacular landscape, Pasabag Valley, also known as the Monks' Valley, and Gόvercinlik Valley, or the Pigeon Valley, where we can better admire the volcanic formations called "Fairy Chimneys."

To finish, we will visit a typical workshop of carpets and Onyx and Turquoise stones, where we can take home some souvenirs.

Optionally, you can add a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City, with more than 9 underground levels, one of the most important attractions in the region, or enjoy a Turkish night, a typical dance show in a cave restaurant.

At the end of the day, we will return to our hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Remember that inside the caves, if allowed, photos should be taken without flash as it can damage the images.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will head west towards Pamukkale. Upon arrival in this magical city, we will visit the ruins of Hierapolis, the ancient Hellenistic city that was a summer retreat for Roman nobles in the 2nd and 3rd centuries, drawn by its mystical hot springs.

We will also visit the famous Cotton Castle, a natural wonder of giant white waterfalls, stalactites, and natural pools formed over the centuries by the flow of mineral-rich waters from the thermal springs.

Afterwards, we will transfer to our hotel for dinner and rest.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of your free time to enjoy a bath in the thermal pools at the hotel.

After a delicious breakfast, we will depart for Selçuk-Ephesus (200 km). We will visit the archaeological site of Ephesus, a city dedicated to Artemis.

We will explore the Odeon, the Temple of Hadrian, the House of Love, the Library of Celsus, the Agora, Marble Street, and the largest Roman theater of antiquity. We will also have the opportunity to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the last residence of Jesus’ mother.

Next, we will stop at a leather production center, and then continue our journey to Izmir (85 km), one of Turkey’s largest cities.

Upon arrival in Izmir, we will check into our hotel, enjoy dinner, and stay overnight.

Greca Tip: Izmir is Turkey’s third-largest city, despite being almost entirely destroyed during the Great Fire of 1922.

After a delicious breakfast, we will depart for Pergamon, now Bergama (110 km). Upon arrival, we will visit the ruins of Asclepion, which was the most important hospital in Asia Minor, featuring a therapeutic center.

We will then continue our journey to Troy (190 km), where we will visit the famous archaeological site that brings to life the poetic saga of Homer’s Iliad.

Afterward, we will head to Çanakkale (25 km), where we will have dinner and spend the night.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to take souvenirs from this legendary land, including a photo with the Trojan Horse.

After a delicious breakfast, we will depart for Bursa (270 km).

This city, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, is also known as Green Bursa. Here, we will visit Ulu Camii, also known as the Great Mosque of Bursa, the Kozahan Silk Bazaar, and the Green Mausoleum.

We will then continue our journey to Istanbul.

Greca Tip: Ask our guide for the best dining spots, or consider the optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus.

After savoring a delightful breakfast, we will arrange a seamless transfer for you to Istanbul Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your international flight.

The entire team at Greca extends their warmest wishes for a safe and pleasant journey. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back soon, creating more unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

Have a wonderful trip! Or, as the locals say, "Iyi yolculuklar!"

Greca Tip: If you feel that your time in Istanbul was too brief, you can easily add extra nights to your booking. Simply let us know your preferences, and we'll be happy to assist you.