GRAND TOUR TO ISTANBUL » Istanbul » Turkey

About Istanbul

Istanbul, a 2600-year-old city, has become the latest hotspot. Here the hip meet up with the even hipper in trendy nightclubs, exclusive boutiques and designer cafés. The new hotspots are part of a tapestry of majestic temples, traditional tea houses with sweet pistachio cakes and hookahs – waterpipes – and spice bazaars where you’ll see street vendors wearing fezzes – felt hats – and carrying water tanks on their backs.

Tulips, the symbol of Holland, originated in Istanbul and were sent to the Netherlands. As the former capital of the Roman Empire, the Latin Empire and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul oozes historical grandeur. The atmosphere is heavy with financial and cultural magnificence. Check out the spectacular art at the Istanbul Modern, head towards Kumkapi for the best fish restaurants in town – and wrap up the day with a relaxing time in the traditional Turkish hamam baths and a round of the liquorice flavoured raki drink from one of the local taverns.

   Istanbul is the only city in the world that stands on two different continents - Asia and Europe.

Essential information about Istanbul

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Currency
Turkish Lira (TRY)
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IST
  • Sightseeing:
    Visits to Gallipoli, Canakkale, Troy, Izmir, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Agzikarahan Caravanserai, Konya, Rock Chapels in Göreme, Ankara, King Midas’ Tomb in Gordion, Bursa

    Scenic Highlights: 
    Pamukkale´s cotton castle

  • Day 1 Arrive in Istanbul, Turkey
    Check into your hotel. In the evening, meet your Tour Director and fellow travelers.

    Day 2 Istanbul–Gallipoli–Canakkale
    Drive along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the European side of the Dardanelles. Time to visit the ANZAC CEMETERY and the site of a bloody World War I battle. Then, a short FERRY crossing to Asia Minor. Overnight in Canakkale. (B,D)

    Day 3 Canakkale–Troy–Izmir–Kusadasi
    First, a visit to the remains of Homer’s legendary TROY. South to the lovely Bay of Edremit with distant views of the island of Lesbos. Through forests of pine, oak, and valonia, head for Izmir, where an orientation drive includes the KARSIYAKA DISTRICT. From here, it’s not far to your hotel in Kusadasi. (B,D)

    Day 4 At Leisure in Kusadasi
    Enjoy your charming modern resort, located between ancient Ephesus and Priene and blessed with a delightful climate and white sandy beaches. Optional excursions to the Roman/Greek archaeological site of Ephesus and to the Virgin Mary House are available. (B)

    Day 5 Kusadasi–Pamukkale–Denizli Area
    Once past Aydin, you enter what is known as the “Greek Meander,” the most fertile region in Turkey. Make a first stop this morning for optional sightseeing of the ancient site of APHRODISIAS scattered around the village of Geyre. From the town of Denizli, drive north to view the extraordinary sight of Pamukkale with the ancient site of HIERAPOLIS. Overnight in the Denizli area. (B,D)

    Day 6 Denizli Area–Konya
    Eastwards to Dinar and then past Lake Acigöl, surrounded by cherry gardens and opium fields. Later, splendid mountain scenery on the way to Konya. (B,D)

    Day 7 Konya–Göreme–Cappadocia
    Continue eastward into the great central plateau that separates Konya from Cappadocia, taking a break at the great AGZIKARAHAN CARAVANSERAI. After arrival in Göreme, an included afternoon excursion to the amazing ROCK CHAPELS carved by early Christians. Overnight in Cappadocia. (B,D)

    Day 8 Cappadocia
    Optional sightseeing in the spectacular Cappadocia area. Admire the large natural AMPHITHEATER bounded by almost-vertical cliffs into which have been hewn monastic buildings, churches, and underground retreats where early Christians sheltered from Roman persecution. (B,D)

    Day 9 Cappadocia–Aksaray–Ankara
    North today by way of Aksaray to Ankara. Enjoy an orientation drive of the Turkish capital. Afternoon optional excursions are available to see some of the capital’s highlights. (B,D)

    Day 10 Ankara–Gordion–Bursa
    From Ankara into the ancient kingdom of Phrygia to Gordion where, according to legend, Alexander the Great cut the proverbial knot. Visit KING MIDAS' TOMB. On to historic Bursa in the shadow of the Olympus of Mysia, famous for its Great Mosque, covered bazaar, and silk market. (B,D)

    Day 11 Bursa–Ferry Crossing–Istanbul
    A morning drive to the shores of the Sea of Marmara, then take a ferry across the Bay of Izmit to Istanbul. This afternoon, enjoy the included sightseeing with visits to the ROMAN HIPPODROME and the BLUE MOSQUE. Tonight, take advantage of the optional dinner outing in Istanbul. (B)

    Day 12 Istanbul
    Markets, peddlers, and stalls selling almonds, pistachios, iced drinks, and black coffee—you’ll find this vigorous city irresistible. The view of the city at dusk with its 600 mosques and the Bosporus is unforgettable. Optional possibilities are a morning excursion by private boat on the Bosporus and in the afternoon, the “Historical Tour of Istanbul.” (B)

    Day 13 Istanbul
    Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)

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Gurmeet Kaur - INDIA
I would highly recommend TTG because everything on our various tours to Goa and Turkey went without a hitch. Transfers, tickets and tours were all in place and on time.
Capt Ali Oman
I got back recently from North India tour. Amazing trip at an incredible price. I will definitely use and strongly recommend TTG again. Our tour guide in India, Sanjiv, was the best
Deepak Gaur
Have been on 3 trips thru TTG services and would highly recommend them to anyone. We especially enjoyed switzerland. It is magical and once you have been that is the only vacation for you.
Major Ishaq
I wish to send you a sincere "Thank you" for all of your assistance during our recent trip to India. It was invaluable to us and we all realize and appreciate it greatly.
Juile
Thank you so much for helping us planning a beautiful vacation. The hotel were beautiful in both the cases and could not have a better location
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