Highlights of Turkey

Fight from Chicago to Istanbul.

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, after meeting with your guide, you will be transferred to the hotel for rest.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel

Visit The Spice Bazaar,( Mısır Çarşısı, meaning "Egyptian Bazaar") one of the most lively places in Istanbul, was built in the 1660s as part of the New Mosque complex. It is one of the oldest covered bazaars in Istanbul. The bazaar was named Spice Bazaar because it sold spices, medicinal plants and similar products from Egypt. During the Ottoman period, herbal medicines were prepared and sold in accordance with old prescriptions. Today, traditional delicacies such as spices, herbal teas, dried nuts, dried fruits, pestil and Turkish delight, as well as jewelery, fabrics, baskets and various souvenirs are available in the Spice Bazaar.

Bosphorus Tour : A Bosphorus cruise in Istanbul is a popular and exciting way to explore the city's iconic waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Visitors can take a guided boat tour from one of the many departure points along the Bosphorus and enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul's skyline and historic landmarks. Along the way, visitors will pass by many famous attractions such as the Galata Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace and the iconic Bosphorus Bridge. Many tours also include stops at charming fishing villages and traditional markets, allowing visitors to experience the local culture and cuisine. As the boat passes by historic mansions and palaces, tour guides provide informative commentary on Istanbul's rich history and culture. A Bosphorus cruise is a great way to experience the city from a unique perspective and is a must-do activity for anyone visiting Istanbul.

Çamlıca Hill is an eye-catching high point that is recognised as one of the important symbols of Istanbul and contributes to the city's skyline. Located on the southern shore of the Bosphorus, Çamlıca Hill has both historical and spiritual significance. At the top of the hill is the Çamlıca Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Istanbul. It is also possible to enjoy spectacular views of Istanbul from this hill, which has made Çamlıca Hill a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike.

Beylerbeyi Palace: There are endless places to visit in Istanbul and historical buildings to be seen in Istanbul. One of these historical buildings that should be seen in Istanbul is Beylerbeyi Palace. Beylerbeyi Palace is an important building that adorns the silhouette of the Bosphorus.

Beylerbeyi Palace, located in Üsküdar, was built as a resort. However, it was also positioned as a state guesthouse where monarchs could be hosted. The palace was built between 1861 and 1876 by the order of Sultan Abdülaziz. Located on a rectangular and 2.5000 square metre area, the building has 1 bathroom, 1 bath, 24 rooms and 6 halls on both floors. It is possible to see the blends of Eastern and Western styles in the palace.

Sultanahmet (Blue Mosque) : The Blue Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a stunning mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built in the early seventeenth century during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I and is famous for its impressive architecture and the beautiful blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. The mosque has a central dome and six tall minarets that can be seen from many points in the city. It is recommended to bring a scarf with you when visiting the Blue Mosque.

Obelisk & Hippodrome : The Theodosius Obelisk is a tall, ancient Egyptian obelisk located in the Hippodrome in Istanbul, Turkey. It was brought to Istanbul during the reign of Emperor Theodosius in the fourth century and stands in the centre of the Hippodrome, a historic area once used for chariot races and other public events. The obelisk is covered with intricate carvings depicting scenes from Egyptian mythology and history. The Hippodrome and the Obelisk of Theodosius are popular tourist attractions in Istanbul, offering visitors a glimpse into the city's rich historical and cultural heritage. 

Afterwards we will visit Hagia Sophia, the eighth wonder of the world. Hagia Sophia is a historical landmark in Istanbul, Turkey. Originally built as a cathedral in the sixth century, it was later converted into a mosque and today serves as a museum. Visitors are required to wear appropriate clothing when entering, including head and shoulders coverings. It is advisable to bring a scarf with you when visiting Hagia Sophia, as it is a respectful and appropriate way to cover your head during your time inside. Hagia Sophia's beautiful architecture and rich history make it a must-see for anyone visiting Istanbul.

Topkapi Palace : Topkapi Palace is a historic site in Istanbul, Turkey, which served as the main residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans for over four centuries. Visitors can explore the palace's courtyards, rooms and museums, such as the Harem and the Treasury, and enjoy spectacular views of the Bosphorus. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Topkapi Palace is a popular attraction for tourists and history buffs.

The Süleymaniye Mosque, built between 1551-1558 by the world-famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan on the orders of the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, is an architectural masterpiece. Suleymaniye Mosque was built as a part of the Suleymaniye Complex, which consists of madrasas, library, hospital, sanatorium, bathhouse, imaret, hazire and shops. 

This mosque, which creates feelings of admiration in those who see it, has 4 minarets of 75 metres in height, each with 3 balconies, and the dome of the mosque is 53 metres high.

The Grand Bazaar is a bustling bazaar in the old city of Istanbul with more than 4,000 shops selling a variety of goods. It is a must-see for visitors who want to experience the rich history and culture of the city. 

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Istanbul Airport to fly to Ankara. When we arrive at Ankara Airport, we will continue the tour by private vehicle.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations consists of two Ottoman buildings on the southeastern edge of the outer wall of the Ankara Castle, which have been given new functions. One of these buildings is the Mahmut Pasha Bedesteni and the other is the Kurşunlu Han.

It is estimated that Mahmut Pasha Bedesteni was built between 1464-1471 by Mahmut Pasha, one of the chief viziers of the Fatih period. Both buildings were converted into museums after many years of renovation works in order to exhibit the artefacts collected from Anatolia at the request of Atatürk.

The Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, which has come to the present day with its historical buildings and deep-rooted history, was selected first among 68 museums in Lausanne, Switzerland on 19 April 1997 and was awarded the title of "Museum of the Year in Europe".

Today, in the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations, which is among the world's leading museums with its unique collections, Anatolian archaeological artefacts are exhibited in a chronological order starting from the Paleolithic Age to the present day. 

After visiting this, we will continue to drive to Cappadocia.

Uchisar Castle : It is the only place where Erciyes and Hasan Mountain can be seen together. The best place to see Mount Erciyes, the creator of the Cappadocia Region, is Uçhisar Castle. Since the Roman period, it has been carved into many rooms, houses, shelters, warehouses, cisterns, tombs, cellars, and has been an important defense point against Arab raids. Large stone cannonballs were kept on it for defense against attackers. Uçhisar Castle, which was used both as a surveillance fortress and a defense fortress, maintained its importance during the Seljuk and Principalities periods. Built on the highest points of the region, Başhisar (Ürgüp), Ortahisar and Uçhisar castles were the three most important protection points of Nevşehir during the Seljuk period. In the first census in 1530, it was determined that approximately 3 thousand people lived in Uchisar. It was inhabited in and around it until the 1960s.

Paşabağ, also known as the Valley of the Monks, is a unique and fascinating destination in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. It is characterized by stunning cone-shaped rock formations known as "fairy chimneys", which were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. These formations are filled with small cave houses, some of which were used by monks and hermits in the past. Visitors to Paşabağ can explore the area on foot, take in the surrounding scenery and admire the intricate details of the fairy chimneys up close. One of the highlights of a visit to Paşabağ is the opportunity to climb to the top of one of the fairy chimneys, where visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the valley and nearby vineyards. Overall, Paşabağ is a must-see for anyone visiting Cappadocia, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, history and culture.

Kaymakli Underground City. It is an ancient city in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. The city is carved into soft volcanic tuff rock and consists of underground tunnels, chambers and passages on various levels, which were used as shelter and defense in times of war. Dating back to the Hittite period, the city was expanded and used by early Christians to escape persecution. Visitors can explore the labyrinth-like underground city and see the various living quarters, kitchens, ventilation shafts and wells used by its inhabitants. The city also features a large stone gate that can be closed from the inside to protect its inhabitants from invaders. Kaymakli Underground City is one of the largest and best preserved underground cities in Cappadocia and is a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in ancient history and culture.

Göreme is a town in the Nevşehir District. It is well known for its fairy chimneys, eroded rock formations, many of which were hollowed out in the Middle Ages to create Christian churches, houses and underground cities. 

Göreme sits at the heart of a network of valleys filled with astonishing rock formations. Being a centre of early Christianity, it also has the most painted churches, as well as hermitages and monasteries, in Cappadocia. When the nearby Göreme Valley was designated as the most important tourist centre for Cappadocia, the village's name was changed to Göreme for practical reasons.

Once an agricultural settlement, modern Göreme is best known for its flourishing tourism industry, in particular for its hot air balloon rides, and many boutique hotels created out of old cave homes, in addition to ecclesiastical structures connected to its early Christian heritage. The village sits within the Göreme National Park which was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985.

Avanos is a district of Nevşehir Province. The name of the settlement, which is 18 km north of Nevşehir, was Venessa, Zuwinasa or Ouenasa in the Ancient Period. In the district, where there are many pottery workshops, the tradition of ceramic making has been going on since the Hittites.

The marble sarcophagus unearthed in a Roman cemetery near Avanos, just on the banks of the Kızılırmak River, is interesting as it is the only sarcophagus ever found in the central Cappadocia region. The sarcophagus was discovered by chance in 1971.

The Mevlana Museum is a museum in Konya, which has been operating since 1926 in the complex of buildings that used to be Mevlana's lodge. It is also referred to as the "Mevlana Tomb".

Mevlana Jalāl al-Dīn al-Rūmī, Jalāl al-Dīn Muhammad Rumi, or commonly known as Mevlana or Rumi (September 30, 1207 - December 17, 1273), was a Persian mystic, theologian and Sufi mystical poet who lived in Anatolia in the 13th century. Mevlana's influence transcends national boundaries and ethnic divisions: his spiritual legacy has been widely appreciated for the last seven centuries by Iranians, Tajiks, Turks, Greeks, Pashtuns, Muslims of Central Asia and the Indian subcontinent. His poetry has been widely translated into most of the world's languages and put into various forms. Mawlana has been described as the "most popular poet" and "best-selling poet" in the United States.

The ancient city of Hierapolis is an archaeological site in southwestern Turkey, near the modern city of Pamukkale. The city was founded by the Pergamon kings in the 2nd century BC and served as a center of culture, religion and education in the region. It was also known for its hot springs, believed to have healing properties. Visitors to the area can explore the ruins of the city, including its impressive theater, necropolis and ancient baths. One of the most striking features of Hierapolis is the nearby natural wonder of Pamukkale, a series of terraced hot springs formed over thousands of years, creating stunning white mineral formations. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area is a popular destination for tourists and history buffs.

Aphrodisias is the common name of several ancient cities dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite. The most famous of the cities named Aphrodisias (or Aphrodisias) is the ancient Greek city of Geyre, located in the Geyre neighborhood of the Karacasu district of the Karacasu district of the Aydin province in southwestern Anatolia, in the ancient Caria region. Geyre was moved after archaeological excavations began.

Included on the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 2009, Aphrodisias was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2017.

Founded in the 5th century BC, the city developed during the Roman Empire, became an important center of art, especially sculpture, between the 1st century BC and the 5th century AD, and became famous for the temple of Aphrodite and the ceremonies held in the name of Aphrodite.

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of Turkey's most impressive and best-preserved archaeological sites. Located in the Aegean Region, near the town of Selçuk, Ephesus was once a bustling metropolis and the center of commerce, culture and spirituality of the ancient world. Visitors to the area can explore the ruins of great public buildings, temples and houses, including the magnificent Library of Celsus and the 25,000-seat Great Theater. Other important structures include the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the Terrace Houses, where the wealthy residents of Ephesus lived. The area is also home to the Basilica of St. John and the House of the Virgin Mary, both important pilgrimage sites for Christians. With its rich history and impressive architecture, the ancient city of Ephesus is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient civilizations and world history.

St. Jean Archaeological Site; Considered one of the most important figures of Christianity, St. John (St. Jean) is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. St. John, also known as "St. John", is thought to have written the "Gospel of John" in Ephesus. The basilica built over St. John's tomb is one of the most important witnesses of the early Christian period.

The Church of St. Jean (St. John), built over the tomb of St. John by the Byzantine emperor Justinian in the 1st century AD, is one of the largest buildings of the period. In the center of the six-domed church is the tomb of St. Jean. The church, whose dome is supported by 12 columns, also has a baptistery dating back to the 4th century AD.

The House of Virgin Mary is a Catholic shrine located in Bülbüldağı, in the vicinity of Ephesus.

Since its discovery, the house has received regular pilgrimages. Anne Catherine Emmerich was consecrated by Pope John Paul II on October 3, 2004. This holy place has been visited by various popes and has received the Patriarchal Blessing. The first pilgrimage was made by Pope Leo XIII in 1896 and the most recent visit was made by Pope Francis in 2014.

The Ancient city of Pergamon: The settlement in Bergama dates back to 3000 BC. 

The first traces of the ancient city of Pergamon date back to the 7th-6th centuries BC. The city was ruled by Persians, Alexander the Great, Pergamon Kingdom, Rome, Menteşeoğulları, Karesi Principality and Ottomans in 1345. After 1402, the city fell under Mongolian rule and in 1425, it again fell under Ottoman rule.

In 2014, the region was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the name "Bergama Multilayered Cultural Landscape Area". The Pergamon Museum in Berlin, opened in 1930, exhibits artifacts from Pergamon, which were unearthed during excavations carried out by German archaeologists in 1879 and later smuggled to this country. Undoubtedly the most impressive work of the museum is the Altar of Zeus.

Troy is one of the most famous ancient cities in the world. The 9 layers at Troy represent more than 3000 years of continuous occupation and allow us to trace the civilizations that settled in this unique geography where Anatolia, the Aegean and the Balkans meet. The earliest level of settlement at Troy dates to the early Bronze Age, 3000-2500 BC, and then the continuously inhabited layers of Troy end with the Roman Period, 85 BC - 8th century AD. Due to its geographical location, Troy has always played a very important role in the commercial and cultural connections of the civilizations that ruled here with other regions. Troy also serves as a reference for other archaeological sites in Europe and the Aegean with its continuous stratification. First excavated in 1871 by Heinrich Schliemann and later by W. Dörpfeld and C.W Blegen, excavations in this magnificent archaeological city are still being carried out by the University of Tübingen.

Transfer to Istanbul airport for your flight to Chicago!