Home / Europe, Turkey Tours / Culture & Historical
9 day(s)
Private
1-40 people
easy
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey across 8
fascinating Turkish cities in just 9 days. This all-in-one program combines
the rich history of Ankara, the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia,
the lush green highlands of Trabzon, Ayder, and Uzungöl, and the
cosmopolitan charm of Istanbul. Along the way, discover the Ottoman
legacy in Bursa, and enjoy the natural wonders of Sapanca &
Maşukiye. From the majestic Ataturk Mausoleum in Ankara to the dreamlike
valleys of Cappadocia, from sipping tea in Black Sea villages to sailing on
a magical Bosphorus Dinner Cruise, this itinerary blends culture,
nature, and adventure. Perfect for travelers seeking variety, comfort, and
authentic Turkish experiences, it’s the ultimate introduction to Türkiye’s
beauty.
Duration
9 day(s)
Max Group Size
1-40 people
Tour Code
T8CTI
Departure Type
scheduled
Tour Category
Culture & Historical
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Operated In
Age Requirement
11 - 99

Ankara
10:00
Istanbul
In the
afternoon, embark on a guided
city tour of Ankara, the heart of modern Türkiye and a city
where ancient heritage meets contemporary spirit:
·
Walk
among the ruins of the Temple
of Augustus and admire the Julian Column, symbols of the Roman
presence in Anatolia.
·
Step
into history at the Roman
Baths, an open-air archaeological site reflecting daily life of
ancient times.
·
Enjoy
panoramic views over the city from the historic Ankara Castle, a landmark standing proudly
since medieval times.
·
Conclude
the tour with a moving visit to the Ataturk
Mausoleum (Anıtkabir), resting place of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk,
founder of the Republic of Türkiye.
In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. Overnight stay in Ankara
? Optional
Experience – Hot Air Balloon Ride
Begin your day at sunrise with an unforgettable
Hot Air Balloon flight (optional, pre-booking required). Float
silently above the valleys and fairy chimneys, watching the first light of day
transform Cappadocia into a golden dreamscape — a truly once-in-a-lifetime
experience.
Tour
Highlights:
·
Pasabag (Monk’s Valley): Walk among giant fairy
chimneys with twin and triple rock caps, once home to hermit monks seeking
solitude.
·
Devrent (Imagination Valley): Discover a natural
rock gallery where centuries of wind and rain have shaped stones into animals,
mythological figures, and whimsical shapes.
·
Avanos Village: Explore this charming
riverside town famous for its pottery tradition dating back to Hittite times —
watch local artisans at work and perhaps try your hand at the wheel.
·
Underground City (Kaymaklı or Derinkuyu): Venture deep
underground into a labyrinth of tunnels, kitchens, chapels, and storage rooms.
These incredible subterranean settlements once sheltered entire communities
from invaders.
In the evening, return to Ankara for dinner and rest. Overnight stay in Ankara
Tour
Highlights:
·
Lake Sera Gölü: Take a leisurely
stroll by this tranquil lake, framed by forested hills — a perfect spot for
photos and fresh mountain air.
·
Trabzon Hagia Sophia Museum: Admire one of the
finest Byzantine-era churches in Anatolia, richly decorated with remarkable
frescoes and mosaics.
·
Ataturk Mansion: Step inside the
elegant villa presented to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, beautifully set among flower
gardens and filled with historical memorabilia.
·
Old City & Bazaar: Wander through the
lively bazaars and cobbled streets of Trabzon, where you’ll find spices, dried
teas, silverware, and a taste of authentic Black Sea life.
In the
evening, enjoy dinner at your hotel. Overnight
stay in Trabzon.
Tour
Highlights:
·
Ayder Waterfalls: Marvel at cascading
streams tumbling down forested slopes, creating postcard-perfect scenery at
every turn.
·
Tea Plantations & Wooden Houses: Visit lush tea fields
and traditional Black Sea wooden homes, experiencing the simple charm of
highland village life.
·
Adventure on the Fırtına River: For thrill-seekers,
optional activities include rafting
through rushing mountain waters or trying a zipline ride across the valley for an
unforgettable adrenaline rush.
Return to Trabzon in the evening. Dinner will be served at your hotel. Overnight stay in Trabzon
Tour
Highlights:
·
Sürmene Knife Workshop: Visit the town of
Sürmene, renowned for its hand-forged knives. Watch local artisans demonstrate
this centuries-old craft and see why these blades are prized across Türkiye.
·
Local Tea Factory: Step inside a working
tea factory to learn how Black Sea tea is grown, harvested, and processed — and
enjoy a tasting of the region’s freshest brews.
·
Uzungöl Lake: Take in the stunning
beauty of the lake surrounded by towering peaks and waterfalls. Stroll along
the shores, capture postcard-worthy photos, and soak up the tranquility.
·
Free Time: Relax in cozy cafés
overlooking the water, breathe the crisp mountain air, or enjoy a gentle walk
through the lakeside paths.
Return to
Trabzon in the evening. Dinner and overnight
stay in Trabzon.
Evening
Highlight:
·
Embark
on a magical Bosphorus
Dinner Cruise, sailing between two continents — Europe and
Asia.
·
Savor
a delicious Turkish dinner while admiring illuminated palaces, bridges, and
waterfront mansions.
·
Experience
a vibrant cultural show on board, featuring folk dances, whirling dervishes, and traditional belly
dance performances that bring the spirit of Türkiye to life.
After the
cruise, return to your hotel. Overnight
stay in Istanbul.
Tour
Highlights:
·
Historical Plane Tree (İnkaya Çınarı): Stand beneath the
shade of this legendary tree, more than 600 years old, a living monument of
Bursa’s past.
·
Uludağ Mountain: Take the scenic cable car ride up the
slopes of Uludağ, one of Türkiye’s most famous peaks. In winter, enjoy
snow-covered landscapes and optional skiing activities; in summer, breathe the
fresh alpine air and admire panoramic views.
·
Silk Bazaar & Local Tastes: Explore Bursa’s
traditional Silk Bazaar,
once part of the Silk Road trade. Sample regional specialties such as Bursa honey and sweet chestnut delights
(kestane şekeri).
In the
evening, return to Istanbul. Dinner and overnight
stay in Istanbul.
Tour
Highlights:
·
Sapanca Lake: Stroll along the
peaceful lakeshore, enjoy the stunning reflections of the surrounding hills,
and take in the fresh air of this tranquil setting.
·
Maşukiye Village: Experience the charm
of this picturesque village, famous for its waterfalls, wooden houses, and lush
green landscapes.
·
Optional Adventures: For those seeking
excitement, try an ATV
safari, glide across the valley on a zipline, or enjoy a
relaxing horse ride
through the forest.
Return to Istanbul in the evening. Dinner and overnight stay in Istanbul
At the
scheduled time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Istanbul Airport for
your international flight home.
2 nights in Ankara – Alya Boutique Hotel
3 nights in Trabzon – Sky Hill Hotel
3 nights in Istanbul – Farina Hotel By Cigno or smiller
Professional English-speaking licensed guides
8 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast & dinner
All airport & intercity transfers in private
vehicles
Entrance fees to museums & attractions per
itinerary
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise with cultural shows (with soft drinks)
Uludağ Mountain cable car tickets
International flights
Domestic flights (Ankara → Trabzon, Trabzon → Istanbul)
Hot Air Balloon in Cappadocia (optional, pre-booking
recommended)
Lunches & beverages
Tips for guide & driver
Travel insurance
Exclusions