11D The Heart of Turkiye

HIGHLIGHTS

Return economy class airfare with airport taxes & fuel charges

Accommodation, meals & transfers as per the itinerary

Licensed tour guide & driver

Sightseeing & admission fees as per itinerary

Complimentary basic travel insurance plan for Singapore citizens / residents / employment pass holders

ITINERARY

DAY 1: SINGAPORE - ISTANBUL

Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Note:

Travellers flying by Singapore Airlines will assemble on the night of Day 1. However, the flight only departs after midnight. Travellers flying by TK209 day flight, you will arrive in the evening of Day 1 and transfer to hotel after dinner.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL - KUSADASI

Highlights:

Sirince

Upon arrival in Istanbul, set off Kusadasi, also known as the charming resort town in the Aegean coast. Along the way, unveil scenic landscapes, leading to the vibrant streets and markets of Sirince, a picturesque Turkish village with cobblestone streets an enticing local shop. Spend the rest of your day at leisure.

Note:

Depending on circumstances, overnight accommodation may be in Izmir instead of Kusadasi.

DAY 3: KUSADASI - SELCUK - KUSADASI

After breakfast, drive to Selcuk where you will explore Ephesus, one of the largest archaeological sites in existence. You will find structures such as the Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, Marble Street and Agora. Visit the House of Virgin Mary in Ephesus, believed to be her final dwelling. Feel the spiritual aura at this revered pilgrimage site, exploring the rich Christian history associated with Mary and Jesus.

DAY 4: KUSADASI - PAMUKKALE

Highlights:

Turkish Leather Showroom, Ancient City of Hierapolis, Cotton Castle

Visit a Turkish leather showroom, before departing to Pamukkale. View the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis and explore Pamukkale travertines commonly known as Cotton Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, made up of fascinating white terraces and pools created by calcareous hot spring waters flowing. After dinner, you may wish toenjoy an authentic thermal bath at your own expense.

DAY 5: PAMUKKALE - KONYA - CAPPADOCIA

Highlights:

Caravanserai

Travel to Cappadocia via Konya and visit an ancient Caravanserai. Exploring their historical significance, and insights into the past, that occurred along ancient trade routes. Head to Cappadocia, which boasts a unique landscape sculpted by the wind, sun, rain and snow.

Seasonal Bonus:

During June, cherry picking in Konya. During mid of September to mid of October grapes picking grapes in Cappadocia.

DAY 6: CAPPADOCIA

Highlights:

Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, Carpet Factory and Showroom, Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar, Underground City, Local Jewellery Shop, Belly and Folk-dance performance

Enjoy a full–day tour of Cappadocia. Make photo stops at Pigeon Valley and the foot of Uchisar Castle. Thereafter, visit a carpet factory and showroom and learn about the art of weaving Turkish carpets. Explore Goreme Open Air Museum, a compound comprising 29 rock–cut churches including some that date back to the 6th century. Next, proceed to Uchisar, an old village comprising small dwellings carved into a massive rock. If time permits, you may visit one of the homes in the contemporary village. Explore Underground City, one of the largest underground cities in Türkiye, said to have existed since the Hittite period. Thereafter, visit a local jewellery shop where you can buy handcrafted natural stone creations. Complete your evening with a belly and folk-dance performance.

DAY 7: CAPPADOCIA - ANKARA - BOLU

Highlights:

Ataturk Mausoleum

After breakfast, depart for Ankara, capital of Türkiye. Visit Ataturk Mausoleum, the final resting place of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk who was regarded as the father of modern Türkiye. Thereafter, head to Bolu.

Note:

Ataturk Mausoleum will be closed to visitors on 10 Nov every year to commemorate the nation’s founding leader death anniversary. Should your visit falls on the day or any day where public admission to the Mausoleum is not allow, will be replaced with visit to The Anatolian Civilisations Museum.

Depending on circumstances, overnight accommodation may be in Ankara instead of Bolu.

DAY 8: BOLU - ISTANBUL

Highlights:

Maiden's Tower

Return to Istanbul and explore the charming Uskudar district. Visit Maiden's Tower, an iconic symbol of the city, stands alone on a small island, creating a mysterious and romantic atmosphere. Renowned as one of Türkiye’s most Instagrammable places, climb its stairs for a mesmerizing 360-degree view of Istanbul, revealing an undeniably stunning new facet of the city's beauty. Don't miss this captivating experience! Thereafter, you may take an optional tour on a Bosphorus cruise to enjoy the unique experience cruising between the 2 continents of Asia and Europe, at your own expense. Tonight, check in to Chan Brothers Exclusive Hotel Vialand Palace Hotel, all suite room hotel located within Vialand Shopping & Entertainment World.

Note:

In the event where Vialand Palace Hotel is unavailable, your accommodation in Istanbul will be upgraded to a 5-star hotel.

DAY 9: ISTANBUL

Highlights:

Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Balat

This morning, Shop at the 500–year–old Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 4,000 stalls and shops selling leather goods, jewellery, handicrafts, ceramics, Turkish coffee and other local products. Visit Blue Mosque, also known as Mosque of Sultanahmet, which boasts a unique feature of 6 minarets. Thereafter, view the remains of Hippodrome which consists of 3 monumental columns and a fountain. If time permits, enjoy some free time around Sultanahmet Camii before proceed to explore the charm of Balat, an off-the-beaten-track neigborhood with its colourful streets and narrow lanes adorned with traditional houses.

Seasonal Bonus:

During April, view Tulips in Gezipark or Emirgan Park or Old City – Sultanahmet. Taste the delicious fish sandwich, a popular local snack, in May, in Golden Horn.

Note:

Grand Bazaar is closed on Sunday and may be closed during religious holidays, and will be replaced with Spice Bazaar.

DAY 10: ISTANBUL - SINGAPORE

Enjoy a leisurely day, or if time permits, consider joining us for an optional tour of in-depth exploration of Istanbul, at your own expense. Thereafter, transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Note:

Travellers flying by Turkish Airline TK 54 will assemble on the night of D9. However, the flight only departs after midnight.