Turkey and Jordan Exploration

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  Welcome to Turkey! Upon landing in Istanbul, a private transfer will take you to your hotel. After check-in, the remainder of the day is yours. You may choose to stroll through nearby streets, savor a glass of traditional Turkish tea, or simply rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.

  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Istanbul Highlights

  Dive into the rich history of Istanbul. Begin with Topkapi Palace, once the grand seat of Ottoman sultans, where the Imperial Harem offers a window into royal life. Next, admire the magnificent Hagia Sophia, renowned for its immense domes and dazzling mosaics. Descend underground to explore the Basilica Cistern's forest of columns, before visiting the elegant Suleymaniye Mosque, celebrated for both its beauty and tranquil atmosphere. Conclude the day at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, where ancient monuments like the Egyptian Obelisk still stand.

  For the evening, consider an optional Bosphorus dinner cruise with live performances and city lights glimmering along the strait.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 3: Istanbul - Cappadocia

  Catch an early flight to Kayseri and transfer by private car to Cappadocia (approx. 2.5 hours). Begin with Devrent and Pasabagi Valleys, where whimsical fairy chimneys rise from the earth. Continue to the Goreme Open Air Museum, home to striking cave churches adorned with frescoes. Later, climb Uchisar Castle for sweeping views of the region before ending at the serene Pigeon Valley, named for thousands of pigeon coves on the rock.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 4: Cappadocia

  Start the morning in Ortahisar, a dramatic rock citadel with authentic character. Then, explore Cavusin Valley, known for its troglodyte dwellings and the remarkable frescoes inside Cavusin Church. This afternoon is at your leisure: you might visit Avanos to witness traditional pottery-making and try the wheel yourself, hike through the glowing Red Valley at sunset, or descend into Kaymakli Underground City to uncover its hidden chambers and passageways.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 5: Cappadocia - Izmir - Kusadasi

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir with a short layover in Istanbul (approx. 4.5 hours including transfer and flight). Upon arrival, explore the Roman-era Agora, now preserved as an open-air museum. Continue to Kizlaragasi Hani, a historic caravanserai once bustling with merchants of silk and spices. In the late afternoon, drive to Kusadasi (approx. 1.5 hours) for your overnight stay.

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  • Kusadasi

• Day 6: Kusadasi - Izmir - Istanbul

  Spend the day discovering Ephesus, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Mediterranean. Walk along the marble-paved Arcadian Way, step into the grand Theater, and imagine daily life in the Roman Baths. The highlight is the stunning Celsus Library, an architectural jewel symbolizing the city's cultural prominence. After a full day of exploration, fly to Istanbul for an overnight.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 7: Istanbul - Amman

  After breakfast, you will say goodbye to Turkey and fly to Jordan. Upon arriving in Amman, our representative will assist in custom formalities and then escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure.

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  • Amman

• Day 8: Amman - Umm Qais - Jerash - Amman

  This morning, you will drive to Jerash for its ancient Roman ruins including the spectacular forum, Roman colonnaded street, the Nymphaeum and the Temple of Artemis. On the way, make a stopover in a small town of Umm Qais, overlooking the North Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee. After visiting Jerash, you will continue your exploration to the Ajloun Castle, a 12th-century Muslim castle situated in northwestern Jordan.

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  • Amman

• Day 9: Amman - Mt. Nebo - Dead Sea - Petra

  Today, your private driver will take you from Amman to Petra. While en route, make a stopover at Mt. Nebo, where you can overlook the Jordan Valley, Dead Sea, Jericho, and Jerusalem. In the remains of the Moses Memorial Church, constructed in the 4th century, you'll see beautiful mosaics. The next stop will be Madaba for its old mosaic map of Palestine in St. George's Church. Before arriving in Petra, enjoy some leisure time at the Dead Sea.

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  • Petra

• Day 10: Petra - Amman

  You will spend a full day to explore Petra, a historical and archaeological city in southern Jordan. Passing through the Siq canyon, the amazing architecture will unfold before your eyes. This city has another name, the rose city, due to the buildings carved into the rose-red rocks. After the tour, you will be transferred to Amman for overnight.

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  • Amman

• Day 11: Amman, Departure

  Enjoy the last minute of your Jordan vacation until our representative escorts you to the airport to board your homebound flight.

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