9-day Istanbul and Inland Turkey Package

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.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel, followed by a hassle-free transfer to Istanbul airport, where you'll board your flight to Cappadocia, a mesmerizing region of Turkey.

Upon arrival, we will arrange a smooth transfer to your hotel. Rest and relax before indulging in a delicious dinner and settling into your comfortable accommodations.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to savor a refreshing drink while taking in the breathtaking scenery from the terrace of your hotel.

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.

After breakfast, we will visit Hierapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We will explore the ruins of the Necropolis and the ancient Roman baths, as well as the natural park known as the "Cotton Castle," which, due to its natural beauty and the properties of its thermal waters, has been attracting visitors since pre-Christian times.

Later, we will enjoy some free time for lunch, and then we will head to Meryemana, where we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the supposed last residence of the mother of Jesus.

We will continue to Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor, where Cleopatra, Mark Antony, and the Apostle Saint Paul walked. In Ephesus, we will visit the ruins of the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Library of Celsus, the Greco-Roman Theatre, as well as the Agora and the Basilica of Saint John.

In the late afternoon, we will arrive at the hotel for check-in and dinner.

Greca Tip: The word Kusadasi means "Island of the Birds." Although cruises dominate the scene!

After breakfast and at the time indicated by your guide, you will depart for the ancient city of Pergamon (current Bergama), one of the cultural, commercial, and medical centers of the ancient world in Asia Minor.

The name of the city continues to live as a distortion of Pergamon, "pergamini" or 'parchment', which was the paper that resulted from the treatment of sheepskins and rivaled papyrus for writing purposes.

In Pergamon, you will visit the Asclepion, a place where death was forbidden to enter and an ancient therapeutic center dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine. The famous physician Galen once lived here.

After the visit, you will continue to Troy, a fascinating place that evokes Homer’s epic poem, the Iliad.

After visiting this famous archaeological city of history and literature, you will continue to Cannakale, located on the southern coast of the Dardanelles, at their narrowest point. Here you will check in at your hotel, have dinner, and spend the night. 

Greca Tip: Don't miss ascending the interior tower of Kilitbahir Castle for views of the storied waterway.

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 a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we will begin a full-day exploration of Istanbul with lunch, a city where history whispers from every stone. In the morning, we will admire Hagia Sophia (exterior)— one of the world’s most remarkable architectural wonders and once among the grandest churches ever built.

Our journey continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the splendid residence of the Ottoman sultans from 1478 to 1856. This vast complex of courtyards, gardens, and pavilions offers a glimpse into the opulence of imperial life and sits gracefully at the entrance to the Golden Horn.

We will then visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its six slender minarets and cascading domes, a masterpiece that perfectly reflects the harmony and grandeur of Ottoman architecture.

In the afternoon, we will explore the Roman Hippodrome, once the stage of thrilling chariot races and celebrations that captivated Constantinople for over a millennium. Finally, we will dive into the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where colors, aromas, and sounds weave an unforgettable tapestry of daily life. At the end of the visit, transfer back to the hotel.

Greca Tip: If you're looking for valuable tips to make the most of your trip to Istanbul, check out our blog article.

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.