Being the only city in the world to lay claim as the capital of consecutive Christian and Islamic empires, Istanbul has always been esteemed as a meeting place of humans, cultures and religions for centuries past. Marvel at the glorious relics of the
Byzantines and the Ottomans along the atmospheric Bosphorus straddling between Asia and Europe, and breathe in the electric energy of arguably the most secular city in this part of the world. Then, stray southwest where a sea change of adventure and
nature awaits in the sparkling Aegean coast and the magical landscape of Western Turkey. Discover a wealth of staggering sights with a customised Istanbul and Western Turkey tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and unravel this truly
east-meets-west enigma today.
Istanbul's many faces
Whether it be Byzantine mosaics or Ottoman domes, solemn calls to prayers or hedonistic nightclub sirens, Istanbul has it
all. Go under the arches of history in which masterpieces the likes of Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and Chora Church line up one after another to draw one of the world’s truly unique skylines. Strike up a deal with sleek and chic
in the modern hub of Sisli, dance with buskers and fellow bohemians in charming Galata, sip fancy cocktails in swanky Beyoglu or up your hip quotient in Kadikoy and Moda, the newest haunts for in-the-know locals. And then, hop aboard a Bosphorus ferry
or climb up the atmospheric Galata Tower to recollect the splendour of the spectacular city that you have just met.
Evocative Ephesus
Along the coast of the Aegean Sea lies evocative Ephesus, one of the world’s most spectacular Hellenic and Roman archaeological sites in terms of sheer magnitude. The
UNESCO World Heritage Site’s greatest claim to fame is possibly the ruins of Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, but the entire sprawling site is like a snapshot in time where one gets to truly experience how life
was back in those olden days of legends and gods.
Cotton castle
One
of Turkey’s most iconic landmarks and one of the world’s most surreal wonders of nature, Pamukkale is truly an unmissable sight to behold. The glistening white-calcite travertines soaked in mineral-rich waters from the mountains above
ripple out like heavenly cotton clouds but to take in more of its magic, staying overnight promises you more alone time with the beauty during sunset. After the tour buses depart on their return trip, you can then make your way uphill to the summit
and take a dip in the ancient hot springs amid half-submerged columns and fallen marbles.
For more destinations in and around the Near East, see:
Discover Istanbul’s many faces and Western Turkey’s magical landscapes with a customised Istanbul and Western Turkey tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more information.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Your driver will be waiting for you holding a signboard with your name on it. Enjoy a One way private transfer to hotel.
This morning, enjoy a coach transfer to Basilica Cistern, also known as Yerebetan Sarnici, which was used to store and supply water to the city when the city was under siege by the barbarians. Upon arrival, get busy shopping at Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, experiencing vibrant colours, pleasant smells and an overall wonderful shopping experience.
Basilica Cistern
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum, a compound comprising 29 rock-cut churches, including some that date back to the 6th century. After lunch and checking in to your hotel, discover the panoramic views from Avcilar and Pasabag valleys from which you can see the famous fairy chimneys and cave dwellings.
Cappodocia Landscape View
Today, you may choose to participate in an unforgettable hot air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys at your own expense. Next, proceed to Uchisar, a beautiful town known for its natural fortress used for housing and defence. Thereafter, head over to Avanos, famous for its local pottery made with clary from Kizilirmak River. In the afternoon, explore the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai, a historical roadside inn that served an important role for travellers marching along Silk Road. Enjoy “Whirling Dervishes”, a popular performance and mystic ritual performed by followers of the Mevlevi Order.
Uchisar
Today, head over to the lovely town of Musatafapasa, previously known as Sinasos. Next, continue to the underground city of Kaymakh, whose caves served as a refuge for the persecuted throughout the centuries. Thereafter, transfer to an airport in Kayseri for your domestic flight to Izmir, Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and proceed for supper at the port.
Underground City of Kaymakh
This morning, embark on a city tour of Izmir starting at Konak Square at the city centre. Gaze upon the majestic Izmir Clock Tower before talking a leisure walk down the bustling streets of Kemeralti Carsisi. Next, proceed to Asansor and feast upon the panoramic views of the city and its marina. Thereafter, visit Ephesus, an ancient port city and explore its well-preserved ruins.
Ruins of Ephesus
After breakfast, enjoy a scenic drive to Pamukkale, famous for its baby-blue, mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces. Upon arrival in Pamukkale, proceed to explore the ruins, which include an incredibly well-preserved theatre and a necropolis.
Cotton Castle
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival,we will visit the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue tiles and unique with its 6 minarets built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Blue Mosque
After breakfast, we will have a look at the Hippodrome of Constantinople where horse and chariot races used to take place. Then visit the St. Sophia Museum which is one of the greatest religious and architectural marvels of all times. . Finally the famous Topkapi Palace museum will be visited, which was built as the home of the Ottoman sultans the World Famous Imperial Chinese Porcelain sections will be visited.
Topkapi Palace
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.