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 Exploration: 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 İznik tiles. Walk through the historic Hippodrome Square, once the social and sporting center of Constantinople.
Optional Tour & 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 Kars & Kars City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Flight to Kars & City Exploration: After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Kars. Upon arrival, discover one of Turkey's most fascinating frontier cities. Explore the historic center, Russian-era architecture, stone mansions and local cultural heritage. Overnight in Kars.
Day 4 – 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." Explore medieval churches, cathedrals, fortifications and city walls located near the Armenian border. Overnight in Kars.
Day 5 – Dogubayazit & Ishak Pasha Palace Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Ishak Pasha Palace & Mount Ararat: After breakfast, depart for Dogubayazit. Visit the magnificent Ishak Pasha Palace, one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture in Eastern Anatolia. Enjoy breathtaking views of the legendary Mount Ararat, Turkey's highest peak. Overnight in Dogubayazit.
Day 6 – Van Lake & Akdamar Island Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Van Castle & Akdamar Island: After breakfast, continue to Van. Visit the historic Van Castle and enjoy a boat excursion to Akdamar Island, home to the remarkable Holy Cross Church (Akdamar Church). Discover the beauty of Lake Van, Turkey's largest lake. Overnight in Van.
Day 7 – Flight to Mardin & Old City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Flight to Mardin & Old City Exploration: After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Mardin. Upon arrival, explore the enchanting Mardin Old City, famous for its honey-colored stone architecture, narrow alleyways and breathtaking views over the Mesopotamian Plains. Visit the historic Deyrulzafaran Monastery. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 8 – Midyat & Dara Ancient City Tour Breakfast & Lunch Included
Midyat & Dara Ancient City: After breakfast, visit the charming town of Midyat, renowned for its magnificent stone mansions and centuries-old silver craftsmanship. Continue to the fascinating archaeological site of Dara Ancient City, once an important Roman frontier settlement. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 9 – Departure Breakfast Included
Checkout & Transfer: After breakfast, transfer to Mardin Airport according to your departure flight schedule.
Conclusion: End of Grandoria Services.