Incredible Turkey | Turkey Tours | Ciconia Travel

Uncover the hidden gems of the North East together with the most popular highlights of Turkey. 18-day Incredible Turkey introduces the colourful faces of the Turkish culture with a full week spent discovering the less-travelled path. Meet the fascinating natural beauty and archaeological treasures of a magical region. Enjoy unforgettable tastes, the welcoming culture and amazing landmarks. A perfect blend of essential must-sees, relaxation and cultural adventure in North Eastern Turkey.

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Incredible Turkey

Uncover the hidden gems of the North East together with the most popular highlights of Turkey. 18-day Incredible Turkey introduces the colourful faces of the Turkish culture with a full week spent discovering the less-travelled path. Meet the fascinating natural beauty and archaeological treasures o...

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Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.
  • Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
  • Optional Experiences: Group Dinner
  • Meals: No

After a delicious breakfast, prepare to depart for Trabzon, the first enchanting gem of North Eastern Turkey. Saving much-valuable time by taking a comfortable flight, check in to your hotel to refresh and embark on a city tour with your expert local guide. Perched between the lush green of steep mountains and the Black Sea, Trabzon is a unique sight off-the-beaten-path. The second largest of the port cities on the Black Sea, Trabzon is home to unparalleled historical and cultural heritage. Find your bearings around the town with your guide and check in to your hotel. Each place you will stay on this tour will present a unique local cuisine – one of many façades of Turkish cuisine, each one more delicious than the other.
  • Hotel: Radisson Blu Trabzon 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Enjoy the incredible Turkish breakfast to fuel up for our fascinating adventure. Our first stop of the day is the astounding Altindere National Park with its 1001 shades of green to soak in. Walking towards the sea, meet the other-worldly Sumela Monastery. Presenting a marvellous architecture and history, the Greek Orthodox monastery was carved into the steep cliffs in 4th century AD and dedicated to Virgin Mary. Following a comprehensive tour with your expert Travel Director, continue towards the quaint seaside town of Rize. Before our panoramic sightseeing city tour, we will learn about an ancient, now modernized, craft to produce lightweight summer clothes at a Rize Fabric workshop. Enjoy your personal leisure time after we check into our hotel in Rize.
  • Hotel: Ramada Plaza Rize 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Starting the day with a delightful Turkish breakfast, we take a scenic ride to a wonderland of nature, Ayder Yayla – a traditional summer resort built in nature on a plateau. Blessed with streams, waterfalls, a diverse and colourful flora, fascinating views of valleys and historical landmarks; Ayder is heaven on earth. Soak in the nature by joining nature walks or hikes on your personal leisure time here. Following a lunch break at one of the prettiest valleys of the Black Sea region, we continue along the coast to Artvin for a recharging stay.
  • Hotel: Grand Artvin Hotel 4*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

It’s time to bid farewell to the welcoming nature of Black Sea as we ride inland towards Kars in Eastern Turkey. Taking a panoramic route, view gorgeous sceneries of nature, dams, rivers and valleys before a refreshing break at Artvin. Marvel at the characteristic architecture of the town on a sightseeing ride and depart for Kars to discover the unspoken beauty of an amazing region. Filled with historical, architectural and archaeological treasures, there will be much to explore. Find your bearings around the town and check into your hotel.
  • Hotel: Hotel Katarina Palace
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Welcome the morning at mountain town of Kars ready for an epic cultural adventure. Riding along the mighty Agri Mountain, the tallest in Turkey, stop over at the national park and enjoy spectacular views. Following a scenic ride through towns of Eastern Turkey, we arrive at the gorgeous Ishak Pasha Palace, a remarkable Ottoman complex which took 99 years to build. After a short visit to the Meteor Crater, we make our way to the charming Dogu Beyazit in time for a lunch break. Following the route through the mountains, we arrive in Van. Passing the Devil’s Bridge, we will visit the beautiful Muradiye waterfall before making our way to the city and check into our hotel. You can spend your personal time here to explore Van Museum or relax at the hotel until dinner.
  • Hotel: Ramada Plaza Konya 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Start the day with a lovely breakfast as we follow our Travel Director throughout the town centre and learn about the history of the critical eastern city. Famous for its white cats of different coloured eyes, you can visit a ‘Van Cat House’ in the town. Watch the craftsmen work on silver and filigree at a local workshop with some personal time. Our next stop is Akdamar Island, located at the largest lake of Turkey – with its very own “Loch Ness Monster”. Stroll around the island surrounded by charming sights as the Akdamar church and mason works of stone. Transfer to the airport in the afternoon for your flight to Istanbul, saving much-valuable time. Check into your hotel in time for dinner, we will discover the old town of gorgeous Istanbul tomorrow. If you’re up for a cultural adventure, why not join the optional Turkish Night with Dinner?
  • Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Van 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you. Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica. Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Haggle your way through the famous Grand Bazaar, visit countless monuments and embrace the local culture. In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.
  • Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today, we are free to enjoy Istanbul by our own.
  • Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After a delicious breakfast, we leave for the famous shores of Gallipoli. As you drive through the scenic countryside, we recharge at the lovely village of Kesan over a delicious meal. Arriving in Gallipoli in the afternoon, we pay our respects to the fallen Turkish and Australian soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1, still commemorated every year in April. Witness the now-green battlefields, visit the Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair and other important historical sites. We continue towards Canakkale with a picturesque ferry ride just in time for dinner and a recharging stay at our hotel.
  • Hotel: Kolin Hotel 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Gallipoli, Anzac Cove

A day filled with epic adventure awaits. In the morning, we visit the ancient city or Troy and witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history. Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Pergamon. Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical centre, it is one of the most important centres of healing of the Roman world. Following the cultural overload, we rest at the seaside metropolitan Izmir - the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.
  • Hotel: Swissotel Büyük Efes İzmir 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Troy, Pergamon

Drive along the coast to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage. Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library. With a short ride away from the marvellous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary’s house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days. Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious gozleme. Heading further inland, we arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale. Rest up, relax or even savour the spa or massage services of your hotel. Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.
  • Hotel: Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Ephesus, Virgin Mary's House

Walk in the shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines. Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia. Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis and its majestic amphitheatre of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics. The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes - members of the Sufism order. You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of discovery.
  • Hotel: Ramada Plaza Konya 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Pamukkale, Hierapolis

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana. Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, which have lived in his teachings of understanding and acceptance to this day. From cultural to natural wonders, we travel inland towards the other-worldly Cappadocia. One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff. Starting the adventure at Avanos - famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop. After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.
  • Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Karatay Madrasa, Mevlana Museum, Pottery-Making Workshop

Rise early to watch the sunrise of a lifetime from a hot-air balloon, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys. A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions). As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more. These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century. Here you’ll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvellous geography. Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop. In the evening, you can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery. Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience. You can also join an optional wine tasting session or Turkish Night show.
  • Hotel: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Goreme Open-Air Museum, Carpet-Weaving Workshop
  • Optional Experiences: Hot-air Balloon, Wine Testing, Turkish Night, Whirling Dervishes

Start an unforgettable day by exploring the famous underground city of Kaymakli where ancient Christians took refuge to escape raids and wars for centuries. 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. Taking a scenic ride to Ankara, the Turkish capital, our first stop is the impressive Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Here you’ll discover countless ancient civilizations that has dominated Asia Minor throughout history. After our dinner at the hotel, personal leisure time to spend the evening exploring the capital as you please.
  • Hotel: Ankara, HiltonSA 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Kaymaklı Underground City, Museum of Anatolian Civilizations

Start the morning with a visit to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk – the final resting place of the founding father of Republic of Turkey. It is a location sacred to Turkish people, a glorious yet calming place of great importance. With a scenic drive through the Anatolian countryside, we make our way to Istanbul on a comfortable ride. Stop along the way for a lunch break at the gorgeous mountains surrounded by sublime nature of Bolu. Arriving at your Istanbul hotel in the afternoon, enjoy your personal leisure time. If you’re up for a final cultural adventure, why not join the optional Turkish Night with Dinner?
  • Hotel: Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus 5*
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Key Highlights: Mausoleum of Ataturk
  • Optional Experiences: Turkish Night

Our marvellous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends. Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!
  • Meals: Breakfast

SERVICES

5 Star Characteristic Hotels

Accommodation in authentic,comfortable and ideally located hotels.

Luxury Transportation

Deluxe air-conditioned coach with restroom and complimentary bottled water. Domestic Flights between Istanbul & Trabzon and Van & Istanbul

Exceptional Authentic Dining

8 Breakfasts, 7 Dinners.

Travel Director

Local & Expert Travel Director throughout your trip.

Journey Highlights

Unique itineraries with all must-see sights, more inclusions. Find more details below and in the itinerary.

All Entrance Fees To All Sights

Entrance fees to all cultural, historical and natural sites on tour.

Private Airport Transfer

Complimentary private airport transfers on arrival and departure dates.

Baggage Handling

Seamless baggage handling, delivered to your room at every hotel.

All Tips, Taxes And Porterage Charges

Tips at the hotels and restaurants, all taxes and porterage fees.

Personal Radio Headsets

Personal radio headsets on tours with 8 or more guests.

Free Wi-Fi

Complimentary hotel and coach Wi-Fi (where available).

HOTELS

Hilton Hotel Bosphorus

Istanbul

Nestled in the heart of Istanbul, amidst picturesque gardens, you’ll find Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, an iconic hotel with a storied past spanning 6 decades. Guest rooms and suites offer modern conveniences and private balconies overlooking the Bosphorus and the Old Town.

Radisson Blu Trabzon

Set in Trabzon, Radisson Blu Hotel Trabzon is 2.9 km from Hagia Sophia Museum and offers various facilities, such as a bar. The hotel is also 4 km away from Forum Trabzon Shopping Centre. There is an on-site restaurant and an indoor swimming pool. Featuring a private bathroom, some units at the hotel also boast a balcony and sea view.

Ramada Plaza Rize

Set in Rize, 6 km from Atatürk House Museum, Ramada Plaza Rize offers accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. This 5-star hotel features free WiFi and a garden. The accommodation features a 24-hour front desk, room service and currency exchange for guests. The units come with air conditioning, a TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. At the hotel all rooms are fitted with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

Grand Artvin Hotel

Situated in Artvin, 10 km from Atabari Ski Centre, Grand Artvin Hotel features accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. This 4-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and valet parking. The air-conditioned rooms provide a mountain view and come with a wardrobe and free WiFi.

Hotel Katerina Palace - Kars

The Palace of Catherine was built by Tsar II.Nikolay by Dutch Engineers in the baltic architectural style during the Russian invasion of 1879. It is one of the few hotels in the wooded area with its bird houses and animal shelters. First and 2nd floor accommodation ceilings with a ceiling height of four meters and 180 years in 3rd floor accommodation you will experience the privilege and comfort of staying at the palace.

Double Tree by Hilton Van

Only a few steps from Van Lake, this hotel offers beautiful lake views and luxurious interiors. It has chic rooms with air conditioning and free WiFi, and a spa centre. The spacious rooms of Doubletree by Hilton Van are tastefully decorated with modern furniture. They are all soundproofed and equipped with LCD TVs. Some rooms offer a terrace or balcony with lake, city or mountain views. Unique tastes of local and international cuisine are served as an open buffet in the restaurant. Seafood can be enjoyed in the Esperanza Restaurant. The hotel also has 4 bars providing special cocktails, snacks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Guests of Doubletree by Hilton Van can benefit from the fitness centre, sauna or indoor pool of the hotel. There is also a Turkish bath available for a steamy bubble bath or a relaxing massage.

Kolin Hotel ( or similar )

Located on 86000 sq mt land, and 42000 sq mt building, Kolin Hotel Çanakkale with its 650 meter coast line, 274 rooms and 600 bed capacity is hosting its guests as half pension system.Hotel offers gardens overlooking the Strait, trekking courses, soccer, volleyball, basketball and tennis courts, outdoor and indoor (heated) pools, sauna, Turkish bath, Finnish bath, Jacuzzi, fitness center, spa, billiard, table tennis, table soccer and air hockey

Swissotel Buyuk Efes Izmir

Set in 12.000 m² of landscaped gardens, Swissotel Büyük Efes Izmir is a five-star deluxe hotel located in the heart of the city’s commercial hub and overlooking the spectacular Kordon Promenade, on Turkey’s Aegean Sea.

Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal

Spa Hotel Colossae Thermal has been constituted on a decare area, just next to the ancient city of Hierapolis and the travertines of Pamukkale which reminds a pile of cotton. It is the first 5 star Thermal Hotel of Denizli.

Ramada Plaza Konya

Konya

Rising in the sky with its majestic and modern architecture, Ramada Plaza Konya is the latest 5 star and the most modern hotel, in Konya, the capital of the Seljuks. With its amazing design and the smiling personal, comfy spacious rooms and restaurants, the hotel meets most of the demands expected from a 5 star luxurious hotel.

Ankara HiltonSA

Ankara

Discover a contemporary hotel in the center of historic Ankara. The Ankara HiltonSA hotel lies near the capital’s commercial and diplomatic activity. After a busy day, relax in a guest room, featuring a separate work area and WiFi

Double Tree by Hilton Avanos

Cappadocia

Set in Avanos, in Turkey’s unique and beautiful Cappadocia region, the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Avanos Cappadocia is the perfect hotel for travelers who wish to experience the culture and heritage of the local area, which includes two UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless natural wonders.

DATES AND RATES

DEPARTURE
RETURN
STATUS
TWIN ROOM
SOLO ROOM

HIGHLIGHTS

Akdamar Island
Akdamar Island

Akdamar Island, also known as Aghtamar or Akhtamar, is the second largest of the four islands in Lake Van, in eastern Turkey. About 0.7 km² in size, it is situated about 3 km from the shoreline. At the western end of the island a hard, grey, limestone cliff rises 80 m above the lake's level.

Altindere National Park
Altindere National Park

The Altindere National Park is the best known park in the Black Sea region, and lies to the west of Trabzon in Turkey. The Sumela (Sümela) Monastery is one of the main sites of the Altindere National Park.

Ankara
Ankara

Ankara is the capital city of Turkey, the heart of the Republic of Turkey. This city offers all the colours of west and east, tradition and the modernity.  

Asklepion
Asklepion

The Asklepion is a famed ancient medical center built in honor of Asclepius, the god of healing. It was also the world's first psychiatric hospital.

Ayder Plateau
Ayder Plateau

One of the most important tourism centers in Turkey and Rize province, the Ayder Plateau in the Çamlıhemşin district, mesmerizes with its views in winter as much as in summer.

Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque

The exterior features a beautiful cascade of domes and six minarets and blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior giving the building its unofficial but commonly used name.

Cappadocia
Cappadocia

A region of exceptional natural and man-made wonders. Take the chance to discover underground cities carved into rock, fairy chimneys and many more...

Devil’s Bridge
Devil’s Bridge

The Devil's Bridge is itself a very old and interesting monument constructed in the basalt rock at a very narrow section of the river 4 km from Muradiye. In 1985 a suspension bridge was built in front of the main waterfall thus providing visitors with a magnificent view of the waterfall and an ideal spot from which to take photographs.

Dogu Beyazit
Dogu Beyazit

Lying near the ancient trade route from Trabzon (ancient Trebizond) to northwestern Iran, Doğubayazıt was once an important trading town, but its significance declined with the reduction of trade along this route and was destroyed during the Russo-Turkish wars of the 19th century and World War I

Ephesus
Ephesus

The best preserved ancient town in Turkey, Ephesus embarks you on a journey to ancient times while roaming the streets.

Gallipoli
Gallipoli

Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Anzac Cove, Johnston's Jolly, North Beach, Ari Burnu, Hell Spit, Brighton Beach, Shrapnel Valley, Artillery Raod, Quinn's Road and more…

Golden Horn
Golden Horn

The Golden Horn, also known by its modern Turkish name, Haliç, is a major urban waterway and the primary inlet of the Bosphorus in Istanbul.

Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia

The Hagia Sophia, among the Seven Wonders of the World, awaits you with all its magnificence. The hundreds of years old structure will fascinate you on sight.

Ishak Pasha Palace
Ishak Pasha Palace

Ishak Pasha Palace is a semi-ruined palace and administrative complex located in the Doğubeyazıt district of Ağrı province of eastern Turkey. The Ishak Pasha palace is an Ottoman-period palace whose construction was started in 1685 by Colak Abdi Pasha of the Cildirogullari.

Konya
Konya

Konya, which has been playing a centrel role being a cradle for many civilizations throughout the history, is one of the unique centers that combine its historical heritage and cultural accumulation with present time.

Meteor Crater
Meteor Crater

Meteor Crater is located in the south of the highest mountain of Turkey '' Mount Agri ''

Muradiye waterfall
Muradiye waterfall

Muradiye Waterfall is signed on the west side of the main Dogubeyazit road, some 20 km north of the junction with the road from Tatvan and past the village of Muradiye. The road to Muradiye offers some really good views of Lake Van and mount Suphan as well as patches of lush pasture, thanks to the irrigation systems in place.

Pamukkale
Pamukkale

Home of the world-famous travertines, the cotton castle. You will witness the unusual and beautiful scenery just near the ancient city of Hierapolis, the ancient cure center.

Sumela Monastery
Sumela Monastery

Sumela Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery dedicated to the Virgin Mary at Melá Mountain within the Pontic Mountains range, in the Maçka district of Trabzon Province in modern Turkey.

Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace

Home of the Sultans, heart of the Ottoman Empire… Roam through the royal palace of the Ottomans and follow their footsteps to see their most valued treasures.

Van Museum
Van Museum

In the Van Region with its history going back to 5000 BC, it is possible to see the cultural heritages which carry the traces of this long history to our times in almost all parts of the region