TURKEY DREAM TRIP by LAND

Welcome to your Turkey adventure!

Upon arrival, our team will be at the airport holding the Majesty UK Travel sign to assist you with your transfer to the hotel.

Istanbul, a city rich in history and culture, offers a wealth of stunning sights and memorable experiences. From the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, this dynamic city has something for everyone. Istanbul’s history stretches across thousands of years, evolving from Byzantium to Constantinople, and finally to the Istanbul we know today. Positioned between Europe and Asia, it served as a key stop along the ancient Silk Road, connecting different cultures and histories.

Our journey will guide you through the best of Istanbul, delving into its historical landmarks, lively neighborhoods, and delectable cuisine. Turkish food is a rich blend of Middle Eastern, Asian, and Balkan influences. If time permits, take a stroll through the lively streets and soak in the energy of this city that bridges two continents. Modern Istanbul boasts a thriving food scene and a growing café culture, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy the flavors of the city.

For those arriving on time, our guide will meet you at the hotel reception at 7 p.m. for the welcome meeting. If you wish, there’s an option to head out for dinner afterward. For those opting for a complimentary airport transfer, please note that it will be from Istanbul Airport (IST), about an hour and a half drive, or from Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), approximately two hours depending on traffic.

There are no additional activities planned for today, so you are free to arrive in Istanbul at your convenience.

Please Note

Please ensure that you have your insurance details with you, as it is essential for the trip. Attending the welcome meeting between 6 and 7 p.m. is also crucial, as we will be collecting your insurance information and emergency contact details during this time. If you expect to be late, kindly inform your travel agent or hotel reception. For more details on the meeting location, you can check with reception or look for a notice in the lobby.

Accommodation
Hotel - 5 - 4 Star or Similar

Included Activities
Welcome Meeting

Optional Activities
Group Dinner

After breakfast, we begin our journey through the enchanting old town of Istanbul. Wander through the historic center, stopping to admire landmarks such as the iconic Blue Mosque, the ancient Hippodrome, the grand Topkapi Palace, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia.

In the afternoon, there is the option to take a cruise along the Bosphorus, offering stunning views of the city’s skyline. We’ll board a boat to cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia while linking the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Enjoy the sights of the charming wooden mansions, impressive Ottoman palaces, and ancient fortresses lining the riverbanks.

The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in Istanbul.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum

Optional Activities
Bosphorus Boat Cruise – EUR 15

Entrance Fees
Blue Mosque – Free
Hagia Sophia – 25 EUR
Topkapi Palace Museum 1700 TL

Begin your day with an early breakfast before embarking on a picturesque drive to Çanakkale, passing through lush farmlands and following the southern coastline of the Sea of Marmara. The journey leads you to the Dardanelles, the narrow strait that connects the Sea of Marmara with the Aegean Sea.

Arriving in Çanakkale, a lively port city on the Dardanelles, you will have some free time to enjoy lunch before heading to the Gallipoli Peninsula, the site of the ANZAC landings—a significant and tragic chapter of World War I. Each year, people from all over the world visit this site to pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the battles of 1915. Walk through the historic battlefields, where remnants of Turkish trenches still remain, and visit the memorials at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. As your guide shares the stories of the events that took place on this dramatic landscape, take in the views of the steep hills and deep ravines that became the final resting places for so many soldiers from both sides.

The day concludes with a delicious dinner and an overnight stay in Çanakkale.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star

Meals Included
Breakfast , Dinner

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches

After breakfast, begin your journey to Selçuk, making a stop at the legendary ancient city of Troy, where history and mythology come together. Famous for its mention in Homer’s Iliad, Troy is known for its role in the Trojan War. Walk through the remains of the city walls as your guide brings the ancient story to life. Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the replica of the iconic Trojan Horse.

Continue on to Selçuk, a quaint town with a rich historical backdrop. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of the area, including a visit to Ayasoluk Hill. Explore the 14th-century Isa Bey Mosque, admire the grandeur of the Grand Fortress, and discover the ruins of the Basilica of St. John. As the story goes, St. John, accompanied by the Virgin Mary, traveled to Ephesus from Jerusalem, where he lived until his death around AD 100. The basilica was built on what is believed to be his burial site.

In the evening, you have free time to relax, or if you prefer, you can join the captivating Seven Churches Tour.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star

Meals Included            
Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Troy - Archaeological site
Sightseeing Selcuk
Isa Bey Mosque visit
Basilica of St John visit

Admission Fee: (per person)
Troy - Archaeological site visit - EUR 28
Selcuk - Basilica of St John - EUR 7

After breakfast, it’s time to immerse ourselves in the wonders of Ephesus. Our first stop is the ancient city of Ephesus, located in the modern town of Selçuk. Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in Turkey and a true treasure of ancient history.

We’ll begin our exploration by walking along the Marble Road, passing significant historical landmarks like the Fountain of Trajan and the Temple of Hadrian. The journey continues to the Library of Celsus, an impressive structure that graces one of the site’s most remarkable squares. We will also visit the Great Theatre, the largest surviving Roman theatre, capable of seating up to 26,000 spectators. This theatre was the site of an uprising, instigated by a merchant named Demetrius, against St. Paul and his teachings (Acts 19:23).

As we explore further, we’ll see the Terrace Houses, the Ephesus Museum, and St. John’s Basilica. Ephesus was a city of great political and religious influence, home to a significant Jewish community, which caught the attention of the apostles, including Paul, who spent two years here spreading his message and served as Bishop of the Ephesian Church before his exile to Patmos.

In the afternoon, there is an opportunity to visit Meryemana (Mary's House), believed to be the site where the mother of Jesus spent her final days with the Apostle John. Following this, we will head to the charming village of Şirince to taste local fruit wines and enjoy a beautiful sunset. Known for its traditional carpet weaving, the village offers a chance to learn about the centuries-old art form, from dyeing the wool to weaving on wooden looms. Whether you’re interested in buying a rug or not, this is an excellent opportunity to support local artisans and enjoy some warm Turkish hospitality over a cup of tea.

Our day concludes in Şirince, and after the tour, we’ll transfer to Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay in KUSADASI (Selcuk).

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star 

Meals Included
Breakfast , Dinner

Included Activities
Ephesus Ancient city - St. John's Basilica – Archaeological Site
Meryemana (Mary's House)
Visiting Sirince Village - Fruit wine tasting

Admission Fee: (per person)
Ephesus and Terrace Houses entry – 65 EUR
Meryemana (Mary's House) – 14 EUR

After breakfast, we set off for Xanthos, an ancient Lycian city with a rich history and remarkable architecture. Known for its resilience against invading forces, including the Persian Empire and Alexander the Great, Xanthos played a significant role in the region's past. One of its most famous landmarks is the Harpy Tomb, adorned with striking relief sculptures of harpies—mythical beings with the bodies of birds and the heads of women. As we explore the ruins, we gain insight into the fascinating legacy of this once-thriving city.

Next, we travel to Saklıkent, a breathtaking canyon and one of the deepest in the world. Here, you can experience the refreshing rush of cold spring water and, for those seeking adventure, try river surfing through the canyon’s winding paths.

Our journey then takes us to Ölüdeniz and the famous Blue Lagoon, one of the most picturesque destinations along the Turquoise Coast. With its crystal-clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand beaches, this spot is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or even taking a paragliding flight for a panoramic view of the stunning coastline.

After our visit to the Blue Lagoon, we continue to Fethiye, where we will spend the night, resting after a day of exploration and adventure.

Accommodation
Hotel – 5 - 4 Star

Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner

Included Activities
Sightseeing of Saklikent
Sightseeing of Oludeniz
Sightseeing of Xhantos (Ancient City)

Optional Activities
Paragliding – EUR 120
Kayakoy Village ( Karymlassos  the  Ghost City ) EUR 15
 
Entrance Fees
Saklıkent – 10 TRY
Oludeniz Blue Lagoon  – 50 TRY
Kayakoy – 15 TRY  
Xhantos (Ancient City ) – 115 TRY

Make your cameras ready. Arfter breakfast we will explore Goreme and surrounds with our Tour Guide, including the World Heritage-listed UNESCO Goreme Open Air Museum,site featuring a complex of churches, chapels, and monasteries carved into the rock, and the Uchisar Castle, a fortress built into a towering rock formation. Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras.

Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvellous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travellers. If you’re a hiker, you may like to walk the valleys of Red, Rose, or Love. Next; is Devrent Valley, famous for its quirky animal-shaped rocks. It looks like a sculpture zoo made by nature.

After Devrent valley or before it, visit Pasabagi which means: the Pacha's vineyard. This site is also called Monks Valley, the hermitage of Simeon monks was here. We drive to Avanos, where you will enjoy typical Turkish Lunch and experience make Potter with local experts. It is time to visit Goreme Panorama, which has one of the best panoramic views of the fairy chimneys and more magic. Next, Uchisar ( Uc Hisar Castle ) the Naturel highest Rock Castle provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area . At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star

Meals Included
Breakfast

Included Activities
Cappadocia - Sunset drinks
Sightseeing of Cavusin
Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
Sightseeing of Uchisar
Sightseeing of Avanos
Sightseeing of Pasabagi
Sightseeing of Devrent Valley     

Entrance Fees                
Derinkuyu Underground City – 14 EUR 

Optional Activities
Turkish Night Show – 35 EUR
Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight – EUR 290
Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR 325

If you’re interested in taking an optional hot air balloon ride, please speak with your trip leader on Day 1 for more details. The price of the ride will vary depending on the type of flight you choose. Please note that this activity can only be booked locally, and availability is subject to weather conditions.

This morning, we begin the day with a visit to the breathtaking Devrent Valley, also known as Imagination Valley. This unique landscape is filled with unusual rock formations that resemble various shapes, allowing visitors to let their imagination run wild. The valley’s natural sculptures, formed by centuries of erosion, create a truly mesmerizing sight.

After exploring this fascinating area, we begin our journey back to Istanbul, arriving late in the evening.

Accommodation
Hotel 5 – 4 Star

Meals Included
Breakfast

As your journey with Majesty UK Travel comes to an end, we hope you have experienced the magic of Turkey and created unforgettable memories along the way. After breakfast, it is time to check out from the hotel and say goodbye to our valued guests. We sincerely appreciate you choosing us as your travel partner and allowing us to share Turkey’s rich history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes with you. It has been a pleasure to be part of your adventure, and we hope the moments you’ve collected will stay with you for years to come.

If you plan to extend your stay in Istanbul, we would be happy to assist with additional accommodation arrangements, subject to availability. For those who have pre-booked, a transfer to the airport will be provided.

Thank you for traveling with Majesty UK Travel. Wishing you safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again in the future.

Meals Included
Breakfast