8 Days Private Tour of Pearls of Anatolia in Istanbul

Day 1: DAY 1: ISTANBUL

1. Hippodrome
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   The Hippodrome had been a center for sports and entertainment in the old Constantinople, the Eastern Roman Capital, and an important center for politics since sports and politics were closely knit in these times. No wonder that the Hippodrome had been a starting point for revolts and political movements throughout history.
   Echoes of cries by slaves riding chariots in ferocious races and the inspirational words of intellectuals and poets that lit the flame of public movements have still been reminiscent of those with a powerful imagination.
2. Blue Mosque
   2h
   Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque, arouses admiration with the delicate Ottoman tiles that decorate the shrine’s walls. The floral patterns of the tiles and the well lighted, spacious internal spaces are testimonials of the eternity of the Ottoman spirit.
3. Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque
   2h
   The Shrine of Holy Wisdom, a marvelous Byzantine basilica built in the 6th century, marks the golden age of Justinianus.
   The domed construction of the sanctuary is an architectural innovation and was so richly and artistically decorated that Justinian proclaimed, "Solomon, I have outdone thee!". Humankind would have to wait for millennia before building a cathedral that would surpass the gigantic size of Hagia Sophia.
   Converted to a mosque following the Ottoman conquest of the city, by order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror in 1453, as the young Sultan fulfilled a divine premonition by the Holy Prophet Mohammad himself. In 1935 the building was converted to a museum by the executive order of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey.
   Hagia Sophia, whose status was converted to a mosque in July 2020, has been taking its visitors on a journey through the multi-layered texture of history as a mosque ever since.
4. TopkapI Palace
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   The Topkapı Palace has been the Imperial residence of the Ottoman Sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Its design, initially devised by Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror himself and then enhanced by Architect Sinan, hides marks of the rituals and structure of Ottoman hierarchy and the running of state affairs.
   Home to the imperial treasury, cabinet and the site of the barracks for Janissaries, the elite of the army, every single corner of the palace mentions the splendor of the Ottomans. Apart from the priceless treasury, a distinguished collection of Chinese porcelains, holy relics, Sultan’s attires, and imperial weaponry are exhibited in different palace sections.
   Admission fee: 500 TRY/per person
5. Grand Bazaar
   2h
   The last visit will be to the Grand Covered Bazaar of Istanbul, which is not simply a complex of buildings but a real city covered by hemispheric domes with its streets. The largest, oldest, and most attractive covered bazaar in the world, where people have been trading jewelry, carpets, food, perfumes, and even gossiping for centuries! The tour also includes a short demonstration of Turkish rugs.

Day 2: DAY 2: ISTANBUL > GALLIPOLI > TROY > ASSOS

1. Gallipoli
   2h
   Gallipoli
   Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel at 06:00 am. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea. You will also travel by the shores of the Dardanelles, as you will pass by Gallipoli and other lands of gallantry where the famous “Gentlemen’s War” was fought between the Ottoman and Anzac troops during WW1.
2. Troy (Truva)
   2h · Admission ticket not included
   Troy
   Troy has been a true land of battle and gallantry; where the heroes and mythological figures fought each other. The site of the Trojan War, which was described in Homer Iliad and which has been an inspiration for some of the greatest motion pictures in our day waits for your discovery.
   Admission fee: 100 TRY/per person
3. Assos
   2h
   Assos
   Your journey will then take you to Assos, the ancient Greek city of philosophers and scholars. You will be transferred to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 3: DAY 3: PERGAMUM > IZMIR > KUSADASI

1. Izmir
   2h
   On this trip, you will follow the route taken by those who have escaped the fall of Troy, fleeing from the wrath of Agamemnon, and stop for lunch at Bergama, or Pergamum, the birthplace of parchments. It is believed that the word parchment is a derivative of Pergamum as, according to Pliny the parchment was invented under the patronage of Eumenes of Pergamum, as a substitute for papyrus.
2. Pergamon Ancient City
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   Once, Pergamum hosted one of the biggest libraries of ancient ages, before it was destroyed. Pergamum is also the original home for the Great Altar of Pergamon, on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. Still in its original site, is the base of the altar, believed to have been dedicated to Zeus, and believed to be the "Satan's Throne" referred by John of Patmos in his Book of Revelation.
   Admission fee: 100 TRY/per person
3. Kusadasi
   2h
   Kuşadası

Day 4: DAY 4: KUSADASI > EPHESUS > PAMUKKALE

1. Ephesus Museum
   4h · Admission ticket not included
   You will visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Your tour will include the Odeon, Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, the Celcius Library, and the Great Theatre.
   Admission fee: 200 TRY/per person
2. Pamukkale
   4h
   After the tour of Ephesus, you will be driven to Pamukkale town, where white will be the color of order for the afternoon. Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site that is created by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.

Day 5: DAY 5: PAMUKKALE > KONYA > CAPPADOCIA

1. Konya
   4h
   This will be a very special day, as you will visit Konya, the hometown of Jellaleddin Al Rumi, the great philosopher, mystic, and the founder of the Whirling Dervishes’ Order who lived in Konya. His poems, teaching love among mankind and good manners, have been widely translated into many of the world's languages. He was described as the "most popular poet in America" in 2007.
2. Cappadocia
   5h
   We are sure that the drive to the Cappadocia region, for dinner and overnight stay, will be an adequate time for you to take a journey inwards, perhaps reciting the words of Mevlana:
   “Lover's nationality is separate from all other religions,
   The lover's religion and nationality is the Beloved (God).
   The lover’s cause is separate from all other causes
   Love is the astrolabe of God's mysteries. “

Day 6: DAY 6: CAPPADOCIA

1. Cappadocia
   6h
   Cappadocia was an object of desire to men, even before it was mentioned in the Holy Bible. Once the capital of the powerful Hittite empire, later a refuge for early Christians; it is a land of magic, a region of exceptional natural wonders (in particular characterized by fairy chimneys), and a unique historical and cultural heritage. Prepare yourself to travel back in time, and prepare your mind to wander between the images of ancient people and the breathtaking beauty of the landscape

Day 7: DAY 7: CAPPADOCIA > ANKARA> ISTANBUL

1. Ankara
   5h
   Your half-day tour in Ankara will include the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the founder and the first president of the Turkish Republic.

Day 8: DAY 8: ISTANBUL

1. Istanbul
   3h
   After breakfast and the check-out processes, you will have free time until transfer to the airport for the flight back to İstanbul.

Pickup details

Please be informed kindly that you are required to contact us at least 24 hours in advance in order to confirm the excursion.

If you have booked this activity less than 24 hours prior to the scheduled time, please contact us immediately after booking to confirm your excursion.

Please bear in mind, you will be asked to present your printed voucher and photo ID when you meet with your guide.

• Wheelchair accessible
• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
• All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness