BEST OF TURKEY
Over the centuries, many have found themselves drawn to the diverse and beautiful land now known as Turkey. Even today, Turkey ranks among the top travel destinations in the world, thanks to such attractions as the modern and ancient Istanbul, the wealth of Islamic and Ottoman historic sites and ruins, and the unforgettable landscapes of desert spots like Cappadocia. Add to that the incredible cuisine, the famous bazaars, and artisan trades, and it’s clear that Turkey travel offers something for everyone.
Safeguarding Your Health on Your Journey is our Priority
Temperature checks will be taken before trips for your safety.
Wearing masks on your journey helps keep everyone safe.
We’re committed to facilitating physical distancing
All guests and staff are to adhere to sanitizing procedures at all times.
We’re adhering to best practices for cleanliness and disinfection.
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
ISTANBUL
On Day 1, few other cities in the world blend the history and cultures of East and West as seamlessly as Istanbul. Upon your arrival, you will find a friendly DST representative awaiting to chauffeur you to your hotel. Freshen up and hit the town or relax and recoup from your travels – you are, after all, on vacation. There are no formally planned excursions on arrival day, so feel free to explore and wander the streets of Istanbul – the city of two continents. On Day 2, gather at the lobby at 8:30 am for pick up from your hotel at 9:00 am. You will join our historical tour from your hotel in the morning and have a full day historical tour with our knowledgeable, experienced, and professional local guide. Today, we will walk together on the stairs of history, starting from East Roman and continuing to Byzantium, Ottoman, and today’s Republic of Turkey. Istanbul visiting sites include the Hippodrome of Constantinople, Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, Sultans’ Tombs, and a Bosphorus cruise. At the end of the day tour, return back to your hotel at 17:00 pm. Tour ends.
BURSA
Day 3: Gathering at the lobby at 8:00 am, pick up time from the hotel is 9:20 am. After two nights in iconic Istanbul, DST will take you to Bursa, a little over 200 km from Istanbul. Bursa is much less metropolitan and will give you your first glimpse of life outside the big city. Although it is no Istanbul, Bursa boasts historically impressive Ottoman sites such as the Ulu Cami (the largest mosque in Bursa, also known as the Grand Mosque) and the Green Mosque. The Green Mosque is said to be one of the best examples of wood and marble craftsmanship and calligraphy in all of Anatolia. During the tour, we will visit the mausoleums of Osman Gazi (the founder of the Ottoman Empire) and his son Orhan Gazi, located in one of the city’s lovely gardens, Tophane Park. This lush green park also houses the Bursa Clock Tower. After a full day of travel and sightseeing, you will spend the night in Bursa.
KONYA
Day 4: Gathering at the lobby at 8:30 am. Pick up time from the hotel is 9:00 am. The next destination on the itinerary is Konya, known as the resting place of the well-known poet and theologian Rumi and birthplace of the whirling dervishes. At the centre of the Seljuk Empire, no Turkish itinerary would be complete without an overnight in Konya. A quick stop on route to Konya at Sogut to visit Ertugul Tomb – father of Osman and leader of the “Kayi Tribe”. Enjoy an optional whirling dervishes show in the evening. Overnight at Konya. Day 5: Gathering at the lobby at 8:45 am. Pick up time from the hotel is 9:00 am. The Anatolian city of Konya is overrun with intellectual students, cultural events, and historical sites. Explore Konya’s surroundings by going to Kugulu Park (in Seydi Sehir), Meram (Sirçali Medrese Mezarlık Anıtlar Müzesi, Karaaslan Hadimi Parkı). There is still lots to do; get engrossed in the history at Mevlana Museum, take in the spiritual surroundings of Aziziye Cami, step yourself in history at Caravanserai, and stroll through Alaeddin Hill.
Cappadocia
Day 6: Gathering at the lobby at 8:45 am; pick up time from hotel: 9:00 am. Cappadocia sits in the middle of what was once a very active volcano region and is a visually magical place with unique geological features, which the tour guide will be sure to point out throughout the day. Locals carved out homes and churches hollowed out of volcanic ash all throughout Cappadocia. Even more unbelievable is the day’s second stop: the underground city of Kaymakli. The underground city, constructed of nearly 100 underground passages and tunnels, has the first four floors open to tourists. There is free time for lunch at the famous local food market, and most tourists are given demonstrations of how local pottery and carpets are made. Tourists often take advantage of the artisan work available to them after the demonstrations. Day 7: Gathering at the lobby at 3:45 am; pick up time from hotel: 4:00 am (optional hot air balloon early morning). Riding in the basket of a hot air balloon takes the experience to a whole new level; you will witness the sunrise over the fairy chimneys of Turkey’s Cappadocia. After an hour-long experience of the most awesome ride, you are brought back to the hotel to have breakfast and get ready for your departure flight to Istanbul. Pick up time from hotel to airport: afternoon TBD; transfer to airport for afternoon flight to Istanbul,
ISTANBUL
Day 7 – Continued… After arrival in Istanbul, transfer to the hotel for check-in. You can take the opportunity to shop at the Grand Bazaar. Grand Covered Bazaar: In this labyrinth of streets and passages are more than 4,000 shops, with each trade having its own area; the goldsmiths’ street, the carpet sellers, Turkish arts and crafts, such as hand-painted ceramic plates, hand-honed copperware, brassware and trays, water ewers, onyx ware, and meerschaum pipes. Day 8: Transfer for your international departure flight. Pick-up time from the hotel is 5 hours earlier than flight time. After a week of unforgettable memory-making, it’s time to return home.
Dar Eliman will arrange for your trip to the airport. Once safely home, we highly recommend you start planning for your next getaway with !Dar Eliman!
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