Activities
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Welcome to Turkey! 10 Days from Istanbul to Trabzon across the North of Turkey otherwise known as the Black Sea. Safranbolu offers the historic trading post of all the major trade routes that travelled from India, Arabia and the Orient into Europe. Beautiful and architecturally preserved is a favorite location of our staff. Ankara the capital of Turkey holds all the secrets that founded this great country. We will go to Takat City, one of the most beautiful Anatolian cities of Turkey, and we will witness 900 years of Tokat's history in 900 steps before finishing in Trabzon to discover the secrets of the Byzantine Empire.
Highlights
- Hagia Sophia: A stunning architectural marvel that has served as a church and mosque, now a museum showcasing beautiful mosaics.
- Topkapi Palace: The opulent former residence of Ottoman sultans, filled with treasures and gardens.
- Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue tiles and grand architecture, it remains an active place of worship.
- Abant Lake: A picturesque lake surrounded by lush forests, ideal for picnics, hiking, and nature walks. Nature Park: Explore the tranquil landscape with diverse flora and fauna, perfect for a relaxing retreat. Outdoor Activities: Enjoy activities like horseback riding and cycling around the lake.
- Safranbolu Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Wander through cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved Ottoman houses and charming boutiques. Safranbolu Houses: Visit traditional wooden houses showcasing unique architecture and history. Cinci Han: Explore this historic caravanserai, which offers insight into the town's past as a trade center.
- Ankara Anıtkabir: The mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder of modern Turkey, set in a beautifully landscaped area. Museum of Anatolian Civilizations: Discover a rich collection of artifacts from Turkey's diverse history, including Hittite and Phrygian exhibits. Kocatepe Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Turkey, featuring stunning architecture and a grand interior.
- Hattusa Hattusa Ruins: Explore the ancient capital of the Hittite Empire, with impressive city walls and temples. Lion's Gate: Marvel at the monumental gate featuring lion sculptures, symbolizing strength and protection. Rock Carvings: See ancient carvings that provide insight into Hittite culture and beliefs.
- Tokat Tokat Castle: Visit this historic castle for panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. Gök Medrese: Explore this beautiful historical theological school known for its stunning architecture. Clock Tower: A charming landmark in the city center, reflecting Tokat's historical significance.
- Trabzon Sumela Monastery: A stunning cliffside monastery with breathtaking views and rich history, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. Atatürk Mansion: A beautifully preserved mansion with gardens, showcasing early 20th-century architecture and decor. Trabzon Hagia Sophia: A former church turned mosque, known for its impressive frescoes and architecture.
Itinerary
Welcome to Turkey! Today is your arrival day. Airport transfer from Istanbul Airport and to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
We
depart at 08:30 for the Istanbul city tour. TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the
15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver,
and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous
jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics
of the Prophet Mohammed. SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia
built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE
because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles. HIPPODROME
Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the
Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of
Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to the SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar)
the air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron,
mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. The rest of the evening
is yours to enjoy Istanbul in Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul
Please Note: Hagia Sofia is closed on Mondey, Topkapi Palace closed on
Tuesdays, Grand Bazaar closed on Sundays. If your tour is on one of these days
we would offer you to visit Underground Cistern instead of Hagia Sophia and
Topkapi palace museum, instead of Grand Bazaar you will visit Spice Bazaar.
Grand Spice Bazaar is a unique
atmosphere with reasonable prices for your shopping on many Exotic Spices and
Herbs, Turkish Baklava, Turkish Delights, Turkish Coffee, nuts and fruits,
small souvenirs such as Ceramic Handicrafts, Evil Eyes totems, all naturel
olive oil, soaps and many other goods in Souvenir Shops and stores.
If you would like to visit with
entrance below sites;
Topkapi Palace Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.
Hagia Sophia Museum Entrance Fee. You pay the door price.
The Basilica Cistern Museum Entrance You pay the door price.
Please Note: Please do not forget to
carry Scarf with you because of visiting to Blue Mosque & Haghia Sophia
Mosque.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast at 0900, we depart for Abant Lake. Abant is most probably the most famous lake in Turkey. The lake is at the end of a 22 km drive. The seven kilometer walk around the lake offers a great opportunity to enjoy the area. Those who don't wish to walk can ride horseback or complete the tour on a horse cart. Abant lake is surrounded with pine trees. The manner in which the lake was formed is a topic of discussion. Its deepest point is 45 meters. The countryside is pleasantly different in each season. Water lilies embellish the surface in summer. It is also famous for its trout. Lunch break at a beautiful alfresco restaurant under the trees with BBQ and fresh bread. After lunch, we depart for Safranbolu (from the 13th century to the advent of the railway in the early 20th century, Safranbolu was an important caravan station on the main East-West trade route. The old mosque, the old bath house and Suleyman Pasha Medrese were built in 1322. During its apogee in the 17th century, Safranbolu's architecture influenced urban development throughout much of the Ottoman Empire). On arrival, we will walk through the historical Safranbolu Bazaar continuing on to Cinci Hodja Caravanserai, Cici Hodja Bath House, Kaymakamlar House (Museum). Dinner and overnight in Safranbolu.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast at 09.00, we depart sleepy Safranbolu for Ankara (3 to 4 hours’ drive) On arrival, we will have time for lunch before taking the city tour of Ankara which is the 2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey. On the tour you will visit Ataturk`s (founder of the modern Turkey) Museum and the Ataturk Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight in Ankara.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for Hattusa, which was the capital of Hitites. Hititians where Indo-German Semi European people, they arrived via the Black Sea to north Anatolia at the beginning of 18 th century BC. They used horse carts as their war vehicles which they used during their attack of Ramses the 2nd and they had a big war with the Egyptians and they then made a peace treaty where they wrote on the clay and had 2 women sign it. That was the first peace treaty where woman ever participated. Visiting Yazilikaya which is the ruin of an open air temple of the Hitites where there are rock carvings of the Hitites god and Goddes. We then go to Hattusas, big temple and the city ruins including gates of lion and king. Visiting the summer palace of Hitites and driving to Alacahoyuk that was first capital of Hitites and Hatti civilisation. After lunch we drive to Tokat City. Tokat is a city located in the middle Black Sea region of Anatolia, known for its rich history and ancient sites. As you walk through the city, you can experience life as it was in ancient times by exploring its many historical buildings and landmarks. Dinner and overnight in Tokat City at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
Today, we have a City Tour, we will visit the famous Tokat Castle, two major and awarded Museums (historical and ethnographical) in downtown area along with Wooden Historical Residences all around us. We will witness 900 years of history in 900 steps, world renowned Turkish Baths as well as Clock Tower in downtown. While sightseeing in the city, you will notice the sincere hospitality and honest warmth of the local people. You will also get a chance to visit local shops with very affordable prices for shopping souvenirs. At noon, we will taste the most delicious Tokat Kebaps for lunch that of the reputation has exceeded its borders. Dinner and Overnight in Tokat city at Devecilar Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast at 09.00, we depart for Trabzon. When the Roman Empire was divided into two at the end of the 4th century, Trabzon remained under the sovereignty of the Eastern Roman Empire which later on was called as Byzantine Empire. When relations and wars between the Byzantines and the Arabs started, the Arabs called the people under the Roman Sovereignty as Rum, and the areas under the Roman sovereignty as Diyar-i Rum or Memleket-ul Rum (land of Rums). Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for St. Sophia (Ayasofya), a 13th century church and study its extraordinary collection of Byzantine frescoes, depart for Gulbahar Hatun Mosque, Castle and Ataturk's Mansion (a picturesque hillside retreat), visit Ortahisar Mosque (a Comneni cathedral in the old town). Lunch at a seaside restaurant in Akcaabat. Afternoon, we explore the cobbled stone streets of Trabzon. Drive to Boztepe; enjoy our tea from samovar with the panoramic view of the city. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
(Breakfast and dinner included)
After breakfast, we depart for Sumela Monastery, visit the 4th century Sumela Monastery which clings to a sheer cliff face in a deep forest, relax beside a fast flowing stream at Altindere Valley National Park, lunch, traveling along the Silk Road through the Zigana Mountains (Pontic Alps) will take us to Karaca Cave that is considered to be the most beautiful in Turkey for its colors and formations. Dinner and overnight in Trabzon.
(Breakfast included)
After breakfast, we depart for Trabzon Airport for our domestic flight to Istanbul and then back to home. We hope your tour was a memorable one and we would like to see you in the future in one of our tours again. Have a nice trip back home and thanks for choosing Travelshop Booking.
Trip includes
Included
2 nightshotelaccommodationinIstanbul - 5 Star La Quinta by Wyndham Istanbul
1 night hotel accommodation in Safranbolu - Hilton Garden Inn Hotel
1-night hotel accommodation in Ankara - 4 Star Atalay Hotel
2 night hotel accommodation in Tokat - Deveciler Hanı Luxury Boutique Hotel
3 nights’ hotel accommodation in Trabzon - 5 Star Ramada Plaza by Wyndham
PS: If This hotel list not available at the time of your booking then we will arrange similar other hotel for your group. If you prefer a Different category hotel, there might be an additional cost.
Professional English-speaking tour guides
Guiding Method
Fully guided
Return Airport transfers
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach
Guided Istanbul City Tour
Guided Tour at Lake Abant
Guided Tour in Safranbolu
Guided Tour in Ankara
Guided Tour in Hattusa
Guided Tour in Tokat City
Guided Tour in Trabzon
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
VAT and Hotel Taxex
City Tax
Excluded
International flights and Domestic Flights
Personal expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
City Tax
Personal
expenses: Lunches, extras at hotel or additional meals
Tipping:
Tips for guides and drivers
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