ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA AND THE BLACK SEA

Welcome to your Greca tour!

After your arrival, we will take care of your transfer to the hotel, where you can check in and rest. The rest of the day will be free for you to start exploring the city at your own pace.

In the afternoon, you will find informational signs at the hotel reception containing all the necessary details about the start of your tour.

Greca Tip: You are in a historic city, so don’t hesitate to visit a nearby iconic spot, such as a square or a local park, to get a feel for the atmosphere of the destination before officially starting your journey. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture!

We begin the day with a delicious breakfast, before hopping on our bus to start our journey.

Today we will take a fascinating panoramic tour of Istanbul, a unique city that spans across two continents: Europe and Asia.

During this tour, we will explore the majestic Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest mosque in Istanbul, and discover the imposing historic walls.

We will enjoy a panoramic view of the Golden Horn, the natural harbor that separates the two sides of the city, and stroll through the picturesque fishermen's district. We will also admire the exterior of the magnificent Hagia Sophia, one of the architectural wonders of the world.

Istanbul is the only city in the world located on two continents, which gives it a fascinating blend of cultures, traditions, and architecture from different parts of the world.

As evening falls, we will offer a transfer to Taksim, the vibrant commercial and cultural center of Istanbul. You will have time to dine in one of the many restaurants in the area, enjoy a ride on the historic tram, or visit the Galata Tower for spectacular views of the city.

Greca Tip: Don’t forget to haggle in Istanbul's markets! It’s a tradition that is part of the local culture and always a fun experience.

After a comforting breakfast, we will begin our visit to Ankara, the vibrant and cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, with a population of over 5 million inhabitants and a rich cultural life.

We will explore its prominent performing arts center, home to the State Ballet and Opera, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, as well as numerous national theater companies. We will also visit the imposing Mausoleum of Atatürk, the symbol of the nation, and the ancient Ankara Castle, whose construction dates back over 8 centuries before Christ. We will include an entrance to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which provides a profound understanding of the diverse cultures that have left their mark on Turkey.

Next, we will head to the fascinating region of Cappadocia.

Along the way, we will make a stop for lunch by the Salt Lake, enjoying its stunning landscapes. Then, we will proceed to Hacibektas, a place of deep respect for pilgrims (appropriate attire and maintaining silence during the visit is recommended), where the sanctuary housing the tomb of Hacibektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic, is located.

Finally, we will continue to Nevşehir, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner and check in for the night.

Greca Tip: Visit the Atatürk Mausoleum (Anıtkabir) to learn about Turkey's history and enjoy panoramic views of the city. It’s a must-see landmark!

Early in the morning, after an energizing breakfast, we will dedicate the entire day to exploring the fascinating region of Cappadocia, famous for its otherworldly landscapes, churches, and ancient troglodyte villages.

We will begin our day in the Göreme Valley (entrance included), where we will discover its open-air museum and the stunning churches carved directly into the rocks.

Next, we will head to Uçhisar, a natural fortress offering panoramic views of the region.

We will then proceed to Kaymaklı, where we will explore the incredible underground city that could house up to 30,000 people.

On our way back to Avanos, we will make a stop at Pasabag, also known as the "Valley of the Fairies," where we will have the chance to walk among its unique rock formations and enjoy this spectacular natural setting.

At the end of our day, we will have free time and an included dinner to relax and enjoy the evening.

Greca Tip: Don't miss the sunrise in a hot air balloon. It's one of the most iconic experiences, where you'll get to see the stunning landscapes of rock formations and fairy chimneys from above. An unforgettable view!

After breakfast, we will embark on a wonderful journey to the north of Turkey, exploring the heart of Anatolia, where the landscapes transform into lush green tones.

We will arrive in Safranbolu in the early afternoon, a charming city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its well-preserved old town that was a crucial stop on the caravan trade routes.

We will stroll through its picturesque streets and explore its traditional architecture, including Ottoman-era wooden houses, and discover how the city maintains its rich history. In the courtyard of a majestic Caravanserai, an ancient inn for passing traders, we will enjoy a delightful cup of traditional Turkish tea, an experience that connects us with the local customs.

At the end of the day, we will head to our accommodation for an included dinner, where we can relax and savor the local cuisine before resting to continue our journey.

Greca Tip: It is recommended to leave a tip in restaurants, cafes, or to hotel staff. While not mandatory, it is a well-regarded custom!

Today, we will enjoy our last breakfast and continue our journey along the Black Sea coast, surrounded by landscapes of lush greenery.

We will visit the stunning Gököl Magarası cave, where we will explore its fascinating underground river and the colorful geological formations that adorn it.

In Ereğli, by the shores of the Black Sea, we will have free time to enjoy lunch.

We will also visit its enigmatic caves and the ancient Cehenemagzi tombs, steeped in rich mythology that connects us to the legendary past of the region.

Finally, we will continue our journey to Istanbul, where we will arrive in the late afternoon, to our hotel where we will stay for relax and sleep.

Greca Tip: Bid farewell to the fantastic city of Istanbul with a traditional Turkish dinner.