Turkey 12-Day Panorama Tour

Depart from Toronto on a deluxe international flight to Türkiye’s largest city – Istanbul. Enjoy gourmet meals and beverages on board.

Upon arrival in Istanbul, head straight to a Bosphorus sightseeing cruise (GOGO Exclusive VIP Private Charter – complimentary for all guests). Sail through the scenic Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, and enjoy breathtaking views from both continents.

After breakfast at the hotel, visit the Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans. After lunch, travel to Safranbolu, a beautiful historic town in the mountains and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The town preserves its Ottoman-era architecture and traditional way of life – with intricately carved wooden houses, winding cobbled alleys, and a tranquil atmosphere.

Climb Hıdırlık Hill for a panoramic view of the town and take photos with the UNESCO World Heritage sign. Explore the charming streets of the old town, where locals puff on hookahs, Turkish mothers chat outside homes, children shyly smile, and lazy cats bask in the sun – a place that will surely steal your heart.

After breakfast, travel to Ankara, the capital of Türkiye, to visit the Atatürk Mausoleum, a memorial to the founding father of modern Türkiye.
Then continue to the iconic landscape of Cappadocia, known for its surreal rock formations shaped by wind, lava, and volcanic ash over centuries.

After breakfast, visit Göreme Open-Air Museum, famous for its ancient cave churches with well-preserved frescoes.
After lunch, explore Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), where you’ll see natural rock formations resembling animals and whimsical shapes.

Then, visit the Fairy Chimneys, tall cone-shaped rocks formed by volcanic ash erosion, resembling natural stone towers with “caps.”

 Later, stop by a local carpet village where all carpets are handwoven using traditional techniques passed down from the Silk Road era, blending Chinese sericulture and Persian craftsmanship.

Dinner is specially arranged at a cave nightclub, with a belly dance and folk music performance – drinks included.

(Optional hot air balloon rides available early mornings on Days 5 and 6, weather permitting.)

After breakfast, visit an underground city, originally built by early Christians. These cities are impressively equipped with food storage areas, wine cellars, churches, ventilation shafts, and escape tunnels for defense.

Continue to Lake Tuz (Salt Lake) – a vast salt flat. If it has recently rained, you may witness the famous “Mirror of the Sky” effect.

Proceed to Konya, a city with rich religious and cultural heritage.

After breakfast, travel to one of Türkiye’s most famous natural wonders – Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”), known for its unique white calcium terraces that resemble fluffy cotton. The natural hot springs maintain a constant temperature of 36–38°C year-round. Even during the Roman Empire, European nobles journeyed here seeking its healing properties.

Enjoy over 3 full hours at Pamukkale to explore this world-class natural marvel. You may walk through the flowing warm waters or visit the legendary Cleopatra’s Pool, a Roman hot spring famed for its beauty and historic ambiance. In the evening, relax in the hotel’s natural hot spring pool – don’t forget to bring your own swim cap for hygiene reasons.

After breakfast, travel to the charming Aegean resort town of Kusadasi.
Then, visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most important archaeological sites of the Mediterranean. Marvel at its intricately carved marble structures, the grand amphitheater, one of the three largest libraries of the ancient world, the marble-paved streets, the Temple of Hadrian, the ancient brothel, and sophisticated public latrines.

After lunch, pass by the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Next, visit a local Turkish leather center, known for its high-quality lambskin (also called “silk leather”) – fine craftsmanship you shouldn’t miss.
Then head to the House of the Virgin Mary, now a Catholic pilgrimage site.

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Pergamon, once the capital of a Roman-Greek kingdom.
(Cable car ride included at no extra cost.)
Located high on a mountain, Pergamon is home to remarkable ruins, including the steepest ancient theater in the world.

After lunch, continue to Troy, the legendary setting of the Trojan War.
See the iconic Wooden Horse and visit ruins from multiple ancient cities built on this historic site.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the ancient city of Bagmen from the Roman and Greek periods ( with a tour bus ride ) . This was once the capital of the empire. This ancient city is located on the top of a high mountain, and many buildings remain. The most famous one is the world’s most tilted theater. After lunch, we will go to the ancient city in the famous Greek myth “The Trojan Horse”. The legendary super-large wooden horse and the ruins of the ancient city from different periods. Stay at the five-star Kolin Hotel or equivalent.

After breakfast, return to Türkiye’s largest city – Istanbul.
Enjoy lunch at a well-known city restaurant.

You may choose to join an optional tour (self-paid) to visit the Dolmabahçe Palace, also known as the Crystal Palace, which used 35 tons of gold and 40 tons of silver in its decoration. This extravagant palace boasts world-class oil paintings, handcrafted silk carpets, rosewood and sandalwood floors, elegant staircases, a 4.5-ton crystal chandelier, 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 Turkish baths, and 68 bathrooms. It served as the residence of the last six Ottoman sultans and stands as a grand symbol of the empire’s former glory.

In the afternoon, visit the Basilica Cistern, a magnificent and mysterious underground palace that is a haven for photography enthusiasts.
(Included for all guests – complimentary bonus experience!)

After breakfast, visit the Hippodrome, once the center of Byzantine public life. The square is home to three ancient monuments: the Egyptian Obelisk (over 3,000 years old), the Serpent Column (celebrating the defeat of the Persians), and the Column of Constantine (Roman Empire era).

Then, visit the Blue Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, and the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture renowned for its stunning golden mosaics.

In the afternoon, shop at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets with over 3,000 shops offering a wide array of traditional crafts and souvenirs.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to Toronto.