How to Plan Your 8-Day Best of Turkey Tour in Istanbul

Turkey is a beautiful country, rich in cultural history and picturesque landscapes. Its famous city, Istanbul, welcomes millions of tourists every year to explore its attractions, indulge in its cuisine, and experience Turkish culture. Planning your 8-day Best of Turkey Tour in Istanbul can be an overwhelming experience, but with a guided tour, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your Turkish adventure. Here’s how to plan the perfect 8-day Best of Turkey Tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Your tour starts with an arrival in Istanbul. You will be picked up by your guide from Istanbul Airport, from where you’ll be transported to your hotel. After checking in to your hotel, you can take a rest, freshen up and get ready to start exploring Istanbul. The rest of the day is at your disposal for self-exploration.

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

On the second day, you’ll explore the historical and cultural city of Istanbul. The tour includes visits to the Hagia Sophia Museum, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar. These iconic landmarks offer a glimpse into Turkey’s rich history and Islamic architecture. You’ll also enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia.

Day 3: Flight to Izmir and Ephesus Tour

On day three, you’ll take a domestic flight from Istanbul to Izmir, where you’ll visit the ancient city of Ephesus. Once the richest port city in the world, Ephesus is now an open-air museum that boasts some of the best-preserved ancient Roman ruins in the world. You’ll marvel at the grandeur of the city’s amphitheater, the Temple of Artemis, the Library of Celsus, and the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 4: Pamukkale Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll head to the famous Pamukkale hot springs, which are renowned for their stunning whitewashed thermal pools. The mineral-rich terraces of Pamukkale and the adjacent ancient ruins of Hierapolis are a must-visit.

Day 5: Flight to Cappadocia and North Cappadocia Tour

On the fifth day, you’ll take a domestic flight from Izmir to Cappadocia, where you’ll explore the otherworldly landscape of North Cappadocia. From the bizarre rock formations of the Devrent Valley to the impressive cave churches of Goreme, the tour provides ample opportunity to capture Instagram-worthy snaps.

Day 6: South Cappadocia Tour

On day six, you’ll head to South Cappadocia, where you’ll explore the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu. You’ll visit the picturesque Pigeon Valley, where ancient locals built pigeon homes into the rocky cliffs. The tour also includes a visit to Uchisar Castle, an excellent spot for panoramic views over the Cappadocian landscape.

Day 7: Flight back to Istanbul and Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

On the seventh day of your tour, you’ll catch a flight back to Istanbul. In the evening, you’ll join a romantic dinner cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Savor the taste of Turkish cuisine, enjoy live entertainment and take in the mesmerizing sights of Istanbul from the water.

Day 8: Departure

On your last day, you’ll have a few hours to explore Istanbul before your guide takes you to the airport for your departure flight.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Best of Turkey Package includes:

– Domestic Flight from Istanbul to Izmir
– Domestic Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia
– Domestic Flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul
– Professional tour guide
– Private vehicle and driver
– Accommodation in 4-star hotels (7 nights)
– Breakfast at the hotel (7 days)
– Lunch (7 days)
– Dinner (7 days)
– Entrance fees to all the attractions
– Insurance
– Airport transfers

The package excludes:

– Personal expenses
– Drinks during lunch

Booking and Pickup Information

To book the Best of Turkey Tour, visit the following website: Book the tour here

Pick up points will be communicated to you in advance by the tour company.

Final Thoughts

A guided tour offers the convenience of stress-free travel where all logistics are taken care of, from airport pickups to hotel bookings and transport arrangements. Moreover, having a professional tour guide allows you to learn about Turkey’s rich history, culture, and traditions without the worry of getting lost or missing out on the most important attractions. So follow our guide and plan your unforgettable 8-day Best of Turkey tour in Istanbul.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Istanbul

Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, is a place of fascinating history, mesmerizing architecture, and mouth-watering cuisine. If you are planning a trip to Istanbul, you may have a lot of questions. In this blog post, we will answer the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul to make your travel planning easier.

1. Where is Istanbul located?

Istanbul is located in the northwestern part of Turkey, on both sides of the Bosporus Strait. It is the only city in the world that is located on two continents, Europe and Asia. The European side of Istanbul is more populated and more visited by tourists.

2. What is the best time to visit Istanbul?

The best time to visit Istanbul is during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons when the weather is milder, and the crowds are thinner. Summer can be very hot and crowded, and winters can be cold and rainy.

3. What cultural influences can one expect to experience in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a rich cultural heritage that reflects the city’s history as a center of commerce, religion, and political power. The city was once the capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, and you can see the influences of these eras in the city’s art, architecture, and cuisine. Istanbul also has a vibrant contemporary art scene, and you can find galleries and museums showcasing the works of modern Turkish artists.

4. What is the local cuisine like in Istanbul?

Istanbul’s cuisine is a combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Central Asian flavors. Some of the popular dishes to try in Istanbul include kebabs, pide (Turkish pizza), baklava, Turkish delight, and Turkish coffee. The city also has a rich street food culture, with stalls selling simit (sesame-covered bread rings), roasted chestnuts, and grilled corn on the cob.

5. What are the top tourist attractions in Istanbul?

Istanbul has no shortage of tourist attractions, and some of the must-visit places include:

a. Hagia Sophia

Formerly a church, then a mosque, and now a museum, Hagia Sophia is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the city’s history and religious diversity.

b. Blue Mosque

Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the Blue Mosque is an impressive piece of architecture with its six minarets and blue tiles that adorn the walls.

c. Topkapi Palace

The former residence of the Ottoman sultans, Topkapi Palace is a vast complex of courtyards, gardens, and pavilions that houses valuable artifacts and artworks.

d. Grand Bazaar

One of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, the Grand Bazaar is a shopper’s paradise with its colorful stalls selling spices, textiles, jewelry, and more.

e. Bosporus Cruise

A boat tour on the Bosporus Strait offers stunning views of the city’s skyline and bridges as well as the chance to see the Dolmabahce Palace, mansions, and Ottoman fortresses along the way.

6. How is the transportation system in Istanbul?

Istanbul has a comprehensive public transportation system that includes buses, metro lines, trams, ferries, and funiculars. Istanbulkart is a rechargeable card that can be used on all modes of transportation, and it offers discounted fares.

7. What are the most important cultural norms to respect in Istanbul?

When visiting Istanbul, it’s important to respect the city’s cultural norms and customs. Some of the things to keep in mind include:

• Always remove your shoes before entering a mosque or someone’s home.
• Dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothing in public places.
• Avoid eating and drinking in public during the month of Ramadan, when many Muslims observe fasting.
• Ask for permission before taking photographs of people, especially women.
• Avoid gesturing or pointing with your feet, as they are considered unclean.

Conclusion

Istanbul is a city that offers a mix of history, culture, and modernity. We hope this blog post helped answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Istanbul and provided you with useful information for planning your trip. Whether you are interested in exploring the city’s landmarks, trying its mouth-watering cuisine, or immersing yourself in its vibrant culture, Istanbul has something for everyone.