Visiting the best attractions
Turkey has an huge variety of attractions that includes mosques, palaces, ancient Greco-Roman cities and unique landscapes in the world. You will experience their culture like their religion, food, sense of humor and hospitality.
The journey begins in Istanbul, a city full of life that will captivate you with movement, bustle, commerce, iconic structures and the mix of Western and Eastern culture. It is a transcontinental city since the Bosphorus is the strait that separates Europe from Asia. You will have the opportunity to cross it by ferry, walk on the Asian side and then return to the European side (or vice versa).
Then we will go to Pamukkale, one of the most visited places in Turkey. Pamukkale means “Castle of Cotton” in Turkish. Here, limestone and travertine pools form, gives the appearance of frozen waterfalls in white. It is an incredible landscape that also ruins of the ancient city Hierapolis and an ancient Roman spa.
Finally we will visit Cappadocia, an ancient historical region with a unique geology in the world. Its landscapes are often described as lunar landscapes. You can see many formations of a type of rock called calcareous tufa. This is very porous and with over time erosion gave rise to these special landscapes. In addition, complete cities were built on the same rock, which can be seen to this day. Caverns created naturally and also artificially to build houses, including underground cities such as Derinkuyu and Kaymakli. Finally, the most famous of this place is the hot air balloon ride that will give you panoramic views from the height along with many other balloons that fly out to see the sunrise. Something unmissable in the visit to Cappadocia.
The prices that appear per day are referential and correspond to the sum of activities that were made that day
Visit the museum of the ancient Hagia Sophia mosque, located in Sultanahmet Square. Then to the front is the Blue Mosque. It is free but during the prayer time it is closed to the public. At that time, there are free presentations about Islam in another environment if you wish to attend. In the same area there is the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan), perfect to rest from the bustle of the city. Finally walk around the area while it gets dark and see the mosques at night.
Go to the Grand Bazaar and then the Spice Bazaar, two places you must in this city. Then cross the Galata bridge and walk to the Iztiklal Avenue, a pedestrian zone of a lot of commerce and full of life. At the end of the avenue is Taksim Square. Pay attention to the ice cream stands to see the show when selling one. To finish the day, have a drink or a meal on the terrace of the Galata Anemon hotel and have the view with the Galata tower in the afternoon / evening.
Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque which is an Ottoman imperial mosque. It is the second largest in the city but less touristy. Then take a ferry from Karakoy to Kadikoy to cross the Bosphorus (Strait of Istanbul) and go to the Asian side of the city and go to the Kadikoy area. Here you can visit the Kadikoy Market. Finally return to the hotel to take a taxi to the airport and fly to Denizli to go the next day to Pamukkale.
Take a minibus to Pamukkale from the bus station in Denizli. It takes approx. 25min. Walk from the stop to the Pamukkale natural park, and vist the travertine pools that make a surreal landscape. Then visit the ruins of Hierapolis located at the top of the natural park, where you can also access thermal baths for an additional cost. Take the minibus back to Denizli and then the bus to Goreme.
After sleeping all night on the bus, arrive at the hotel to leave the things and take the red route red route tour (Red Tour) that will take you around the area of Goreme where there are several of the main attractions of Cappadocia. The points to visit are: the Goreme Open Air Museum, Cavusin Old Cave Village, “Fairy Chimneys” in Pasabag, the village of Avanos, the Devrent Valley, and the Uchisar Castle. Then you can go for your own to watch the sunset from one of the high points in Goreme.
Take the iconic hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Then take the tour of the green route (Green Tour). This includes: the Derinkuyu underground city, the Ihlara Valley, the Selime monastery, the “Pigeon Valley”, panoramic views and onyx jewelery stalls. You can end the day again with a sunset on your own, the two sunsets are not the same. The next day fly back to Istanbul.
The lodging that is shown in the list of each night is recommended by the traveler, you can find more similar options. The cost is per person in a double bed room.
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The prices that appear by transport are referential and correspond to what the traveler paid at that moment
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There is a haggling culture, note it when buying in the bazaars or street stalls and ask for a discount.
To visit Hagia Sophia it is better to go as early as possible to avoid the crowds as it is one of the most important tourist spots.
Take advantage of the presentation to Islam that is offered outside the Blue Mosque while they are praying.
Always carry cash for transportation within the cities if necessary and for establishments that do not accept a credit card.
In Pamukkale you can take a bath in the pools so it’s ideal to bring a swimsuit. Also for thermal waters if visited.
A classic to eat in Istanbul is the Old Istanbul Cuisine, be sure to try it.
A highly recommended restaurant in Goreme is the Turkish Ravioli. It has a wide variety of dishes to choose from including delicious local food.
Try Turkish sweets that are very different to what we are probably used to. Do not miss the sweet “Turkish Delight”.
Several countries in South America do not need a visa to enter Turkey. You can check it in this link
Be careful that Istanbul has two international airports, take note which one your depart is so you can calculate travel times and transport costs.
Remember that the taxi from / to the airport, is shared between two people. The value that comes out must be multiplied by 2 so that the total value of the trip comes out.
It is necessary to dress appropriately to enter the mosques. See link of the Blue Mosque.
It is a sign of hospitality that you are invited to tea, and it is common to be offered it in stores. Accept it when they offer it to you and enjoy the moment.
Take in advance the reserve of the bus from Denizli to Goreme because there are only two night schedules. The journey is about 9-10 hours where you can sleep and save a day of hotel.
In Pamukkale you will have to remove your shoes to cross the travertine, so I recommend carrying backpacks to keep them and have your hands unoccupied.
