9 Days Wine Routes of Turkey
WINE ROUTES OF TURKEY
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
We are going to discover one of the oldest lands of the world for the culture of wine, in this tour. We do this by making a tour on a classical route of Turkey which allows us to see the major sites of the country like Istanbul, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Cappadocia, Troy, Pergamon and Ephesus.
DAY 1 : ISTANBUL
City of art and history synthesis, Istanbul is exceptionally situated on both sides of the Strait of the Bosphorus that separates Europe from Asia. In turn called Byzantium and Constantinople, and in spite of the proclamation of Ankara as the new capital, the old city of the sultans is still the biggest one, the biggest port, the economical financial and cultural center of the country. Istanbul ranks high in the World Heritage.We visit The most prestigious places from Byzantine times within the fortification walls, the historic centre comprising Hagia Sofia, Underground Cistern, the Church of St. Savior in Chora, The Church of Pantocrator now called Molla Zeyrek Mosque that have been listed as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
We will also explore the beauties of Istanbul with a cruise on Bosphorus.
Lunch is taken in a local restaurant with wines produced from grapes known since Byzantine times. We take dinner in a nice restaurant of Istanbul with specialties from Ottoman Cuisine applied to tastes of modern food lovers. Food and wine pairing will be done by our wine specialist.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
We are going to explore the Ottoman treasures of the city. Firstly we go to visit the masterpiece of Ottoman architecture built by great architect of 16th century Sinan; the mosque of Soliman the Magnificent. Then we continue with another seal of Ottomans to world architecture; The Blue Mosque built in 17th century at the time of Sultan Ahmet 1st , therefore called Mosque of Sultanahmet by Turks. At the end of the morning we go to Eminonu region to explore thousands of flavours in Spice Bazaar where we also taste our Turkish coffee at the location of the first coffee shop of the world founded in 16th century.
Lunch will be taken in local restaurant.
We visit Topkapi Palace which is now a museum where are exhibited very precious objects from the times of sultans, in the afternoon
Dinner is accompanied by wines of Turkey produced from the blend of Turkish and International grape varieties.
DAY 3 : ISTANBUL- SARKoY- CANAKKALE (STRAIT OF DARDANELLES )
In search for Byzantine Wines.
Morning drive to Sarkoy (3 hours ) capital of viticulture in Turkey. We will go to Hoskoy village ( Ganos in Byzantine period ) and we will visit Melen Winery which is the only small scale wine producer in the village which produces delicious wines using also special red and white grape varities.
Wines to be tasted : Melen Papazkarasi, Melen Gamay, Buyulubag Adakarasi,
Visit French type vineyards. Discover also Papazkarasi and Adakarasi grape which is typical of that region.We will taste wines produced from these grapes.
We will have lunch ,then drive to Gallipoli peninsula . Cross Dardanelles strait by ferry to step on Asian continent. Overnight in Çanakkale.
Another wine region is Tenedos (Bozcaada) Island on Aegean Sea. Local grapes of Bozcaada are : Karalahna, Kuntra in Red, Vasilaki in white
Wines to taste : Corvus Kuntra-Karalahna, Corvus Karalahna, Corvus Cavus
DAY 4 : TROY- OLIVE COAST-PERGAMON- FOcA-IZMIR
In the morning, visit the ancient site of Troy. The excavations of Troy (Hisarlik) led by German Henrich Schliemann from 1870, then in collaboration with Wilhelm Dorpfeld in 1882 (and later led by Carl Blegen from Cincinnati University between 1932 and 1938), revealed nine main settlements (Troy I to Troy IX) in different layers from 3000 BC until 400 AD, that is to say from the Early Bronze Period till the Roman Period. Troy was also known as Ilios* or Ilion, a name which can be found in the Iliad, Homer’s epic poem where he immortalized it through mythological characters: Helen, the spouse of Menelaus, king of Sparta, was abducted to Troy by Paris who had fallen in love with her. Troy became the stake in the ten year-lasting Trojan war between Achilles and the Achaeans led by Agamemnon. According to Archaeoligical evidences, Troy VIIa was destroyed around 1200 BC, at the same period as the Iliad’s Troy.
Then continue to the Aegean coast.Stop at Ezine one of the most famous cheese producing regions of Turkey.
Then drive through mount Ida where trojan prince Paris lived according mythology.
Arrive at Kucukkuyu ,visit the only Olive Oil Museum of Turkey.
Lunch in Edremit, on the olive coastline. Then drive to Ayvalik,capital of olive oil production in Turkey ,visit an olive oil factory, taste different sorts of olive oils.
Continue to Foca , the beautiful town on the Aegean coastline , the inhabitants of which migrated to the southern shores of France, Marseilles specifically, not only founded that city but also introduced viticulture in France by 6th century B.C. The region is also famous for its local grape called ‘ Foca Karasi ‘. (Black of Foca)
We taste wines produced from this grape variety.
Overnight and Dinner in ?zmir.
DAY 5 : IZMIR – EPHESUS- PAMUKKALE
In the morning we are going to visit Ephesus , one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world.
En route visit Nysa, little known ancient city but considered as the birthplace of Dionysos , God of wine according Greek Mythology. We will visit the beautiful ancient theater of Nysa on the stage wall of which there are reliefs depicting the life of Dionysos. We will taste the wines, during the lunch made from the two local white grapes, ‘Sultaniye’ known as Sultana in the world and mainly consumed by eating as dried grape , and ‘Misket ‘ a grape full of perfume known also as Muscat in many places. Then we will continue to Pamukkale.
Dinner with wines produced by Pamukkale Winery which benefits from one of best terroirs of Turkey for producing easy-to drink wines.
DAY 6 : PAMUKKALE- KONYA
We will visit the travertine zones of Pamukkale and roman ruins of Hierapolis, known for one of the biggest necropolis of ancient times. Then we drive to Konya and have lunch there as well.
Visit Mevlana Museum,the old convent of whirling dervishes, a religious order established in 13th century in Konya in which music and dance was a way to worship God.
We will go to the Archaeological Museum of Konya, which is small but very rich for the number of sarcophagi of roman times as well as almost 4000 years old wine vessels. Dinner and overnight in Konya.
DAY 7: KONYA – CAPPADOCIA
We will drive to Cappadocia along the Silk Road. We make a short stop to visit the Caravanserai of Obruk Han and the beautiful little known as lake of Obruk, on the way to Cappadocia in the middle of the stepe.
For lunch we will proceed to a village where we will taste some of Cappadocian Specialties in a family run restaurant.
We will make a short walk through the rock formations of Cappadocia. We visit the old Greek Village of Sinasos, in the afternoon, presently known as Mustafapasa where we can see great examples of stone workmanship on the facades of houses built in 19th century .
Then we will proceed to Turasan’s Zeynep Vineyards founded in 2001 to grow international and autochthonous grape varieties of Turkey. We are going to visit vineyards and we will get information about the growing process. Then we will go to Turasan Winery to see its rock carved wine cellar and to be informed about the process of wine making. We taste some of Turasan wines.
Some wines to taste during tasting session and lunch:
White wines: Turasan Emir , Seneler Narince, Misket Domisek
Rosé: Turasan Rosé,
Red Wines: Turasan Okuzgozu-Bogazkere, Turasan Kalecik Karasi
DAY 8: CAPPADOCIA
Our day starts with a short walking through fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Then we will go to discover the beautiful rock carved churches in Goreme Valley.
We are going to visit Goreme Open Air Museum with churches carved in volcanic tuff of Cappadocia like St. Basil Church, St Barbara Church, Dark Church, Chuch with apple.
Lunch will be haven in a restaurant carved in the rock of Cappadocia with a menu based on homemade dishes of the region
We will proceed to Zelve and Pasabag where the most amazing formations of fairy chimneys can be seen. We further will proceed to the underground city of Kaymakli which is carved 8 floors under the ground.
The day ends with a seminar on the history of wine by Mr. Yanki, wine teacher and searcher on wine history.
DAY 9 : CAPPADOCIA
Day begins with a very pleasant walking in Kizilcukur, through old traditional vineyards. This trekking will help us enjoy the amazing natural landscape of Cappadocia and very beautifully decorated rock-carved dovecotes of the region.
On our way we will also visit the Church with Grapes which gives us a very good idea about the history of wine in Cappadocia. In one of the little known villages, Cavusin, Our walking will end . We are going to discover the village and have lunch on a vineyard or in a typical restaurant.
We follow the banks of Red River (Kizilirmak) to reach Avanos and stroll in its streets in the afternoon. Avanos is also considered as a city of art with its traditional pottery which puts the city in a special position for carrying wines in Hittite times in clay pot jars until the capital of Hittite Kingdom, Hattusas.
The we go to Uchisar area to visit old wine cellar of Kocabag winery carved in volcanic tuff. Our final tasting takes place in a wine cellar in Uchisar.
Wines to taste:
White wines: Kocabag Uchisar (Emir), Kocabag Kapadokya
Red wines: Kocabag Okuzgozu, Kocabag Bogazkere Kocabag Kapadokya,.
DAY 10 : END OF THE TOUR IN CAPPADOCIA, Private Transfer to Nevsehir Airport for a flight to Bodrum, Marmaris or Gocek over Istanbul or direct flight to Izmir and Private transfer to your boat . Check in to your gullet.
Luxury Yacht Charter Turkey and wine tour may be your dream holiday. For further assistance, please get in contact with us.
10 Days in Magic Turkey
Day 2: “Walking Tour in Istanbul”, Full Day Tour
The old city of Istanbul, Constantine sightseeing tour in the morning starts with Hippodrome Square where chariot races were once held in Roman Age and today one can see the Obelisk from Egypt, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus, Serpentine Column from Delphi and the marvelous Underground Cistern built in order to solve water supply problem nearby. Followed by a visit to the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture St. Sophia operates as museum today. The splendor of the interior decoration, the massiveness of its architectural proportions being unusual for a church and the most important of all, the height of its central dome has amazed everyone since it was first constructed. Then only a short walk away, Sultanahmed Mosque is the only mosque with six minarets in Istanbul. Called as blue mosque by foreigners because of the dominant color of more than 20.000 Iznik tiles decorating the spacious interior The Mosque is regarded as the peak achievement of Ottoman architecture. The highlights of the afternoon is a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace which is the only palace remaining from the Ottomans reflecting the splendor of the once mighty empire.
Day 3: “Splendors of Istanbul”, Full Day Tour
Visit the magnificent and colorful Spice Market which was the biggest spice mall of the middle east when the silk road was still functioning before the Suez channel and the route below Africa invented by the Portuguese… the tour will include a short Bosporus cruise for an hour approximately giving us a chance to see the beautiful Bosporus mansions and old houses reflecting us the late Ottoman era architecture. After the cruise, we will experience the world’s second oldest subway; Tunel which literally means Tunnel that will take us to contemporary Istanbul; Beyoglu district. A gentle walk up to the Taksim square will give us opportunity to see todays Istanbul and lunch can be held at one of the restaurants along the way. After lunch, walk down to the Galata tower, built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we will get to Karakoy area to meet with our driver to take us back home.
Day 4: ‘Deeper Istanbul’ Full Day Tour
Our day is going to start with visiting the Chora church, Church of St. Saviour in the skirts of the Old City Constantinople. Late mosaics of the beautiful churh will take us to a journey to the late Byzantium era and prosperity of Christianity in Anatolia. Our minivan will take us to Grand Bazaar where we will wander in the hundreds of streets of the Grand Bazaar, have our lunch there, get lost in between the 4000 shops of the huge bazaar and enjoy Turkish bargaining, see handcrafts from all over the country, several artisans still working in their small shops and designing their own dreams. If time permits we will visit The Suleymaniye Mosque will be the next visit. This mosque complex is Architect Sinan’s most splendid work, built at the zenith of the Ottoman Empire. In the work called the Biography of the Construction, architect Sinan recounts the opening of the Mosque, and how the Sultan asked him to be the one to unlock its doors. Suleymaniye is not an ostentatiously decorated building, only a bare amount of tiles decorate its walls. It is said that 4 minarets and the 10 balconies of the Mosque represent Suleyman the Magnificent being the 4th Sultan to reign in Istanbul and the 10th Ottoman Sultan. Our minivan will take us back to the hotel.
Day 5: Flight to Cappadocia and ‘Classical Cappadocia’ Tour
In the morning, meeting with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia, starting with the rock formations beyond imagination in Devrent valley; Walking in Zelve Open Air Museum: a journey in the past with its troglodyte houses; visit Pa?abag –three coned fairy chimneys” where the voice of wind mixes with the “songs of fairies”. Lunch is in Avanos, center of terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC. In the afternoon visit the famous UNESCO World Heritage Site Göreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th & 13th century). Turkish coffee right across the red valley is recommended to relax before returning to your hotel. Depending on the period of the season, Göreme Open Air Museum visit time can be altered to avoid crowds of tour buses. Dark Church is also included in this tour.
Day 6: Hot Air Balloon Flight in the mornign and half day ‘Hidden Dwellings of Cappadocia Tour’
Red Valley, with its fabulous volcanic rock formations, is in the heart of Cappadocia but away from the tourist crowd. Rock-Cut hermit churches with frescoes and paintings fit with the Valley’s meditative atmosphere, remained intact since the beginning. Our lovely hike will start from a beautiful panoramic point presenting us great light in the morning for pictures. After the hike we give a refreshment break in Cavusin village which will be complemented by a visit to the first church of the region; John the Baptist. Lunch is in a local house in lcoal restaurant. After lunch, 20 minute drive will take us to the UNESCO heritage site; Kaymakli Underground city; unlike other underground cities, Kaymakli has different ventilation and security system. 4 of the 8 floors is open to visitors and believed to shelter 60,000 people from persecution and loots.
Day 7: Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Tour
After a short and scenic drive, visit to the House of Virgin Mary where she is supposed to spend her last years together with St. John in the vicinity of Ephesus; Then to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey and the place to get a feel for what life was like in Roman times, famous for its Celsius library, great theatre, marble streets, temples, and baths. It’s situated in the fertile Ionian landscape and has been known throughout history for its temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus is one of the most extensive archeological sites in the world. After lunch in the town of Selcuk visit to St. John’s Basilica and Ephesus Museum. Then drive back to Hotel.
Day 8: Private Pamukkale Tour
Following breakfast, you will be picked up from the hotel.Then driven to Pamukkale which is the center of natural thermal spring waters with healing properties. Due to the chemical properties in the water, pure white colored travertines and stepped water terraces have been created on the mountain slope. It is for its resemblance to cotton piles that it is called “Cotton Castle” in Turkish. Visit the travertines and the Ancient City of Hierapolis which has the biggest Nekropol with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The sacred pool also is one of the highlights of the site. There shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins which lie beneath. Transfer back to hotel.
Day 9: Prienne Miletos and Didiyma Tour
Early in the morning proceed to Priene which is considered as the Pompei of Anatolia by historians. Highlights include the Temple of Athena Polias, the Ecclesiasterium and the Agora. Next visit is to Miletus where the Philosopher Thales was born. He coined the phrase “Know Thyself”. We will inspect the Delphinion, Baths of Faustina and the Council Chamber. last visit is to Didyma which served as an oracle center and a religious sanctuary to the god Apollo. Among the highlights are the Temple of Apollo and the Stadium. Antique Strabon regards Apollo Temple the most magnificent and Grand temple of the world. Transfer back to hotel.
Day 10: Private Transfer to Bodrum, Marmaris or Gocek port for your cruise.
11 Days Delights of Turkey in 3 Courses
Find a self-guided tour itinerary with the travel information you need and combine it with a luxury yacht charter holiday Turkey, so you can finally stop researching your holiday, and start enjoying it with Tum Tour ! DELIGHTS OF TURKEY IN 3 COURSES
Day 1: Arrive Istanbul and transfer to your accommodation to spend the rest of the day at leisure. Your guide meets you for a cocktail and a briefing on the trip, in the late afternoon hours.Dinner at Rami to sample some of the specialties of Ottoman Imperial Cuisine.Day 2: Visit the Old Quarter of Istanbul, (The Blue Mosque, St Sophia and a general introduction to Topkapi Palace) then have lunch at Aslan Lokantasi followed by a pleasant walk thru Istanbul’s old artisan quarters to Eminonu, visiting the Spice Market. Tram back to our hotel for a well-earned rest.
Meet at the lobby for a drink and your guide is going to talk about Turkish Cuisine and the reasons for its diversity.
Dinner at Feriye on the Bosphorus.
Day 3: We transfer to the pier at Eminonu to get on board for a cruise of the Bosphorus, after a leisurely breakfast. We get of the boat at Kadikoy and explore the market. We lunch at Ciya Sofrasi followed by a visit to Sekerci Cafer Erol with a brief on Turkish Delights, marzipans, havla, candies and other specialties from a 200 year old family followed by a brief on The Tradition of Serving Sweets in Turkish Society from Birth to Death by Erkut.
Then back to hotel for R & R and then meet back at the lobby to transfer to the Grand Rue de Pera for a walk and then a cocktail at Pera Palace’s famous American bar where your guide will talk about the impact of the Ottoman Empire on the Balkans and its cuisine. Dinner at Imroz Lokantasi.
Course 2: Anatolian Cuisine: Lamb & Beef & Kebabs
Day 4: We will fly on the morning flight to Antiochus and visit the world famous Antiochus Mosaics Museum.
We will lunch at Anatolia Restaurant with a brief by your guide on the impact of Middle Eastern cultures on Turkish cuisine, and a great place to try the famous ‘Kunefe’ the so called Angel’s Hair, simply shredded wheat served with fresh cheese.
Visit to Vakifli, a small Armenian village with a population of 150 to see house wine making, in the afternoon
We will have dinner at a local kebab house by the waterfalls of Harbiye.
Day 5: We will drive to Cappadocia via Adana stopping en route for lunch at the old black smith’s market to try the famous Adana Kebab and your guide talk on the use of spices, pommegranate, pepper mint and cracked wheat in the South Eastern Cuisine.
We will visit Gumusluk Monastery at Nigde. Arrive at Cappadocia for dinner at a local restaurant and try the famous pot kebab.
Day 6: We will spend the morning visiting Zelve & Goreme Open Air Museums.
We will lunch at Avanos by the Red River.
We will visit to a local pottery in the afternoon to understand about the Anatolian Red Clay, daily utensils, their use, and then White Clay and the use of ceramics at the Ottoman Court.
Home cooked dinner at the Old Greek House.
Day 7: We will visit Kaymakli Underground City and Soganli Valley in the morning.
Home cooked lunch at Aravan Village with a brief on peasant life in Central Anatolia: tradition, the tandoori, ingredients, dishes,
Visits to a local winery with a brief on Cappadocian wines, traditional methods of vine growing and wine making by our host at the winery, in late afternoon.
Dinner at the local grill bar.
Day 8: We are going to leave Cappadocia for Konya and visit the whirling dervishes museum. We will have lunch at a local restaurant sampling a variety of central Anatolian dishes including brick oven baked lamb and the meat bread.
Drive on to Antalya passing across the Tauruses and changing the subject from Lamd & Beef to Fish & Olive Oil.
Course 3: The Coastal Areas: The Fish & The Olive Oil
Day 9: We will explore Perge & Aspendos in the morning.
Then we will drive to the highlands of Antalya to explore a mountain village and the nomadic cuisine. The cuisine at the highlands of Southern Turkey differs dramatically from the coastal areas. Your guide is going to talk about nomadic tribes, the use of goat and goat’s milk dairy.
Overnight: Antalya.
Day 10: We will drive further West to the town of Kas, exploring en route the ancient site of Myra and the Church of St Nicholas. Lunch on board a glass bottomed boat while exploring the Sunken City at Kekova. We will arrive in Kas late afternoon hours and visit a local fish restaurant to witnessing the preparation of swordfish for grill. Overnight: Kas.
Day 11: Drive to Kusadasi visiting en route the sites of Didyma and Prienne. Visit the local fish market on arrival.
Day 12: We are going to visit Ephesus in the morning and then transfer to Bodrum, Marmaris or Gocek. Check in to your gullet.
All tours are organized on Private Basis, flexible; utilized with modern comfortable vehicles depending on the number of participants with English speaking highly skilled professional guides. According to your time, we can tailor tours, interests and wish list, please let us know.
On request we can offer private Helicopter, Limousine, private Jet and Private Motor yacht for your tour or transport needs.
if needed we extend our assistance 7/24 by being available, for full Itineraries we utilize around Turkey….
Enjoying the south coast with a nice yacht and moor in beautiful secluded bays with luxury yacht charter Turkey.
13 Days Classical Turkey
CLASSICAL TURKEY – 13 DAYS
Day 1: Arrive in Istanbul
Upon arrival at The Istanbul Ataturk Airport, you will be met and assisted to The Blue House Hotel in Sultanahmet.
You are going to meet your guide and other tour participants for a cocktail and a brief of your trip before dinner.
Accommodation: The Blue House Hotel
Meals : Dinner (D)
Day 2: Istanbul
Your guideis going to meet you after breakfast for a tour of the Ottoman Istanbul. A short walk takes you to the Blue Mosque which was completed in 1616. Our next stop will be the Topkapi Palace, more than just a palace, it is an assemblage of museums containing collections amassed by the Sultans for almost five centuries. Our visit also brings you to the famous Harem where the Imperial Family resided. Then we stop at Divan Yolu for lunch at a local restaurant.
Next we walk through the old cobbled streets down to Rustem Pasha Mosque and then the Spice Market, where Genoese and Venetian goods were sold at a time when there was no Suez Canal, and all the spices from the East were also brought here after being loaded on vessels in Egypt.
We will end the tour with a visit to the Grand Bazaar.
Dinner will be at one of our selected restaurants serving you specialties of Turkish Cuisine.
Accommodation: The Blue House Hotel
Meals : Breakfast (B), Lunch (L), Dinner (D)
Day 3: Istanbul
Our second day in Istanbul brings us to a number of Byzantine Relics.
We first get to the great square which was once the Byzantine Hippodrome. Now it is a great park like area surrounded by the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and the Underground Cistern, commonly called the Basilica Cistern. The Hippodrome exhibits the Walled Column, The Serpent Column and the Egyptian Obelisque from the Byzantine times and the German Fountain is located in the North end of the Hippodrome.
Next we will visit the Hagia Sophia.
After lunch at a local restaurant we are going take a short drive to The Chora Church to see the climax of Byzantine Mosaic Art.
Dinner and overnight in Istanbul.
Accommodation: The Blue House Hotel
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 4: Istanbul – Flight to Izmir – Kusadasi
In ?stanbul, on our last day, we will check out after a leisurely breakfast and take a short drive to the shores of the Bosphorus to visit the Dolmabahce Palace.
Overlooking the Bosphorus, its beauty is incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for its interior decoration, its priceless paintings, furniture, and a rich collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section.
Then we will get on board at Eminonu for the leisurely cruise of the Bosporus to the still unspoiled village of Sariyer.
In the afternoon, we will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for the 17:00 flight to Izmir, then we take an hour’s transfer to our hotel in Kusadasi.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Accommodation: La Vista Hotel
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 5: Ephesus
We will start early in the morning to beat the crowds and first drive to the Virgin Mary’s House; afterwards, we are going to visit Ephesus which was founded in the eleventh century BC by the Ionians. Strolling through the streets of Ephesus, we see the Fountain of Traian, the temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus to name a few. We also visit the Terrace Houses: A number of living units where the rich and the dignitary of Ephesus with the most beautiful ground mosaics, frescoes, terra cotta pipe lines and private baths.
Later in the afternoon we will visit St John’s Basilica, believed to be the tomb of the Apostle John, Christ’s beloved disciple. From the basilica, we will be able to look down on the remains of the temple of Artemis. We end the day with our visit to the Isa Bey Mosque, then will we head on to Kusadasi for a well-earned rest.
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Accommodation: La Vista Hotel
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 6: Priene – Miletus – Didyma
After breakfast, we will drive first to Prienne, formerly a leading member of the Panionic League. As we drive further South, we will visit Miletus and then arrive at Didyma, where we have lunch at a local restaurant, circumstances permitting, across the road from the temple. As the historian Pausanias wrote; ‘The sanctuary of Apollo at Didymoi, and the oracle there are more ancient than the Ionian settlement.’
Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.
Accommodation: La Vista Hotel
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 7: Aphrodisias – Pamukkale
As we check out, we will drive to Pamukkale giving an en route visit to Aphrodisias, which was the city dedicated to the cult of Aphrodite. As we visit the Sculptor’s Museum in Aphrodisias, we will have lunch at a local restaurant. We will visit Hierapolis on arrival, then have time to stroll over the calcareous terraces ofPamukkale, or to enjoy the thermal facilities.
Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Accommodation: Richmond Thermal Hotel Pamukkale
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 8: Phaselis – Antalya
Do not forget to bring your swim wear for this day. After a spectacular drive enjoying views of the mountains, and then pine and cedar trees, we arrive at the scenic coastal route which is surrounded by the turquoise blue waters of the Mediterranean and the pine forests above. Phaselis, where Alexander the Great wintered before he marched on for the rest of his campaign, is a beautiful Roman port city. If Alexander ever took his armour off and went for a swim, it should be the harbor at Phaselis; and our guests will enjoy swimming in the same harbor with a view of the ruins and the Taurus Mountains.
On arrival to Antalya, we visit the Archaeology Museum which was awarded the Museum of the Year in Europe.
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Accommodation: Rixos Downtown Antalya
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 9: Perge – Aspendos
In the morning, we will first visit Perge, one of the most impressive sites of Pamphylia, and then Aspendos, the world’s best preserved ancient theatre. After lunch at a local restaurant near the Aspendos Theatre, we are going to allow you time in the afternoon to rest & relax at the Lara Beach.
Dinner and overnight in Antalya.
Accommodation: Rixos Downtown Antalya
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 10: Antalya/Konya
An early departure after breakfast and a scenic route through Burdur takes us to the beautiful site of Sagalassos. This is one of the very few ancient cities where we can witness how sacred fountains function. After lunch at the town of Aglasun, we continue our drive to the town of Beysehir to visit Esrefoglu Mosque. We arrive at Konya in the late afternoon hours to visit the world famous Mevlana Museum, formerly the place where the mystic philosophy of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi was taught.
Dinner and overnight in Konya.
Accommodation: Rumi Hotel Konya
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 11: Konya/Cappadocia
Today, we are going to drive to Cappadocia, with an enroute visit to Sultanhan Caravanserai, where the medieval merchants used to stay overnight. After this, we will arrive in Ihlara Valley and have our lunch at a local restaurant by the river. After the lunch, we walk through the canyon via the Steps of Anatolia to Belisirma village, the ancient Peristrema. Set by the Melendiz River this is known as the “Valley of the Sky”. Churches carved from the rocks form a gallery of early paintings that are remarkable for their accuracy.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 12: Cappadocia
Today we will introduce you to the lunar landscape of Cappadocia at Dervent Valley, then we head on toZelve Open Air Museum, which is one of the earliest inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements of Cappadocia. Seeing the best examples of the fairy chimneys at Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley, we drive further to Avanos, where we have lunch at a local restaurant. Goreme Open Air Museum is where we visit the rock carved churches and colorful frescoes. We end the day hiking up to the top of Uchisar Castle, which is the highest and the most dominant point, giving us a breathtaking panorama view.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 13: Cappadocia
Our first stop is the Soganli Valley, which is one of the earliest settlements in Cappadocia. After this, we will drive back to Urgup through the unspoiled villages of Cappadocia, surrounded by the “table-top” mountains. On the way we will visit the Medrese in Taskinpasa, a Theological School of the Seljuk Turks. After lunch in Mustafapasa at an old Greek house hosted by a local family, we descend towards the centre of the earth, with a trip to the Underground City of Kaymakli, one of the largest and deepest of Cappadocia’s many such settlements.
Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Yunak Evleri
Meals : (B, L, D)
Day 14: Cappadocia – Home
Private Transfer to Nevsehir Airport for a flight to Bodrum, Marmaris or Gocek over Istanbul or direct flight to Izmir and Private transfer to your boat . Check in to your gullet.
Accommodation: You may book additional nights in Cappadocia or Istanbul
Luxury Yacht Charter in Turkey with a super yacht is a very relaxing holiday after such an intensive land tour programme. You will have chance to enjoy the south coast.
13 Days Steps of St. Paul with Blue Cruise
Tum Tour offer a wide range of great value cruise deals Turkey. An itinerary from the Mediterranean, Greece and The Aegean Sea – the choice is yours! Private yacht charter is the best way to explore the south coast in Turkey and enoy every single moment with your loved ones.In the Footsteps of Paul and the Cities of Revelation 13 Days
Day 1 ARRIVAL ISTANBUL
Upon our arrival we will be met by our guide who will accompany us throughout our tour. We are escorted to our private motor coach, which will transfer us to our hotel for the overnight. Dinner is served at a local restaurant.
Day 2 ISTANBUL
We unfold Istanbul’s rich quilt of cultures, after breakfast, Eastern Orthodoxy and Islam, the main fabrics. We start with Haghia Sophia, at one time the premier church in Christendom, later a mosque and now a museum. Nearby are the Roman Hippodrome and the Ottoman Blue Mosque. We end our day in the otherworldly underground cistern.
Day 3 CAPPADOCIA
We transfer to the airport, after breakfast, for our morning flight to Cappadocia (Acts 2:9; 1 Pet. 1:1). We will follow the track of the ancient travelers including the early Christian missionaries from Antioch and Jerusalem. We are going to visit the primitive village of Soganli and the churches in the Soganli Valley. We are going to end our day in the labyrinths of the Underground City where early Christians took refuge during the severe persecutions.
Day 4 CAPPADOCIA
Today we are going to enjoy touring through perhaps the most surreal landscape on earth.
Thousands of years of erosion of the earth have formed the so-called Fairy chimneys. Following the footsteps of Paul, the first Christians came to settle in the natural grottoes where they created rock carved churches and under ground cities, and painted the churches with important narratives from the Bible in luminous colors. Today we will explore the Goreme Monastery, Zelve Valley, Uchisar Village, Cavusin Village and Avanos where the Cappadocian fathers formulated their Trinitarian theology.
Day 5 KONYA
We will follow the route once used by caravans on the Silk Road. We will visit and 13th Century caravanserai in the morning. At noon we will arrive in Konya, known as Iconium in antiquity. Iconium (Acts 13:51; 14:1-6, 19; 2 Tim. 3:11) was a stop on Paul’s first missionary journey, and a “site” of apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla. We visit the Church of Paul and Mevlana Museum, burial site of Rumi, famous Sufi poet and founder of Whirling Dervishes.
Day 6 ANTALYA
Our first stop for today is Yalvac, ancient Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:14-52; 16:2; 2 Tim. 3:11). This is an important city in Paul’s first journey where he gave his first recorded sermon. Pisidian Antioch was a Roman Colony with an Imperial Cult center dedicated Augustus. Crossing the Taurus mountain range, we continue to Antalya by following the route of Paul’s journey. The city of Antalya sits on sheer cliffs above the blue Mediterranean with a green plateau stretching behind the city to magnificent pine forests. Antalya Archeological Museum is our last visit before checking in our hotel.
Day 7 ANTALYA
Today we are going to visit Perge, a reconstructed Hellenistic city, with a marvelous city plan, including baths, temples, an agora and a theater; a site of Paul’s preaching (Acts 13:13-14; 14:25). We continue to Aspendos, the site of the best preserved Roman Theater in Asia Minor. We will enjoy our free afternoon by strolling through the streets of the old harbor of Antalya, known in the ancient time as Attalia (Acts 14:25).
Day 8 PAMUKKALE
We will drive to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, where the Romans dedicated massive monuments to Aphrodite. In Aphrodisias, archeologists unearthed an inscription which proves the existence of God-fearers mentioned in the Bible. We continue to Laodicaea, one of the seven churches in the Revelation of John (Rev. 3:14-22; Col. 2:1; 4:13-16). We drive to Hierapolis (Col. 4:13) via the Lycos Valley (Letter to the Colossians and Letter to Philemon) and onto to Pamukkale, famous for its wonderful mineral baths.
Day 9 IZMIR
We are going to drive to the town of Selcuk through the valley of the River Maeander. Our focus today is Ephesus (Letter to the Ephesians, Revelation 1:11; 2:1-7; Acts 18:19-28; 19:1-41) the most impressive archeological site in Turkey. Paul spent two years in Ephesus between ca 52 and 54. From Ephesus, he wrote letters to Galatia, Philippi, and Corinth. Our excursion visits the great theatre (Acts 19:29), the site of the scene of the riot from which Paul escaped. A short walk from the theatre we will see the Council Church where they held the Third Ecumenical Council in 431. Plus we see the Temple of Artemis (Roman Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the World. We also visit the Selcuk Museum, the Basilica of John and the House of Mary. We will drive to Izmir, ancient Smyrna (Rev. 1:11; 2:8-11) in the afternoon.
Day 10 AYVALIK
In Sardis (Rev. 3:16) we visit the Temple of Artemis, Roman bath and the biggest Jewish Synagogue of Asia Minor. Passing via Thyatira (Rev. 2:18-29; Acts 16:14), we arrive in Bergama. We visit the acropolis of Pergamum (Rev. 2:12-17) and the altar of Zeus described as “the throne of Satan” in the Book of Revelation. We continue to the Asclepion, the ancient healing sanctuary of Asclepius and Apollo.
Day 11 BURSA
We are going to drive along the Aegean Coast overlooking Lesbos Island. We will visit Assos (Acts 20:13-14) where Aristotle taught for three years before he became the tutor of Alexander. Alexandria Troas (Acts 16:8-11; 20:5-12; 2 Cor. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 4:13) is our next stop. Paul traveled through this city between Macedonia and Asia Minor and once preached until morning (Acts 2:10). We visit legendary Troy on Dardanelles and continue to Bursa.
Day 12 ISTANBUL
In Bursa we will visit Ulu Mosque and Kozahan Bazaar from the 14th century, where you can purchase finest silk items in Turkey. We continue along the Iznik Lake to Nicaea. We visit the church of Haghia Sophia in Nicaea where they held the First Ecumenical Council to formulate the Nicaean Creed in 325 and the Seventh Ecumenical Council in 787. We take ferry boat from Yalova to Istanbul and cruise on the Sea of Marmara.
Day 13 ISTANBUL
We begin with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman sultans and their households. Then we continue to Kariye Museum where the superb mosaics and frescoes decorate the walls of 14th century church just before the fall of the city to Turks. Later we visit the famous covered bazaars to meander among the thousands of shops. It is time to bargain.
Day 14 Departure
We will transfer to the Istanbul Airport and fly back to home.
Private Transfer to Istanbul Airport for a flight to Bodrum, Marmaris or Gocek.
After such a nice and intensive holiday, you will have a feeling that you have seen a lot in Turkey. However, once you start sailing with private yacht charter Turkey, you will realize that there are much more things to discover on the south coast.
17 Days Land and Sea Explore Delights of Turkey
What to see and do on a two-week trip (17 days) in Turkey: a detailed guided itineraries to Istanbul, Kusadasi, Marmaris, Ekincik, Kas, Cappadocia and more is explained in details. Land and Sea Explore Delights of Turkey – 17 Days
We designed this fabulous land&sea combination to spoil you for a life time.
The Turquoise Coast is an unsurpassed combination of tranquility, natural beauty, hospitable locals, al fresco food, and amazing encounters with sites of ancient splendor. You are going to absorb the historical heritage and natural beauty in an unexpected luxury on our boats. We visit the extensive ruins of Ephesus and its environs, after discovering the historical and cultural layers of ?stanbul.
We will spend seven glorious days absorbing the beauty of Turkey’s serene Mediterranean coast and enjoying the relaxing pleasures of yacht life in Turkey. We will head ashore for hikes in pine-forested hills that lead us to hidden and forgotten treasures: ancient churches, castles, ruined Byzantine monasteries, Lycian tombs, and sunken cities, in the mornings and afternoons.
The captain finds us a tranquil, secluded cove for our overnight anchorage, at night, Mouth-watering meals are prepared and served al fresco on the deck while sun is setting on the sea.
Our final destination is lunar and surrealistic landscape of Cappadocia.
We will visit the labyrinth of underground cities in the region, after flying over the valley
Day 1 Flight Day
Depart homecountry on a flight to Istanbul.
Day 2 Istanbul
Land on Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. Welcome meeting and orientation walk in the Sultanahmet square.
Day 3 Istanbul
Today we will explore the great ancient landmarks of Istanbul in Sultanahmet Square. We will visit the Roman Hippodrome, the Byzantine Haghia Sophia, the Ottoman Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque.
Day 4 Istanbul
We willvisit the Underground Cistern and the Istanbul Archeological Museum, featuring of many Hellenistic and Roman treasures, especially Alexander’s sarcophagus from Sidon. Later, stroll through the bazaars of Istanbul, the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar.
Day 5 Kusadasi
We will fly to Izmir in the morning, and then a short drive to Selcuk for visiting Ephesus. Explore the well-known ancient site of Ephesus and environs. Ephesus contains extensive ruins of the agora, the Library of Celsus with its imposing facade, the biggest theater, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Also tour the Basilica of John, the Selcuk Museum and the House of Mary in the afternoon.
Day 6 onboard Marmaris
We will travel through the delta of the River Meander on where ancient people once sailed. Visit the most important cities of the classical period, the Ionian cities of Priene and Didyma, the Temple of Apollo with its oracle center. Continue to Marmaris and embark our gulet hand-crafted private yacht in Fethiye. Your experienced crew, including captain, cook, and sailors, help with any request you may have aboard.
Day 7 on board Ekincik
We will Cruise to Delikada and take a boat trip on Dalyan River and its delta, the breeding ground for caretta-caretta turtles. Visit the ancient city of Kaunos, famed for the spectacular rock-cut tombs hallowed on the sheer cliff in the 5 C BC. Return back to gulet and overnight in Ekincik.
Day 8 on board Sunken Bath Bay
After breakfast, enjoy swimming, windsurfing, or other water sports within the sheltered cove, or relax and read a book while sun tanning in the unrivaled tranquility of the Mediterranean Sea. Share the supreme inspiration for the sailors and passengers throughout the history. Hike to Aperlea and the Roman tombs where nomads inhabit nowadays. Enjoy dinner at your private yacht charter under the dazzling stars of Mediterranean.
Day 9 on board Gemiler Island
We will Sail or cruise along the Lycian Coastline, one of the most amazing coastlines in Turkey. The Lycian turquoise coast is known for its unmatched natural beauty and fascinating ancient ruins which lie semi-submerged in the sea. The warm turquoise waters provide a beautiful contrast with the green pine trees and mountains that sweep right down the coast. Cruise to Gemiler Island by catching the cool Mediterranean breeze while enjoying a siesta or reading on the deck. Visit Gemiler Island crowned by the monasteries on the pilgrimage route from Europe. Have dinner on yacht in the shelter of the silhouette of the island.
Day 10 on board Kas
The ship will anchor off to Kalkan early morning before breakfast. Coffee, tea, and cookies will be ready for the early birds of our group. Visit Kalkan, a quaint town perched on a hill with narrow winding streets lined with shops and a small marina to welcome visitors, and then to Xanthos, the capital city of legendary Lycian people. Explore the Lycian tombs and the longest Lycian inscription, still waiting for being fully deciphered. Visit a traditional farming village up to the Mountain Taurus for an opportunity to mingle with local villagers and sample their organic and delicious cuisine. Travel form the village to Kas. The coastline of this area of the Turkish Mediterranean is sublime. Once a sleepy fishing village, Kas is now a petit and picturesque resort town with a lively nightlife.
Day 11 on board Kekova
We will discover how Turkish people greet their Mediterranean mornings and start their day in this small town. After breakfast, cruise to the sunken city of Aperlea and snorkel above submerged ruins. Cruise or possibly sail to Kekova, a mysterious city, the origins of which are unknown. Visit the miniature village of Kale clinging to the side of a hill and only accessible by sea. Explore a Hellenistic castle used by the Crusaders and a tiny Greek theater of only seven rows. Such a small theater is an indication of the value that was placed on culture in even the smallest of the Greek cities. The villages and towns scattered along the coast are inhabited by the most hospitable and entrepreneurial people.
Day 12 Antalya
Goodbye to the crew after the last breakfast on gulet. You will not want to leave the yacht after such a nice yacht charter Turkey experience. Visit the ancient city of Myra for its rock-cut tombs, extensive theater, and church dedicated to St. Nicholas. Travel along the Mediterranean coastline to Antalya and tour the Archeological Museum where exhibits all the archeological findings from Perge, Aspendos, and the other sites in the region.
Day 13 Antalya
You will enjoy the excursion to Perge, a Hellenistic city that welcomed Alexander on the way to Gordion in 333 BC. With its cascading pools, the city was bisected by the colonnaded marble street where still bears the ruts of wagon wheels. Continue to Aspendos for touring the best preserved Roman Theater commissioned by Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Stroll through the streets of the old harbor and enjoy the free afternoon in downtown Antalya.
Day 14 Cappadocia
We will travel through the most spectacular and picturesque route from Antalya to Konya over the Mountain Taurus. Visit the Mevlana Museum, the center of the whirling dervishes in Konya and discover their humanistic theology based on love and respect to the diversity of the universe. Continue to Cappadocia along the Silk Road and visit one of the caravanserai where ancient travelers stayed overnight on their journeys. Arrive in Cappadocia and drive to our cave hotel.
Day 15 Cappadocia
We will explore the lunar and surrealistic landscape of the region with its valleys and churches. Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum and its churches with vivid frescoes depicting the biblical scenes as the best example of the local Byzantine art. Stroll through the fairy-chimneys of the Red and Pasabag Valleys. Visit Uchisar and Cavusin villages with their inspiring settings and dwellings.
Day 16 Cappadocia
You will start the day with an optional balloon trip in Cappadocia. Travel to the lesser visited sites of Cappadocia. The dramatic settlement of the Soganli Village attracts travelers to its distant beauty as well as the vibrant people of the village. Then continue to Cemil Village to enjoy a village lunch prepared in a village house. End the day by visiting the labyrinths of the Underground Cities of the region.
Day 17 Istanbul
We will take a morning flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul visit the Kariye Museum, the church of Holy Savior in Chora. This museum houses exquisite frescoes and mosaic as some of the best examples of the Byzantine art in the world. Take pleasure in the cruise along the Bosphorus on a private boat and enjoy free afternoon for shopping and packing.
Day 18 Departure
Transfer to airport for return flight home.
We extend our assistance 7/24 by being available if needed….
We hope serve you for all your Turkey Travel Services and to meet you in person ….
Istanbul Tours
“Byzantine & Ottoman Relics” Full Day Tour
Finish the day with a visit to the incredible Underground CisternWe can as well include the famous Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum which is within the same region of today’s visits, depending on time.
“Localize in Istanbul”, Full Day Tour or Flexible
You will have a relaxing day. You will enjoy a morning Bosphorus ferryboat cruise, passing half a dozen Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis (waterside villas) and shore villages. Disembark at Sariyer for lunch at a seaside seafood restaurant. Then we are picked up by our minivan and drive south, and stop to visit theCastle of Rumeli Hisar, and then, we stop at the renowned Yildiz Park, harbouring four Ottoman Palaces and enjoy a sip of Turkish coffee or tea. Then we pay a visit to the sumptuous imperial Dolmabahce Palace.
“Splendors of Istanbul” Full Day Tour
The Dolmabahce Palace, overlooking the Bosphorus, is definitely incomparable with 14 tons of pure gold used for its interior decoration, its priceless paintings, furniture, and a rich collection of Bohemian crystal in addition to its famous Harem section. The Suleymaniye Mosque will be the next visit. This mosque complex is Architect Sinan’s most splendid work, built at the zenith of the Ottoman Empire. In the work called the Biography of the Construction, architect Sinan recounts the opening of the Mosque, and how the Sultan asked him to be the one to unlock its doors. Suleymaniye is not an ostentatiously decorated building, only a bare amount of tiles decorate its walls. It is said that 4 minarets and the 10 balconies of the Mosque represent Suleyman the Magnificent being the 4th Sultan to reign in Istanbul and the 10th Ottoman Sultan. The Spice Market will be the last visit today. In the past, Genoese and Venetian goods used to be sold at what is the second most famous bazaar after Kapalicarsi (Grand Bazaar). The Misir Carsisi or the Egyptian Market. Western travelers referred to it as the Spice Market because of the spice from Arabia, India and Far East brought here being loaded on to vessels in Egypt (there was no Suez Channel at the time).
“Ottoman Heritage in Istanbul”, Full Day Tour
In this full day tour we discover the Ottoman treasures of Istanbul built by Ottoman Turks after the conquest of Istanbul. We visit the Blue Mosque, Mosque of Soliman Magnificent, The Topkapi Palace, Egyptian Bazaar, Eminonu district.
Our day starts with the visit of the masterpiece of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul, the Mosque of Soliman the Magnificent built by the great architect Sinan. We stroll in the narrow streets of Suleymaniye where we feel like time stopped in 16th century.
We then continue with the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the 17th century blue tiles wich decorate the iner part of the walls.
Then along the park through the monuments we walk to Topkapi Palace, the old residence of ottoman sultans where more than 20 ottoman rulers lived during almost 400 years. The highlights of the palace are first the famous 86 carat diamond in the treasury halls and the harem where the sultans lived with their family. Lunch at ‘’Konyali Restaurant’’ in the palace.
In the afternoon we proceed to Eminonu area to visit the ‘Egyptian bazaar’ so called as the spices sold there in old times were all brought from Egypt.
We wonder in the streets in and around the bazaar to enjoy a typical market where local people buy their goods. To finish the day we take our turkish coffee in the area where the first coffee shops were established in the history of Europe.
“Byzantine Heritage in Istanbul”, Full Day Tour
The purpose of this tour is to have an outlook of the history of Istanbul from 330 A.D when Istanbul became the new capital for Roman Empire until the conquest of the city by Turks in 1453. We visit monuments and ruins which date back to this period of history.
Our day starts with ‘Hippodrome Square’ that was considered as the political and social heart of Constantinople. We enjoy the Obelisk brought from Egypt and the Serpentine Column.
We then proceed to amazing Underground Cistern which was used as a water reservoir in the times when the city was raided by enemies. After the underground cistern, we visit, the old ‘Via Egnatia’ of roman times to get into the masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, the oldest big church of the world,St. Sophia. The lunch is in one of the local restaurants in Sultanahmet or Eminonu area.
In the afternoon we first go to little known but very beautiful Church of Pamacharistos , recently opened to visit. Our excursion in Istanbul continues with a real jewel of Byzantine decorative art of the late period. We discover the beautiful mosaics of the church St. Savior in Chora which tell us all the life cycles of Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ. This church is known as one of the best examples of late middle age and pre-renaissance.
We enjoy the view on the fortification walls of the city built in 5th century under the rule of Theodosius 2nd to protect the city from Huns at the end of the day.
“Modern Istanbul”, Full Day Tour
Besides all the historic heritage Istanbul is an amazing metropol with remarkable art exhibitions, concerts and organizations.
Besides the historical monuments, we highly recommend travellers to visit also Istanbul Modern, located in a converted warehouse in the Tophane district on the Bosphorus a museum for contemporary art in Istanbul, inaugurated in 2004 which is easily reached by the city’s tram system. Open to public every day except Monday.
Pera Museum is housed in a renovated historical building, which was originally constructed in 1893 has collections of Orientalist art, which consists of more than three hundred paintings. This rich collection brings together important works by European artists inspired by the Ottoman world from the 17th century to the early 19th.
The other notable permanent collections are Anatolian Weights and Measures and Kutahya Tiles and Ceramics.
The Rahmi M. Koc Museum is a private industrial museum in Istanbul, Turkey dedicated to history of transport, industry and communications
“Eclectic Tour of the Istanbul City” Full Day Tour
Visit the Galata Tower built by the Genoese in 1348. The Old Pera was given to them by the Ottoman Empire because of their help in defeating a Crusade. After a short gentle walk we take the oldest functioning metros in the world. The “Tunel”, Completed in 1873, it is the shortest metro ever built. It connects Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by window-shopping. Gentle walk to Taksim square and accompanied by your escorting guide and mini van explore the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi), the world’s oldest “shopping mall”, to look for treasures in its 4000 shops, then dive into the colorful sights, vibrant sounds and intriguing scents of the Egyptian Bazaar (Spice B.)
“Asia and Maiden’s Tower” – Full Day Tour of Istanbul
We begin by driving across the first Bosphorus Bridge and head for the summit of Camlica Hill, which affords panoramic views of Istanbul, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes” Islands. From here a short ride brings us to the Palace of Beylerbeyi on the shore of the Bosphorus. Perhaps the most elegant of the late Ottoman palaces, Beylerbeyi boasts six sumptuously furnished reception halls. Finally we visit the Maiden”s Tower, which stands on the only island in the Bosphorus and is associated with many romantic tales and legends, including that of Hero and Leander. (except Monday and Thursday)
“The Princess Islands” of Istanbul Full Day Tour / Flexible
If you feel the need to escape from the bustle of Istanbul for a day, nothing could be easier. You simply join us aboard a ferry bound for the charmingPrinces” Islands. Our destination is Buyukada, the largest of the island chain, but we will pass by four other islands on the way. All are famous for their mild climates, lush vegetation and ornate Ottoman houses, and on all of them cars are banned. The preferred means of transportation is the charming horse-drawn carriage known as the phaeton, which we will use on our circular tour of Buyukada, passing elegant mansions draped in brilliant purple bougainvillea. You will feel as though you have stepped back into a more leisured and gracious age, almost expecting grand 19th century ladies and gentlemen to come strolling down to the waterfront on an afternoon promenade. Lunch will be at one of the many excellent traditional Seafood Restaurants on the waterfront, gazing across the water at the Asian shore of Istanbul, so close though it feels worlds away.
* This tour can be operated between 01 April – 31 October !
“Bursa and Cumalikizik Village” – Full Day Tour around Istanbul
We travel by ferry to Yalova, then by luxury coach to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and one of the great treasure houses of Islamic architecture. We will visit the Green Mosque and the neighbouring Green Mausoleum, both world-renowned for their superb tile decoration, as well as the late 14th century Great Mosque and the Koza Han, which for centuries was the center of the silk trade. After enjoying a cable car ride up the slopes of Mount Olympus (Uludag), we drive to the village of Cumalikizik. One of the best preserved Ottoman villages in Turkey with scores of picturesque houses built in the traditional style. Lunch is at one of Bursa”s finest Turkish restaurants, the Daruzziyafe, where we will enjoy the finest Ottoman cuisine in a historic setting where Sultan Murat the Second once dined. Return to Istanbul
“?znik – Nicea” – Full Day Tour around Istanbul
……The city was named Antigonia by Antigonus I Monophthalmos in 316 B.C. in his honour after being founded by him.But it gets its name Nicea from Lysimachus’s wife. Lysimachus captured the city by defeating Antigonus in 301 B.C. and made the city the capital of Bithynia. It was also once prospered and became one of the most important cities of Roman province of Asia minor. After the triumph of Christianity,it became an important missionary center. The first place we will be visiting is the Eastern Roman church, Hagia Sophia (4th century) where the criteria of Christian orthodoxy was formulated in the First Council of Nicea in 325.When the city was taken by the Ottomans and declared as the capital of the Empire, Ottomans entered a period of great artistic development and Iznik became the center of tile production. So the early Ottoman Green Mosque (1378 C.E.) is one of the most important works to be seen with its green tiled minaret and Nilufer Hatun Imareti (1388 C.E.), now a museum housing artifacts found in the area, including ethnographic objects. After we finish our visits, we will stop by a few workshops of artisans who have revived the Iznik tile tradition and see some nice reproduction tiles. We will drive back to Istanbul.
****Tours can be combined or shorten as requested or to be divided as half day tours.
****St. Sophia; Closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace; Closed on Tuesdays, Dolmabahce Palace; Closed on Mondays and Thursdays.
Blue Mosque; Open everyday (except praying hours)It means it is closed for visitors between 12.00-13.00 hours for noon prayer and 16.00-17.00 hours for afternoon prayer. Best time to visit the Blue Mosque is between 9.30-11.00 to see the reflections of the sunshine on the some 220 stained glass windows.
**** Some museums might be closed on Monday’s, please consult before deciding.
All tours are utilized with modern comfortable vehicles depending on the group size unless or otherwise requested with English speaking Highly skilled professional guides. Guests may choose tours inclusive of lunch.
On request we can offer Limousine, private Helicopter, private Jet and Private Motoryacht for your tour or transport needs.
We extend our assistance 7/24 by being available if needed, for full Itineraries we utilize around Turkey….
After discovering Istanbul, have a trip to south and charter a yacht. Private Yacht Charter from Turkey is one of the best holiday option.
Can we do anything else for you ? Please let us know.
We hope serve you for all your Turkey Travel Services and to meet you in person ….
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