Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul and Cappadocia in 12 days

Upon your arrival in the vibrant city of Dubai, our dedicated assistant will warmly welcome you. They will provide detailed information about your itinerary, addressing any inquiries or special requests you may have and presenting an insightful overview of the city and its daily rhythm.

For your convenience, we have arranged a private air-conditioned vehicle to transfer you to your hotel. Our assistant will be on hand to guide you through the check-in process seamlessly.

Once you settle in, the remainder of the day is yours to unwind and fully enjoy the comfort and amenities of your hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer, you can venture out to explore Dubai and appreciate the wonders of this magnificent and modern city.

Greca Tip: Feel free to consult our knowledgeable tour guide for the best dining options in the city. They will gladly provide recommendations for exceptional lunch or dinner experiences that will further enrich your stay.

In the morning, as the first rays of sunlight begin to bathe the city in golden hues, after a delicious breakfast, you will discover Dubai’s fascinating duality: dazzling modernity and an ancient soul. Following a transfer in an air-conditioned vehicle, you will arrive at The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah, where the silhouette of Atlantis rises like a mirage. Later, a stop at the beach will offer the perfect view of the Burj Al Arab, the iconic “sail-shaped” hotel that many locals consider a beacon of luxury.

As the day unfolds, Al Farooq Omar Bin Al Khattab Mosque will welcome you with the serenity of its tiles inspired by Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. With a capacity of up to 2,000 worshippers, the mosque is said to have an interior where the gentle echo resembles the sound of the sea—a fascinating detail best appreciated by those who take a moment to pause and listen.

Next, Old Dubai awaits. The journey continues with a ride on an abra, a traditional water taxi that will take you to the Spice Souk and Gold Souk, a captivating world of aromas, colors, and dazzling treasures. Afterwards, a visit to Al Khayma Heritage House will introduce you to authentic Emirati hospitality, taking you on a journey from the region’s nomadic origins to its ambitions in space exploration.

At the end of the excursion, you may choose to remain at the souk or return with our transfer.

In the evening, you can optionally enjoy a dinner cruise in Dubai Marina. As the city lights shimmer on the water and each dish brings together local and international flavors, you will end the day immersed in an atmosphere of magic and tranquility.

Greca Tip: Make the most of this day to admire the interior of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, a unique opportunity in Dubai.

After a serene breakfast, your morning awakens with the promise of new horizons. The road to Abu Dhabi unfolds like a bridge between modernity and tradition, while the comfort of our air-conditioned transfers guides you smoothly toward the capital.

Upon arrival, the majestic Sheikh Zayed Mosque welcomes you with its radiant white domes. Walking through its courtyards feels like entering the spiritual heart of the nation; they say its main hand-woven carpet is one of the largest in the world. Later, in the Al Bateen district, the elegance of the Royal Palaces reminds you that this city is the administrative soul of the emirate. A stroll along the Corniche, with the sea embracing the avenue, invites you to capture unforgettable views of Abu Dhabi’s skyline.

In the afternoon, the ascent to the Etihad Towers observation deck offers a breathtaking 360° panorama, as if time itself paused. A panoramic view of the Emirates Palace adds a touch of opulence before you enjoy some free time at Marina Mall.

The visit to the majestic Qasr Al Watan crowns your day with its grandeur and cultural richness. As night falls, your return to Dubai brings this experience to a graceful close.

Greca Tip: Women must cover their legs, shoulders, and hair to enter the mosque. Physical contact between men and women is not allowed inside.

After a peaceful breakfast, your morning unfolds with the gentle anticipation of what awaits. You watch the city awaken at its own rhythm as you prepare for an afternoon that will reveal the very heart of the Arabian desert.

In the afternoon, the transfer from your hotel marks the beginning of your adventure. Aboard luxurious 4x4 vehicles, you venture into a golden horizon where every dune seems to breathe ancient tales. The route leads you past small camel farms, reminding you that these animals were, for centuries, the lifeblood and pride of Bedouin caravans. You may be intrigued to learn that some camels can recognize their caretakers’ voices even after long journeys.

Dusk greets you among endless sands, where you pause to contemplate the sunset and feel that unique silence that exists only in the desert. Then, a gentle glide over the dunes guides you to the traditional camp, where you may ride a camel, try aromatic shisha, enjoy a henna tattoo, and savor an Arabian buffet dinner under the moon, accompanied by a folkloric show.

At night, the return to Dubai wraps you in serene calm.

Greca Tip: Bring a light scarf; it will be your best ally against the desert wind.

Indulge in a delightful and satisfying breakfast in the morning to fuel your day. Following that, at the designated time, you will be escorted to Dubai Airport for your flight to the city of Istanbul, Turkey.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, our team will provide a seamless transfer to your hotel in one of our private vehicles. Check in at the hotel and take some time to settle in and appreciate the beauty of this remarkable city.

The remainder of the day is yours to unwind and fully immerse yourself in the wonders of Istanbul. Feel free to explore, relax, and begin discovering the captivating attractions it has to offer.

Greca Tip: Make sure to capture a cherished memory before leaving Dubai by posing for a photo framed within the Dubai Frame, the world's largest frame. This iconic structure offers a unique glimpse into the past, present, and future of this extraordinary destination.

After enjoying our breakfast, we will immerse ourselves in the rich history of Istanbul with a visit to the Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, one of the masterpieces of Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman and designed by the renowned imperial architect Sinan, this magnificent mosque stands atop the city's third hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.

After the visit, you will have free time to continue exploring Istanbul at your own pace or, if you wish, join an optional full-day excursion through the city's historic heart.

During this tour, we will admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant, and marvel at the magnificent Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome, home to remarkable monuments from the Roman and Byzantine eras. To conclude the day, we will stroll through the legendary Grand Bazaar, a fascinating maze of more than 4,000 shops where you can discover local handicrafts, spices, and unique souvenirs.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel to rest.

Greca Tip: If you visit the Grand Bazaar, don't hesitate to negotiate prices. Bargaining is an essential part of Turkish trading culture and an experience in itself.

After breakfast, we will set out to discover some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We will begin with a relaxing boat trip along the Bosphorus, the strait that separates Europe and Asia and makes this city a fascinating meeting point between two continents. During the cruise, we will admire the elegant palaces of the sultans, traditional wooden houses along the waterfront, and the historical and architectural treasures of Istanbul from a unique perspective.

Next, we will visit the Spice Bazaar, one of the city’s most emblematic historic markets. Established during the Ottoman Empire approximately five centuries ago, this lively market invites us to discover a wonderful variety of spices, traditional sweets, enticing aromas, and local products. Our included visit will end at the bazaar, where you will have time to explore its shops and enjoy its vibrant atmosphere.

In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional excursion with lunch to explore the fascinating Asian side of Istanbul. We will visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the former summer residence of the Ottoman sultans, located on the shores of the Bosphorus. Along the way, we will also admire the famous suspension bridge connecting the European and Asian sides of the city.

After lunch, we will explore Üsküdar, a charming district on the Asian side, before continuing to Çamlıca Hill, one of Istanbul’s seven hills and the highest point in the city. Rising 268 meters above sea level, it offers magnificent panoramic views of both shores and the urban landscape stretching along the Bosphorus.

At the end of the day, we will return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Greca Tip: Keep your camera ready during the Bosphorus cruise to capture the palaces and historic waterfront houses. If you choose the optional excursion, take a moment to enjoy the views from Çamlıca Hill, especially on a clear day.

After breakfast, we will set off for Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, crossing the Bolu Mountains and enjoying the scenic landscapes along our journey into the heart of the country.

Upon arrival, we will enjoy a panoramic tour of Ankara by coach, discovering a modern and cosmopolitan city that combines its role as the political center of the Turkish Republic with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Along the way, we will see some of its main points of interest and get a feel for the character of this important city.

We will visit the Anıtkabir Mausoleum, one of Ankara’s most iconic landmarks and the resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Türkiye. This impressive complex stands as a powerful symbol of Turkish history and national identity.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive at our hotel to enjoy dinner and relax.

Greca Tip: During your visit to Anıtkabir, take a moment to admire the monumental architecture of the complex and discover why it holds such an important place in Türkiye’s modern history.

After breakfast, we will set off for Cappadocia, one of Türkiye’s most fascinating regions, renowned for its unique rock formations and almost surreal landscapes.

Along the way, we will admire Salt Lake, the second-largest lake in Türkiye, known for its vast white surfaces and striking scenery. We will also visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a medieval inn that once provided shelter and rest for merchants and travelers journeying along Anatolia’s historic trade routes.

Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you will have the opportunity to join an optional jeep safari, an exciting off-road adventure that allows you to explore the region’s valleys and discover its extraordinary natural formations from a different perspective.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Cappadocia.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of the stops along the way to photograph the landscapes around Salt Lake and discover the history of the ancient caravanserais, witnesses to centuries of travel across Anatolia.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will spend the day exploring the fascinating region of Cappadocia, renowned for its unique landscapes, shaped millions of years ago by lava from Mount Erciyes and Mount Hasan. Over time, wind and water erosion transformed these ancient volcanic formations into an extraordinary setting where nature and history intertwine.

Our visit will begin in the Göreme Valley, an impressive Byzantine monastic complex featuring churches carved into the rock and adorned with beautiful frescoes that preserve the artistic and spiritual heritage of centuries past. This site, of great historical and cultural significance, offers a closer look at the fascinating legacy of the region’s early Christian communities.

We will continue to the Avcilar and Güvercinlik Valleys, where we can admire some of the most iconic views of Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys. Sculpted by natural forces over thousands of years, these remarkable volcanic formations create one of Türkiye’s most distinctive landscapes.

Along the way, we will also visit traditional carpet workshops, where we will discover the region’s rich craftsmanship, as well as workshops specializing in onyx and turquoise, prized for their striking colors and intricate designs.

At the end of the day, we will enjoy dinner and stay overnight in Cappadocia.

Greca Tip: Take time to admire the details of the frescoes inside Göreme’s rock-carved churches, and don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the fairy chimneys from the valley viewpoints, where the landscape reveals its full beauty.

After breakfast at the hotel, at the scheduled time, we will transfer to Cappadocia Airport to board our included domestic flight to Istanbul.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel to check in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, an ideal opportunity to relax or continue exploring this fascinating city at your own pace.

Overnight at the hotel in Istanbul.

Greca Tip: Make the most of your free time upon arrival to stroll around the hotel area or discover a corner of Istanbul you may not have had the chance to visit during your stay.

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.