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Turkey

Turkey Highlights Tour (12 Days – 11 Nights)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul- Transfer to Hotel (-)
Merhaba! Upon arrival Istanbul Airport! We will wait for you at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then we will transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 2: Istanbul Old City Walking Tour (-)
We will meet this morning for your historical highlights tour in Istanbul. ***Istanbul, with one foot in Europe and the other in Asia, has a rich history dating back to the Byzantium period. Formerly known as Constantinople, Istanbul has many jewels to whet the tourists appetite (to delight the tourist). Luckily most of the historical sights are located close to one another in the old town of Sultanahamet. Your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at the designated time. We will start the tour by visiting the Hippodrome which was the center for chariot races during the Byzantian period and festivals throughout Ottoman rule. Marvel at the Obelisks and visit the German Fountain which commemorates the visit of Kaiser Wilhelm. From the Hippodrome we will progress to the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) named for the blue tiles from Iznik used to decorate the walls. The Blue Mosque is the signature Mosque of Istanbul with it,s six Minarets, stained glass windows and imposing dome. The Blue Mosque is free to visit outside of prayer times. Opposite the Blue Mosque is Hagia Sophia, at times a cathedral, mosque and museum. Hagia Sophia is the highlight of Istanbul making it the most visited site in Turkey. Emperor Justinian commissioned this domed monument in the 6th century AD and this marvel was built in six years. The main basilica houses a 32 meter dome and many impressive mosaics dot the walls. These mosaics represent the Emperors and Empresses and portraits of the Virgin and Christ. There is also many examples of Ottoman calligraphy that show the harmony between Christianity and Islam. Topkapi Palace is located at the tip of the Old Town of Istanbul. This gem of a palace was the main court of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. It is comprised of many courtyards from where you can see the Armoury room, kitchens, the treasury and the holy relics. The third courtyard houses the imperial jewels including the pear-shaped Spoonmakers Diamond and the Emerald Topkapi Dagger. We can then finish the tour of Topkapi Palace with a stroll in the gardens. No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a visit to the famed Grand Bazaar. Known in Turkish as Kapali Carsi or covered bazaar, it dates back to the 15th century and is still used by locals today. There are 7 main gates, 60 streets and roughly 4,000 shops in this large covered market. The shopkeepers are rumored to pay their rent in gold. After wandering the maze of stalls we will return to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Spice Market Tour (Breakfast)
Half Day Bosphorus Cruise and Spice Bazaar Tour You will be met by your guide in the lobby of your hotel and will start your tour by visiting the Spice Bazaar. This market, named for its spices, was built in the 17th century and is still popular with locals today. Sample various spices, Turkish coffee and the many Turkish sweets on offer. From there we will board a local ferryboat, drink a tulip shaped glass of tea and see the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Galata Tower and Dolmabahce Palace as we glide past. Approaching Rumeli Hisari the Asian side of Istanbul is on the right hand side and the European side is on our left. Rumeli Hisari built by Mehmet the Conqueror as a fortress to guard the city is visible along the coast along with the many old Ottoman wooden mansions known as Yalis.Debarking on your return to Eminonu join the throngs of people to enjoy a fish sandwich. We will then head back back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul
DAY 4: Gallipoli Tour (Breakfast & Lunch)
We will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and embark on the trip to Gallipoli. Gallipoli was the site of fighting between the Allied Forces and the Ottoman Empire during World War 1. The Gallipoli landings were one of the most important battles fought during World War 1. It’s an extremely poignant place for Australians and New Zealanders as many Anzacs lost their lives here and their lives are commemorated each year on April 25th. Gallipoli is on the Dardanelle Straits and the Gallipoli War sites are situated on the European side of Turkey. On the Itinerary: Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, ANZAC Commemorative Site, Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly, (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), Turkish 57.Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, After the tour we will take the ferry and cross the Dardanelle Straits to the Asian city of Canakkale. Canakkale is a lively city by the shore with a large university population. Overnight in Canakkale
DAY 5: Troy, Acropolis of Pergamon (Breakfast, Lunch)
We will start the tour after your breakfast by heading to Troy. Troy is one of the most interesting sites to visit in Turkey. It was one of the first main sites discovered and excavated by the acclaimed amateur archaeologist Schliemann who made it a worldwide phenomenon. Troy was immortalized in Homer’s Ilyiad which describes the last ten days of the Trojan war . This war involves characters from Greek mythology such as Achilles, Paris and Beautiful Helen of Troy. Besides mythology Troy offers many stories as it has nine main layers. It is well worth a visit. In addition you can see the powerful replica of the Trojan horse. From Troy we will continue to Pergamon stopping along the way for lunch. Pergamon was a powerful kingdom and you will the site of the Acropolis which was the administrative headquarter of this kingdom. The Library here once held 200,000 books only rivaled by Alexandria Library. The temples of Athena and Trajan, Altar of Zeus, The Gymnasium, The Lower Agora, The Hellenistic Theatre and Temple of Dionysus are all part of the itinerary. We will then journey to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi!
DAY 6: Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast - Lunch)
Merhaba! We will pick you up in the hotel lobby and depart for our Pamukkale sightseeing tour. Tip: Cleopatra Antique Pool visit is optional. Bring swimsuit, towels and water shoes. Pamukkale (cotton castle in Turkish) is one of the must see places in Turkey. It is a UNESCO world heritage site that allows you to access the travertines and bathe in the healing thermal baths. Situated above the travertines is Hierapolis which is one of the largest ancient cities in Turkey with a well preserved Roman Theatre and an Apollo Temple. There are depictions of many Greek Gods and Goddesses such as Pan and Artemis. The necropolis here is truly spectacular. There are many photo opportunities in both locations to make your friends at home jealous.  Overnight in Kusadasi!
DAY 7: Full Day Ephesus City Tour – Flight to Antalya (Breakfast – Lunch)
We will meet you in the hotel lobby in the morning for another amazing tour. Arguably one of the most visited sights in Turkey Ephesus is the most well preserved Roman city. On the way to Ephesus we will stop at the Temple of Artemis which is one of the ancient seven wonder of the world. While viewing the ruins we will hear about its prosperity and subsequent fall. We will continue onto Ephesus city which is the largest existing ancient Roman city in the world. Magnesia Gate is the starting point to allow you to stroll along and visit the Odean, the Temple of Emperor Domitian passing through the Gate of Hercules before stopping at Trajan,s Fountain. Then we will visit the Roman Baths a precursor to todays Hammams. Onto Emperor Hadrians Temple with it,s magnificent friezes. We will continue onto the Ephesus Latrines. These public toilets date from the 1st century AD. The highlight of Ephesus is the Celsius Library with it,s spectacular façade which is a true standing structure. Then onto the Grand Theatre of Ephesus which seats 24000 people. Here you can follow in the footsteps of St. Paul in the theatre where he preached to the Ephesians. Gladiator fights also took place here. After lunch we will head to the House of the Virgin Mary where Mother Mary is believed to have spent her final years. Three popes have visited and it,s also a spiritual place for locals too. We will end our tour by visiting Isabey Mosque, the oldest Mosque in the area with its impressive courtyard surrounded by high walls. After the tour we will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Antalya! Upon your arrival in Antalya you will be met by our team and we will transfer you to your hotel in Old Town of Antalya. Overnight in Antalya!
DAY 8: Perge, Aspendos & Side Tour (Breakfast - Lunch)
Today we will visit the two Pamphylian cities of Perge and Aspendos. Perge was a unique city from the Hittite period through to the time of the Romans. It was once visited by Alexander the Great. The Stadium, Roman Baths and the Colonnaded Street are the highlights. Marble sculptures from Perge are on show in Antalya museum. We will then visit Aspendos famous for it,s theatre and Roman ruins. The amphitheater with a seating capacity of 15,000 is rather impressive and hosts an annual Opera and Ballet festival. Why not check out the acoustics here by belting out your favourite song? After lunch we will head to Side which used to be an important Roman port town. Side was given to Cleopatra by Anthony as a token of his love for her. Nowadays, it,s a popular holiday resort for foreigners. After the tour we are heading back to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya!
DAY 9: Free & Leisure Day in Antalya - Flight to Cappadocia (Breakfast)
Free day at your own leisure - Stroll through the narrow back streets of Antalya Old Town (Kaleici) and enjoy your Turkish coffee in a local tea house and have local wrapped (Durum) Kebab at the Kebab shop street. At the entrance to the Kaleici you will see Hadrians Gate as a memorial to the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited the city. Take the historical tram and visit Antalya Archaeology museum one of the best archaeology museums in Turkey. Marble sculptures from Perge can be seen here along with many other wonders. You can also enjoy Mermerli Beach which is a small private beach club by the port underneath the old town. You will pay an admission fee here and will be provided with a sun lounger and amazing views of the Med. Today we will meet you in the hotel lobby and we will transfer you to Antalya Airport to your flight to Cappadocia. After your arrival in Cappadocia and meeting at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then transferred to your cave hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia!
DAY 10: Cappadocia North Tour (-)
Optional Hot Air Balloon Trip: Experiencing sunrise in a hot air balloon is absolutely unmissable when visiting Cappadocia. It is pretty amazing to fly over this rugged landscape and see these fairy chimneys up close. You will be picked up at your hotel at a very early hour and transferred to the balloon registration site. You will be provided with light refreshments while you register for your flight. You will also witness the balloons being inflated which is a fantastic part of the balloon experience. We will then climb aboard the balloon and rise into the air to see the sunrise over the beautiful landscape of Cappadocia. Upon landing we will celebrate the flight with soft drinks and you will be presented with a flight certificate with your name on it. You will then return to your hotel for a full breakfast. You will have some time to prepare for the day ahead. Cappadocia is an exceptional area of beauty in central Anatolia with its moon like landscape. You will be mesmerized by the fairy chimneys and underground cities. Cappadocia is unique in the world and a must see. Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Avanos Our tour begins in Devrent Valley overflowing with natural rock formations. We will walk through this stunning valley taking pictures of various fairy chimneys. Next stop Avanos which is located on the banks of the Kizilirmak (Red River) which is the longest river in Turkey where the Hittite,s settled. Avanos is famous for it,s pottery and the Red river provides the red clay used in the pottery making process.After lunch we will continue on to Goreme Open Air Museum (Please note : Dark Church requires an additional admission fee) , a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1984. Visit this collection of churches with their frescoes depicting scenes on the walls. We will then visit nearby valleys to take photos before calling it a day. After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia
DAY 11: Cappadocia South Tour (Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast you will be met in the hotel lobby to start your tour. We will head to Rose Valley named for the rose coloured rock formations that change their hue throughout the day. We will then visit Cavusin, a characteristic Cappadocia village, with Churches built into the rock. After lunch we will visit Ortahisar Castle. This fortress will provide you with stunning views over the neighbouring landscape. From there we will visit Kaymakli Underground City. Underground cities still remain a mystery and there are many stories put forward about their existence. Continue onto Pigeon Valley that received it,s name from the pigeon houses carved into the rock. Pigeons used to provide the fertilizer for local agriculture. Optional: You may want to visit a local winery. After the tour you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia
DAY 12: Transfer to Airport – Flight to Istanbul (Breakfast)
Today we will meet you in the hotel lobby and we will transfer you to Cappadocia Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival to airport you will be met by our team and we will transfer you to your hotel. End of Services! Nar Holidays team says so long and looks forward to being your host again on your next adventure. Gule Gule! (Earlier and later flights are available. Please kindly advice your international flight so we can adjust accordingly- Your price may change)

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