9 Day Private Ancient Wonders of Turkey

Welcome to Turkey! You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you see fit. Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.

Today's itinerary begins with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the grand residence of the Ottoman Empire's sultans. Within its walls, you'll explore the Hagia Irene, an ancient Byzantine church, and the lavish Harem, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of the palace's former inhabitants. We'll continue our journey with stops at the iconic Blue Mosque, renowned for its stunning blue tiles and majestic domes, the St. Sophia Museum, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, and the historic Hippodrome, once the center of chariot races and grand ceremonies in Constantinople. In the afternoon, you have the option to embark on a scenic one-hour Bosphorus cruise aboard a public ferry. As you glide along the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, your guide will bring the surrounding landmarks to life with fascinating stories and historical insights of the area. After the cruise, visit enchanting landmarks like the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Camii. Inspiring Highlights Topkapi Palace Blue Mosque St. Sophia Museum Hippodrome

After breakfast, you'll board your flight to Cappadocia. Once you land, your expert guide will be there to greet you and take you on a fascinating journey through this unique region. Start with the captivating Göreme Valley Open Air Museum, home to ancient rock-hewn churches and frescoes. Then, marvel at the surreal fairy chimneys—tall, cone-shaped rock formations that define the landscape. Next, delve into history as you explore the multi-level underground city, where early civilizations sought refuge. Don't forget to capture the stunning scenery; there are countless photo opportunities at every turn! In the evening, join the optional Turkish folklore event, where you'll be immersed in the rhythms of traditional music, folklore, and the mesmerizing moves of belly dancers. It's an unforgettable cultural experience to cap off your day. Inspiring Highlights Goreme Valley Open Air Museum Fairy Chimneys Kaymakli - Underground City Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on.

Today offers even more opportunities to discover the wonders of Cappadocia. Our journey begins with a visit to Pigeon Valley, named for the countless pigeon houses carved into its rocky cliffs, where you'll take in stunning views of the surreal landscapes that define the region. Next, we'll explore Red Valley, renowned for its dramatic, rose-hued rock formations that glow under the sunlight, creating a truly magical atmosphere. From there, we'll venture to the historic village of Çavuşin, where ancient cave dwellings and a charming church tell stories of a bygone era. Finally, we'll head to Avanos Town, a vibrant hub of craftsmanship situated along the banks of the Kızılırmak River. Here, you'll have the chance to observe skilled artisans at work, creating beautiful handmade pottery—a tradition passed down through generations. Inspiring Highlights Pigeon Valley Red Valley Cavusin Village Avanos Town

We begin our day departing early from Cappadocia, embarking on a scenic drive toward Adıyaman. Along the way, we'll pass through Kahramanmaraş, a city steeped in history and renowned for its local charm, providing a glimpse into the diverse landscapes and cultures of this fascinating region. The highlight of the day is undoubtedly our journey to the majestic Mount Nemrut, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds an extraordinary place in history. This ancient site is home to the Tomb of the Commagene Kingdom and the colossal statues of gods, which stand as silent sentinels atop the mountain. As we ascend to the summit, we'll reach the Tumulus of Antiochos, a breathtaking monument shrouded in mystery and dating back nearly two millennia. Here, we'll pause to witness the sunset, as the hues of the descending sun illuminate the statues and cast a glow over the surrounding peaks. Inspiring Highlights Mount Nemrut Tumulus of Antiochos Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6.5 hours.

After breakfast, we set out on a captivating journey to Şanlıurfa (Urfa), traveling along a scenic route that reveals the diverse beauty of this historic region. Along the way, we'll pass the impressive Atatürk Dam, one of the largest in the world, a testament to Turkey's engineering achievements and a vital source of life for the surrounding areas. Our route also takes us through the ancient town of Harran, a place steeped in history and renowned for its distinctive beehive-shaped mud-brick houses. These unique structures, alongside the remnants of the town's ancient city walls, offer a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era. Upon reaching Şanlıurfa, the journey continues with a visit to the sacred Holy Pools of Abraham, a tranquil site revered for its religious significance. Here, legend intertwines with history, creating an atmosphere of deep reverence. Nearby, we'll explore the cave believed to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham, a location that holds profound spiritual importance and draws visitors from around the world. Inspiring Highlights Atatürk Dam Holy Pools of Abraham Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Our day begins with a visit to Göbekli Tepe, a site of unparalleled historical significance that has revolutionized our understanding of early human civilization. This extraordinary archaeological wonder is home to the world's earliest-known religious structures, dating back an astonishing 11,000 to 13,000 years—long before the advent of pottery, writing, or even iconic landmarks like Stonehenge and the Pyramids. After exploring Göbekli Tepe, our journey continues to the Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum, where mosaics depict vivid scenes of ancient life and mythology, showcasing the artistic mastery of the past. We'll also visit the Kızılkoyun Necropolis, an intriguing collection of ancient rock-cut tombs that offer a window into burial practices of earlier civilizations. Finally, we'll delve deeper into the region's rich history at the Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum, home to a remarkable array of artifacts that tell the story of this region's pivotal role in human history. This day is a treasure trove of discovery, immersing you in the profound legacy of early civilization. Inspiring Highlights Göbekli Tepe Haleplibahçe Mosaic Museum Kızılkoyun Necropolis Şanlıurfa Archaeology Museum

After breakfast, we embark on a picturesque drive to Gaziantep, a city brimming with history and culture, where today's adventure begins. Our first stop is the enchanting town of Halfeti, where a captivating boat trip awaits. As we glide along the tranquil waters, you'll uncover the fascinating story of the sunken city that lies beneath. The serene beauty of this unique setting creates an unforgettable experience. Following this, we'll visit the renowned Zeugma Mosaic Museum, a true gem for history and art enthusiasts. This extraordinary museum houses a stunning collection of mosaics meticulously recovered from the ancient city of Zeugma, now partially submerged under the Euphrates. These intricate masterpieces vividly depict scenes of daily life, mythology, and nature, showcasing the exceptional skill and creativity of the artisans of antiquity. As the day comes to an end, we'll fly back to Istanbul, reflecting on a journey filled with history, culture, and remarkable landscapes. Inspiring Highlights Halfeti Sunken City Zeugma Mosaic Museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 20kg (44 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on.

After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to your guide and the unforgettable experiences shared along the way. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationDeparture transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.