Experience Turkish culture & life in a grand tour with your own private vehicle and English speaking escort guide. Start your tour in Istanbul, the epicentre of Turkey's hustle and bustle. A frenzy of business, nightclubs, entertainment and culture, the city is a haven for those who enjoy stimulating their senses. Absorb Istanbul's ancient structures, from its mosques to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empire influenced architecture. Take advantage of your guide's knowledge on visits to St. Sophia Church and the Blue Mosque, known for its blue coloured tiles and architecture. Continue your tour to Byzantine Hippodrome, the renowned Topkapi Palace, and the massive bazaar where virtually every knick knack is available.

Fly to Goreme and visit Goreme National Park also referred to as "Valley of the Fairy Chimneys". The formations were created after three volcanoes erupted around 30 million years ago. The area is also known for the spectacular houses that had been carved into the rock. Enjoy a complete view of the entire area in a Hot Air Balloon (optional). Drive to Konya and visit the city with Mevlana Museum. Visit Aspendos site, the best preserved Roman Theatre built by Marcus Aurelius in Asia Minor, and explore Perge, a great learning center visited by St. Paul. Relax on Antalya beach before you stop at one of the better known spas in Turkey. Being a UNESCO heritage site known for ancient thermal springs, the ancient city of Hierapolis was built on the site of the rich mineral waters of Pamukkale. After having a thermal bath (optional) drive to Ephesus and Pergamum, two ancient Greek cities. Explore Troy & Gallipoli before you return to Istanbul.

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Boasting a wonderful location, the Sultanhan Hotel (4*) is a warm guesthouse reflecting Turkish hospitality, authentic decor and oriental east culture. Located on one of the most popular streets of Istanbul, Sultanhan Hotel is close to the tram stop and all the major attractions in the city. The hotel is within walking distance of St Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Golden Horn, Archaeology Museum, Obelisks, Suleymaniye, underground cistern and the covered Bazaar.

Overnight at Sultanhan (4*).

Meet your guide for a full day tour of Istanbul. Our first stop is at the Church of Divine Wisdom, Aya Sofya was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century and reigned as the grandest church in Christendom until its conversion into a mosque by Sultan Mehmet II just after the conquest of Constantinople in 1453. Next stop is at The Hippodrome which served as the center of Byzantine civic life for 1000 years, including coronations, Roman chariot races and more than one royal execution. At the opposite end of the Hippodrome (At Meydani) is the elegant 'Blue Mosque' of Sultan Ahmed I, with its six minarets. Built in the early 17th century, its popular name is derived from the 20.000 predominately blue Iznik tiles lining the interior walls. In the afternoon explore the mysterious and surreal Underground Cistern which is also known as Yerebatan Sarayi, one of the Grand underground cisterns which were an important source of water for the city during the Byzantine and Ottoman times. End your tour with Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, a remarkable collection of ancient artifacts. In the numerous rooms of this historic building, the most ancient, precious and the rarest of the Muslim works of the epoch have been collected. The collection includes spectacular pieces from ancient Babylon, Persia and Mesopotami. In the late afternoon, return to your hotel.

Overnight at Sultanhan (4*).

After breakfast, meet your guide at the lobby and depart from your hotel. Enjoy a full day exploring Istanbul. Visit the magnificent Chora Museum, an 11th century church with Byzantine mosaics and frescoes considered to be among the world's most important. In the afternoon visit Topkapi Palace, the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for three centuries. Now a museum, it consists of gardens and buildings of the former palace restored to hold a wealth of treasures. Among the most notable are one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese porcelain, a spectacular collection of jewellery, gems and gold, and the wardrobes of the Sultans, consisting of more than 13,000 customers. Our last stop will be the famous covered Grand Bazaar; the largest covered marketplace in the world where a dazzling array of items-from Furniture and carpets to jewellery and clothing are sold in the bazaar’s more than 4,000 shops.

Overnight at Sultanhan (4*).

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey, largely in Nevsehir Province. The name was traditionally used in Christian sources throughout history and is still widely used as an international tourism concept to define a region of exceptional natural wonders, in particular characterized by fairy chimneys and a unique historical and cultural heritage. The term, as used in tourism, roughly corresponds to present-day Nevsehir Province. In the time of Herodotus, the Cappadocians were reported as occupying the whole region from Mount Taurus to the vicinity of the Euxine (Black Sea). Cappadocia, in this sense, was bounded in the south by the chain of the Taurus Mountains that separate it from Cilicia, to the east by the upper Euphrates and the Armenian Highland, to the north by Pontus, and to the west by Lycaonia and eastern Galatia.

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Enjoy a direct flight from Istanbul to Capadoccia. The flight duration is about 1 hour.

Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car and guide in Cappadocia. You will be driven to Devrent Valley and then to Pasabagi Valley, to see the amazing fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. From here you will be driven to Avanos, the famous pottery town, to have lunch. After lunch depart from Avanos to see the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the churches of Goreme Open Air Museum. Then you will be driven to Uchisar Castle, the highest point of the region, where we have a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia. Conclude with a visit to the Pidgeon Valley.

Gamirasu Cave (4*) is an exquisitely restored 30 room, troglodyte cave house opened in 1999, in Ayvali Village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey. The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which, has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Gamirasu cave Hotel is featured in major international travel guides as one of the best cave hotels of Cappadocia. It is often mentioned as a romantic escape for honeymooners in wedding magazines.

Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*).

Enjoy a full day tour in Capadoccia and visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Then visit the subterrenean city of Kaymakli or Derinkuyu, established in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution, in which a visitor is able to descend several levels underground. You will be driven to Cavusin Valley to see the troglodyte dwellings where people lived until mid 20th century. After lunch a visit to the Red valley, finally a visit to a Winery, Cappadocia is famous for its fertile vineyards due to the mineral-laden volcanic soil of the area.

Overnight at Gamirasu Cave (4*).

Konya is a city in Turkey, on the central plateau of Anatolia. Alongside a generally high level of instruction and very modern buildings, Konya has a reputation of being one of the more religiously conservative metropolitan centers in Turkey. It was once known as the "citadel of Islam", and it is still more devout than other cities. The tomb of Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi, the Persian Sufi poet commonly known as "Mevlâna" and who is the founder of the Sufi Mevlevi order (known for The Whirling Dervishes), is located in the Green Mausoleum of Mevlana, which is an important place of pilgrimage. Alaedin Mosque located on Alaettin Hill, is the site of Konya's original acropolis, and the largest and oldest mosque in Konya. The Archaeological Museum has an excellent collection of ancient artifacts ranging from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine Era, including many ancient Roman sarcophagi and Greek inscriptions.

Early depart from hotel. Today we drive to Konya which once served as the capital of the Seljuk Empire and which is adorned with elaborate monuments of the 12th and 13th century. First visit will be the Mevlana Museum, a sacred Islamic shrine which is object to pilgrimage from all over Turkey. It also houses the tomb of the world famous mystic philosopher Mevlana.

The Rixos Hotel (5*) is located 15 km from the city center and within walking distance of public transportation. The 26-storey hotel offers 280 rooms equipped with modern ammenities including internet connection and in-room safe while the hotel ammenities include a fully equipped Health Club with sauna, Turkish Bath, massage room, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, tennis courts, athletics track and a horse-riding centre. Three restaurants serve delicious meals and aperitifs.

Overnight at Rixos (5*).

Lara is a district of Antalya city, Turkey. Its famous beach, Lara Beach, is one of the longest sand beaches in Turkey. Lara is the home to many themed 5 to 7 star hotels, mainly in the Kundu area, and has become a popular tourist destination. Most of the hotels are replicas of famous places around the world (for example Topkapi Palace, Venice, Kremlin) which has led to the area being nicknamed "Las Vegas in Turkey".

Today we drive south to Antalya, the most famous resort center on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Continue to Aspendos, visit the best preserved Roman Theatre built by Marcus Aurelius in Asia Minor. Then we drive to the impressive aqueducts of the city better preserved than the ones in France, Campagna. Drive to Perge which was once the greatest learning center and visited by St. Paul. It is still one of the most impressive Greco-Roman sites of Turkey. In the evening you arrive in Antalya.

The Marmara Antalya Hotel (5*) is located on the famous Falez Hills of Antalya in the Lara district which is just 5 minutes away from the city centre and also close to Antalya International Airport. The Marmara Antalya is a modern hotel housed in a towering building that offers magnificent views and a unique revolving loft, which is a part of the building that slowly revolves to give guests different views of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea. The hotel features 238 air-conditioned guestrooms decorated in a bright, contemporary style. Food with organic and local ingredients are served nearly customized for each guest, bringing a new perspective to the “buffet”. Guests can take advantage of the private beach or take a dip in the outdoor pool with a separate pool for children. In the Wellness Center, the sauna, steam room and massage treatment room help guests unwind.

Overnight at Marmara Antalya (5*).

Explore Myra and Demre with a private guide and vehicle. Visit historic Lycian tombs at Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas, otherwise known as Santa Claus. Sail over turquoise waters to the picturesque Kekova Island. Discover the extraordinary underwater ruins of the sunken city of Simena and visit the noteworthy Lycian necropolis at Teimiussa. There are opportunities to swim and snorkel if desired, so don't forget your bathing suit and towel. The tour is not included in the cost. Please contact our sales representative for a customized itinerary.

Overnight at Marmara Antalya (5*).

Pamukkale is a tourist attraction with thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope resembling a frozen waterfall. The tectonic movements that took place in the fault depression of the Menderes river basin triggered frequent earthquakes, and gave rise to the emergence of a number of very hot springs. The water from one of these springs, with its large mineral content — chalk in particular — created Pamukkale. It is recognized as a World Heritage Sites together with nearby Hierapolis castle. The springs were well-known in the Antiquity. They were described by the Roman architect Vitruvius. The Phrygian Greeks built Hierapolis on top of the hill.

After breakfast at your hotel, we drive north to Pamukkale. We’ll explore the ancient city of Hierapolis overlooking the Lycus river valley with its well-preserved theatre and large necropolis. Pamukkale is very popular for its pools and hot mineral springs that overflow to cover the rocks beneath with white deposits of lime that give the appearance of a frozen cascade. It is to these formations that the Turkish name Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) is probably due.

Located in the city of Pamukkale, the Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel (4*) offers 292 well-equipped rooms that are modern and well-facilitated to make you feel special. Facilities include, Rich Bar, Fireplace Bar, Pool Bar, Vitamin Bar, Disco Bar, Olympic Outdoor Swimming Pool, Outdoor Thermal Pool, Indoor Thermal Pool, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Fitness Center, Massage, Hairdresser, Gift Shop, Billiards, Table Tennis, Internet Cafe, Game Room with backgammon, Grass Football Field, Safe-Deposit Boxes at the Reception and Both for your meetings and celebrations or other organizations, Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel features 2 Leodicies meeting rooms for 550 people serves with a unique service quality.

Overnight at Richmond Pamukkale Thermal (4*).

Kusadasi is a resort town in Turkey's Aegean coast and the center of the district of the same name in Aydin Province. Its main industry is tourism and is a port of call for cruise ships. The city stands on a bay in the Aegean with the peninsula of Guvercin Ada sticking out into the sea at one end, and the mountain of Kaz Dagi behind. It is 90 km (56 mi) south of Izmir, the region's largest metropolitan center. It is 71 km (44 mi) from the provincial seat of Aydin situated inland.

After breakfast, depart hotel to drive to the ancient city of Aphrodisias which is dedicated to Aphrodite and rewarded by Augustus. This beautiful site was the most sophisticated school of sculpture ever founded in Asia Minor and was also famous for its high quality white marble. We also visit a local museum which solely displays artifacts found in the city.

Korumar (5*) located on a cliff protruding the Aegean Sea. Located off Kusadasi, a getaway to explore nearby Kirazli, a traditional Koy village and the Hellenistic remains of Pygale, both within a 20-minute drive. The hotel is constructed on its own private bay which overlooks the nearby Pigeon Island. Rooms open out onto private furnished balconies with sea views. Each room is fitted with satellite TV channels, an intimate seating area and includes en suite bathrooms with either shower or bathtub. Guests can choose among Turkish cuisine and international classic dishes. Food can be enjoyed overlooking the sea on the terrace, or indoor in a more elegant ambiance, both complemented by a varied wine selection. Facilities of the hotel include tennis courts, gym, a traditional hammam, a jacuzzi pool and massage treatments.

Overnight at Korumar (5*).

Izmir, historically Smyrna, is the third most populous city of Turkey and the country's largest port after Istanbul. It is located in the Gulf of Izmir, by the Aegean Sea. Izmir has almost 3,500 years of urban past, and possibly that much more of advanced human settlement. Modern Izmir also incorporates the nearby ancient cities of Ephesus, Pergamon, Sardis and Klazomenai.

Enjoy a full day tour to Ephesus with private car and guide. Drive to Selcuk, to visit the world-famous Antique City of Ephesus, including the Arcadian Way, the Antique Theater, the Roman Baths, and the Celsus Library. In the afternoon a visit to the Shrine of Virgin Mary, where she lived her last years and Basilica of St. John. At the end of the tour you'll be dropped at your hotel.

Hilton Izmir Hotel (5*) is located on the west coast of Turkey, overlooking Izmir Bay. The hotel is 20 minute`s drive from Adnan Menderes Airport and just a few minute`s walk away from the shopping district and the Ataturk Museum. Enjoy Izmir attractions like the Archeological Museum, Ephesus ruins and the Virgin Mary's House. Squeeze in Sardis, Pergamum and the Citadel of Kadifekale. All Hilton Izmir hotel rooms have great views and are equipped with modern amenities. Have breakfast in the Colonnade Restaurant or end the day by watching the sun set across Izmir Bay from the 31st-floor Windows of the Bay Restaurant or Bar. Admire city views from the Hilton Izmir hotel's Health Club while are you relaxing or pampering yourself.

Overnight at Hilton Izmir (4*).

Enjoy a full day tour with your own private car to Pergamum. You'll visit the Sanctuary of Asclepius, and the Pergamum Acropolis where you can find the Altar of Zeus (said to be "the place where Satan has his throne"). Other spectacular relics are the Trojan Temple, and the world's steepest ancient theater. After the drive back to Izmir you will be transfered back to your hotel.

Overnight at Hilton Izmir (4*).

Çanakkale is a town and seaport in Turkey, in Çanakkale Province, on the southern (Asian) coast of the Dardanelles (or Hellespont) at their narrowest point. Ferries cross here to the northern (European) and southern (Asia) sides of the strait. Çanakkale is the nearest major town to the site of ancient Troy. The "wooden horse" from the 2004 movie 'Troy' is exhibited on the seafront. Ancient Abydos, where the story of Hero and Leander takes place, is south of Çanakkale.

Enjoy a tour of Troy, immortalized by Homer in his stories of King Priam, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. Archaeological excavations have revealed nine separate periods of settlements including ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. A symbolic wooden Trojan horse commemorates the legendary war. The outing concludes with a tour of Canakkale.

Kolin Hotel (5*) is located and in service in Canakkale city, which has a very rich historical background and a 5* establisment with 600 beds capacity and ready to serve an attractive service to allow meetings/ congress and seminars. The Hotel is the only 5* establisment location within the triangle of Istanbul / Bursa / Izmir. This hotel offers 276 total rooms, 600 total beds, 41 suites, 8 connected rooms, 3 disabled rooms, 224 standard rooms. Sea, garden views are available.

Overnight at Kolin (5*).

Istanbul (Byzantium, and later Constantinople) is the world's 3rd largest city and Turkey's cultural and financial center. It is located on the Bosphorus Strait and encompasses the natural harbor known as the Golden Horn. It extends both on the European (Thrace) and on the Asian (Anatolia) side of the Bosphorus, and is therefore the only metropolis in the world which is situated on two continents. In its long history, Istanbul served as the capital city of the Roman Empire (330–395), the East Roman (Byzantine) Empire (395–1204 and 1261–1453), the Latin Empire (1204–1261), and the Ottoman Empire (1453–1922). The city was chosen as joint European Capital of Culture for 2010. The historic areas of Istanbul were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Enjoy a half day tour of Gallipoli before you return to Istanbul. Visit Anzac Cove is a small cove on the Gallipoli peninsula, which became famous as the site of World War I landing of the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) on April 25, 1915. The cove is a mere 600m long, bounded by the headlands of Ari Burnu to the north and Little Ari Burnu, known as Hell Spit, to the south. Following the landing at Anzac Cove, the beach became the main base for the Australian and New Zealand troops for the eight months of the Battle of Gallipoli.

Overnight at Sultanhan (4*).

Airport transfer with your private car and driver.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport).