Day 1 | Izmir

This city holds unforgettable tales of heroism, some of which have been adapted into television series, such as the fantastic series "Love Pain," set against the beautiful backdrop of the city during the Greco-Turkish War. Upon arrival at the airport, we will meet our local driver and head to the business district of the city, Gazi Bulvari, and then ascend to a beautiful vantage point overlooking the city near Kadifekale Fortress. From this breathtaking viewpoint, we will observe the city before heading to Kemeralti, considered the largest open-air bazaar in the world. After exploring the market streets, we will check in for an overnight stay and dinner at a hotel with a good tourist rating in Izmir.

Day 2 | Izmir

After breakfast, we will continue to explore the beautiful city of Izmir. Our first stop will be the ancient city center, where we will visit the famous Clock Tower linked to the stories of Sultan Abdul Hamid's reign. We will wander through the streets of the historic Konak district. Continuing our journey, we will ascend the historical Krater Hill elevator to the Jewish quarter, where we can only reach after climbing 155 steps. We will explore the city further, dedicating time to hear the fascinating life story of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Turkish Republic. After an evening meal at a hotel with a good tourist rating in Izmir, we will rest for the night.

Day 3 | Izmir – "Greek Villages" – Pamukkale

This morning, we will leave the beautiful city of Izmir for an unforgettable journey through the western Turkish villages to an area once inhabited by thousands of Greek residents until the population exchanges of the early 20th century. We will visit the picturesque village of Urla and take a short break for lunch in the charming seaside town of Cesme. After a light rest, we will proceed to the Mathematics Village, a small and picturesque village where artists and professors live, teaching practical subjects to young people in a beautiful and educational landscape. Following the tour of the Mathematics Village, we will visit another authentic Greek village, originally, Sirince, where we will stroll through the village streets, taste Tulum cheese, and sample authentic Greek cuisine. After the village tours, we will reach the magnificent natural wonder of Pamukkale, spending the night at a charming local hotel.

Day 4 | The Marvel of Pamukkale

The morning will begin with a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, where we will explore the warm water terraces, the ancient theater, the city's necropolis, and other Roman and Byzantine sites. After familiarizing ourselves with the area, we won't miss the opportunity for a bath in the warm terraces. For the more adventurous, a swim is possible only in the ancient Cleopatra's Pool, where the water temperature reaches about 35 degrees Celsius. After the refreshing experience, we will return to our wonderful hotel located just above the thermal pools.

Day 5 | Pamukkale - Konya

This morning, with a heavy heart (why can't we stay here longer?), we will leave Pamukkale and embark on a journey through the historical Sultanhani Caravanserai, an ancient stopover point on the Silk Road that has witnessed the passage of traders for centuries. We will cross Lake Beysehir and continue to the city of Konya, the center of the Dervishes. Here, we will learn about the life story of Jalal al-Din Rumi, one of the great poets and thinkers in Sufi culture, whose tomb is located in Konya. We will try to understand the phenomenon of the Whirling Dervishes, witness their unique dance, and enjoy a cup of coffee in the elegant Hacı Şeyh and the surrounding picturesque quarter. After the tours in Konya, we will travel to the enchanting village of Çatalhöyük, situated on the banks of a river in a beautiful natural area. We will take a short and easy walk to the city's water sources, hearing the story of the Seljuk Empire that once considered Konya its capital. After the tours in the region, we will return to Konya for overnight stay and dinner.

Day 6 | From Konya to Cappadocia

This morning, we will leave the city of Konya and its final destination and continue on a journey to one of Turkey's top destinations: the region of Cappadocia. Here, natural processes of wind and water erosion on the soft volcanic rock have created natural towers, strange formations, and other fascinating geological phenomena. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, we will embark on a tour of the village of Avanos, known for its pottery, and stroll together along the Street of Poets and Artists to the sculpture of Nasreddin Hodja, considered by many as one of Turkey's greatest poets. After the tour of the sculpture, we will visit the local pottery and sculpture workshops that still operate using traditional methods in the old quarter of the city. We will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then proceed to the river, observing the artistic work along the way and not skipping a visit to the local and picturesque market. Towards sunset, we will embark on a walking route that overlooks the stunning lunar landscapes of the Avanos region, falling in love with the area and heading for an evening stay at the hotel that will host us during our visit to the Cappadocia region.

Day 7 | Lunar Landscapes of Cappadocia

Those interested in a hot air balloon flight above the skies of Cappadocia (a highly recommended but not suitable for everyone experience) will depart early for an unforgettable experience. After the hot air balloon activity, all group members will meet for breakfast at the hotel before heading together to the village of Uchisar, one of the beautiful highlights of the organized tour in Turkey. Here, we will wander through the picturesque village and observe the magnificent castle built inside a giant rock. Those who manage to climb to the top of the castle will be rewarded with a panoramic view. From Uchisar, we will continue our journey to the marvelous village of Goreme, where we will visit the open-air museum and hear the story of the region's first hermit monks. We will conclude the day with a soak in one of the underground cities and proceed to visit a local pottery workshop that continues to operate using traditional methods in the old quarter of the city. After the tours in Cappadocia, we will return to the hotel for an evening stay.

Day 8 | Cappadocia - Istanbul

Today, we will leave the beautiful Cappadocia (it won't be easy...) and continue to the fascinating and grand city of Istanbul, flying from the charming town of Nevşehir. Upon landing at Istanbul's airport, we will head to the city center, where we'll take the cable car to a magnificent viewpoint overlooking the city. There, we will enjoy a cup of hot coffee at Loti Café. After descending from the cable car, we'll explore the picturesque neighborhood of Galata, located not far from the Bosporus Strait. We'll be impressed by the artistic neighborhood and proceed to climb to Çamlıca Hill, also known as the "Hill of the Fiancées," for a panoramic view of the city. From here, we'll descend towards the Grand Bazaar for a stroll through the vibrant market. After the tours, we'll settle into a hotel near Taksim Square for an overnight stay and dinner in the area.

Day 9 | Istanbul

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll embark on a journey to explore the ancient part of one of the most captivating and interesting cities in the world. Starting our tour at the historic center of Istanbul, we'll walk through the small streets of the city and the beautiful gardens adorning the central square to the Blue Mosque. One of the most impressive and beautiful buildings ever constructed, built by Sultan Ahmet in front of the historic Hagia Sophia. We will enter the mosque and be impressed by the blue tiles that came from the city of Iznik in central Turkey. From here, we'll continue to one of the most famous buildings in the world: Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel built by the Byzantine emperors during the golden age of Eastern Christian culture in Europe. We'll get to know the impressive building and hear its historical journey over the years. Afterward, we'll go outside to overlook Topkapi Palace and hear some of the many stories about the many concubines of the Ottoman Empire's sultans over the years. From here, we'll head to the Grand Bazaar for an in-depth tour among the stalls and the historically organized streets according to the market offered by the city's merchants. After this, we'll return to the hotel to freshen up and set out for a cruise on the Bosphorus, combined with dinner against the backdrop of joyful Turkish music to celebrate the end of our short journey.

Day 10 | Istanbul

This morning, we'll dedicate our time to a final tour in the new part of Istanbul, at Taksim Square, the central square of the city. Here, in the city's large square, we'll be impressed by the Turkish society, which is becoming more religious. We'll try to get to know the story of the man defined by the Turks as the "Father of the Turkish Nation," Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, standing next to the impressive monument in the center of the square. We'll stroll between the street stalls of the city, taste a local simit (bagel), and have a cup of tea with the locals, enjoying some free time to wander through the modern streets of Istanbul.