Discover The Cradle Of Civilization
Embark on a journey through a vibrant blend of ancient civilizations and modern metropolises. Experience the warm hospitality of the Turkish people, discover a myriad of hidden treasures, and explore the rich tapestry of culture, ancient ruins, and stunning beaches. Turkey, known for its popularity among travellers, serves as a beautiful bridge between two continents, offering an unforgettable adventure.
Best Time To Visit: April, May, September, and October are the ideal months to experience Turkey and its historical attractions. During this time, you’ll enjoy pleasantly warm weather with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C.
Average Temperatures
Arrive in Istanbul and check in to your hotel. Begin your tour around 1 PM with a visit to the Spice Market. Following this, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise that glides along the strait separating the European and Asian parts of Istanbul, spanning between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara. Enjoy the scenic views of opulent wooden mansions, historic villages, Baroque summer palaces, and towering fortresses from the Ottoman era.
Visit the Egyptian Spice Market, where a delightful array of sounds, colours, and aromatic spices creates an enchanting atmosphere. Experience the ambience of an Ottoman shopping centre at the Grand Bazaar, home to numerous spice shops. Return to your hotel and spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Overnight at your hotel in Istanbul.
Destination Nugget: The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is often regarded as one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, filled with dazzling shops and history.
After breakfast, visit one of the city’s most iconic landmarks: the Hagia Sophia. This magnificent monument has served as a Byzantine church, an Ottoman mosque, and a Republican museum. Next, explore the Blue Mosque, the only Ottoman mosque with six minarets, renowned for its 21,043 hand-made blue tiles.
Located on the southeastern side of the Hippodrome, where the Great Palace of Byzantium once stood, the Hippodrome of Constantinople was the main social and sporting centre of the city, hosting chariot races and significant political events.
Proceed to the Grand Bazaar, the largest marketplace of its kind, featuring restaurants, banks, mosques, schools, and a police station, with around 25,000 employees working in its labyrinthine streets. Take some time to absorb the unique atmosphere and brush up on your bargaining skills. The rest of the day is yours to shop or relax as you wish. Overnight in Istanbul.
Destination Nugget: The Hippodrome of Constantinople was not only a venue for sporting events but also for political ceremonies and executions.
After breakfast, check out and head to the airport for an early flight to Ankara. Upon arrival, visit the Anatolian Civilizations Museum, known for its well-organized collection of artifacts from across Anatolia. Next, explore the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the final resting place of Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey, where you can learn about the republican era. After lunch, journey to Cappadocia.
Destination Nugget: The tombstone in the Mausoleum of Atatürk is renowned for its striking red marble, which weighs an impressive 40 tons.
Start your day with breakfast before visiting the Underground City of Kaymaklı, an important Byzantine city that once housed up to 1,500 inhabitants. Explore the interconnected churches, stables, depots, kitchens, and ventilation shafts linked by tunnels. Continue your exploration of Cappadocia with visits to:
Uçhisar Citadel: The highest point in Cappadocia, featuring a rock castle with almost 300 caves.
Göreme Open Air Museum: The largest Byzantine monastery site in the region, known for its beautiful frescoes adorning cave churches.
Paşabağ Valley: Home to breathtaking landscapes and the largest Fairy Chimneys (mushroom-shaped rocks) in the area.
Avanos: The centre of pottery craftsmanship in Cappadocia, with a rich heritage dating back to the Hittite Empire.
Destination Nugget: The Underground City was thoughtfully designed to shelter both inhabitants and their livestock.
Today, head towards Konya, stopping to visit the 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, Sultanhani. Upon arriving in Konya, visit the Theological School of Whirling Dervishes and the Mevlana Museum. Afterwards, continue your journey to Pamukkale, with a lunch stop en route.
Destination Nugget: The Mevlana Museum serves as the burial site of the renowned 13th-century Turkish poet, Rumi, whose teachings on love and spirituality continue to inspire people around the world.
Start your morning with a visit to Hierapolis, where you can explore ancient Roman baths, a Basilica, calcium cliffs, and the ruins of the world’s largest necropolis. Following this, enjoy lunch before heading to the well-preserved Greco-Roman city of Aphrodisias. Dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, this ancient city showcases remarkable ruins that highlight its historical significance. Conclude your day in Kusadasi with dinner and an overnight stay.
Destination Nugget: Hierapolis was dramatically destroyed by an earthquake in 60 CE but was later rebuilt, showcasing the resilience of ancient civilizations.
After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Meryemana, the House of the Virgin Mary. Next, travel to Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor. Explore its remarkable landmarks, including Hercules Gate, the Odeon, the magnificent Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, Agora, and the stunning Greco-Roman theatre. After lunch, visit the Basilica of St. John. Spend the evening at your leisure, enjoying the local atmosphere. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Destination Nugget: According to tradition, the Virgin Mary is believed to have been housed in Ephesus by St. John and lived there until her passing, making this site significant to Christian heritage.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, check out, and proceed to the airport for your flight back home, taking with you fond memories of your Turkish adventure.
Experiences