Splendor of Middle East
Duration
16 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Start city
Amman
Available
April 2024 / March 2025
Cities to visit: Amman; Jerash; Madaba; Bethany; Dead Sea; Shoubak; Petra; Wadi Rum; Al Aqaba; Eilat; Santa Catalina; Moses Well; El Cairo; Istanbul; Ankara; Cappadocia; Safranbolu; Gokgol Magarasi; Eregli
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
Dear Traveler: thank you for choosing us to perform this Tour! We hope you enjoy your trip.
Here we give you a guidance on their tour with the information that we believe may be of your interest. The information is indicative, may exist variations on designated hours.
TRANSFER from the airport, if you have it included or purchasing. Our transfer will be waiting for you with a poster on behalf of Europamundo or its name to the output of the custom (after collecting your luggage)..
Remember to inform us by phone if you lost your connection flight or expected delay of their arrival, in your VOUCHER figure the phone of the transfer.
IMPORTANT: If you had additional nights upon arrival the hotel will have your reservation, but his travel guide normally will not be until the night before the start of the tour.
Day
Arrival at Amman airport. Welcome to Jordan!. Border procedures and transfer to the hotel Free time.
Breakfast.
08.00 hrs.- Departure to the north of the country.
11.30 a.m.- Arrival at the Ajlun Fortress , an imposing castle from the twelfth century, which is located in the middle of a fertile valley of vineyards and pine forests that gives us a particular view of the green side of the Hashemite Kingdom. It is considered one of the greatest examples of Arab military architecture, has spectacular panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the three wadis constituted a strategic defense in the defensive chain that existed in the area. In this area Muslims and Orthodox Christians have always lived together, we will visit the old CHURCH OF SAN SERGIO . Shall we all pray together for peace?.
12.30 hrs.- End of the visit and continuation to Jerash.
13.30 hrs.- Arrival in Jerash and transfer to a local restaurant where we will have lunch (included).
15.00 hrs.- Visit of t he Roman ruins of Jerash , one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Middle East, it is called the Asian Pompeii and the second most visited attraction in Jordan.
17.00 hrs. - End of the visit to Jerash and return by road to Amman. A rrival in Amman in about an hour.
08.00 hrs.- Departure to the north of the country.
11.30 a.m.- Arrival at the Ajlun Fortress , an imposing castle from the twelfth century, which is located in the middle of a fertile valley of vineyards and pine forests that gives us a particular view of the green side of the Hashemite Kingdom. It is considered one of the greatest examples of Arab military architecture, has spectacular panoramic views of the Jordan Valley and the three wadis constituted a strategic defense in the defensive chain that existed in the area. In this area Muslims and Orthodox Christians have always lived together, we will visit the old CHURCH OF SAN SERGIO . Shall we all pray together for peace?.
12.30 hrs.- End of the visit and continuation to Jerash.
13.30 hrs.- Arrival in Jerash and transfer to a local restaurant where we will have lunch (included).
15.00 hrs.- Visit of t he Roman ruins of Jerash , one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the Middle East, it is called the Asian Pompeii and the second most visited attraction in Jordan.
17.00 hrs. - End of the visit to Jerash and return by road to Amman. A rrival in Amman in about an hour.
Breakfast.
07.30 hrs.- Departure to the Desert Castles built between the 7th and 8th centuries. We´ll head to the first castle, Qusayr Amra.
09.00 hrs.- Depart for Qusayr Amra Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the early 8th century as a holiday resort for the caliph, it is preserved as one of the finest desert castles in Jordan.
10.30 a.m.- End of the visit to Qusayr Amra Castle, we will arrive in approximately 30 minutes at Qasr Kharana Castle built by the Umayyads from the year 661 to become an oasis of rest for the caravans of merchants who crossed the desert transporting their goods.
11.30 a.m.- Once the visit to Kharana Castle is over, we will head to Madaba.
13.00 hrs.- Arrival in Madaba.
We´ll visit the Madaba Archaeological Park , crossed by an old Roman road and the Church of St. George, with its fantastic mosaic from the sixth century. where the map of Madaba is exhibited, the oldest cartographic representation of Jerusalem and the Holy Land that is preserved to this day.
13.30hrs.- End of the visit to Madaba and departure to Mount Nebo, being a place of great importance at a historical, religious and cultural level for being the place from which Moses contemplated the Promised Land before he died. You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful views from the viewpoint where on a clear day you can see places as far away as Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and the Dead Sea.
13.45 hrs.- Arrival at Mount Nebo and lunch included.
15.30 hrs.- Departure from Mount Nebo to Amman.
17.00 hrs.- Arrival at the hotel in Amman. Free time. Accommodation.
07.30 hrs.- Departure to the Desert Castles built between the 7th and 8th centuries. We´ll head to the first castle, Qusayr Amra.
09.00 hrs.- Depart for Qusayr Amra Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Built in the early 8th century as a holiday resort for the caliph, it is preserved as one of the finest desert castles in Jordan.
10.30 a.m.- End of the visit to Qusayr Amra Castle, we will arrive in approximately 30 minutes at Qasr Kharana Castle built by the Umayyads from the year 661 to become an oasis of rest for the caravans of merchants who crossed the desert transporting their goods.
11.30 a.m.- Once the visit to Kharana Castle is over, we will head to Madaba.
13.00 hrs.- Arrival in Madaba.
We´ll visit the Madaba Archaeological Park , crossed by an old Roman road and the Church of St. George, with its fantastic mosaic from the sixth century. where the map of Madaba is exhibited, the oldest cartographic representation of Jerusalem and the Holy Land that is preserved to this day.
13.30hrs.- End of the visit to Madaba and departure to Mount Nebo, being a place of great importance at a historical, religious and cultural level for being the place from which Moses contemplated the Promised Land before he died. You will have the opportunity to admire the beautiful views from the viewpoint where on a clear day you can see places as far away as Bethlehem, the Mount of Olives and the Dead Sea.
13.45 hrs.- Arrival at Mount Nebo and lunch included.
15.30 hrs.- Departure from Mount Nebo to Amman.
17.00 hrs.- Arrival at the hotel in Amman. Free time. Accommodation.
Breakfast.
07.30 hrs.- Departure from Amman and panoramic tour on the bus (without tickets) and continuation to Bethany.
09.45 hrs.- Arrival in Bethany on the banks of the Jordan River, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
11.00 hrs.- Departure from Bethany.
11.30 a.m.-Arrival at the Dead Sea Museum, it is an impressive panoramic complex.
12.00 hrs.- Departure from the Dead Sea Museum.
12.30 hrs.- Arrival at the Dead Sea hotel and lunch included. Free time to take a dip in the salty sea at a lowest altitude on Earth. Dinner included . Accommodation.
07.30 hrs.- Departure from Amman and panoramic tour on the bus (without tickets) and continuation to Bethany.
09.45 hrs.- Arrival in Bethany on the banks of the Jordan River, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ.
11.00 hrs.- Departure from Bethany.
11.30 a.m.-Arrival at the Dead Sea Museum, it is an impressive panoramic complex.
12.00 hrs.- Departure from the Dead Sea Museum.
12.30 hrs.- Arrival at the Dead Sea hotel and lunch included. Free time to take a dip in the salty sea at a lowest altitude on Earth. Dinner included . Accommodation.
Breakfast.
09.00 hrs.- Departure from the Dead Sea.
10.30 hrs..- Arrival at Kerak Castle , a former stronghold of the Crusaders, rising 900 meters above sea level, between the walls of an ancient city.
12.00 hrs. - Departure from Kerak and heading to the local restaurant where we will have lunch (included) until 14.00 hrs.
15.00 hrs.- Continuation to Dana , a small picturesque rural village of stone houses on a huge cliff located at the foot of the largest biosphere nature reserve in Jordan. We´ll take a panoramic tour where we´ll be able to take photos.
15.30 hrs.- Departure from Dana we will head towards Shobak.
16.00 hrs.- Arrival at Shobak Castle, built by the Crusaders in 1115 to control the trade routes between Egypt and Syria, as well as the passage permits for pilgrims and caravans. We will be able to take some photos to remember.
16.30 hrs.- Departure from Shobak, we will head to Wadi Musa where the Spring of Moses is located.
17.00 hrs.- Arrival and brief visit to the Spring of Moses , where Moses supposedly hit the rock with his rod and the water gushed out.
17.15 hrs.- Departure to Moses Spring.
17.30 hrs.- Arrival at the Petra Museum , an excellent exhibition that allows us to understand the history of the Nabataeans and learn about magnificent pieces found in the area.
18.00 hrs.- Departure from the Petra Museum.
18.15 hrs.- Arrival at the hotel. Dinner included . Overnight in Petra. Petra is the ancient capital of the kingdom of the Nabataeans. This civilization occupied the city in the 6th century B.C. and took advantage of the city´s location as a strategic lodging point for caravans during the Silk Road
09.00 hrs.- Departure from the Dead Sea.
10.30 hrs..- Arrival at Kerak Castle , a former stronghold of the Crusaders, rising 900 meters above sea level, between the walls of an ancient city.
12.00 hrs. - Departure from Kerak and heading to the local restaurant where we will have lunch (included) until 14.00 hrs.
15.00 hrs.- Continuation to Dana , a small picturesque rural village of stone houses on a huge cliff located at the foot of the largest biosphere nature reserve in Jordan. We´ll take a panoramic tour where we´ll be able to take photos.
15.30 hrs.- Departure from Dana we will head towards Shobak.
16.00 hrs.- Arrival at Shobak Castle, built by the Crusaders in 1115 to control the trade routes between Egypt and Syria, as well as the passage permits for pilgrims and caravans. We will be able to take some photos to remember.
16.30 hrs.- Departure from Shobak, we will head to Wadi Musa where the Spring of Moses is located.
17.00 hrs.- Arrival and brief visit to the Spring of Moses , where Moses supposedly hit the rock with his rod and the water gushed out.
17.15 hrs.- Departure to Moses Spring.
17.30 hrs.- Arrival at the Petra Museum , an excellent exhibition that allows us to understand the history of the Nabataeans and learn about magnificent pieces found in the area.
18.00 hrs.- Departure from the Petra Museum.
18.15 hrs.- Arrival at the hotel. Dinner included . Overnight in Petra. Petra is the ancient capital of the kingdom of the Nabataeans. This civilization occupied the city in the 6th century B.C. and took advantage of the city´s location as a strategic lodging point for caravans during the Silk Road
Breakfast.
Known as the "Pink City", the "Lost City" or the "City of Stone", it is considered the jewel of Jordan and one of the Seven Wonders of the World since 2007.
07.00 hrs.-Departure from the hotel to visit Petra , we will access through the narrow canyon and discover the temples and tombs carved into the cliffs in this city founded 300 years before Christ. Lunch included.
14.00 hrs.- Departure from Petra to Wadi Rum, an impressive desert that is famous for being the setting for famous films where ´Dune´, ´Lawrence of Arabia´ or ´Star Wars´ have been filmed. We will be able to enjoy unparalleled sunsets and starry nights.
16.00 hrs.- Arrival at Wadi Rum - Valley of the Moon, a magical ecosystem of the Jordanian desert that has extensive red sand dunes and imposing sandstone arches, at the visitor center we take all-terrain vehicles to visit some of the most impressive landscapes. We include a ride of about 45 minutes on a camel through the desert . We will also visit the Khazali Canyon, in this spectacular place we will see the engravings that show us the origin of the Arabic language.
18.00 hrs.- End of activities in Wadi Rum.
18.15 hrs.- Arrival at the camp. Dinner included . Accommodation.
Known as the "Pink City", the "Lost City" or the "City of Stone", it is considered the jewel of Jordan and one of the Seven Wonders of the World since 2007.
07.00 hrs.-Departure from the hotel to visit Petra , we will access through the narrow canyon and discover the temples and tombs carved into the cliffs in this city founded 300 years before Christ. Lunch included.
14.00 hrs.- Departure from Petra to Wadi Rum, an impressive desert that is famous for being the setting for famous films where ´Dune´, ´Lawrence of Arabia´ or ´Star Wars´ have been filmed. We will be able to enjoy unparalleled sunsets and starry nights.
16.00 hrs.- Arrival at Wadi Rum - Valley of the Moon, a magical ecosystem of the Jordanian desert that has extensive red sand dunes and imposing sandstone arches, at the visitor center we take all-terrain vehicles to visit some of the most impressive landscapes. We include a ride of about 45 minutes on a camel through the desert . We will also visit the Khazali Canyon, in this spectacular place we will see the engravings that show us the origin of the Arabic language.
18.00 hrs.- End of activities in Wadi Rum.
18.15 hrs.- Arrival at the camp. Dinner included . Accommodation.
After breakfast.
08.00 hrs.-: we leave for AQABA, Jordan’s second city, lying on the banks of the Red Sea.
08.45 hrs.-: Arrival in the city of Aqaba.
09.45 hrs.-: Panoramic city tour of Aqaba.
10.00 hrs.-: Arrival at the Araba border crossing with ISRAEL, EILAT, and arrive in this modern and tourist city with its excellent beaches. There’s time to relax, have lunch and stroll around. Are you tempted to have a swim?.
14.00 hrs.-: We then continue towards the EGYPT border, and into Sinai. On the way, there’s chance to take photographs of the Pharaoh’s Island with the powerful fortress of Saladin. Continue to SAINT CATHERINE /TABA . Arrival, accommodation and dinner included.
Arrival time from Santa Catalina / Taba will depend on the duration of border crossing procedures.
FEES: At the border crossing from Jordan to Israel and from Israel to Egypt, every traveler must pay an entry/exit fee for the different countries. Jordan: $15 (exit fees), Israel: $32 (exit fee), Egypt: $45 (entry visa, which is actually $25 visa + $20.Approximate rates and subject to change without prior notice by the authorities of the country.
Drones and cameras with a 5,5 mtr zoom are prohibited as well as other types of professional equipment cameras ( Europamundo is not responsiblefor objects that may be seized at borders by the authorities of the countries)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to exceptional circumstances or due to a small number of participants, it may happen that we will cross directly from Jordan to Egypt by boat, taking the AQABA- TABA FERRY with a duration of just over two hours. During the ferry crossing, there will be no assistance from any guide.
08.00 hrs.-: we leave for AQABA, Jordan’s second city, lying on the banks of the Red Sea.
08.45 hrs.-: Arrival in the city of Aqaba.
09.45 hrs.-: Panoramic city tour of Aqaba.
10.00 hrs.-: Arrival at the Araba border crossing with ISRAEL, EILAT, and arrive in this modern and tourist city with its excellent beaches. There’s time to relax, have lunch and stroll around. Are you tempted to have a swim?.
14.00 hrs.-: We then continue towards the EGYPT border, and into Sinai. On the way, there’s chance to take photographs of the Pharaoh’s Island with the powerful fortress of Saladin. Continue to SAINT CATHERINE /TABA . Arrival, accommodation and dinner included.
Arrival time from Santa Catalina / Taba will depend on the duration of border crossing procedures.
FEES: At the border crossing from Jordan to Israel and from Israel to Egypt, every traveler must pay an entry/exit fee for the different countries. Jordan: $15 (exit fees), Israel: $32 (exit fee), Egypt: $45 (entry visa, which is actually $25 visa + $20.Approximate rates and subject to change without prior notice by the authorities of the country.
Drones and cameras with a 5,5 mtr zoom are prohibited as well as other types of professional equipment cameras ( Europamundo is not responsiblefor objects that may be seized at borders by the authorities of the countries)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to exceptional circumstances or due to a small number of participants, it may happen that we will cross directly from Jordan to Egypt by boat, taking the AQABA- TABA FERRY with a duration of just over two hours. During the ferry crossing, there will be no assistance from any guide.
Breakfast.
07.00 hrs.-: Departure from the hotel and drive to St. Catherine´s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.
09.00 hrs.-: We visit the impressive walled monastery of SAINT CATHERINE . According to tradition, this is where Moses saw “the Burning Bush that burned without being consumed”. The monastery, which is a sacred place for Jews, Christians and Muslims, belongs to the Orthodox Church and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12.00 hrs.-: Stop at the WELL OF MOSES , a biblical site that looks like a small oasis.
16.00 hrs.-: Lunch included in route . After lunch, We will leave Sinai through the tunnel under the SUEZ CANAL.
2 0.00 hrs.- : Arrival in CAIRO at the end of the afternoon. Accommodation.
07.00 hrs.-: Departure from the hotel and drive to St. Catherine´s Monastery at the foot of Mount Sinai.
09.00 hrs.-: We visit the impressive walled monastery of SAINT CATHERINE . According to tradition, this is where Moses saw “the Burning Bush that burned without being consumed”. The monastery, which is a sacred place for Jews, Christians and Muslims, belongs to the Orthodox Church and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12.00 hrs.-: Stop at the WELL OF MOSES , a biblical site that looks like a small oasis.
16.00 hrs.-: Lunch included in route . After lunch, We will leave Sinai through the tunnel under the SUEZ CANAL.
2 0.00 hrs.- : Arrival in CAIRO at the end of the afternoon. Accommodation.
Note: In summer temperatures are higher, so visits to archaeological sites are made earlier in the day to avoid the hottest hours of the day. It is recommended to wear sports shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or cap for these visits.
Breakfast.
07:00 hrs.-: We will visit the esplanade of the Pyramids , the most famous of which are those of the pharaohs Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinos (entrance to the interior of the pyramids not included), as well as the enigmatic Sphinx. Afterwards we will visit the Papyrus Institute for about 30 minutes, where we will see how the papyrus is handmade.
11:30 hrs.-: Visit the Coptic Quarter , which is nowadays one of the meeting places of the Egyptians and one of the oldest areas of the city. Visit the Hanging Church.
12:30 hrs.-: Visit the Citadel, built by order of Saladin in 1176 and completed in 1182. From 1218 until the 19th century it was the official seat of the Egyptian government. The history of this area is full of palace intrigues, assassinations, overthrows and massacres such as that of the Mamluks in 1811. Representative buildings include the Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque , built on the model of Istanbul´s Hagia Sophia.
13.45 hrs.-: Lunch included in a local restaurant.
15:00 hrs.-: Visit the Egyptian Museum , which is about 10 km from the Pyramids and contains one of the most important and impressive archaeological exhibits in the world. The jewel of this exhibition is the treasure of Tutankhamun which occupies the entire upper floor. Remember that it takes at least a week to visit it in its entirety.
17:00 hrs-: Departure from the Egyptian Museum and return to the hotel.
18:00 hrs.-: Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.
Breakfast.
07:00 hrs.-: We will visit the esplanade of the Pyramids , the most famous of which are those of the pharaohs Cheops, Kephren and Mykerinos (entrance to the interior of the pyramids not included), as well as the enigmatic Sphinx. Afterwards we will visit the Papyrus Institute for about 30 minutes, where we will see how the papyrus is handmade.
11:30 hrs.-: Visit the Coptic Quarter , which is nowadays one of the meeting places of the Egyptians and one of the oldest areas of the city. Visit the Hanging Church.
12:30 hrs.-: Visit the Citadel, built by order of Saladin in 1176 and completed in 1182. From 1218 until the 19th century it was the official seat of the Egyptian government. The history of this area is full of palace intrigues, assassinations, overthrows and massacres such as that of the Mamluks in 1811. Representative buildings include the Muhammad Ali Mosque, also known as the Alabaster Mosque , built on the model of Istanbul´s Hagia Sophia.
13.45 hrs.-: Lunch included in a local restaurant.
15:00 hrs.-: Visit the Egyptian Museum , which is about 10 km from the Pyramids and contains one of the most important and impressive archaeological exhibits in the world. The jewel of this exhibition is the treasure of Tutankhamun which occupies the entire upper floor. Remember that it takes at least a week to visit it in its entirety.
17:00 hrs-: Departure from the Egyptian Museum and return to the hotel.
18:00 hrs.-: Arrival at the hotel and accommodation.
Tras el desayuno (horario variable en función de vuelos) traslado al aeropuerto. Incluimos vuelo de EGIPTO A TURQUIA. Llegada al aeropuerto de ESTAMBUL , tramites de frontera y traslado al hotel. Tiempo libre.
08:00 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a panoramic tour of this impressive city, a “bridge” between Europe and Asia, both geographically and culturally. Our tour includes a visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque (the largest in Istanbul), and we’ll see the city walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district, along with a chance to admire the exterior of Hagia Sophia. The afternoon is free for you to explore this city that spans two continents.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
07:30 p.m. - As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. Here, you´ll have time to dine at one of the many restaurants. You can also enjoy a ride on the old tram that traverses the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower. We´ll return to the hotel around 10:00 p.m.
Total distance covered: 450 km.
07:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included).
Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture.
We’ll then disembark on the Asian side for a leisurely walk through the Uskudar district, known for its impressive mosques like Yeni Valide and the Maiden’s Tower, as well as its tranquil streets. There will be free time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Istanbul. We’ll continue our journey from Uskudar on the Asian side toward the Anatolian Peninsula.
09:00 p.m. - Ankara. Dinner will be included.
07:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll visit to Topkapi Palace, the former administrative center of the Ottoman Empire, famous for its stunning courtyards and pavilions (admission included).
Afterward, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides. We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture.
We’ll then disembark on the Asian side for a leisurely walk through the Uskudar district, known for its impressive mosques like Yeni Valide and the Maiden’s Tower, as well as its tranquil streets. There will be free time for lunch.
03:00 p.m. - Departure from Istanbul. We’ll continue our journey from Uskudar on the Asian side toward the Anatolian Peninsula.
09:00 p.m. - Ankara. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 315 km.
Scenery: Dramatic lunar landscapes and stunning views of the Salt Lake.
Note: We’ll visit the mausoleum of Hacibektas, an intriguing pilgrimage site that few tourists get to see. Please wear appropriate clothing and show respect during the visit.
08:00 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll include a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We’ll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We’ll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. By late morning, we’ll stop at a large shopping mall where you can choose from a variety of dining options at the food court.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Ankara. We’ll travel through the arid regions of central Turkey on our way to Cappadocia, with a stop to photograph the striking Salt Lake.
05:30 p.m. - Arrival in Hacibektas, a key destination for religious tourism in Turkey. We’ll visit the mausoleum of Haci Bektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic from Anatolia who emphasized humanism in his teachings. The sanctuary’s architecture and interior design beautifully reflect the rituals and symbols of Bektashism.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Hacibektas.
07:30 p.m. - Arrival in Nevsehir/Avanos. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Dramatic lunar landscapes and stunning views of the Salt Lake.
Note: We’ll visit the mausoleum of Hacibektas, an intriguing pilgrimage site that few tourists get to see. Please wear appropriate clothing and show respect during the visit.
08:00 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll include a tour of Ankara, the cosmopolitan capital of Turkey, home to over 5 million people and a vibrant cultural scene. The city boasts the State Opera and Ballet, the Presidential Symphony Orchestra, and numerous national theater companies. We’ll visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, the ancient Ankara Castle, which dates to the 8th century B.C. We’ll also include admission to the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, offering insight into the various cultures that have left their mark on Turkey. By late morning, we’ll stop at a large shopping mall where you can choose from a variety of dining options at the food court.
01:30 p.m. - Departure from Ankara. We’ll travel through the arid regions of central Turkey on our way to Cappadocia, with a stop to photograph the striking Salt Lake.
05:30 p.m. - Arrival in Hacibektas, a key destination for religious tourism in Turkey. We’ll visit the mausoleum of Haci Bektas, a 13th-century Sufi mystic from Anatolia who emphasized humanism in his teachings. The sanctuary’s architecture and interior design beautifully reflect the rituals and symbols of Bektashism.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Hacibektas.
07:30 p.m. - Arrival in Nevsehir/Avanos. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 75 km.
Scenery: Spectacular landscapes and charming villages.
Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for today’s visits. The guide may adjust the schedule to help you experience each site when it´s less crowded.
Start your day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region—a breathtaking experience offered at dawn.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Avanos/Nevsehir. We’ll head to the Göreme Valley, where admission is included to visit the incredible open-air museum, which features over 30 rock-cut churches, some adorned with stunning frescoes. Next, we’ll visit Uchisar and take a stroll through this Cappadocian village, where you can marvel at the 60-meter rock filled with cave dwellings. From there, we’ll continue to Kaymacli to explore its impressive underground city, with tunnels and catacombs built to shelter up to thirty thousand people. We’ll break for lunch afterward.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, and wander through this spectacular natural site. We’ll also visit a traditional jewelry workshop featuring stones native to the Cappadocia region, such as Onyx and Turquoise, including pieces once favored by the sultans during the Ottoman Empire.
06:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel. In the summer months, you can relax by the pool or take a stroll through the pleasant commercial town of Avanos/Nevsehir. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Spectacular landscapes and charming villages.
Note: Comfortable footwear is recommended for today’s visits. The guide may adjust the schedule to help you experience each site when it´s less crowded.
Start your day with an optional early morning hot air balloon ride over the Cappadocia region—a breathtaking experience offered at dawn.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from Avanos/Nevsehir. We’ll head to the Göreme Valley, where admission is included to visit the incredible open-air museum, which features over 30 rock-cut churches, some adorned with stunning frescoes. Next, we’ll visit Uchisar and take a stroll through this Cappadocian village, where you can marvel at the 60-meter rock filled with cave dwellings. From there, we’ll continue to Kaymacli to explore its impressive underground city, with tunnels and catacombs built to shelter up to thirty thousand people. We’ll break for lunch afterward.
In the afternoon, we’ll explore Pasabag, also known as the Fairy Chimneys, and wander through this spectacular natural site. We’ll also visit a traditional jewelry workshop featuring stones native to the Cappadocia region, such as Onyx and Turquoise, including pieces once favored by the sultans during the Ottoman Empire.
06:00 p.m. - Return to the hotel. In the summer months, you can relax by the pool or take a stroll through the pleasant commercial town of Avanos/Nevsehir. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 520 km.
Scenery: We’ll start with the arid, flat landscapes of Turkey’s interior, gradually transitioning to the mountains and forests as we approach the Black Sea.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Avanos toward the Black Sea, with a stop along the way for lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Safranbolu. Arrival in this delightful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a key stop on the ancient caravan routes. Our guide will show you some of the most picturesque spots in the city, and we’ll enjoy traditional Turkish tea in an ancient caravanserai. Dinner will be included.
Note: Occasionally, due to operational reasons, there will be a brief stop in Ankara.
Scenery: We’ll start with the arid, flat landscapes of Turkey’s interior, gradually transitioning to the mountains and forests as we approach the Black Sea.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Avanos toward the Black Sea, with a stop along the way for lunch.
04:30 p.m. - Safranbolu. Arrival in this delightful city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a key stop on the ancient caravan routes. Our guide will show you some of the most picturesque spots in the city, and we’ll enjoy traditional Turkish tea in an ancient caravanserai. Dinner will be included.
Note: Occasionally, due to operational reasons, there will be a brief stop in Ankara.
Total distance covered: 460 km.
Scenery: Forests, valleys, mountains, and coastal landscapes along the Black Sea—a rainy, green region that may differ from the typical image you have of Turkey.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Safranbolu. Today, we’ll follow the Black Sea, enjoying its lush, green landscapes.
10:00 a.m. - Gökgöl Magrasi. We’ll provide admission to this magnificent cave, famous for its underground river and vibrant colors.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Gökgöl Magrasi. We’ll continue our journey following the sea.
12:00 p.m. - Eregli. We’ll have time for lunch, followed by a visit to the impressive Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, believed in Greek mythology to be the entrance to hell.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Eregli. We’ll cross the mountains again, heading back toward central Anatolia and driving along the highway to Istanbul, crossing the suspension bridge that links Asia and Europe.
08:00 p.m. – Istanbul.
Scenery: Forests, valleys, mountains, and coastal landscapes along the Black Sea—a rainy, green region that may differ from the typical image you have of Turkey.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Safranbolu. Today, we’ll follow the Black Sea, enjoying its lush, green landscapes.
10:00 a.m. - Gökgöl Magrasi. We’ll provide admission to this magnificent cave, famous for its underground river and vibrant colors.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Gökgöl Magrasi. We’ll continue our journey following the sea.
12:00 p.m. - Eregli. We’ll have time for lunch, followed by a visit to the impressive Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, believed in Greek mythology to be the entrance to hell.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Eregli. We’ll cross the mountains again, heading back toward central Anatolia and driving along the highway to Istanbul, crossing the suspension bridge that links Asia and Europe.
08:00 p.m. – Istanbul.
End of our services. Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.
Important Note: In case you have to book an external service (plane/train...) on the day of the end of your tour with activities included, please remember that the schedules of the detailed itineraries are the "planned" ones but may be affected by different circumstances (traffic density, customer delays, breakdowns...). Do not book a flight/train with a tight schedule without taking this into account.Always leave a margin in the schedule for unforeseen events.
Important Note: In case you have to book an external service (plane/train...) on the day of the end of your tour with activities included, please remember that the schedules of the detailed itineraries are the "planned" ones but may be affected by different circumstances (traffic density, customer delays, breakdowns...). Do not book a flight/train with a tight schedule without taking this into account.Always leave a margin in the schedule for unforeseen events.
From
USD 2,848.00