Fantastic Turkey (5 Star Hotels)

Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, look out for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel. At 7:00 PM, gather in the hotel lobby for an informal meeting with your group and guide. Until then, explore Istanbul by climbing to the top of the Galata Tower for epic views or splashing some cash at the Grand Bazaar. After the meeting, join an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.

After breakfast, we begin to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon, take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.

Today we sit back and relax in the coach. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass by. We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hamman (Turkish bath).

It’s time to hit the road to Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes – members of the Sufism order. Along the way, we will stop at Devrent Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. You can relax and replay cherished moments of discovery at our overnight stay in Konya.

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana, also globally known as Rumi. Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet, and theologist of the 13th century, whose teachings of understanding and acceptance have lived on to this day. From cultural to natural wonders, we travel towards the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale. Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

Get your cameras ready, as it is time to visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. In the afternoon, transfer to Denizli Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Your tour ends at Istanbul Airport.