A study in contradictions, Turkey is a nation with multiple identities. Straddled between the East and West,
Turkey embodies characteristics of the Middle East as well as Europe. This 9 day roller coaster ride around
Turkey includes a performance by whirling dervishes, cruising along the magical Bosphorus river, exploring the
Old City of Istanbul and the mesmerizing landscape of Cappadocia, food tours with local guides, horse rides
through valleys of Goreme, discovering the art scene in Istanbul, soaking in the rustic chic vibe of the old Greek
village of Alaçatı and perhaps even a windsurfing lesson, marveling at the ruins at Ephesus. Stays will be in
boutique hotels and homestays in Istanbul and Alaçatı and in a cave hotel in Cappadocia. Come along and
savour the delights the Turkey has to offer.
Trip essence:
History| Culture| Adventure| Photography| Local food| Boutique stays
Highlights of the trip:
- A performance by whirling dervishes in an atmospheric setting
- A guided walking tour of the Old City of Sultanahmet in Istanbul
- Cruise along the magical Bosphorus river
- Discovering the Asian and European side of Istanbul on an amazing guided food tour
- Living in a luxurious cave in Cappadocia
- Hot air ballooning over Cappadocia’s unique landscape
- Horse riding through vineyards, valleys and volcanic stone hills in Goreme
- A windsurfing lesson in the quaint town of Alaçatı
- A guided tour of the magnificent ruins at Ephesus
- Diving into Istanbul’s art scene with a guided gallery walk
This is how the trip plan looks:
Day 1, 26th September: Arrival in Istanbul
Reach Istanbul by mid day and check into your beautiful stay. You have the day at leisure to discover the
beautiful city of Istanbul. In the evening, we make our way to catch a transcendent performance of the whirling
dervishes.
Meals: None
Experiences: Be enthralled by a performance of the whirling dervishes
Day 2, 27th September: Istanbul – The Old City Tour
From Byzantium to Constantinople and finally Istanbul, the Old City of Sultanahmet represents the history of
Istanbul spanning over thousands of years. We head out today for a guided tour of the Old City of Turkey
encompassing Hagia Sofia, Blue Mosque, Egyptian Obelisks, Topkapi Palace and the Rustem Pasha Mosque.
This is one tour you are going to remember for a long time to come!
Meals: Breakfast
Experiences: A guided tour of the Old City
Day 3, 28th September: Istanbul – The market tour
Get ready to wander off the tourist track and get a closer understanding of Turkish life through the renowned
Two Markets, Two Continents. This tour focuses on exploring the eateries in local markets in the European side’s
Karaköy neighborhood and the Asian side’s Kadıköy, tied together by a Bosphorus crossing.
For those not inclined to go for the food tour, take a 2 hour cruise on the magical Bosphorus river and spend the
day at leisure exploring Istanbul.
Meals: Breakfast| Lunch and all food items consumed as part of the Two Markets, Two Continents tour (if added)
Experiences: Bosphorus cruise| Two Markets, Two Continents tour (add on)
Day 4, 29th September: Istanbul to Cappadocia (1.5 hours by flight plus 1 hour by road)
We fly to the city of Kayseri from Istanbul and head to Cappadocia by road. After settling into a beautiful cave
hotel, we head out for a guided walking tour of Cappadocia, covering Uchisar Castle, Pigeon Valley and Rose
Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum among other sights.
Meals: Breakfast
Experiences: A walking tour of Cappadocia| Stay in a cave hotel
Day 5, 30th September: Cappadocia to Alaçatı (via Izmir by overnight bus)
In the morning, venture out for an amazing hot air balloon ride to catch the sunrise over the surreal landscape of
Cappadocia, dotted with valleys, unique rock formations and ravines. Those who are not comfortable with
heights can go for a guided horse riding tour, where you will travel through some of the most beautiful valleys
in Cappadocia. Ride among the apple, apricot, walnut orchards as well as vineyards. The trails wind up through
volcanic stone hills passing many beautiful fairy chimneys and churches along the way – with breathtaking
vistas on mountaintops and unique landscapes in every direction. After your morning adventures, we check out
from the hotel and you have till afternoon at leisure to explore the city by yourself and get some lunch. Early
evening, we make our way back to Kayseri to board the bus which will take us to the beautiful town of Alaçatı on
the western coast.
Meals: Breakfast
Experiences: Hot air ballooning (add on)| Horse riding through valleys (add on)
Day 6, 1st October: Alaçatı
We arrive in Izmir at 8 am and head to Alaçatı, a charming old Greek village, which is an hour’s drive from Izmir.
Untouched my mass tourism, Alaçatı is a real gem on the Aegean coast. After a heady tour till now, today is a day
to relax, walk through the winding lanes of Alaçatı and experience rustic-chic first hand. For those still hungry for
adventure, Alaçatı is one of the best spots for wind surfing so you can consider signing up for a beginners lesson
for a fun experience.
Meals: Breakfast
Experiences: Exploring Alaçatı| Windsurfing lesson (add on)
Day 7, 2nd October: Alaçatı-Ephesus (by road) and Ephesus-Istanbul (by flight)
We check out from Alaçatı and make our way back to Izmir. At Izmir, our guide will pick us up to start our
journey to explore the ancient Greek city of Ephesus. Walk through history along marble streets lined with
wonderful public buildings, among them the Baths of Scholastica, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian
and The Grand Theater are two of the most impressive buildings in Ephesus. Tuck into a delicious local lunch
along the way. In the evening, we take a flight back to Istanbul. If history is not your cup of tea, then spend the
day exploring the seaside town of Izmir or stay back in Alaçatı till evening, from where you can reach the Izmir
airport directly.
Meals: Breakfast| Lunch as part of Ephesus tour (if opted for)
Experiences: Full day guided tour of ancient Greek city of Ephesus (add on)
Day 8, 3rd October: Istanbul
You have the day at leisure in Istanbul before we head home the next way. Those interested can join us for a
guided walk of the galleries of Istanbul, with local artists. This tour explores Istanbul’s thriving art scene and
offers a completely different perspective of the city.
Meals: Breakfast
Experiences: Guided art walk (add on)
Day 9, 4th October: Istanbul (return)
Set sail for home, after an incredible Turkish holiday and memories to last a lifetime.
Pictures: http://bit.ly/TurkeyFBPics
Event: http://bit.ly/turkeyTrip
WHAT: Trip to Turkey
WHEN: 26th September – 4th October (Saturday-Sunday)
WHERE: Istanbul – Cappadocia – Alaçatı – Ephesus –Istanbul
HOW MUCH: Rs. 74,800+3.09% govt. tax (per head)