Day 1 – Arrival in Istanbul & Bosphorus Dinner Cruise Dinner Included
Arrival & Transfer: Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, meet your representative and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Free time to relax before the evening program.
Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: In the evening, transfer to the Bosphorus for an unforgettable dinner cruise. Sail between Europe and Asia while enjoying spectacular views of Dolmabahçe Palace, Ortaköy Mosque, Maiden's Tower, Rumeli Fortress, Bosphorus Bridge and Beylerbeyi Palace. Traditional Turkish entertainment and folklore performances accompany your dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 – Istanbul Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Historic Peninsula: After breakfast, depart for a full-day guided city tour of Istanbul's historic peninsula. Visit the magnificent Topkapı Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans for nearly four centuries and one of Turkey's most important cultural landmarks. Continue to the iconic Blue Mosque, famous for its elegant architecture and beautiful Íznik tiles. Walk through the historic Hippodrome Square, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople.
Hagia Sophia & Grand Bazaar: Optional Entrance to Hagia Sophia: €30 per person. Hagia Sophia, one of the most important monuments in world history. Your guide will provide detailed information about its fascinating Byzantine and Ottoman heritage from the exterior. After lunch, visit the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, featuring more than 4,000 shops selling carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices and souvenirs. Return to the hotel.
Day 3 – Flight to Van & Van Lake Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Flight to Van & Van Castle: After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Van. Upon arrival, visit the historic Van Castle, dramatically overlooking the surrounding plains and lake.
Akdamar Island & Lake Van: Continue with a boat excursion to Akdamar Island, home to the remarkable Holy Cross Church (Akdamar Church). Enjoy breathtaking views across Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. Overnight in Van.
Day 4 – Van Cultural Heritage Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Cultural Exploration: After breakfast, continue exploring the rich history of Van. Visit local cultural sites, traditional neighborhoods and enjoy panoramic viewpoints overlooking the lake and surrounding mountains.
Eastern Anatolian Heritage: Learn about the region's unique blend of civilizations that have shaped Eastern Anatolia throughout history. Overnight in Van.
Day 5 – Dogubayazit & Ishak Pasha Palace Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Ishak Pasha Palace: After breakfast, depart for Dogubayazit near the Iranian border. Visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the finest architectural masterpieces of the Ottoman era.
Mount Ararat Panorama: Enjoy spectacular views of the legendary Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak, and learn about the region's strategic importance throughout history. Overnight in Dogubayazit.
Day 6 – Transfer to Kars & Kars City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Transfer to Kars: After breakfast, continue to Kars, one of Turkey's most fascinating frontier cities.
Kars City Center & Architecture: Explore the historic center, discover the city's distinctive Russian-era architecture and learn about its multicultural heritage shaped by Armenian, Ottoman and Russian influences. Overnight in Kars.
Day 7 – Ani Ancient City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Ani Archaeological Site: After breakfast, visit the legendary Ani Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site often referred to as the "City of 1001 Churches."
Medieval Ruins: Explore the impressive medieval ruins, cathedrals, churches and city walls located near the Armenian border. Enjoy breathtaking landscapes and fascinating historical insights before returning to Kars. Overnight in Kars.
Day 8 – Departure Breakfast Included
Checkout & Transfer: After breakfast, check-out from the hotel and transfer to Kars Airport according to your departure flight schedule. Optional activities may be arranged depending on departure flight timing and availability.
Conclusion: End of Grandoria Services.