Turkey

Aug 28

Written By Undiscovered Frontiers

Discover the Rich History & Cultural Heritage

11 Days & 10 Nights

Can be travelled all year round but our favorite time of the year is

from April through June & September through October.

Tour is
escorted by
Licensed
Local English Speaking Guide

Tour Introduction:

Turkey serves as main bridge between different cultures and regions. The territory around the Sea of Marmara played an important role and served as intermediary point of connection between Europe and Asia. As a result, it had an impact on World History from antiquity to the present. Since the time of colonization by Ancient Greeks seaway straits successfully linked Aegean and Mediterranean Sea with waters of Black Sea by bringing new ideas, valuable knowledge, exotic cultures, and wealthy trade into one region. We will start our journey from Istanbul that offers visitors fascinating history, cultural heritage, and unique hospitality. We will continue our adventure to Cappadocia that displays moonscape landscapes, fairy chimney and caves crafted by erosion. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure that will take you back in time of ancient antiquity through fascinating landscapes, exquisite architecture, bustling colorful bazaars and culinary endeavors.

Tour Itinerary:

Welcome to Turkey! Arrive in Istanbul and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to Levni 4-star hotel or a similar for check-in. Free evening at leisure and enjoy your welcome dinner with fellow travelers.
Note: Hotel is available for check-in on day 01 at 2:00 pm.
Today you will have a walking tour; start your tour with Sultanahmet Mosque, known as The Blue Mosque, for its blue Iznik tiles and unique the fact that it has six minarets. Continue with Hippodrome. once the vast arena that functioned as the heart of sporting (chariot races and athletics) events and political activities of the old city. After lunch, our next stop is Hagia Sophia, the Church of Divine Wisdom. Ranking as one of the greatest marvels of world architecture, this awe-inspiring building was constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian. Then continue with the Archeology Museum. Besides its importance as the first Turkish museum, it remains one of the world's largest museums with over one million works. Opened to the public in 1891, it houses a collection of Greek, Roman, and Byzantine artifacts. Finally, you will visit the Topkapi Palace, including the Harem and Hagia Irene. Today the palace and its grounds cover an area of nearly 350,000 m², excluding Gülhane Park, which was once part of the palace gardens but is now a public park. Overnight Levni 4-star hotel or a similar.
This morning, you will start your day with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace which became Ataturk’s Presidential Palace upon the declaration of the Republic. It has a very significant place for the Turkish nation as it was built during the Ottoman era and later became the Presidential Palace. Then make your way to Taksim Square, following with Istiklal Street, visit a famous dessert shop, and enjoy the Turkish delights. Galata Tower will be your next visit. Galata Tower is one of the symbols of Istanbul and it is situated on a hill seeing the historical peninsula of Istanbul. Then continue the tour of Grand Bazaar, the largest and oldest covered Bazaar in Turkey with more than 4,000 shops (handicrafts, carpets, rare jewels, and souvenirs). Our next stop is the Spice Market. Built-in 1664, this large, old stone building includes many shops and a restaurant on the second floor. Today, these lovely small shops continue to sell spices and now also sell dried fruits, nuts, seeds, and other edibles. Overnight at Levni 4-star hotel or a similar.
After checking out this morning, you will head to the Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your guide and the driver, and continue to Kaymakli Underground City descending below the earth’s surface into the network of caves, where five levels extend below ground and include living quarters, kitchens, wine presses, storage rooms, stables, and ventilation shafts. Early Christians carved out these subterranean complexes to avoid invaders who swept across the plains of Anatolia. The next visit will be to Three Beauties, the region's most famous fairy chimneys. Devrent will be the final stop and also known as Imagination Valley and one of the fantastic regions of Cappadocia. Overnight at Nino Cave Hotel or a similar.
The day will start early morning with a magical Hot air Balloon tour (This tour activity is optional), providing you with a privileged platform to observe the splendors of Cappadocia. Drift over unique rock formations and rich fertile valleys, all set against the dramatic volcanic landscape that formed the region over two million years ago (This tour activity is optional). We will return to the hotel for the breakfast. Today, you will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. Goreme valley holds the highest concentration of rock-cut chapels and monasteries in Cappadocia. View the churches with superb Byzantine frescoes depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments, the life of Christ, and the deeds of the Saints. You will continue to Pasabag and Uchisar. Overnight at Nino Cave Hotel or a similar.
Early in the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will meet your guide and the driver and head to Sirince village a charming tiny Turkish-Orthodox village. Up here, away from the busy cities and crowd, you may stroll through the small cobbled streets where ladies sell their handicrafts and oils. You can experience the local sweet or fruity wine in one of the little cafés while enjoying a calm drink. After leisure sightseeing transfer to Kusadasi. Overnight at Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or a similar.
Today you will experience the timeless city of Ephesus where history and archaeology will offer you their majesty with incredible beauty. Ephesus was the Capital of the Province of Asia Minor famed for immense wealth due to its port and its trading activities. You will pursue the traces of the glorious past of Ephesus walking on the Marble Road that runs through the city with various structures resting on it: Temple of Hadrian is a unique beauty greeting you with its articulate facade that was built to honor the famous Roman Emperor, Hadrian during 2nd Century AD. Rising in the center of Ephesus is the Library of Celsus built in honor of the great governor of Roman days. Among all the stunning archaeological remains, the Great Theater of Ephesus bears major significance as the biggest Roman theater surviving in the world of archaeology. See the Terrace Houses which consists of luxurious residential villas. Transfer back to Kusadasi. Overnight at Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel or a similar.
After your breakfast, continue to Hierapolis, Pamukkale. En route, you will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Aphrodisias, where the site consists of two components: the archaeological site of Aphrodisias and the marble quarries northeast of the city. The temple of Aphrodite dates from the 3rd century BC and the city was built one century later. The wealth of Aphrodisias came from the marble quarries and the art produced by its sculptors. The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora, and two bath complexes. Then head to Hiearepolis which was a cure center. The Necropolis is the largest ancient cemetery in Anatolia with approximately 1,200 graves. The Theater is a building in the Roman style depicting scenes from the life of Dionysus. Continue to Izmir, overnight stay at Kaya Prestige, or a similar hotel.
Today you will start your drive to the UNESCO site of Pergamon which was founded in the 3rd century BC and was the capital of the Attalid dynasty. We will admire the magnificent Athenaeum library, which originally housed 200,000 volumes and was presented to Cleopatra as a wedding present. The Temple is a massive marble structure that has been largely rebuilt using authentic fragments discovered on the site. Our next stop is the famed Sanctuary of Asclepius. Following a delightful lunch, continue the drive to discover another UNESCO World Heritage Site of Troy. It is one of Turkey's oldest historical and archeological sites. Experience the glory of ancient Troy, and learn about the myths and legends surrounding Achilles, the Trojan Horse, and Helen of Troy. Continue to Canakkale town for overnight stay at Limani hotel or similar.
You will experience the Dardanelles today, the ANZAC battlefields, and memorials. You will see Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, parts of Turkish and ANZAC trenches standing up to date, 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. After the sites, you will continue to Istanbul. Farwell dinner will be served at Levni Hotel or similar.
After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to the US. End of the service.

Land Tour Price Only: (International Airfare, Taxes & Fuel surcharges are not included)

2 Travelers:

USD 5,750 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

3 Travelers:

USD 5,350 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

4 Travelers:

USD 4,950 Per Person

Based on double room

occupancy

Single Room Supplement:

USD 850 Per Person (For all nights of the tour if you wish to stay in a single room).

Note: Customized private journey rates are based on a min of 2 participants & a max of 4 participants. The tour rates are valid for 2024 & are subject to change as per the travel dates requested. The rates for solo travelers or larger private groups can be provided upon request. The tour itineraries can be easily modified & customized based on interests & budgets. Check with your travel consultant for more details.

Tour Fitness Level

Moderate: Fits all age groups with good health, some fitness level, and a sense of adventure. There will be some long walking days and a bit of standing while touring. Access to some of the sites and attractions will require walking on uneven terrain or steep staircases. Few elevations, a pleasant but busy schedule, and several long overland drives during the tour. Feel free to discuss the details of the trip with us.

Lodging Level

Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A limited range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards.

Luxurious (4/5-stars): Typical International-style hotels that offer a personalized service, premium location, spacious rooms with ensuite luxurious bathrooms, a good array of room services, and on-site amenities that you would expect from a hotel.

Visa & Passport

U.S. passport holders don’t require a Schengen visa to enter Spain. Further details related to the visa will be sent out sixty (60) days prior to the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for the visas.

Tour Includes:

One-on-one virtual tour briefing prior the tour.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Group arrival/departure transfers between airports and hotels at the destination for tour participants.
Ten (10) nights of accommodation at 4* hotels as per itinerary.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Domestic flights Istanbul – Nevsehir, Nevsehir – Izmir.
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.

Tour Does Not Include:

International air USA – Istanbul - USA.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Consular visa fees for a Turkish visa. (Obtained online).
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a ’la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour (approx. $250-300 per person).
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Portage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers, chambermaids and waiters.

Useful Details to Know & Tour Map:

This trip will require long driving distances overland. The roads are paved and in a good condition. For the comfort of the travelers, air-conditioned transportation will be provided throughout the trip. We will be making several restroom stops, stretching our legs, and enjoying the scenic views on the way. During the sightseeing days, travelers must be able to walk a minimum of two to three miles to keep up with fellow travelers. Walking to and from sites could be on uneven surfaces or unpaved paths. Please note that elevators are not available at tour sites. We may have a few drives on poor-quality roads which are required to access the historical and archeological gems of the country. Please make sure to have a comfy outfit and shoes for the sightseeing days. By signing up for this tour, participants agree that they have read and understood all the terms and conditions and that they are in good physical and mental health and have an open mind, a sense of adventure, and the ability to be tolerant and patient for the entire period of the tour. To ensure that the itinerary runs efficiently and for the comfort and/or safety of travelers, Undiscovered Frontiers reserves the right to modify the order of the sightseeing activities at any time before departure or after the tour begins or cancel the tour if the planned itinerary is not possible to operate in the event of Force Majeure.