Türkiye: Ottoman Empire 2024 | 14 Days |

Ankara

• Anıt Kabir Museum:
  Built in 1944 to commemorate Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founding father credited for bringing Türkiyefrom imperial rule into the modern world, this memorial shares the history of Türkiye (formerly Turkey). The Atatürk mausoleum is located here, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year on pilgrimage.
• Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: 
  Learn about the ancient Anatolians, including the mysterious Hittites civilization, and view important archeological artifacts.  

Cappadocia

• The fantastic landscape created by natural volcanic activity is one of the must-see destinations in Türkiye. The towns covered by the region (including Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos and more) are beautiful and should not be missed.
• Stay in the area's most exclusive luxury boutique cave hotel. A true once-in-a-lifetime experience. Enjoy 2 nights in memorable accommodation where you can enjoy unforgettable views of Cappadocia up close.

Cappadocia

• Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia:
  A breathtaking view of Cappadocia from above. Whole journey approx 3-3.5 hours; flight time approx 40-60 minutes, reservation required before departure. Optional activity not included in tour fare (See Fares + Dates for details). 
• Goreme Open Air Museum:
  The hidden location and unique geology of Goreme made it a perfect refuge for early Christians to escape Roman persecution. Today, the forgotten cave churches are still magnificent and surprisingly well preserved under the barren surface of this UNESCO site. (Walking time: 2 hrs; Difficulty: ◆◆◇◇◇)
• Cappadocia Tour:
  • See highlights of Cappadocia's unique terrain: Uchisar Castle, Camel Rock, Fairy Chimneys, Pigeon Valley and more.

Cappadocia

• Kaymakli Underground City:
  Kaymakli is the most interesting of Cappadocia's famous underground shelters. A massive underground city excavated by hand, the city was capable of housing a community of thousands and features maze-like passages with living spaces, kitchens, and even stables. Visit mysterious dungeons and marvel at the mysteries of this World Heritage site (Walking time: 1.5 hrs; Difficulty: ◆◇◇◇◇)

Konya

• Mevlana Museum:
  A must-see in Konya, Mevlana Museum is one of the best places to sense and understand the peaceful spirituality and teachings of Rumi. More than a million people make the important pilgrimage here every year.
• Whirling Dervishes:
  Watch and learn about the spiritual story of the ceremonial whirling dance.

Antalya

• The Mediterranean coastal climate always brings fine weather. Discover traditional Ottoman buildings scattered among the narrow alleys of the ancient city.
• Aspendos Roman Theater:
  Over 2000 years old, Aspendos is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman theaters in the world (and still in use today!). Relive ancient Roman times and discover the secrets of its ancient design.
• Stay 2 nights in Antalya to relax and explore the leisurely Mediterranean area in comfort.

• Antalya Cruise: 
  Board our charter boat to explore the blue Mediterranean. Enjoy music, a cup of Turkish black tea, wonderful views of the Duden Waterfalls and coastal cliffs, and experience Mediterranean resort atmosphere.
• City Tour:
  Visit winding alleys of the old city, where every corner is a surprise.
• After an exciting morning, treat yourself to delicious Turkish ice cream. Unique in its dense texture and taste. 
• Our afternoon is at leisure to let you freely enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean lifestyle and the comforts of our hotel. Dinner tonight is on your own so you may freely explore the local eateries (with our suggestions).

Antalya

• Antalya Museum:
  Hear colorful stories and view archaeological relics from ancient Greece, Rome, and the Byzantine Empire to learn about Türkiye's 2,000-year history.

Pamukkale

• A popular relaxation spot since Roman times, Pamukkale's "Cotton Castle" hot springs are weird, wonderful, and completely unforgettable.

Pamukkale (Walking time: 2.5 hrs; Difficulty: ◆◆◇◇◇)

• Walking tour:
  • Cotton Castle's name comes from its distinct white cotton-like terraces. Its unique landscape has earned it a spot on the list of World Heritage Sites since 1988.
  • Take off your shoes, roll up your pants, and follow the trail to the Baishi area to soak your feet in ancient hot springs.
  • Hierapolis: Walk the ruins of ancient Rome and witness the origin of the Roman's love of bathing. You can also swim in the historical sites and experience the interlacing of past and present for yourself.

Ephesus

• The best-preserved and largest ancient Greco-roman city in the world. Catch a glimpse of two-thousand-year-old buildings, the earliest advertising billboards, and a magnificent library at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Walking time: 2.5hrs; Difficulty: ◆◆◇◇◇)

 Izmir

• Türkiye's third largest city, second largest port, and the end of the storied Silk Road. 

Istanbul

• Grand Bazaar:
  In the early days, the Grand Bazaar was a central market for Silk Road merchants. Today, the Bazaar is a charming market with unique items, bringing together extraordinary products from all over Türkiye such as colorful spices and trinkets.
• Hippodrome:
  Once a horse-drawn carriage arena, the hippodrome was transformed into a beautiful open square for pedestrians. The bronze Serpent Column and Egyptian Obelisk are particularly eye-catching.

Istanbul

• Topkapi Palace:
  Visit a 15th-century Ottoman Empire palace with special arrangements for you to tour the Imperial Harem. Learn more about the private lives of Sultans and the royal family.
• Hagia Sophia Mosque:
  The meeting point of the world's religions including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Hagia Sophia is an important Istanbul landmark and has served as the symbol of peace, harmony, and tolerance for thousands of years.
• Blue Mosque:
  Walk into the Blue Mosque and its name becomes obvious. Tens of thousands of distinctive blue Iznik tiles decorate the interior walls.
• Basilica Cistern:
  Visit the largest of Istanbul's underground ancient cisterns, the location of the movie, "Inferno."
• Tonight, enjoy a private belly dance performance, a Turkish art form passed down for centuries.

Istanbul

• Marmaray Train:
  Istanbul's new underwater train is an engineering marvel. Board from the European side back to the Asian side, a fun way to experience local life while also saving precious travel time.
• Sirkeci Station:
  This landmark was once the last stop of the famous "Orient Express" that traversed Europe in the 19th century.
• Bosphorus River Cruise:
  Board our private yacht for a memorable view of Istanbul from the water. With the cool breeze in your hair, sip on a Turkish tea, listen to our expert guide, relax, and bask in the sun as we see iconic sights along the shores of Istanbul on our way to the Asian coast.
• Dolmabahce Palace:
  Built in the 19th century to match the western glamour of other palaces throughout Europe, Dolmabahce is impressive. The site showcases the unique Baroque style of the Ottoman Empire. (Walking time: 1.5 hrs; Difficulty: ◆◇◇◇◇)
• Overnight in a converted 19th-century Ottoman palace on the banks of the Bosphorus at the Four Seasons Hotel Bosphorus, a luxurious experience.