Civilisations of Turkiye
Your Journey
Istanbul — Arrival
Your guide meets you at Istanbul Airport and transfers you to your hotel in the city. The rest of the evening is free to settle in and take in the first impressions of this ancient city where Europe and Asia meet.
Istanbul — Sultanahmet & Bosphorus
A guided tour covers the Hippodrome, Sultanahmet Square, the magnificent Hagia Sophia complex (completed 537 AD), Topkapi Palace — the seat of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries — and the Egyptian Market with its spices and textiles. A Bosphorus Cruise in the afternoon offers panoramic views of Ottoman palaces and waterfront mansions as Europe and Asia face each other across shimmering water.
Istanbul — Modern City & Transfer to Bursa
The morning explores the European city beyond the old walls: Galata Tower (14th century Genoese watchtower), the vibrant Taksim Square, Istiklal Avenue with its vintage red tram and elegant facades, and the riverside district of Ortakoy at sunset. The coach then transfers to Bursa — the first capital of the Ottoman Empire — for the overnight.
Bursa — Koza Han, Ulu Mosque & Transfer to Cappadocia
Bursa is explored through its finest landmarks: Koza Han — the historic silk market built in 1491 on the ancient Silk Road — and the Grand Ulu Mosque (1396–1399), a masterpiece of early Ottoman architecture with 20 domes. The Bursa Panorama Museum and a cable car ascent to the slopes of Uludağ Mountain follow before the long coach transfer to Cappadocia.
Cappadocia — Uchisar, Love Valley & Underground City
An optional sunrise hot air balloon flight (additional cost) offers a bird's-eye view of the fairy chimneys at dawn. The day continues with Uchisar Fort — the highest point in Cappadocia carved from volcanic rock — and the photogenic pillars of Love Valley. The Avanos pottery workshop demonstrates the region's centuries-old tradition of working red clay from the Kızılırmak River. Kaymakli Underground City, excavated 8 storeys deep into the volcanic plateau, closes the day. A traditional Turkish cultural show is included in the evening.
Cappadocia — Tuz Golu — Ankara
A stop at Tuz Golu (Salt Lake) — Turkey's second-largest lake and a protected flamingo sanctuary whose mirror-flat surface shimmers white in summer — breaks the drive to the capital. Ankara is explored through its most significant sites: Anitkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk completed in 1953; the Presidential Palace (Beştepe Complex); and Hamamonu, a restored Ottoman street of timber-framed houses and artisan workshops.
Ankara — Departure
After breakfast, your coach transfers you to the departure airport.