Istanbul and inland Turkey in 9 days

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 filling breakfast at your hotel, you will enjoy some free time in the city. We will then pick you up in our deluxe air-conditioned bus and, past the Intercontinental bridge, you will travel to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

Ankara is an important trade center and a major intersection in the road network of the country.

Upon your arrival, you will have dinner and a good night's sleep.

Greca Tip: Wander around the cobblestone streets and check out the shops located within old Ottoman houses for an experience that is far removed from the city’s hectic energy.

After a tasty breakfast, you will visit the city and some of its most attractive landmarks, such as the Mausoleum of Ataturk, dedicated to the founder of the Turkish Republic, the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations with exhibitions from the Palaeolithic, Neolithic, Hittite, and Phrygian Urartu past of central Anatolia. 

In the afternoon, you will depart for Cappadocia, a marvelous and fascinating region of lunar landscapes, formed over the centuries in the thick and soft layer of lavas sculpted by the two nearby volcanoes.

On your way there, you will stop at one of the 36 underground cities of Cappadocia, which was built by Christian communities as protection from Muslim Arabs. The stables, storage, and other standard rooms are perfectly preserved in the soft volcanic rock.

Upon arrival at your destination, you will check in at your hotel, have dinner, and enjoy a good rest.

Greca Tip: Watch a unique panorama in Göreme and learn more about the cultural heritage of Turkey and the Cappadocia region.

On this day, you will focus on exploring the beautiful region of Cappadocia. After a satisfying breakfast, your first stop will be the Göreme Valley. Here, you can visit the open-air museum and witness the ancient villages where cave dwellers lived in prehistoric times. You will also have the opportunity to explore the underground cities.

The Göreme Valley holds historical significance as it is where St. Basil the Great and his Christian brothers brought together the ideas of Christianity. You can explore the various churches, chapels, and monasteries in the area, which feature ancient frescoes painted on their walls.

Next, you will head to the Troglodyte Village of Uçhisar and the Avcilar Valley, which offer breathtaking landscapes. The unique rock formations in these areas will leave you in awe.

Continuing your journey, you will pass through the Devrent Valley, also known as the Imaginary Valley. Here, you will encounter peculiar rock formations that resemble mushrooms and other animal shapes.

To complete your day, you will visit local artisan workshops, including carpet-making and jewelry shops that specialize in translucent onyx stones, which are highly sought after.

After a fulfilling day of exploration, you will return to your hotel, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the night.

Greca Tip: While in Cappadocia, a hot-air balloon ride over the historic cave dwellings of Goreme Town is simply a must!

After a filling breakfast and early in the morning, you will leave for Pamukkale, meaning 'cotton castle' in Turkish. On your way there you will stop at the Old Palace and Medieval Fort of Caravanserai built along the trade route that once led to Persia and where merchants from the East and West used to rest, stock up on supplies, and socialize.

Upon your arrival, you will have free time to familiarize yourself with the city and maybe visit Pamukkale's terraces full of travertine from the hot thermal springs of the area. You will spend the night here in Pamukkale and enjoy dinner at your hotel.

Greca Tip: Take advantage of your free time to take a dip in the thermal pools of your hotel.

Breakfast at your hotel and, at the agreed time, you will visit the archaeological site of Ephesus, the vast and beautiful Greco-Roman city, a vibrant metropolis.

In Ephesus, you will visit the ruins of the Odeon, a small roofed theatre for plays and concerts, the Temple of Hadrian, the Library of Celsus, which once held nearly 12,000 scrolls, the Greco-Roman theater as well as the Agora and the Basilica of Saint John, built during the reign of the emperor Justinian in the 6th century.

A major tourist attraction is Maryemana, a house that is believed to be the last resting place of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Afterward, you will stop at a leather production center, where you can pick the 'silk leather' item that you like at much-reduced prices. You will continue to Izmir, have dinner, and then rest.

Greca Tip: You can also visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum with the finds from the ancient city, including an exquisitely carved Artemis statue and the Gladiator Room.

After enjoying a satisfying breakfast at your hotel, we will arrange a seamless transfer for you to either Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul or to the charming port of Kusadasi, where you can embark on an unforgettable cruise in the Aegean Sea.

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will ensure a comfortable and hassle-free transfer to your hotel, providing you with the perfect opportunity to unwind and recharge.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the chance to enhance your trip by collecting packets of delicious hazelnuts, indulging in the delightful sweetness of lokums (Turkish delights), and treating yourself to the rich flavors of Turkish coffee. These delightful culinary treasures will serve as wonderful reminders of your unforgettable journey.

After you've fueled up with breakfast, we'll swing by your hotel or the nearest meeting spot to kick off. A full-day adventure exploring Istanbul is starting.

Get ready for an epic experience with our friendly English-speaking guide. This includes all-inclusive tickets and a scrumptious lunch at a central city restaurant. You will also visit the most important landmarks of the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires.

Together, we’ll create memories that will last a lifetime in this marvelous city. Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace. And don't miss the vibrant Grand Bazaar, It has over 4000 stores to indulge in an unforgettable shopping spree. 

Once the tour concludes, you're welcome to soak up the enchanting ambiance of the old city a little longer. When you're ready, you can make your way back to your hotel.

Greca Tip: For a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Istanbul, make sure to visit Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Feast your eyes on the cityscape, the Golden Horn, and the mesmerizing Bosphorus. It's a sight you won't want to miss!

You will enjoy your breakfast and, at the time indicated, we will transfer you to Istanbul airport to board your international flight.

From all of us at Greca, we wish you a safe journey and hope to see you again soon to create more wonderful moments that will be etched in your memory forever.

Have a nice trip! Or you may also say: "Iyi yolculuklar!"

Greca Tip: If you think that your stay in Istanbul was too short, you can add additional nights at the time of your booking.