AMAZING TURKEY TRIP

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey Trip! We will be waiting you at the airport with the Majesty Uk Travel sign for your transfer to the hotel.

Istanbul is a city steeped in history and culture, with a wealth of breathtaking sights to see and experiences to enjoy. From the stunning Blue Mosque to the bustling Grand Bazaar, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city. Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. The city straddles between Europe and Asia and because of this, it was an important stop on the old Silk Road.

Our trip takes you on a journey through the very best of Istanbul, exploring its rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and delicious food. Turkish food is a hearty mix of Middle Eastern, Asian and Balkan style dishes. If there is time, you can wander through the bustling streets and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city that links Europe and Asia. Modern day Istanbul has much to offer - not least its mouth-watering cuisine and budding cafe culture.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Istanbul Airport (IST), which is about one hour and 30 minutes' drive or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), which is around two hours' drive from the city centre, depending on traffic, which can be heavy at times.

There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Istanbul at any time.

It is essential

It is a top priority, please make sure that you have your insurance with you and it is important that you attend the welcome meeting (between 6 – 7 pm) as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Accommodation

Hotel – 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Included Activities

Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities

Group Dinner

DAY 2 : Istanbul City Tour

After breakfast, we begin to explore the magical old town of Istanbul. Stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia.

In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline. We will embark on a cruise of the Bosphorus, the winding straight that separates Europe and Asia and connects the Black Sea with the inland Sea of Marmara. This is our time to relish the views of the old wooden mansions, Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses that dot the river’s coast. Dinner and Overnight in Istanbul.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Blue Mosque

Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia

Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum

Optional Activities

Bosphorus Boat Cruise – EUR 15

Entrance Fees

Blue Mosque – Free

Hagia Sophia – Free

Topkapi Palace Museum – 200 TL

Day 4: Selcuk 

After breakfast we drive to Selcuk with a stop on route in Troy, where history and mythology sit side by side. Troy was made famous by Homer’s Iliad, the epic account of the Trojan War. Your leader will take you around the ancient city walls, and there will be time for a photo op with a replica Trojan horse.

We will then depart to the traditional farming village of Selcuk. Your tour guide will take you around the town and the slopes of Ayasoluk Hill in the afternoon. See the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, the imposing the Grand Fortress and the ruins of the Basilica of St John. According to Christian lore, St John came to Ephesus with the Virgin Mary from Jerusalem and lived here until his death sometime around AD 100. The basilica stands over his alleged burial site. Your evening is free. / Check out our epic “ Seven Churches Tour “. 

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast, Dinner 

Included Activities

Troy - Archaeological site visit Selcuk

Isa Bey Mosque

Basilica of St John

Admission Fee: (per person)

Troy - Archaeological site visit - TRY 75

Selcuk - Basilica of St John - TRY30

DAY 5 : KUSADASI

After breakfast, it is time to explore Ephesus, today we sit back and relax in the coach. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. From there you will visit  the archaeological remains of the ancient city of Ephesus.  Located in the modern town of Selcuk, ancient Ephesus is one of the most well-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey.

Today, we will walk on the Marble Road passing numerous historically rich sites including the fountain of Trajan, and the Temple of Hadrian. We will also see the Library of Celsus, which adorns the site’s most impressive square, and sit in the theater (the largest surviving from the Roman period). This massive theatre (capable of entertaining up to 26,000 spectators) was the scene of an uprising provoked by a merchant named Demetrius against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23). The unforgettable ruins of Ephesus including the Terrace Houses, Ephesus Museum and St. John's Basilica. This political influence and the city’s large Jewish community attracted the attention of the apostles, including Paul.  Here, he carried out his mission for two years and was Bishop of the Ephesian Church before he was exiled to Patmos.

Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history that really comes alive with a local guide to enhance the experience. The ruins are in incredible shape considering their age, and it’s not difficult to image them in their full glory 2000 years ago.

This afternoon there is an opportunity to visit Meryemana (Mary's House) the site where the mother of Jesus is believed to have spent the last days of her life with the Apostle John. Late afternoon head to the small village of Sirince to taste the local fruit wine and enjoy sunset. This small village is dedicated to carpet weaving, and here you can discover all about this traditional art form, from dying the wool to traditional weaving on wooden looms. Regardless if you are in the market for a new rug or not this is an opportunity to support local weavers enjoy some Turkish hospitality, over a cup of tea of course, and discover the beauty of Turkish Rug Making. We will end our day in Sirince, Dinner and Overnight in Kusadasi.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night) 

Meals Included

Breakfast , Dinner

Included Activities

Ephesus Ancient city - St. John's Basilica – Archaeological Site

Meryemana (Mary's House)

Visiting Sirince - Fruit wine tasting

Admission Fee: (per person)

Ephesus and Terrace Houses entry – TRY 55 In Total 165 TRY

Meryemana (Mary's House) – 20 TRY

Day 6: Pamukkale 

After breakfast it is the day for Pamukkale, we will visit “Cotton Castle”, and dip our feet in the thermal waters that flow down the hilltop’s unique white travertine terraces. Here, we will also visit the archeological remains of Hierapolis, a significant site of early Christianity thanks to Paul’s missionary efforts here (Colossians 4:13). Because the city sits atop the travertine cascades of Pamukkale (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Hierapolis became a healing center wherein the site’s thermal pools were used to treat various ailments.

Today, we will stroll among a number of important ruins including well-preserved Roman structures like the town theatre and Temple of Apollo before continuing on to the ancient city of Laodicea. To the church in Laodicea.

Here, we will see the site’s well-preserved stadium, gymnasium, and theatres, giving us insight into this city’s former prominence. The town is in obscurity. While you can see traces of the theater, the church, the ancient city is mostly in undistinguishable ruins. Dinner and Overnight in Pamukkale. Rest up, relax or even savour the spa or massage services of your hotel.

Accommodation                                                                          

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or similar (1 night) 

Meals Included

Breakfast , Dinner

Included Activities

Sightseeing of Pamukkale “Cotton Castle

Sightseeing of Hierapolis and Eskihisar ( Laodicea ) ancient cities

Entrance Fees

Pamukkale - Hierapolis and Travertines National Park TRY - 110

Eskihisar ( Laodicea ) – 37 TRY

Day 7: Fethiye

After breakfast at the hotel in the morning, we arrive at KAYAKÖY, an old Greek village by following the center of Fethiye. While wandering the streets of Kayakoy (KARYMLASOS), which contains 350-400 houses stretching out as terraces on the hills, and which is also called the 'ghost village' since almost all of them were abandoned with the exchange, Traces of settlers take us back to the past.

Our coach will take us to BELCEKIZ location, which is just at the foot of Babadağ. You can visit Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) and enjoy some time at the three-kilometre-long beach. Please note you will need to pay a small fee if you want to access the Blue Lagoon. Later, transfer to the quaint town of Fethiye. This evening, take a walk by the harbour and look up to see Lycian rock tombs in the town cut from the Cliffside.

Accommodation

FETHIYE - Hotel or similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast,Dinner

Included Activities

Kayaköy Town ( Karymlassos)

Belcekiz Beach

Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz)

Optional Activities 

Kayakoy Village ( Karymlassos  the  Ghost City ) EUR 15

Admission Fee: (per person)

Kayakoy Village ( Karymlassos  the  Ghost City ) – 10 TRY

Blue Lagoon (Oludeniz) - 15  TRY

Day 8: KAS – KEKOVA - ANTALYA

After breakfast our Coach will take us to the KAS with amazing coast views. Situated on the Teke Peninsula, the small port town of Kas was known as Habesos or Habesa in ancient Lycia, and as Antiphellos to the ancient Greeks. Walking tour in Kas. Ride to Kekova Town and we start the KEKOVA BOAT TOUR from this charming fishing village intertwined with history. Our swimming breaks are Tersane Bay, Kumlu Pier etc. will be in the bays.

Then, we see the Sunken City, Kekova Island, Simena Village and Castle, which have no land access, from the boat, which were partially submerged by the earthquake in the 11th century AD, and complete our tour by getting information from our guide. Drive to Antalya and relax at your Hotel.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Dinner

Included Activities

KAS sightseeing

Üçağız Village

Simena Village

Kaş Town centre

Optional Activities

Kekova Boat Trip 15 Euro

Special Information

Travel time today is approximately 5 hours.

Day 9 : Antalya

After breakfast your Guided Coach will take you to a nature fix, Duden Waterfalls is a lovely spot to relax,visit to Antalya Archaeology Museum,Aspendos,Side. There are two sets of waterfalls, the Upper Duden Waterfall and the Lower Duden Waterfall. The Lower Duden Waterfall is particularly impressive as it falls directly into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Antalya Archaeology Museum is one of the largest and most important museums in Turkey. The museum features exhibits that showcase the rich history of the region, including artifacts from ancient civilizations such as the Hittites, Greeks, and Romans.

Aspendos city is known for its impressive Roman theater, which is one of the best-preserved theaters from the ancient world. Side town is known for its beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and charming old town.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Duden Waterfalls

Antalya Archaeology Museum

Optional Activities

Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City – EUR 15

Admission Fee: (per person)

Antalya - Aspendos Ancient City - TRY60

Duden Waterfalls – TRY 10

Antalya Archaeology Museum – TRY 90

Day 10: Konya

This morning our coach take you to the Konya and meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Konya Mevlana, also known as Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, is a prominent figure in Islamic history and culture. He was a Persian poet, scholar, and Sufi mystic who lived in Konya, Turkey, during the 13th century.

Mevlana's teachings are centered around the concept of love, and he believed that love was the key to achieving spiritual enlightenment and connecting with God. He is perhaps best known for his poetry, including his most famous work, the Masnavi, which is considered a masterpiece of Persian literature.

Get your bearings on an orientation walk with your leader and enjoy a refreshing drink in one of the many tea gardens. After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.    

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast , Dinner

Included Activity

Konya Sightseeing & Mevlana Museum

Special Information

Travel time today is approximately 5.5 hours.

Day 11: Cappadocia 

This morning after breakfast,we set off on our journey to Cappadocia,your Guide will take you to Goreme, Cappadocia, a city made from the soft volcanic rock of the region. The region is characterized by its unusual geological formations, including fairy chimneys, tall spires of rock created by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. These formations have been shaped over time by wind and erosion to create a landscape that is both striking and surreal.

The area has been inhabited since ancient times, and its underground cities and cave dwellings were once used as shelter by early Christians. Many of these cave dwellings and underground cities have been preserved and are open to visitors. On arrival stretch your legs with an orientation walk with your leader. This area is famed for its unique geological formations and a history that stretches back to before the Hittites (2000 BC). We will explore the lunar landscape of Cappadocia.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Included Activities

Cappadocia - Valley walk

Optional Activities

Turkish Bath - Hammam EUR 35

Meals Included

Breakfast

Day 12: Cappadocia

Make your cameras ready J Arfter breakfast we will explore Goreme and surrounds with our Tour Guide, including the World Heritage-listed UNESCO Goreme Open Air Museum,site featuring a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into the rock, and the Uchisar Castle, a fortress built into a towering rock formation. Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras.

Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvellous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travellers. If you’re a hiker, you may like to walk the valleys of Red, Rose, or Love. Next; is Devrent Valley, famous for its quirky animal-shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature.

After Devrent valley or before it, visit Pasabagi which means: the Pacha's vineyard. This site is also called Monks Valley, the hermitage of Simeon monks was here. We drive to Avanos, where you will enjoy typical Turkish Lunch and experience make Potter with local experts. It is time to visit Goreme Panorama, which has one of the best panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and more magic. Next, Uchisar ( Uc Hisar Castle ) the Naturel highest Rock Castle provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area . At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Accommodation

Hotel 5 – 4 Star or Similar (1 night)

Meals Included

Breakfast

Included Activities

Goreme Open Air Museum Visit

Sightseeing of Cavusin

Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley

Sightseeing of Uchisar

Sightseeing of Avanos

Sightseeing of Pasabagi

Sightseeing of Devrent Valley                     

Cappadocia - Goreme - Open Air Museum - TRY45 / Admission Fee

Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City - TRY60 / Admission Fee

Cappadocia -Kaymakli Underground City - TRY60  / Admission Fee

Optional Activities

Turkish Night Show ( Dinner Included ) – 45 EUR

Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight – EUR160

Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR250

If you are interested in an optional hot air balloon ride, please speak to your trip leader on Day 1. The cost of this activity varies depending on what type of flight you choose. This activity can only be booked locally (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions).

Day 13: Cappadocia - Istanbul 

Your trip ends after breakfast this morning. Check-out time is 11 am. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul or Cappadocia we would be happy to organize additional accommodation(s) for you (subject to availability).

Dear Majesty Uk Travel guests, thank you for choosing us, see you next Majesty Uk Travel organization.

Meals Included

Breakfast