Best of Turkey with Cruise to Greece

2N Istanbul , 2N Cappadocia , 1N Pamukkale , 2N Kusadasi and 3N Cesme

11 days

From

US$ 1,819

per person

About the tour

Turkey is so rich in history, the lands have been ruled by different Sultans, Kings, and people in power. We start from Istanbul, exploring both the modern and old city of the walled city and shop to our heart’s content at the colourful bazaars. Then to Cappadocia, a beautiful city that’s been gaining popular in recent years for the hot air balloon trip that lets you see the city and the vast valleys from a bird’s eye view. But not just that, Cappadocia has a unique underground city despite the rather untouched surface. Then we head to Pamukkale and make a stop at Konya City, where the founder of Whirling Dervishes was laid. In Pamukkale, we’ll have a whole day to explore the ancient city of Hierapolis best known for their cascading hot springs believed to have healing properties and are rich in calcium, the hotspot for people of ancient times to bathe and hangout. We’ll also explore the ancient city of Ephesus while stopping at Kusadasi, where many of the ancient structures are still very well-preserved, particularly the Arcadian Way and the Roman Baths. We’ll then hop on a cruise and visit Athens and arrive at the biggest port in Greece, Piraeous, and visit the beautiful islands of Santorini and Mykonos before arriving in Cesme where we’ll head back to Istanbul for our flight back home.

Highlights

7 Nights Accommodation at 5 star hotels in Turkey
Stay in a Cave Hotel in Cappadoccia
3 nights in Cruise (covering Athens, Mykonos and Santorini)
Private Airport Transfers with new model vehicles
10 Breakfast, 10 Lunches & 10 Dinner
Entrance fees to museums
English Speaking Local tour Guides
Daily Excursions as per itinerary on Private basis
Daily bottled Water
Tips at Restaurants & Hotels
Domestic Flight Ticket – Istanbul to Cappadocia & Izmir to Istanbul
Stay in Cruise (Standard Inside Cabin)

Meals

10 Breakfast, 10 Lunches & 10 Dinner (mix of Local and Indian Cuisine)

Accommodation

Clarion Hotel Istanbul Mahmutbey or Similar

2 night(s) in Istanbul

Room Type: 5 Star (clarion / Gorrion / Courtyard By Marriott)

Meals Included: All Meals

Sunak Cave Hotel or Similar

2 night(s) in Cappadocia

Room Type: Sunak / Acer / Exedra Or Similar Cave Hotel

Meals Included: All Meals

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel or Similar

1 night(s) in Pamukkale

Room Type: Adempira / Pam Thermal Or Similar

Meals Included: All Meals

Seven For Life Hotel Kuşadası or Similar

2 night(s) in Kusadasi

Room Type: Seven For Life / Ramada Or Similar

Meals Included: All Meals

Mirae Cruises or Similar

3 night(s) in Cesme

Room Type: Standard Inside Cabin

Meals Included: All Meals

Included in the price

Istanbul

Daily Lunches and Dinners
Hotel in Istanbul to Istanbul Airport
Walking tour in Taksim Square and Istikal Street
Domestic Flight from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Visit Hagia Mosque, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar & Topkapi Palace
Full day guided tour of Istanbul Old City
Istanbul Airport to Hotel in Istanbul Old City

Cappadocia

Visit Underground City, Pigeon Valley and Fairy Chimneys
Visit to Uchisar Castle
Visit Goreme Open Air Museum
Visit Konya city, Selimiye Mosque and Mevlana Museum
Goreme Open-Air Museum
Transfer to Pamukkale
Lunch at Avanos

Pamukkale

City of Konya
Hierapolis Theatre
The Frontinus Street
Selimiye Mosque
Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle
Travertines Hot Springs
Mevlâna Museum
The Great Baths
Necropolis

Kusadasi

Ancient Roman City of Ephesus
Visit the famous Sirince village with the cute village houses
Day Trip to Ephesus Ancient City (Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, and the Antique Theatre)
The Temple of Hadrian

Cesme

Perissa / Athinios - Oia Village - Perissa Beach – Fira (Optional)
The towns of Fira and Oia
Akropol / Panaromic City Tour – Acropolis Site – Plaka Shopping (Optional)
The historical city to Kastella
One-way domestic flight from Izmir to Istanbul
Church of Agios Haralambos
Shuttle To City Center (Optional)
Romantic Tour / Mt. Profitis Ilias - Oia Village – Fira (Optional)
Statue of Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasa
Cesme Castle

Day-wise Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrival In Istanbul And Transfer To Hotel With Bosporus Cruise & Spice Bazaar

Our representatives will be waiting for your arrival in Istanbul to welcome and help you transfer from the airport to your hotel. We’ll help you with your check-in one we arrive while everyone in the same tour group get to know each other. After dropping off your luggage and freshen up a bit, the tour starts with the Spice Bazaar, where you can enjoy some light bites and a bit of shopping.
Then we head to the harbour where we can cruise on the border of Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus vessel. The cruise ends just at the right time for us to disembark and head to our restaurant at Taksim Square for dinner. Once you’re satisfied, we invite you for a walk around, enjoying the sight of where many Turks would spend time with their loved ones, relax, and hangout with their friends down the Istiklal Street.
We’ll drive back to our hotel and spend an overnight in Istanbul.
(Dinner)

Day 2: Istanbul Old City Tour

Our day starts with a delightful breakfast at the hotel. Get ready as you’ll be picked up on the agreed time to enjoy a full-day tour around the Old City of Istanbul with a professional, well-versed guide.The old city is also known as the Walled City because of the number of long walls that were erected around it.
We start with the proudest structure left from times bygone that signified the peak of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Located within the oldest part of Istanbul, the Sultanahmet Square or the Byzantine Hippodrome, it is a major cultural and historical site, initially erected as a cathedral by the Greek until 360 AD when the Ottoman Empire conquered the land in 1453. It served as a mosque until 1935 and has since been converted into a museum.
The Hippodrome itself serves the main square of Constantinople, the old capital of the Byzantine Empire. This was where the people of the Empire would gather with their friends and listen to the latest news, attend races that were famous sources of entertainment at the time, and the occasional riots from opposing sports team that were very political, and even religious.
Near the entrance of the square and next to the Hagia Sofia Mosque is the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built around early 1600s during the Ottoman-era. It still functions as a mosque to this day and has become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. It is dubbed as the “last great mosque of the classical period,” earned its famous name for the blue Iznik tiles, was a work from the 16th century often seen on many imperial buildings and mosques around Istanbul.
We’ll head to the Topkapi Palace next, a large museum which used to be the main residence of Ottoman sultans during the 17th century. This was where the main administration of Ottoman Empire took place from the 1460s until the Dolmabahçe Palace was completed in 1856. The name “Topkapi” meant Cannon Gate, and was a name given to it from the 19th century. It was called the “New Palace” when it was constructed by orders of Mehmed the Conqueror to differentiate it from the Old Palace. Today, visitors can check out the royal abode of sultans of ancient times and learn about the artefacts, clothing, and culture of times bygone.
Finally, we’ll visit the famous Grand Bazaar, the shopping haven of Turkey and one of the world’s largest covered/indoor markets in the world. There are over 4,000 shops sprawled across over 30.7sqkm of land on both sides of 61 covered streets. There are at least 250,000 visitors every day and reaching over 400,000 on peak days. There’s nothing you cannot find here, ranging anything from traditional Turkish tea, fancy lamps, to precious cashmere, textiles and gold jewellery.
Once you’re satisfied with your shopping, we’ll drive back to the hotel for an overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3: Transfer From Istanbul To Cappadocia By Air

After breakfast, we check-out and wait for our chartered airport car for our flight to Cappadocia. The flight will take an hour and upon arrival, you’ll have another private car waiting to transfer you to your prebooked hotel. You have the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city on your own or relax at the hotel.
(Optional) You can get an ATV Ride Safari, a great way to experience an off-road adventure across the desert, typically done during sunset to get the best view of the day. You’ll be able to see above you an iconic sight of the hot air balloons that adorn the sky of Cappadocia.
Once we’re done, we return to the hotel for an overnight in Cappadocia.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4: Cappadocia Tour

The highlight of Cappadocia is the exquisite experience of exploring the city from a bird’s eye view on a Hot Air Balloon. (Optional) An early morning trip to fly high as the sun rises in the east is available, serving you one of the best views Turkey has to offer of their arid desert and valleys, a one-of-a-kind experience you should never miss.
Breakfast at hotel and set back out for a city tour, starting with the Pigeon Valley, known for the numerous small pigeon houses carved into the soft stone. There are more here than anywhere throughout Cappadocia, but there are particular more between Göreme to Uchisar than anywhere else here. These houses are chiselled onto naturally formed geographical phenomenon famously called fairy chimneys. One of the most beautiful valleys to visit is the Imagination Valley, known for the beautiful of earth oddities that are the natural cone-shaped rock formations here. Can you see the camel and the animals carved by nature here?
From the valleys, we head to the area hidden from the sun: the famed underground cities of Cappadocia. There are over 200 cities, many are ancient and impressively dug layers upon layers deep towards the core of the earth. The Derinkuyu Underground City is the largest excavated part of the complex, enough to shelter up to 20,000 people along with their livestocks. Artefacts going as far back as the 5th century have been found here.
Then we’ll head for lunch at Avanos, best known for their pottery industry and old town architecture. Don’t miss out making and bringing home for own potter here! After the pottery, we head to the Goreme Open-Air Museum and pass by the beautiful, longest river in Turkey, Red River. Known as “Kızılırmak” in Turkish, this river is a source of hydroelectric power and has served as a political boundary many times throughout the history.
Located within the heart of Cappadocia, Goreme Open-Air Museum is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1984. It is where remains of churches that are carved into the rocks can be found along with the frescoes discovered within. Each carved cave is a monastery and houses their own churches with restored frescoes retelling the story of Jesus Christ and monks, and impressive rock architecture. There are 11 refectories and most of them are from around 10th to the 12th centuries.
The Uchisar Castle is our last destination for the day, located within the highest point in Cappadocia. This centuries-old structure is a mix between natural rock formations which makes it the biggest mass fairy chimneys in the region and manmade caves carved by people during Byzantine times as residential areas. The views from this place is exquisite, and although many of the paths have been blocked as of today, there may have been over 1,000 inhabitants in this castle during its time.
We return to our hotel after the tour and spend another night in Cappadocia.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 5: Transfer From Cappadocia To Pamukkale Enroute Konya

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel before we check-out from our hotel and leave Cappadocia for Pamukkale. En-route, we’ll visit the City of Konya, a pilgrimage destination for Sufis and the home of the Whirling Dervishes, which is a religious order founded by the Muslim SageMevlâna in the 13th century. The unique celebration that takes place typically between the 7th and 17th of December sees people spinning during the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes Festival to attain dharma.
We will visit the Selimiye Mosque, a 16th-century classical Ottoman mosque known for the beautiful interior and was built under the command of Sultan Selim II. A domed library was later added to the mosque and took its inspiration from the Fatih Mosque of Istanbul. It was built on the main square of Konya and located just next to the Mevlâna Museum, which is also the final resting place of Mevlâna himself. Learn about everything you want to know of the Devirshes, their history, and the final words Mevlâna left this world, which is believed to also be his “wedding night” with his Beloved, the Divine.
After the museum, we continue on the journey to Pamukkale and check-in once we’ve arrived. We spend the night in Pamukkale.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 6: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City Tour& Transfer To Kusadasi

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head out to visit the old city of Pamukkale,Hierapolis, the ancient city of Greco-Roman known for the ancient hot springs and travertine pools. These thermal pools form the “Cotton Castle” and is a top visited attraction and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We head to the Necropolis, a burial site of the ancient city and one of the biggest cemeteries of Anatolia. The cemetery was a top pick due to its location being next to Hierapolis, a famous destination to people who wished to spend their last days here and enjoy the thermal baths which is believed to have healing wonders before passing away and being buried. It explains why the necropolis is over 2km wide despite Hierapolis not being a big city at its time.
Then we walk to the beautiful Great Baths of Hierapolis, which was the main bathing house for Romans and is known as the Pamukkale Museum today. It is well-preserved with some of the marble slabs used to decorate the walls still remaining and shows how people of Roman times would maintain their health and beauty here. As a museum, the rooms you can visit today used to function as the hot room (Caladrium), warm room (tepidarium), and the cold room (frigidarium).
From here, we return to the city and walk along the Frontinus Street, filled with rubbles and ruins of what used to be the street shop of Hierapolis. From here, we can reach the Hierapolis Theatre, a major structure that served as the main entertainment of the people of its time and is one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in Asia. We’ll continue walking and reach Martyrium of St. Philip the Apostle, a tribute built on where it was believed that St. Philip was martyred. There are debates over which St. Philip was martyred here, but many believed it was St. Philip in 80 AD who came and later murdered by his tribesmen. (Please note the Hirepolis sights are covered by walking. Hirepolis also offers buggys at the entrance which can be hired by paying extra directly).
We end the day with the Travertines Hot Springs, the main attraction of this city back then and today. It was a manmade wonder, the “Cotton Castle,” created after an earthquake in year 692 as thermal water accumulated. The waters are rich in calcium and believed to have healing properties, and as they cascaded down the hill, creates a beautifully formed terraces of baths that still remain the same to this day, making it easy to imagine how socialites would hang out with their friends while bathing here.
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred out of Pamukkale to Kusadasi. We’ll check-in upon arrival and let you rest for the rest of the night in Kusadasi.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 7: Excursion To Ancient Roman City Of Ephesus

After breakfast in Kusadasi, you’ll have free time in the morning before we start our tour in the afternoon. We are visiting the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus and explore the ruins that will tell us what kind of life and culture ancient Romans held. The Arcadian Way is easily the first thing most tourists would see, as it’s the one of the main streets that run through the city, leading to the harbour, which is why it’s also known as the Harbour Street.
We make our way to the ancient Baths of Varius, a Roman bath that was build during the 2nd century. It is one of the largest complex baths and similar to the Great Baths in Hierapolis, have three main areas: the hot room (Caladrium), warm room (tepidarium), and the cold room (frigidarium). Another famed Roman baths in Ephesus is the Scholastica Bath, which was built in the 1st century and later restored in the 4th century by Scholastica, hence the name. A statue of her can be seen at the entrance and the bath only has three stories, but only the first level remains of the ruins.
We’ll then visit the Temple of Hadrian, built before year 138 to be dedicated to Emperor Hadrian for his visit to Ephesus from Athens a decade earlier. Among the ruins that can be identified on Curetes Street, this monument is one of the most well-preserved structure where the Goddess Artemis is also worshipped. Four Corinthian columns adorn the face and intricate carvings make their architecture one of the most beautiful here.
Next is the Library of Celsus, an ancient Roman building known for its beautiful architecture. It was built around 110 by Tiberius Julius Aqualia and stores over 12,000 scrolls. The impressive pillars that held together such a huge repository alone have made this a great discovery, along with the significance of this building as Romans and Greeks would each share information through writing.
The Grand Theatre of Ephesus is also another wonder, first constructed in 250 BC as an amphitheatre, adorned with massive marble columns carved on the slope of the Panayir Hill.
We will attend the leather fashion show that’ll be performed for our group before finally visiting the Sirince Village and Sirin is the Turkish word for “cute.” The reason being the fun experience this village has and the abundance of fresh produce the village has. The history of this land dates as far back as the 320 BC and there are at least seven villages, including Sirince, that has existed on this land since ancient times.
From the village, we’ll drive back to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 8: Transfer From Kusadasi To Cesme Sightseeing & Embarkation (Cruise)

After breakfast, we head out to Cesme, a beach town that used to be a major port as part of the Silk Road. Once we’re here, we’ll tour the city starting with the Church of Agios Haralambos, one of the largest churches in Cesme built in 1832. It has become a landmark of Cesme, located within the center and now serves as a concert hall and is open to public as an exhibition for art with some traditional Turkish art being sold.
Another beautiful attraction not to be missed here is the Cesme Castle, a historical structure built to defend against further attacks since 1508 and initially served as a seaside castle. There are six towers and the castle are protected by moats on three sides. Today, it is used for Çeşme International Music festival and Çeşme festival. We’ll also visit the Statue of Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasa monument, erected by Haluk Tezonar in downtown, easily accessible when you leave the castle. Hasan Pasha was an Ottoman admiral and a captain during the Battle of Cesme that was fought on the bay.
We’ll then enjoy a relaxing afternoon tea at a local tea house, traditionally brewed, for a true luxurious experience here. Afterward, we head to the cruise for embarkation and hop on the vessel, spending the night on the cruise on its way to Athens. The Cruise will start for Athens at 16:00 hrs.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 9: Arrival Athens, Piraeus Tour And Transfer To Santorini (Cruise)

We wake up in Athens and at around 7 AM, you will hear announcement of the ship arriving at the main port of Greater Athens, Piraeus. Piraeus serves as one of the most important ports of Mediterranean Sea and is the biggest port in Greece with a long history dating as far back as the 5th century BC. Once we’ve arrived, disembark to explore Athens with a nice walk along the historical city to Kastella, a hill that was home to some of the richest and most important men. Many neoclassical houses are still preserved on the hill that was where the wealthy resides. Once you’re here, you’ll understand why those with the power and wealth would move here after taking in the view of the Saronic Gulf.
We return to the cruise in the afternoon to be on our way to Santorini.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 10: Arrive Santorini & Afternoon Transfer To Mykonos (Cruise)

We’ll arrive at Santorini Island by 7 AM and wake up to the beautiful sight of the Cyclades Islands in the middle of Aegean Sea. The beautiful island of Santorini’s rough surface was formed by the volcanic eruption from the 16th century. The towns of Fira and Oia are built along the cliffs of the crater with a beautiful view of the sea. The sight of the whitewashed houses with vivid-colored roofs, the crater and Aegean Sea as the backdrop, making this a view you don’t want to miss.
From Santorini, we head to the next island, Mykonos, still an island within Cyclades, nicknamed as “The Island of the Winds.” We’ll arrive around 8 PM, a perfect time because Mykonos has a great, vibrant nightlife. In Greek mythology, Mykonos was a descendant of Apollo, and the island was the battle ground of Gigantomachy and the large rocks around the island are the petrified corpses of the giants.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 11: Transfer From Mykonos To Cesme (Disembarkation) & Departure

We’ll head out from Mykonos in the early hours for Cesme and arrive at roughly 7AM, in time for breakfast. Disembark from the vessel once we arrive and transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight home. Our tour ends as you hop on the flight to Istanbul.
Please note: in case of departure from Istanbul back home, please make sure your flight is departing after 5 pm.
(Breakfast on Cruise)

Exclusions

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Terms and Conditions

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CANCELLATIONS / REFUNDS
A reservation should be considered cancelled only after receiving our confirmation of such cancellation. If a cancellation is received less than 60 days prior to the arrival of passenger, the cancellation expenses will be charged according to the following table:
14 – 08 days before arrival: 50% of total price
07 – 00 days or if have no show of passenger: 100% of total price.
There will be no refund for unused services or changes in itineraries made by passengers without permission.
BAGGAGE
It is allowed 02 suitcase normal sized per passenger in all transports. Passenger shall be fully responsible for their luggage and personal belongings during the course of the trip. Regarding to land transport, luggage and other personal belongings should be kept with you, whatever part of the vehicle that will be placed and will be transported at the risk of the user. We recommend users are present in all manipulations of loading and unloading of baggage. Baggage on air transport, rail, sea or driving, conditions of transport companies will apply, being the ticket passage, the document binds the mentioned companies to the passenger. If client suffer any baggage damage, loss or delay, the passenger must present a claim against the Transport Company. For transport of large volumes of luggage such as bicycles, surfboards, etc, a supplement will apply (please consult). The tour packages in economy class can have a piece of 15kg in air transport. The company may charge a supplement or can refuse baggage that exceed this weight or parts. Recommended not to store valuables, medication, passport, documents or money inside baggage. If you want to have this procedure, make a statement before travelling.
TIPS / TAXES / TICKETS
Tickets to museums and sites during excursions are included. Not included any kind of tip, and the tips are at your discretion.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Passenger must have valid passport, and visas for the countries that require them. Under 18 years old must have an authorization letter written and signed by their parents or guardians as such document can be requested by any authority. In the case of loss of a document for passenger such as hotel voucher, ferries tickets, air tickets, etc, we will not be held responsible and the penalty that will apply for a new booking and issuance of such documents.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Any physical or mental disability requiring special attention or treatment must be noted at time of reservation.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend for you to purchase full travel insure that will cover the entire cost of your trip in case cancellation, trip interruption for any reason, etc.

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Best of Turkey with Cruise to Greece

About the tour

Highlights

Meals

Accommodation

Clarion Hotel Istanbul Mahmutbey or Similar

Sunak Cave Hotel or Similar

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel or Similar

Seven For Life Hotel Kuşadası or Similar

Mirae Cruises or Similar

Included in the price

Istanbul

Cappadocia

Pamukkale

Kusadasi

Cesme

Day-wise Itinerary

Exclusions

Terms and Conditions

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