Türkiye: A Grand Cultural Journey Through History and Nature

Arrival in  Istanbul, Türkiye’s vibrant cultural capital where East meets West. Once known as Byzantium and Constantinople, this majestic city spans two continents and countless centuries. 

Overnight at Blue House Hotel.

Old City tour: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar.

Step into the heart of ancient empires as you explore Istanbul’s most legendary sites. Marvel at the intricate mosaics and soaring domes of the Hagia Sophia, then take in the serenity of the Blue Mosque with its iconic six minarets. Wander the lavish halls of Topkapi Palace, once home to Ottoman sultans, and lose yourself in the colorful maze of the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world.

Overnight at Blue House Hotel.

Morning flight to Kars and journey to the ghost city of Ani, once a thriving Armenian capital on the Silk Road. Set against a backdrop of rolling plains and rugged canyons, Ani’s hauntingly beautiful ruins include stone cathedrals, monasteries, and ancient city walls—a poignant reminder of past civilizations and cultural crossroads. 

Overnight in Kars at Grand Ani Hotel.

After breakfast, drive to Doğubayazit, nestled near the mythical Mount Ararat, believed by many to be the resting place of Noah’s Ark. Explore the extraordinary Ishak Pasha Palace, a masterpiece of Ottoman-Persian architecture perched dramatically on a hillside. Its ornate gates, majestic domes, and mountain views offer a glimpse into Eastern Anatolia's regal and remote past.

Overnight in Dogubayazit at Ertur Hotel.

Morning drive to Van. En route stop to visit Muradiye Waterfalls. Arrive at the shores of Van Lake where you will enjoy lunch. After lunch cruise on the lake on to Akdamar Island to visit Holy Cross Armenian Monastery. Later in the afternoon, cruise back to the shores of Lake Van and drive to DoubleTree by Hilton Van.

After breakfast drive to Hosap Castle. Return towards Van to visit Cavustepe fortress city of Urartian civilization. Late lunch in Van tasting famed kebabs of East Anatolia. After lunch visit Urartu Castle of Tushba located on the shores of Lake Van. Time permitting, you can also visit Van Archaeological Museum.

This morning you will drive to Diyarbakir located on the shores of Tigris. En route stop at Malabadi Bridge built by Artuki Dynasty in 12th century. Enjoy lunch break at Silvan visiting the historic Grand Mosque of Silvan. In the afternoon, arriving in Diyarbakir, visit fortifications of the city known to be best preserved city fortifications surviving in history. Continue on to Dicle Bridge resting on Tigris. Late afternoon visit to Grand Mosque of Diyarbakir, first mosque built in Anatolia.

Overnight in Diyarbakir.

Morning drive to Mount Nemrut. En route enjoy driving through upper Mesopotamia and waters of Euphrates. Reach Kahta town where you can have lunch break and take small vans to drive up the Mount Nemrut to reach the tomb of King Antiochus, famed for its colossal statues, resting on the peak from where you can view the stunning panoramas of Garden of Eden where Euphrates and Tigris rise. Driving down the hill, you will reach where your coach is parked. Boarding your coach, you will drive on to Sanliurfa.

Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Morning visit to Gobeklitepe, Unesco preserved archaeological site that changed the perception of modern history of mankind. Return to Sanliurfa to enjoy in-depth tour of Sanliurfa Archaeological Museum. Enjoy lunch served at a local restaurant tasting stunning appetizers, grills desserts and Turkish coffee. In the afternoon, Harran to visit the historic town formed of bee-hive shared houses were Abraham camped on his journey to promised land. Returning back to Sanliurfa, you will also have chance to visit downtown historic area where there’s the fabled pond with carps that were wood that was transformed into fire when Nimrud threw Abraham on a catacomb into a dazzling fire.

Overnight in Sanliurfa.

Morning flight to Ankara. Upon arrival visit Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Enjoy lunch in Ankara and continue on to Cappadocia. Arriving in the region of Cappadocia, visit Kaymakli Underground City.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

Morning visit to Goreme Monastic Center to see Byzantine cave churches decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Enjoy visiting Cappadocia rug weaving association to see and experience women how they compose woven poetry by weaving world’s finest carpets. After lunch visit Pasha Bag Valley of the hermits famed for the apartment like formations. Continue your day visiting Zelve isolated rock town that now is a magical stage for commercials and movies. Time permitting visit Avanos famed to be potters town since Old Testament times and visit studio of the famed pottery artist, Chez Galip, that creates unique artworks from white and red clay just like Hittites did three thousand years ago.

This morning you will leave your hotel headed for Konya. En route visit Gumusler monastery dating from Byzantine period. Arriving at Konya, visit Tomb of Mevlana, Founder of Whirling Dervishes Order, dating back to 16th century. Konya was capital of Seljuk Kingdom and boasts beautiful samples of Seljuki masonry. Visit Karatay Medrese famed for its tiles and Ince Minareli Medrese for its detailed stone craftsmanship.

Overnight in Konya at Dundar Hotel.

This morning you will leave for Pamukkale, known for its calcium springs and created magical travertine terraces which made Pamukkale become one of the most famed thermal destinations during Roman days. Enjoy visiting the archaeological remains of Hierapolis that once existed as a thermal center and enjoy leisurely time on the natural pools of Pamukkale.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

Today leave Pamukkale for Bodrum. En route you will visit Stratonikea, a beautifully preserved ancient site that is recently getting excavated. Enjoy lunch break at a local tavern. In the afternoon, continue your drive on to Bodrum.

Overnight in Bodrum.

This morning you will visit site of ancient Mausoleum, one fo the Seven Wonders of ancient world, that was built in 4th century BC. Continue your day exploring Bodrum Castle built in 16th century by Knights of St.John. Returning back to your property by 2 pm, you can enjoy your afternoon at leisure.

Overnight in Bodrum.

After breakfast, you will leave Bodrum following a scenic drive along the shores of Aegean Sea and Bafa Lake, you will reach Ephesus. Tour Ephesus that is one of the best preserved Roman sites surviving in history including its Terrace Villas. After lunch you will also visit House of Virgin Mary, where she’s believed to have spent the last days of her life under care of St.John.

Overnight in Kusadasi.

This morning you will leave for Canakkale located on the shores of Dardanelles. En route you will be visiting Pergamon that was the Capital of Hellenistic Kingdom of Pergamon, including its Acropolis and Asclepion. Continue your drive northwards on to Troy that was founded five thousand years ago. Enjoy tour of Troy and its museum that displays finds unearthed from the archaeological site.

Overnight in Canakkale on Dardanelles. 

After breakfast, you will leave your hotel headed for Istanbul. Enjoying lunch break upon arrival, you will be visiting Spice Market, followed by Chora Mosque that still serves as a timeless temple preserving and displaying its Byzantine frescoes while serving as a mosque at times of prayer.

Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast, drive over Bosphorus on to Beylerbeyi to visit 19th century summer palace of the sultans. Continue on to Kuzguncuk that is like Soho of Istanbul known for its bohemian lifestyle, cafes and temples of all monotheistic religions emphasizing multicultural heritage of the city. Return back to Old City to enjoy a leisurely afternoon hunting for bargains in souvenirs. 

This evening you will enjoy your sunset cruise on Bosphorus that will conclude at Angel Blue Seafood Restaurant to enjoy your farewell feast celebrating the amazing parade of history, and cultural heritage that you have witnessed touring through Asia Minor and modern day Turkiye.

Overnight in Istanbul

Day at leisure. Explore Istanbul go shopping or simply relax. 

Overnight in Istanbul

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your international flight home.