TURKISH TASTE

Our trip begins from Antalya. After arriving at the airport and transferring to the hotel, we spend some time visiting the city, located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.

Today’s exploration will really excite you. First, we will visit Lower Düden Falls, one of the most eye-catching attractions of Antalya. Then, we will get lost in the beauties of Perge Ancient City, one of the most impressive sites in Pamphylia, and then Aspendos, an ancient Greco-Roman city, one of the world’s old theatres, and a UNESCO world heritage sites.

After breakfast and checking out of our hotel, we will go to İzmir (460 km). On the way, we will have a quick detour to visit Ephesus Ancient Theater. Every important city in the Roman Empire had a theater, and the theater in Ephesus is spectacular. This marble structure is one of the most impressive monuments left from Roman times.

İzmir is the third-largest city in Turkey and one of the busiest ports on the Aegean coast. Today, we will go to Kemeralti Market (Turkish: Kemeraltı Çarşısı) for shopping. This colorful area of the city is recognized for its antiques and elegant shops. Tourists will also discover good seafood restaurants here. The next stop is İzmir Archaeological and Ethnography Museum (Turkish: İzmir Etnografya Müzesi). The museum has two levels and a pervasive collection of artifacts, carpets, traditional costumes, ornaments, photographs, and other memorabilia.

This morning, we will drive to İstanbul (480 km). En route, we will have a stop in Bursa and visit the Grand Mosque of Bursa. We will continue to İstanbul. After checking into the hotel and taking some rest, we will have some time to wander around old İstanbul.

Today is the time to stroll in İstanbul’s history. First, we will visit Hagia Sophia Mosque (Turkish: Ayasofya Camii), which is a sacred landmark for Muslims and Christians. This mosque was once a Byzantine church before the Ottomans took control of the city. Basilica Cistern (Turkish: Yerebatan Sarnıcı or Yerebatan Saray), is our next stop. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns beneath the city of İstanbul. Blue Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii) is a majestic place of worship with six exquisite minarets and a series of domes that show the difference between traditional and contemporary Turkish architecture. Spice Market (Turkish: Mısır Çarşısı), is really a must-see in İstanbul with its colorful shops. One of the most notable highlights in this city is Grand Bazaar (Turkish:Kapalı Çarşı), a traditional roofed Turkish market that is one of the oldest and longest markets in the world.

We will check out of the hotel and be transferred to the İstanbul Airport to depart Turkey and fly back home.