Jean WongEver wondered what lies in Turkey? Perhaps you’ve heard of the famous hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia. Or thought of visiting Istanbul, Turkey’s old capital. Indeed, Turkey offers both historical and contemporary attractions to tourists, with natural wonders to boot! This Middle Eastern country certainly offers plenty to see and do, but what should you see and do?
Lucky for you, we’ve got just the perfect itinerary for you! Go on a 10D8N Best of Turkey tour, specially curated and planned for by H.I.S. Travel. Now you definitely have no more excuses not to visit Turkey!
In line with the upcoming NATAS Travel Fair happening from 2 to 4 August 2019, you can expect many exclusive, exciting travel deals from H.I.S Travel, ranging from attractive flight and hotel combos to fully guided tours — among them an amazing 1-for-1 deal for the aforementioned trip to Turkey!
View travel dates and package details
Read on to find out the experiences you can have on this Turkey trip!
Day 1: Hop on your flight to Istanbul
The day you’ve been counting down towards is finally here. Pack up your bags and zoom on over to Changi Airport, where you’ll start your adventure with a pleasant day flight to Istanbul!
Day 2: Catch a glimpse of life during the Ottoman Empire
Image credit: Rev Stan
Wake up to Istanbul on your first day in Turkey with a spark of curiosity and a sprinkle of excitement. First on the list is the Hippodrome, which is situated in Sultanahmet Square. This area was used to host plenty of Turkish sporting competitions from chariot races to javelin. Walk through the square and visit the Blue Mosque after, which is famous for its Iznik blue tiles — and still functions as a mosque even today!
Image credit: Arild Vagen
Of course, don’t forget the Hagia Sophia, which was once a cathedral and later on converted into a mosque. The structure is not only a show of religious achievement but an architectural one as well — as of now, it stands at Turkey’s most visited museum with over three million visitors every year! Learn all about the Ottoman Empire at the Topkapi Palace, once the home of Ottoman sultans.
Day 3: Continue on to Bursa, the first capital of the Ottoman Empire
Image credit: Wolfgang Eckert
After breakfast, set out to see Ulu Cami, the largest mosque in Bursa. With a staggering 20 domes, the Grand Mosque of Bursa is yet another splendid display of Ottoman architectural achievements. Following that, buy some quintessential silk at the famed Silk Market, also known as Koza Han, where all types of silk are being sold.
Day 4: Check out one of the seven wonders of the ancient world
Image credit: Mariaro Saragrassio
Start off with Ephesus as the first stop of the day. Once an ancient Greek city, Ephesus features impressive Greek columns and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In fact, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world!
Image credit: Martin H. Fryc
Make your way to the House of Virgin Mary, where many believed Mary had spent her last days at. It has since become a place of pilgrimage for the religious, and the now-turned chapel holds masses every Sunday as well.
After, head to Leather Outlet Centre for some lighthearted activities. Watch a live fashion show or get some shopping done before departing for Pamukkale, where the Textile Outlet Centre, one of Turkey’s main export centres, is located.
Day 5: Explore more Turkish sights in the surrounding cities
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The ruins of the Antique City of Hierapolis lies on hot springs and is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site. With attractions like the Hierapolis Theatre and Cleopatra’s Pool (the hot springs where the Egyptian queen was rumoured to have bathed in), find yourself blown away by awe at every turn. The Cotton Castle is also another stunning sight — the flowing springs resulted in stunningly white travertines. With the breathtaking terraces and basins created by the thermal springs, the Cotton Castle is truly a sight to behold.
Image credit: Go Turkey Tourism
Set off to Konya, the centre of the once-existing Seljuk Empire and the city of Mevlana, who was a well-known dervish. The Mevlevi are also known as the Whirling Dervishes due to their famous practice of whirling. The Mevlana Museum enlightens visitors about his beliefs, often a reiteration of Sufism. End the day off with a pit stop at a caravanserai. These roadside inns were where tradesmen stayed at during their journey along the Silk Road.
Day 6: To Cappadocia and beyond!
Image credit: Alexey Komarov
Finally, the day where you can get to board the famed hot air balloons and soar through the air! Opt to join a Hot Air Balloon tour after breakfast, so you can get to see beautiful Turkey in all its early morning glory.
Image credit: Toursce
Of course, there’s a lot more to do in Cappadocia besides riding the hot air balloons. Devrent Valley features a handful of animal-shaped rocks and various other rock formations, all in a tight cluster. What’s unique about this valley, also known as Imaginary Valley, is that it was never inhabited and therefore does not have cave churches like the rest of the valleys. Another fascinating valley to visit is Pigeon Valley, which is named so for the smattering of pigeon dwellings carved into the rock faces.
Image credit: Mario Ceccherini
If Pigeon Valley is a home for pigeons, Uchisar is the equivalent for humans. This old village also boasts small dwellings carved into large rocks — and are still inhabited even today. Experience how life in these dwellings is like with the locals!
Image credit: Ming-yen Hsu
After a hearty lunch at Avanos Village, which is known as the pottery village of Cappadocia, join its famous workshops and learn more about the art of pottery and carpet making. There will be free time assigned in the afternoon for a little shopping before making a last stop at Pasabag Valley for the day — check out its mushroom-shaped rock formations, titled fairy chimneys by the locals!
Image credit: Nevit Dilmen
Last but not least on the list is the underground cities which Cappadocia is also known for. These multi-level earthen dwellings are really a sight to behold. Just look at the extensive network of passages and tunnels in these cities!
Day 7: Set foot in Ankara, the capital of Turkey
Image credit: Ji-Elle
Start the morning with a drive to Ankara, the capital of Turkey. (yes, Istanbul isn’t the capital!) Stop at the Salt Lake for some photos on the way, the second largest lake in Turkey and the main salt contributor.
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Head over to the Mausoleum of Ataturk in Ankara, also known as Antikabir, the resting place for the iconic leader in the Turkish War of Independence. Before Turkey shifted from an empire to a republic, Ataturk was a vital figure in the war — and he eventually became the founder and first President of the Republic of Turkey.
As the final destination for the day, you’ll get to spend a night in Bolu, an important midpoint between the capital Ankara and the largest city in Turkey, Istanbul.
Day 8: Shop in Istanbul on your last day before heading back
Image credit: Brian Jeffery Beggerly
Here lies the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest covered markets in the world. With over 4,000 shops, the Grand Bazaar hosts between 250,000 and 400,00 visitors every day — a staggering amount!
Image credit: Kim Ahlstrom
Let’s not forget Taksim Square and Istiklal Street, an important shopping and dining district in Istanbul. Admire the Republic Monument standing proudly in the middle of the square, or walk down the streets with 19th-century buildings lined on either side. Dubbed the European part of Istanbul, Taksim Square and Istiklal Street is considered the heart of the city.
The sights and activities in Turkey are definitely an endless to-do list — from hot air balloon rides to valleys of rock formations, Turkey is bound to satisfy your wanderlust. So follow along with H.I.S Travel on this 10D8N trip to Turkey! With an incredible 1-for-1 deal, why wait?
View travel dates and package details
Beyond that, there are plenty of other travel deals being offered at the NATAS Travel Fair! Head down to the fair happening from 2 to 4 August 2019 at the Singapore EXPO to find a travel deal to your liking.
Brought to you by H.I.S Travel.
