Turkey 8 Cities Tour Itinerary (9 Days / 8 Nights)

(Dinner Included)
Welcome to Türkiye! Upon arrival at Ankara Esenboğa Airport, you will be greeted by your TravelShopBooking representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in and a short rest.

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

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
Rise early for a journey into one of the world’s most enchanting landscapes — Cappadocia. After breakfast, drive through the Anatolian plains (approx. 3.5 hours) to reach this land of fairy tales, where surreal rock formations and ancient history blend into unforgettable scenery.

? 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

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
After breakfast, transfer to Ankara Airport for your domestic flight to Trabzon, the jewel of Türkiye’s Black Sea region. Upon arrival, meet your guide and begin a scenic city tour blending natural beauty, Byzantine heritage, and local culture.

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.

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
This morning, set off on a full-day excursion to the breathtaking Ayder Plateau, one of the most beloved corners of the Black Sea, nestled in the verdant Kaçkar Mountains. Known for its alpine scenery, fresh mountain air, and rich culture, Ayder offers a perfect escape into nature.

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

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to the enchanting Uzungöl Lake, one of Türkiye’s most photographed natural wonders. Nestled among pine-covered mountains and misty valleys, this alpine paradise offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere.

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.

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
After breakfast, transfer to Trabzon Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time to relax.

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.

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
This morning, set off on a full-day excursion to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire and a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty.

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.

(Breakfast & Dinner Included)
After breakfast, depart for a refreshing nature escape to Sapanca & Maşukiye, two of the most beloved countryside getaways near 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

(Breakfast Included)
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy some free time in the heart of Istanbul. Stroll through Taksim Square and along the vibrant Istiklal Street, where you can shop for souvenirs, taste local street foods, or simply soak up the lively atmosphere of this iconic district.

At the scheduled time, meet your driver for a private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight home.