9 Days Turkey Highlights Tour:
From Istanbul
9 Days, 5 Destinations, One Unforgettable Black Sea Journey!
9 Days Turkey Highlights Tour: Rail Turkey With Black Sea Tour from Istanbul to Istanbul, Trabzon, Erzurum, Kars and Cappadocia Adventure
-
Duration
9 Days
-
Guaranteed Departure
Min 2 to Go
-
Adventures
Private Tours for a Personalized Experience
-
Language
Guided narration available in English
-
Availability
Every Friday (April to October)
-
Tickets
Domestic Tickets Included
Itinerary
Embark on an extraordinary journey with our 9 Days Turkey Highlights Tour: Rail Turkey with Black Sea Tour. From Istanbul's historic splendor to the natural wonders of Cappadocia, explore Trabzon's Black Sea charm, Ani's ancient monuments, and the breathtaking Dogu Express train ride. A personalized, private tour awaits.
Day 1:
Welcome to Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the historic Old City. A welcome package, including tour vouchers, an Istanbul map, and additional tourist information, will be provided. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2:
Istanbul Old City Tour
(Breakfast Included)
-
Begin your full-day guided tour of Istanbul's highlights, including:
- Hagia Sophia Mosque (exterior view): A symbol of Byzantine architecture.
- Byzantine Hippodrome: The historic site of ancient chariot races.
- Blue Mosque: Known for its stunning blue Iznik tiles.
- Topkapi Palace: The opulent residence of Ottoman sultans.
- Grand Bazaar: Turkey's largest covered market with over 4,000 shops. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3:
Istanbul to Trabzon
(Breakfast Included)
-
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Trabzon. Upon arrival, explore Trabzon's highlights:
- Aya Sofya Museum: Sister museum to Istanbul's Hagia Sophia, featuring artifacts from the Black Sea region.
- Ataturk's Villa: A historic retreat for the founder of modern Turkey.
- Boztepe Hill: Offers panoramic views of Trabzon and the Black Sea.
- Sera Lake: A unique artificial lake surrounded by nature. Overnight in Trabzon.
Day 4:
Sumela Monastery, Cosandere Valley, Karaca Caves, and Erzurum
(Breakfast Included)
-
Today's tour begins with:
- Sumela Monastery: Carved into a cliff face, offering breathtaking views of the lush forest below.
- Cosandere Valley: Free time to explore this picturesque valley.
- Tortul Castle: Test your courage on its 240-meter-high glass observation platform.
- Karaca Caves: A stunning underground natural wonder with easy walkways and lighting. Later, transfer to Erzurum. Overnight in Erzurum.
Day 5:
Erzurum, Ani Monuments, and Kars
(Breakfast Included)
-
Begin with a visit to:
- Double Minaret Madrasah: A 13th-century Seljuk architectural masterpiece. Then drive to Ani, the ancient city featuring:
- Halaskar Church, Pictorial Church, Great Cathedral, and Ebul Menucehr Mosque. End the day in Kars, exploring its Ottoman and Russian-influenced architecture, including:
- Alexander Nevsky Church (Fethiye Mosque) and Kars Castle. Overnight in Kars.
Day 6:
Dogu Express Train to Kayseri
(Breakfast Included)
Board the Dogu Express, a scenic overnight train journey to Kayseri (Cappadocia). Relax in a 4-berth sleeper cabin and enjoy meals and drinks in the train's restaurant as you take in stunning views of Eastern Turkey and the Euphrates River.
Overnight on the train.
Day 7:
Cappadocia Tour
(Breakfast Included)
-
Arriving early in the morning, transfer to your hotel for rest before starting a guided tour at 11:00 AM. Visit:
- Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley): Known for its unique rock formations.
- Pasabag (Monks Valley): Featuring fairy chimneys with multiple heads.
- Avanos: A pottery hub along the Red River (Kizilirmak).
- Goreme Open-Air Museum: A UNESCO World Heritage site with frescoed rock churches.
- Uchisar Castle: A natural rock formation offering panoramic views. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8:
Cappadocia to Istanbul
Optional: Take a hot air balloon ride for a sunrise view of Cappadocia's landscapes.
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 9:
Departure from Istanbul
(Breakfast Included)
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your outbound flight. The tour concludes upon departure.
Inclusions & Exclusions of
Escorted Group Tour
- 8 nights' accommodation at listed 4-star hotels or similar.
- Private airport transfers with modern vehicles.
- Domestic flight tickets (15 kg baggage allowance).
- Meals as per itinerary.
- Entrance fees to museums and historical sites.
- English-speaking local tour guides.
- Daily private excursions as per the itinerary.
- Tips at restaurants and hotels.
- All parking fees and highway tolls.
Inclusions
- Personal expenses (e.g., minibar charges)
- Drinks during meals
- Tips for guides and drivers
Exclusions
The Turkey Highlights Tour: Rail Turkey with Black Sea Tour is a remarkable 9-day adventure offering a personalized exploration of Turkey's diverse landscapes and rich history. Begin in Istanbul, where you'll visit iconic sites like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, immersing yourself in the city's vibrant heritage.
Fly to Trabzon to uncover the Black Sea's treasures, including the majestic Sumela Monastery and serene Boztepe Hill. Explore Erzurum's Seljuk architecture and marvel at Ani's ancient ruins, where history comes alive. In Kars, witness the city's unique blend of Ottoman and Russian influences.
Embark on the scenic Dogu Express, an unforgettable overnight train journey through Eastern Turkey's dramatic landscapes, arriving in Cappadocia. Here, you'll explore fairy chimneys, rock-carved churches, and the Goreme Open-Air Museum. Enhance your visit with an optional hot air balloon ride for a magical sunrise view.
This private tour ensures comfort, seamless travel, and a truly immersive experience, making it perfect for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts.
Accommodation of Escorted Group Tour
- Istanbul: Erboy Hotel / Metropolitan Taksim or similar.
- Trabzon: Grand Vaves Hotel or similar.
- Erzurum: The Erzurum Hotel or similar.
- Kars: Grand Ani Hotel or similar.
- Cappadocia: Hanedan Suites Cave or similar.
4-Star Hotels
- Single Supplement: Additional charges apply.
Pricing
2590 EUR per person (based on double occupancy)The 9 Days Turkey Highlights Tour: Rail Turkey with Black Sea Tour combines historical exploration, natural beauty, and cultural immersion. From Istanbul's grandeur to the Black Sea's tranquil allure, Ani's ancient ruins, and Cappadocia's otherworldly landscapes, this private tour offers an unforgettable journey. The Dogu Express train ride adds a scenic and unique touch to the experience. With expert guides, private excursions, and comfortable accommodations, this tour ensures a seamless adventure filled with memories to cherish for a lifetime.