Day 1: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and Arrival in Istanbul
✓ Dinner Included
Greetings from Turkey! Your 7 DAYS ISTANBUL & EASTERN ANATOLIA DISCOVERY journey begins now. Meet your representative when you arrive at Istanbul Airport, then make your way to your hotel to check in. Before the evening program, take some time to unwind. Transfer to the Bosphorus for a memorable dinner cruise in the evening. Enjoy breathtaking views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden's Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge, and Beylerbeyi Palace as you sail between Europe and Asia. Your dinner is accompanied by folklore performances and traditional Turkish entertainment. Spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 2: Tour of Istanbul's Old City
✓ Breakfast Included ✓ Lunch Included
Take a full-day guided tour of Istanbul's historic peninsula after breakfast. Explore the beautiful Topkapı Palace, one of Turkey's most significant cultural icons and the home of Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries. Proceed to the famed Blue Mosque, which is renowned for its exquisite architecture and stunning İznik tiles. Explore the ancient Hippodrome Square, which was formerly Constantinople's social and athletic hub.
Hagia Sophia admission is optional and costs €30 per person. One of the most significant structures in world history is the Hagia Sophia. From the outside, your guide will go into great depth about its intriguing Byzantine and Ottoman background. Visit the renowned Grand Bazaar after lunch. It is one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 stores offering souvenirs, jewelry, rugs, pottery, and spices.
Go back to the hotel.
Day 3: Two Continents Tour, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Bosphorus
✓ Breakfast Included ✓ Lunch Included
Visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar after breakfast, then proceed to the magnificent Dolmabahçe Palace, one of Europe's most opulent palaces. Take a picturesque Bosphorus Cruise after lunch for breathtaking views of old fortresses, palaces, and waterfront residences. Visit Istanbul's highest point, Çamlıca Hill, which offers stunning sweeping views of the city, after crossing to the Asian side. Before heading back to the hotel, take a leisurely drive along the Golden Horn and the old city walls. Spend the night in Istanbul.
Day 4: Travel to the van and relaxation
✓ Breakfast Included
Make your way to Istanbul Airport for your trip to Van after breakfast. After you are there, head to your hotel and spend the rest of the day relaxing. Experience the ambience of Eastern Anatolia while taking in the breathtaking views of Lake Van. Spend the night in a van.
Day 5: Tour of Van City and Akdamar Island
✓ Breakfast Included ✓ Lunch Included
Set out for a full day of exploring Van after breakfast. Before taking a boat to Akdamar Island, which is home to the renowned Holy Cross Church (Akdamar Church), one of the best specimens of Armenian medieval architecture, drive along the shores of Lake Van. Proceed to Van Castle, which offers a striking view of the surrounding plains and lake, after lunch.Discover the historic fortification constructed by the Urartian Kingdom and take in breathtaking sweeping vistas. Go back to the hotel. Spend the night in a van.
Day 6: Tour of the Muradiye Waterfall and Hosap Castle
✓ Breakfast Included ✓ Lunch Included
Head to the stunning Muradiye Waterfall, one of the area's most striking natural landmarks, after breakfast. Proceed to the beautiful Hoşap Castle, one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in Eastern Turkey, after lunch. The castle, which was constructed on a rocky outcrop with a view of the valley, offers breathtaking vistas and an intriguing peek into the history of the area. Go back to Van. Spend the night in a van.
Day 7: Departure
✓ Breakfast Included
Check out of the hotel after breakfast and make your way to Van Airport in accordance with the time of your departure flight, concluding your 7 DAYS ISTANBUL & EASTERN ANATOLIA DISCOVERY tour. Depending on the availability and date of the departure flight, optional activities may be scheduled. End of Grandoria Services.