Timeless Turkey 9 Days - USA/Canada Departure


Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia

Small Group5-Star Hotels

price starts at:
U$2,999.00+ U$3,299.00

  • Tour Code: USTT09
  • Theme: Explorer Tours & Trips
  • Days: 9 Day(s)
  • Departing From: Quebec Ottawa New York (all airports) Vancouver Los Angeles Las Vegas San Francisco Calgary Halifax Edmonton Saskatoon Winnipeg Toronto Montreal Land Only Boston Chicago Seattle Houston Washington, D.C. Detroit Denver Dallas Phoenix Philadelphia Miami San Diego San Antonio Portland Oregon Atlanta Austin Charlotte Memphis Oklahoma City Milwaukee Sacramento San Jose Orlando Fort Lauderdale New Orleans Minneapolis Columbus, Ohio Honolulu Indianapolis IND Fort Wayne St.Louis North Carolina Kansas City Tampa Charleston Oakland
  • Highlights:

    Each new booking comes with the complimentary UTO Worry-Free Plan

    ? (Click here for more details)

    ☆ Special Invitation for the Centennial Celebration of Turkey  (Click here for more details)

    ☆ Hand-picked 5-Star Hotel Accommodations
    ☆ Immerse yourself in the 1500-year-old Hagia Sophia and learn the splendid history of Turkey
    ☆ Visit the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the city landmark of Istanbul
    ☆ Compare the Topkapi Palace and the Dolmabahce Palace to further understand the development of the country
    ☆ Unwind the story of Fall of Constantinople by overlooking the Golden Horn and Bosporus Strait
    ☆ Tour the UNESCO site Goreme National Park, a wide stretch of Karst topography with cave churches and underground dwellings
    ☆ Soar over the most Moon-like place on earth in a hot air balloon at Cappadocia
    ☆ Visit 3 UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Sites   



  • Service Language: English
  • Better to Book Before: 90 Day(s)
trip map:
OVERVIEW

ALL PRICES ARE IN USD

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

  1. 1. Deposit: U$600/person at the time of booking
  2. 2. Final Payment: 180 days prior to the trip departure

GROUP SIZE:

 10 - 24 people in each group

FLIGHT UPGRADE** TO BUSINESS CLASS (BEFORE FINAL PAYMENT):

 Business Class Flight Upgrade (only available for the International round-trip flight between North America and Turkey): Please contact us for pricing and availability


*Gratuities for tour director/local guide or driver are not included in the package price and if you are happy with their outstanding services, we recommend a tipping guideline: $15 per person per day for the guide and $ 5 per person per day for the driver. If you find the service is exceptional, feel free to tip additionally. Please keep in mind that the amount of appreciation is always at your discretion and we thank you for your generosity and kindness. Should you wish to settle your tipping money before the trip by using credit card, you may do so in your account. 

**Since the seats are limited, we recommend you to choose upgrades at the time of booking.

https://www.utocruise.com/
Telephone:+1 905.597.6882; 1 855.526.1286

ITINERARY

Day 1: Istanbul

Start off the day by visiting the UNESCO  listed Ancient Sultanahmet District on European side. Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also nicked named the “Blue Mosqueowing to the blue glazed tiles the architects used for the decoration is a must-see sight. This massive construction is topped by over 30 domes and 6 minarets, big enough for housing 3500 pilgrims at the same time. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Blue Mosque mixed with Byzantine and Islamic styles is the city landmark building visible from across the Bosporus Strait. Not far from here is the Hagia Sophia,  a 900-year-old Byzantine church in history as well as a 500-year-old Islam Mosque till today. When Muhammad II stepped in this grand cathedral in 1453AD, instead of ordering to smash the complex into pieces, he determined to modify the structure, kept St. Mary status, covered the Byzantine mural paintings with plaster and converted this Christian church to a Muslim mosque. Keep going to the Egyptian Bazaar, an ancient spice market and Grand Bazaar, one of the world largest and oldest markets featuring all kinds of commodities you can imagine. Walk around in the old town center at Sultanahmet Square where you could admire three remarkable historical remains: Obelisk of Theodosius, Spiral Column and Constantine Column.Stop at local gem/leather demonstration centers to discover the world class jewelry and leather products in a unique style.


Come back to the hotel and relax or you are invited to join us for the optional evening dinner cruise on the Bosporus, the dividing line between East and West.


 Optional Tour: Night cruise on Bosporus with dinner and folk-dance performance U$79/person.

Day 2: Istanbul

Today is free for you to design your own agenda. 

“If the whole world is one country, the capital must be Istanbul”. Join us for an optional full day in-depth tour to learn more about this appealing place.


 Optional Tour: Full day exploring Istanbul with lunch U$169/person


Let us first take you to the Basilica Cistern, an underground reservoir built in 532AD for the water supply of the imperial palace. The accidental discovery of two upside down Medusa head sculptures has added more mystery and romance to this unique place which has appeared in many top-grossing movies. Next stop is the famed Topkapi Palace. Initially constructed by Muhammad II and expanded by Suleiman I, this royal palace is a huge compound consisting of imperial residence, library, mosque, school, hospital, and garden, spacious enough for 4000 dwellers. There were as many as 30 sultans who lived and ruled the vast country from this palace. Move to the New District on European side and visit the Dolmabahce Palace, also called the “New Palace”, where the last 6 sultans resided. Enlightened by the Louvre and inspired by the Buckingham Palace, this complex was designed to be fancy, luxurious and extravagant on a man-made land in water, overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara. Stroll along the lively Istiklal Avenue connecting Galata Tower and Taksim Square lined with boutiques, book stores, bistros, high end restaurants, music pubs, art galleries, movie theaters and libraries. The elegant and charming architectures here in ClassicalGothic and Renaissance styles portray the golden era when this was all Genovese concession.


Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara

Morning bus ride to the capital city Ankara(270mi/440km), the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, go straight to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Elected to be the first president in 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk has been highly respected as the founder of the Republic of Turkey who had abolished the Sultan Monarchy of Ottoman Empire and brought the renascence to the modern Turkey by advocating and implementing a more secular state policy. There are 12 pairs of stone carved lion statues standing on both sides of the sacred walkway leading to the Grand Ceremonial Plaza, symbolizing the 24 Oghuz Turkic Tribes and adding solemn beauty to the whole tomb site. Your next program is the Museum of Anatolian Civilization, a veritable treasure trove full of archeological artifacts and cultural relics from excavation sites across the Anatolia. Ascend to Ankara Castle (with lots of steps) on top of the old town hill to gain a panoramic view of the city before checking in your hotel in the capital.

Day 4: Ankara - Lake Tuz - Cappadocia

Depart for Cappadocia(200mi/330km), an area with unrivalled picture-perfect landform filled with imposing pillars, caves and valleys attracting world class filmmakers, photographers, newlyweds and hot air balloon riders. On the way, make a brief picture stop at Lake Tuz, “Mirror of the Sky”, an unusual pink color Salt Lake south of Ankara. Upon arrival at Cappadocia, check in your hotel and enjoy your free afternoon at this surreal region, the celebrated “Most Moon-like Place on Earth

After dinner, you are invited to join us for an optional traditional folk-dance show. The UNESCO  listed Sufi Whirling Dervishes has 800 years of history in Turkey and dancers believe while they spin and meditate set to the music, their soul could escalate to a more harmonious level between heaven and earth, much closer to the Creator.


 Optional Tour: Evening Whirling Dervishes Performance U$49/person.

Day 5: Cappadocia

We invite the early risers to participate in an unforgettable adventure(optional) by riding on a hot air balloon at sunrise time. Cappadocia is one of the top 3 world-famous destinations ideal for hot air balloon activity because of its breathtaking volcanic rock formations, unbeatable Moon-like terrain and epic history of legendary human settlement.


 Optional Tour: Morning hot air balloon ride U$250/person  (U$280/person or more if booking onsite subject to availability)


Remarks for hot air balloon experience:

  1. 1. We strongly suggest early booking as the demand is usually high and the availability is limited especially during busy seasons.
  2. 2. The ride may be cancelled any time depending on the weather conditions.
  3. 3. Bring extra layers for the high-altitude chill and do not wear high heels or short skirts. 
  4. 4. Follow safety instructions and keep correct landing position.
  5. 5. Participants are offered safety insurance by the reputable licensed service providers.
  6. 6. Seniors,very young kids or anyone with physical/health issues are not recommended for this activity.
  7. 7. Participants come back to the hotel for breakfast after this activity.


In the afternoon, you are scheduled to follow our guide to explore the UNESCO  listed Goreme National Park, a wide stretch of a rocky, water- and wind-eroded landscape with cave churches and underground dwellings. Among the numerous valleys, rock towers, cliffs and peaks, Guvercinlik Valley, Devrent Valley, Fairy Chimneys, Love Valley, Rose Valley, Pasabag and Three Beauties are the most striking and picturesque ones. Around 9th century AD, more Christians escaped to this remote and isolated place and settled down here to avoid the attacks from Arabs. People hewed out houses from the rocks and later added churches, markets, wineries and tunnels to create some huge interconnected communities. Uçhisar Castle was built on a steep slope of a 196ft/60m high rock hill as a fortification functioned to ward off any invaders. The interior of the rock hill was unbelievably hollowed out to be served as a stronghold with water storage and food supply capable to support the worriers for months without any help from outside.Find out how natural resources and innovative designs have attributed to the world leading pottery- making of Turkey by visiting a local ceramic workshop then appreciate the traditional weaving process of the world famous Turkish carpet in a rug show room.


 Optional Tours: Wonders of Goreme with 4X4 jeep ride U$69/person

This two-hour 4X4 Off-Road Jeep Safari allows you to venture off the beaten path and discover the hidden canyons and caves upclose which are not accessible on foot or by bus. The bumpy ride through rugged terrain, stunning valleys and local villages is the best way to explore this lunar like landscape of Cappadocia.



Back to the hotel for a restful evening

Day 6: Cappadocia - Istanbul

Take the bus back to Istanbul and relax for the rest of the day. We highly recommend you to upgrade for a flight back to Istanbul at a discounted flight fare of U$199/person(including airport pick up&drop off) to avoid late evening arrival.

Day 7: Depart from Turkey

After breakfast, transfer to the airport and board the flight back to your home (transfer is not included if you booked the land only package).

*Please note: Depending on the air scheduling and availability, your flight back to USA/Canada may depart in very early morning the next day (00:00 am-03: 00 am).

For your final day, you may explore the city on your own and transfer to the airport in the evening. Hotel check-out is before noontime. (Late check-out may be available for a fee subject to the hotel policy).


more info

Included:

1. Round-trip international flight from New York (All Airports) to Istanbul for NO additional charge

The following departure cities are available for additional charge:

Additional U$500/person
Montreal / Miami / Fort Lauderdale / Boston / Washington, D.C. / Orlando
Additional U$600/person
Las Vegas / Austin / Oklahoma / Toronto / Chicago / Detroit / Memphis / Milwaukee
Additional U$700/person
Dallas / Philadelphia / Charlotte / Houston / Denver / Phoenix / Sacramento / San Antonio / Vancouver / Seattle / Portland / Los Angeles / San Diego / San Francisco

Land only package without round-trip international flight ticket: minus U$500/person

2. Hand-picked 5-star hotel accommodations

3. Transfer from airport to hotel and hotel to airport (except for land only package)

4. Sightseeing admission fees as listed on the agenda

5. Food as specified on the itinerary

6. Special cultural programs as specified in the schedule

7. Professional English speaking local tour expert

8. All tax and fuel surcharge

9. UTOvacation’s Worry Free Plan (Click Here for More Details)

Excluded:

1. Travel insurance

2. Any personal expenses

3. Tour extensions and optional programs

4. Gratuity* for tour guides and drivers

5. Single supplement fee: U$700 (*Our tour price is based on double occupancy and if a single passenger is traveling solo and not sharing room with any roommate for the entire trip, a single supplement fee is charged. If a passenger shares a room with travel partner(s) on the tour, such fee is waived.)

Optional Features

FLIGHT CHOICE:

☆ Regular Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with moderate layover time: + U$0

☆ Express Flight: We are trying to put you on a direct flight. If this is not possible, you will take flights with limited layover time of less than 6 hours each way

     Price: U$299/person

☆ Swift Flight: You will take a direct flight with no layover guaranteed (if there is (an) direct flight(s) service already existing between your departure gateway and the arrival gateway of your destination country)

     Price: U$599/person

 Business Class Flight Upgrade: U$4000/person

 OPTIONAL PROGRAMS (CHOOSE BEFORE THE TRIP STARTS)

(There is a minimum number of participants required for each optional program. If not enough attendees for certain program, we may cancel such activity or a FIT surcharge may apply) 

 Day 3: Night cruise on Bosporus with dinner and folk-dance performance U$79/person

 Day 4: Full day exploring Istanbul with lunch U$169/person

 Day 6: Evening Whirling Dervishes Performance U$49/person

☆ Day 7: Morning hot air balloon ride U$250/person (U$280/person or more if booking onsite subject to availability)

 Day 7: Wonders of Goreme with 4X4 jeep ride U$69/person

  If you seek for a SAFE and SWIFT airport transfer service with professional assistance from UTOvacation guide/driver in an unacquainted airport of a foreign country, welcome for a comfortable and easy ride at your destination with extra peace of mind. Click here for details

  • One way service fee: U$80/person
  • Round trip service fee: U$109/person (including pick up & drop off)

 FLIGHT DEVIATION SERVICE:  

Please contact us for details and pricing whenever you need 

 PRE & POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION SERVICE:

Please contact us for details and pricing whenever you need 

Visa

This trip requires an e-visa for USA/Canada passport holders.

* UTOvaction"s Turkey E-visa Service Option (Multiple entry, 90 days stay): U$110/person


Visit the "IATA Travel Centre" for detailed information on country-specific passport, visa and health requirements:

https://www.iatatravelcentre.com/passport-visa-health-travel-document-requirements.htm

 

Call 1-855-526-1286 or email [email protected] for any inquiries about travel visas.

More about Travel Documents

*It is your responsibility to ensure that you- and any child travelling with you- have all the valid travel documents necessary to enter in, exit from or transit through, each country/region on your itinerary. Note that the documents required for the outbound portion of your travel may differ from those required for the return.

*Your passport should be valid for six months beyond your date of return. Passport must be in good condition: passport damaged beyond normal wear and tear will not be accepted.

*Consult with the appropriate embassy, high commission or consulate about the travel document requirement for any country that you plan to enter in, exit from or transit through.

*Some country no longer issue paper visas but rather electronic visas. E-Visa holders must present the printed e-Visa and valid passport at the checkpoint.

*International travel with infants and children may be required to show documentary evidence of your relationship and a Letter Consent or permission for the child’s travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian not present.

*Americans holding dual citizenship must travel to the United States with a valid U.S. passport. American permanent residents returning to the United States from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).

*Canadians holding dual citizenship must travel to Canada with a valid Canadian passport. Canadian permanent residents returning Canada from abroad must carry a valid passport and a valid Canadian Permanent Resident Card (PR Card).

Hotels & Flights

HAND-PICKED 5-STAR HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS:

☆ Istanbul: Double Tree by Hilton Topkapi or similar


☆ Ankara: Movenpick Ankara or similar


 Cappadocia: Ramada by Wyndham or similar


 Izmir: Movenpick Izmir or similar


 Antalya: Crowne Plaza Antalya or similar



INTERNATIONAL AIR: (UTOvacation reserves the right to confirm the airlines below)

☆ United Airline ☆ American Airline ☆ Delta Airline ☆ Air Canada ☆ Lufthansa Airlines ☆ Jet Airways ☆ Lot Polish Airlines  Tap Air Portugal ☆ Austrian Airlines ☆ KLM Airlines  Alitalia  Air France  French Bee Airline  Virgin Atlantic  Vueling Airlines  Air Caraibes  Level Airline  Norwegian Air Shuttle  Iberia  Air Italy  Aeroflot  Aer Lingus  Finnair  Swiss International Air Lines  Scandinavian Airlines  Brussels Airlines  British Airways  Turkish Airlines  Ukraine Intl Airlines  Royal Air Maroc  Etihad Airways  Egyptair  Italia Trasporto Aereo  Qatar Airways  Royal Jordanian  Emirates Airline  Kuwait Airways