Turkey Aegean Sea Explorer

With a history of over 2,600 years and straddled between Europe and Asia, Istanbul boasts multiple charms. Today’s guided tour will focus on its old city area, giving you a thorough look into the city’s history. 

We will start with Hagia Sophia, a representative building of the Byzantine Empire (395-1453) with a big round roof. Another eye-catching highlight is the Mosaic art inside. You will be astounded by their exceptional craftsmanship and vivid color. The explanation provided by our guide will unveil you the backstories of them. Next, we’ll proceed to the opposite Blue Mosque, the highest-level mosque in Turkey with six minarets. Keep eyes on those attractive white-and-blue tiles, Arabic calligraphy and carpets. Amazingly, no nails were used to build the Blue Mosque, but it survived several major earthquakes without much damage.

► Tip: Prepare a mask to prevent possible unpleasant odors, as entry to the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque requires shoes off. At the same time, avoid wearing leg-exposing and shoulder-exposing clothes. Women are also required to wear a headscarf. If your clothing does not fit the requirements, don’t worry, you can get one at the entrance.

Then you will be led to visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople (Sultanahmet Square). Wandering here, imagine the scenes and competitive spirit of major events like chariot races and gladiator shows that had taken place here. In the afternoon, the guide will accompany you to visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans from 1465 to 1853. It’s now a museum with a collection of weapons, treasures, worn clothing and more from pre-19th century Sultan. It is like flipping through Ottoman history books when you study these priceless artifacts. We’ll visit the Basilica Cistern instead when the Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesday.

★ Exclusive Access to the Harem of Topkapi Palace
Delve into the court life of the Ottoman Empire in the Harem of Topkapi Palace with our all-included tickets. From the luxurious living quarters to the intricate mosaics and carvings, you’ll embark on a journey through time.

After that, take a stroll in the Grand Bazaar. This indoor market has more than 4,000 shops, selling spices, carpets, nuts, gold and silver ware, and other traditional crafts. It is also a good place to taste various local snacks. Bringing professional equipment is unadvisable inside if you’re a photography lover. It may result in expensive fees from some carpet merchants, even though many of them provide free photo services to entice tourists. We’ll visit the Beyazıt Square instead when the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday.

Our guide will then escort you back to the hotel. Otherwise, if you’d like to explore the Grand Bazaar further, you can bid farewell to the guide and later get back on your own. A 15-minute walk northeast or a 5-minute ride on Tram Line T1 (3 stops from Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı to Gülhane) will take you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

At the appointed time in the morning, the guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park about 4.5 hours’ drive away. This is the site of the renowned Gallipoli Campaign, currently serving as a historical national park in honor of the 50,000 soldiers in the battle.

Upon arrival, the guide will lead you to visit the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair Memorial, Lone Pine Memorial, and the Canakkale Martyrs Monument. When walking through these sites, you can gain a deep understanding of sufferings brought by World War I. And our knowledgeable guide will explain the cause, process and outcome of the Gallipoli Campaign, giving you an insight into the huge impact the campaign had on both sides. In fact, there was a severe shortage of soldiers during the WWI. To cope with this situation, an ingenious recruitment notice appeared which promised “Free Europe Travel, Fight for National Glory, and Go Down in History!” This enticing message quickly ignited the passion of young Australians and New Zealanders. Drawn by adventure, they heeded to the call and enthusiastically joined the newly formed Anzac. Rather than traveling straight to Europe, they first received military training in Egypt, and finally made great sacrifices and efforts on the battlefield.

When today’s tour ends, our driver and guide will drive about 1 hour to escort you to the meticulously selected hotel in Canakkale, where you can comfortably rest for the night.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hilton Double Tree Canakkale (5 stars) or similar

After breakfast, drive for about an hour to visit the Troy Ancient City. Archaeological digs have revealed that the ruins here are composed of nine stages of Troy civilization building upon one another. The deepest one can date back to 3000-1700 BC. In addition, the famous story “Trojan Horse” is said to have taken place here. An enormous replica of a Trojan horse stands quite prominently not far from the entrance to the ancient city. Try to ascend to acquire an all-round view of the entire ruin. Please take caution on the steep stairs when climbing.

In the afternoon, continue driving for 3 hours to arrive at the Pergamon Ancient City. You will find the ruins of amphitheaters, public baths, temples and libraries here like many other ancient cities in Turkey. What’s more important, the first psychiatric hospital in the world - Asclepion was established here. Asclepion is famous for its impressive thermal baths, temples and theaters, offering you an insight into the past of traditional medicine. Also, the snake-wrapped caduceus, a symbol of medicine and pharmacy, was born here and spread around the world.

At last, drive for approximately 2.5 hours to transfer you to the hotel in Kusadasi, a charming seaside town not far from the famous Ephesus Ancient City. After arriving, you can enjoy the incomparable sea view at our oceanfront hotel, or stroll along the promenade in front of the hotel.

► Recommended Restaurant: Marvista Café & Restaurant
This restaurant is a five-minute walk west of your hotel, and it costs about TL 300-400(USD 9-12) per person. In addition to traditional Turkish food, it also serves European-style delicacies such as burger, salad, and salmon. Give your priority to the outdoor seats, which are perfect for capturing pictures! The golden beach and blue water in front of you make for the ideal photo backdrop. You will definitely receive countless likes on FB and INS.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

Today’s guided sightseeing will begin with the Temple of Artemis, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although it is severely damaged with only one column left, the remaining carvings on it are the testament to the grandeur of ancient Greek architecture. Next, we’ll visit the Ephesus Archaeological Museum, where you can find the statue of Artemis and model of the Temple of Artemis.

Our next stop is magnificent Ephesus Ancient City, the largest and best preserved ancient Roman city around the world. The Temple of Hadrian, Celsus Library, Great Theater and Baths of Varius here await you to marvel at the achievements of ancient civilizations. Please fix your attention on the Temple of Hadrian’s two wonderfully crafted gates during the sightseeing. The first is a gorgeously arched lintel featuring Tyche, the goddess of fortune, who wishes sailors and traders luck and wealth. Engraved on the second square lintel, Medusa was tasked with guarding Ephesus. And the Baths of Varius will offer you a taste of the sophisticated lifestyle of the ancient Romans. A typical Roman bath involved relaxing in a warm bath, having sauna in a hot bath, scraping skin with strigil and cooling down in a cold bath. Here, people from different classes and backgrounds once socialized, exchanged information and even conducted business activities while bathing.

Tip: Wearing something basic contrasted with the ruins can make your portrait more layered. Choose a pair of flat shoes and bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat, because of intense sunlight and uneven ground.

Then our guide will accompany you to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the last place where the Virgin Mary once lived. You may doubt its saintly status, but the visits of three popes may testify to it. Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI visited the site in 1967, 1979 and 2006, respectively. Afterwards, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel in Kusadasi and stay overnight there.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel, Kusadasi (4 stars) or similar

In the morning, we are going to drive about 2.5 hours to visit Pamukkale in a well-prepared private car. It is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Turkey, getting its name because of the cotton-like appearance from distance. Prepare to be surprised by those iconic white terraces stretching out layer upon layer. They are formed by calcium that has been deposited by the nearby hot springs.

★ Special Arrangement: Relax in Hot Spring of Travertine Pool
Pack swimwear since we have a special arrangement that lets you relax in a mineral-rich hot spring while immersing yourself in this white wonderland. Allow the warmth to seep into your pores and drive away previous journey’s fatigue.

► Tip: Bring a pair of thick socks if you don’t want to endure a strong foot massage from the rough stones at travertine pools’ bottoms. An extra towel is needed since there is only a changing room without a shower. Sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential due to Pamukkale’s high altitude and strong light.

Then we’ll visit the ruins of Hierapolis Ancient City, which was formerly a thriving vacation spot for aristocrats. It is laid out with tombs, baths, markets, arches, amphitheaters, and ancient hot springs. Among them, the most attractive one is the Ancient Theater. It took 150 years to build. And it is hard to imagine how much money and labor were needed in that age to create such a wonderful theater!

Finally, the guide will transfer you to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Cappadocia. Upon landing, our local guide will meet you there and transfer you to the hotel.

★ Extraordinary Cave Hotel Experience
The rooms here are carved out of volcanic rocks, retaining the original natural style and rock textures. Stepping inside, you’ll be enveloped in the embrace of nature. The unbeatable night views of Goreme can be found on the hotel’s terrace.

► Recommended Activity: Hot Air Balloon
Hot air balloons mainly take off at 4:00-5:00 in the morning, with two flights per day and an interval of 20-40 minutes. Occasional afternoon flights are available only in November-March. To ensure safety, a maximum of 100 hot air balloons are allowed to float in the sky at the same time. It is recommended to participate in the first flight if you don’t mind getting up early, so you can enjoy the spectacular sight of more balloons flying together! If you wish to try it, we will be glad to book a seat for you. Just let us know in advance because the seats are always in demand.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Agarta Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

We will spend the next two days exploring Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes and architectures carved in the rocks. Today, the guide will accompany you to visit the northern Cappadocia. The first stop will be the Goreme Open Air Museum. Get ready to be in awe of over 30 different-sized cave churches and rock wonders! Early Christians took advantage of the distinctive rock formations in the area to carve them as a residence of escaping persecution. Through the intriguing explanations from our guide and the relics in the cave, you will learn about the religious practices and way of life of the monks.

★ Our Guest Privilege: Special Access to the Dark Church Included
Fully immerse yourself in the quiet environment of Dark Church in Goreme Open Air Museum with our all-included tickets. In the soft light, take in the force of religion as you admire the beautifully conserved murals that narrate biblical stories and religious themes.

Our next stop is Avanos, a town known for its pottery production. Around everywhere are various ceramic ornaments and dishes, with tulip serving as the most prevalent motif. And the inexhaustible raw materials for Avanos ceramics come from the nearby Kizilirmak River. The water is rich in iron, so the soils along the bank have unique red color. The following destination is Pasabag Valley, also called Monks Valley, where many hermits and monks lived and practiced. Next, we’ll head to the Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), which is renowned for its wonderful animal-shaped rock formations. Their peculiar appearances are so amazing that they might enhance your endless imagination. On the way back to hotel, make a stop at the Love Valley, where you can take magnificent pictures of the sunset scenes of Cappadocia.

► Recommended Restaurant: Kapadokya Kebapzade
The restaurant is a 10-minute taxi drive to your hotel and costs around TL 400-500 (USD 12-15) per person. With its expansive perspective of the town, the second-floor terrace is the ideal spot to enjoy a meal while indulging in the surrounding natural splendor. The salt-baked roast chicken rice should not be missed. The chicken belly is packed with rice, then the rice becomes deliciously greasy as it absorbs all of the chicken aroma and oil during roasting. But reservations for this delicacy must be made three hours in advance. In addition, try an authentic Turkish drink, Raki, which appears to be as mild as milk but is actually strong.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Agarta Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

Today, go on to explore the southern Cappadocia. At first, we will pay a visit to a historical village - Cavusin Village, where houses are carved out of the rock. There are many beautiful murals in the Great Basilica (St. John the Baptist Chapel), which is an important place to understand local religious culture and art. Then our guide will escort you to enjoy a short hike in Rose Valley for about 2 hours.

►Tip: Please wear long-sleeved attires, pants and hiking shoes to prevent skin harm from roadside talc and weeds. Because the sunlight is strong throughout the hike, pack appropriate water and sun protection gears. And get a scarf and mask ready to shield yourself from dust when the ATVs pass by.

Our next stop is Red Valley, which is stunning for its red hue of the surrounding terrain. Rich tones of crimson, terracotta, and ochre are the result of millions of years of wind and water eroding the rocks here, showing you a warm atmosphere. We will visit the Uchisar Castle after that. Stepping inside to feel an intricate yet well-organized space. Move through narrow corridors and winding stairs here, then you’ll be constantly surprised by rooms in different sizes and functions. Climb to the top of the castle, and you can enjoy the views of the surroundings.

The last stop, as well as the highlight of today will be Kaymakli Underground City. It has eight floors, four of which are open to the public, with meticulously designed ventilation shafts, water wells and escape routes. Living rooms, storage rooms and rooms with other functions are also included. All the caves can hold up to 10,000 people simultaneously. Interestingly, you cannot find any toilet here. So how did the residents here go to restroom? The fact is that the excreta of residents was collected in sealed clay pots, removed for disposal and reuse when it was safe to do so. After that, you will be driven back to the hotel by our guide and driver to spend one more night in Cappadocia.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Agarta Cave Suites, Cappadocia or similar

In the morning, the driver will escort you to the airport to take a 1.5-hour flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel for a short break. Around 2:00 pm, our guide will navigate you from the hotel to the dock for a 2-hour Bosphorus Strait Cruise. You can admire the Dolmabahçe Palace, Bosphorus Bridge and the Camlica Hill along the way. Frequent visits of the playful seagulls may add to your enjoyable experience. Prepare a Simit (sesame bread) before boarding, and these clever guys may be attracted by your friendly greeting and share this wonderful afternoon with you.

► Secret Legend about the Bosphorus Strait:
The name of Bosphorus Strait actually comes from a legend. It is said that Zeus fell in love with Princess Io, but at the moment he was wed to Hera. He changed Io into a cow to hide this unfaithful love affair. After learning of this fact, Hera unleashed a fierce horsefly to pursue Io. So Io fled across a water wall from the Aegean Sea to the Black Sea to escape the horsefly’s biting. This water wall was later called “Bosphorus,” which means “Cow Pass” in ancient Greek.

► Free Time Suggestion:
After disembarking at 4:00 pm, our guide and driver will return you back to the hotel. You can spend the remainder of the day at your own pace. If you don’t want to go back to the hotel early, just take the ferry from Karakoy Pier to explore the Maiden’s Tower by yourself. Isolated from the Bosphorus Strait, it is like the Watchman of Istanbul, with a history dating back to the 12th century. Take in breathtaking sunset and the Byzantine buildings here before leaving Istanbul! Finally, go back to the hotel by taxi on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Yasmak Sultan Hotel, Istanbul (4 stars) or similar

This will be the last day of your 10 days Turkey tour. Depending on your flight schedule, our driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the airport. Have a safe and happy journey home!

► For Your Information:
If you still have some time before leaving, consider to visit the Balat district. It is one of the most diverse districts in Istanbul and can be reached in 10 minutes by taxi from your hotel. Focus on the patchwork of colorful houses here, with traditional motif and artistic graffiti painted on them to show the unique artistic atmosphere. If you don’t have enough time to carefully explore, take photos at the following locations: Merdivenli Yokus Street, Incir Agacl Kahvesi, and Saint Mary of the Mongols.

If you want to extend your Turkish tour or explore other destinations in Asia and Europe with Agate Travel, please contact us to tailor your trip.

Meals: Breakfast