Welcome to “Turkey Unplugged – 10 Days,” a special trip where you can discover Turkey’s cool history, culture, and nature. According to Hurriyet Daily News, in 2023, Turkey welcomed 33.4 million international tourists. Additionally, over 3.3 million Turkish citizens living abroad chose Turkey as their vacation destination in the same year. This contributed to a total of 36.75 million visitors.
For 10 days, you’ll have a great time exploring famous places, enjoying tasty food, and feeling the friendly vibes of Turkish hospitality. From the busy streets of Istanbul to the old ruins of Ephesus and the amazing views in Cappadocia, this trip will be super memorable. It’s a chance to really experience Turkey’s different sides that make it a truly awesome place. Get ready for an exciting journey that lets you take a break and enjoy the beauty and charm of Turkey in a special way.
Itinerary
Your journey begins and concludes in Istanbul! The Turkey Unplugged – 10 Days tour is a 10-day travel package that guides you through Istanbul, Turkey, and eight other beautiful destinations in the country. The package covers your stay in a hotel, provides an experienced guide, includes meals, transportation, and more.
Day 1: Welcome to Turkey
Saturday. Welcome to Turkey and the beginning of your vacation. You’ll get a transfer to our hotel when you arrive, and then the afternoon is free for you to relax. You can either unwind at the hotel or go out to explore the city. Istanbul is easy to explore on foot, and there are many restaurants and cafes scattered around for you to enjoy.
Day 2: Exploring the Old City
This morning, we’ll take a captivating tour through Istanbul’s Old City. We’ll see amazing buildings from the time of the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Our stops include the beautiful Blue Mosque, known for its blue tiles.
We’ll also check out the Hippodrome and Hagia Sophia, a building built as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian. Finally, we’ll visit the impressive Topkapi Palace, which was the main home of the Ottoman sultans in the 15th century.
Day 3: Gallipoli – WW1 Battlefields
From Istanbul, we’ll head to Gallipoli today. We’ll explore ANZAC Cove and the various memorials spread across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour will show us important places like ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly, and the many strong trenches that are still visible among the bushes even after all these years.
Day 4: Troy & Kusadasi
From Gallipoli, we head to Kusadasi today. In the morning, we have a short guided tour of Troy. The city, known from the legend and Homer’s stories, was rediscovered in 1863. Later excavations uncovered nine ancient cities, stacked on top of each other, dating back to 3000 BC.
We explore the ruins and see a copy of the Trojan wooden horse, which, according to legend, carried Greek soldiers to conquer Troy. Moving south, we reach the ancient ruins of Pergamum, home to one of the steepest amphitheaters in the classical world. Pergamum was also known for its Asclepion, a medical center. Our journey continues to Kusadasi on the Aegean Coast, passing by a place where they make leather goods.
Day 5: Ancient Ephesus
Today, we explore the famous city of Ephesus, which is one of the best-preserved old cities in the eastern Mediterranean. During the time of the Romans, Ephesus was a big and wealthy city with almost 250,000 people. It was a vital place for business and a popular spot for travelers who wanted to see the impressive Temple of Artemis—one of the Seven Ancient Wonders.
We have lots of time to walk around the marble remains of Ephesus. We’ll check out well-known spots like the Library of Celsus, the Stadium, Vedius’ gymnasium, and the Great Theatre. We’ll also see ancient public bathrooms, a brothel, fountains, and different temples. As part of our day, we’ll visit a place where they make carpets.
Day 6: Pamukkale Thermal Pools
From Kusadasi, we drive east to Pamukkale, which is famous for its bright white terraced pools made of calcium. Locally called the Cotton Castles, these pools are a natural wonder from Mother Nature. Pamukkale was created when warm water with lots of calcium flowed over the cliff, cooling and leaving deposits. The built-up calcium formed natural shelves and pools on the cliffs, known as travertines.
You can take a walk barefoot along these travertines or choose to take a dip in the warm waters of the thermal pool, which has pieces of fluted marble columns underneath. Our last visit for the day is to the ancient spa town of Hierapolis, known for the healing properties of its mineral springs. These springs were blocked to create shared baths.
Day 7-8: Fairytale Cappadocia
From Pamukkale, we travel to Cappadocia on day 7, making stops to see old roadside inns called caravanserais, like Sultanhani. Tonight, there’s an optional and fun evening of Turkish folklore. On day 8, we have a guided tour of Cappadocia, which is like a jewel in Turkey’s treasures.
Cappadocia is incredibly unique with its unreal landscape of cave homes and unusual rock formations known as ‘fairy chimneys.’ Entire villages, churches, and forts have been carved out of the soft, strangely shaped rocks of Cappadocia. Our tour includes a visit to the Goreme Valley, listed as a World Heritage site, where you’ll see impressive rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels, and temples.
Marvel at Zelve, known for its eroded landscape that looks a bit like phallic shapes. We’ll also stop at Pigeon Valley, where old pigeon houses are carved into the cliffs. The tour takes us to the Uchisar castle-mountain, where you can enjoy fantastic views of Cappadocia and explore the underground city of Kaymakli.
You’ll have a chance to visit an Onyx shop, showcasing unique Turkish jewelry designs made with local materials. If shopping isn’t your thing, there’s time to relax at a local cafe. In the evening, we’ll have dinner at the hotel.
Day 9: Returning to Istanbul
From Cappadocia, we’re heading back to Istanbul today. We’ll stop for lunch along the way (you pay for it there). We’ll reach Istanbul in the evening. If you’d rather not take the long road trip, we also have the option for you to fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul.
Day 10: Istanbul
Monday. After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. We provide a transfer to Istanbul International Airport, and you can choose from two times: 9 am or 1 pm today.
Final Thoughts
“Turkey Unplugged – 10 Days” gives you an exciting and varied adventure, highlighting Turkey’s interesting history, lively culture, and beautiful nature. The well-organized plan includes famous places like Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia. It lets you experience Turkey’s beauty and charm, offering a memorable exploration of its history with time for relaxation and fun, making it an outstanding journey.
FAQs
How do I book the “Turkey Unplugged – 10 Days” tour?
To book the “Turkey Unplugged – 10 Days” tour, you can visit our official website and follow the booking instructions provided. Ensure you check for available dates, review the itinerary, and complete the necessary reservation process.
What is included in the tour package?
The tour package includes accommodation, transportation, meals, and the services of an experienced guide throughout the 10-day journey. It covers visits to major attractions, historical sites, and natural wonders, ensuring a comprehensive and hassle-free travel experience.
Are there any optional activities or free time during the tour?
Yes, the itinerary incorporates free afternoons, optional activities, and leisure time for participants to explore independently or choose optional excursions. These options allow you to tailor your experience and make the most of your time in each destination.
How can I handle transportation between Cappadocia and Istanbul on Day 9?
On Day 9, you have the option to either take a road trip back to Istanbul with a lunch stop along the way (expenses covered by the participant) or choose a more convenient option by flying from Cappadocia to Istanbul. The flexibility caters to different preferences, providing a comfortable return journey to Istanbul.
