AMALFI COAST AND TURKEY

• 3-night accommodation in Rome: Stay in a 3* or 4* hotel, based on your desired category.
• 2-night accommodation in Sorrento.
• 2-night accommodation in Amalfi/Minori/Maiori/Ravello.
• 3-night accommodation in Istanbul.
• Tour through inland Turkey: Explore the beauty of inland Turkey with a half board basis.
• 2-night accommodation in Cappadocia: Stay in a 4* or 5* hotel.
• 1-night accommodation in Pamukkale: Relax in a 4* or 5* hotel.
• 1-night accommodation in Kusadasi: Unwind in a 4* or 5* hotel.
• Full-day Istanbul city tour: Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Istanbul, including lunch.
• Air tickets: Istanbul-Ankara & Izmir-Istanbul.
• Air ticket: Rome-Istanbul.
• Entrance tickets to archaeological sites: Gain access to the guided excursions at archaeological sites.
• Official English-speaking guide: Receive guidance from a professional English-speaking guide.
• All necessary transfers: Experience hassle-free transfers as mentioned in this itinerary.
• 24-hour emergency phone line: Assistance is available round the clock for emergencies.
• Hotel taxes: Applicable taxes for inland Turkey.
• Daily breakfast: Start your day with a delicious breakfast.

DAY 1

When you arrive in Rome, also known as the Eternal City, a private vehicle will be ready and waiting to welcome you and take you to your hotel.

As you journey to the hotel, you’ll get a glimpse of why Rome is considered the epitome of historical richness in the Western world. You have the rest of the day free to unwind and enjoy the Italian capital at your leisure.

DAY 2

After a nice breakfast, you will have free time to explore the ‘Eternal City’ at your own pace. You can choose from a variety of options, such as walking, visiting monuments, going shopping or simply tasting the local culinary delights, including pastas, veggies, meat, and fish.

Optionally, you can book a guided tour in English with exclusive, skip-the-line tickets and visit the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, or the magical Colosseum.

DAY 3

Early in the morning and after a tasty breakfast, you will have to get to Rome Termini to your own to take the train to Naples, the gateway to southern Italy.

Once in Naples, our transfer will wait for you at the station to continue the way to Sorrento.

Sorrento is a coastal city in southwestern Italy, facing the Gulf of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Perched on cliffs that separate the city from its busy marinas, it is famous for its panoramic views of the sea and Piazza Tasso, a square lined with cafes. The historic center is a maze of narrow passages home to the Chiesa di San Francesco, a 14th-century church with a serene cloister.

DAY 4

After an exquisite breakfast, we will have the day off to visit Sorrento old town, which is a concentration of narrow streets full of shops, bars, ice cream parlors, and artisans. Completely pedestrianized, it is an ideal area at any time, be it early in the morning, in the afternoon, or at night, you will always find many attractions and places to visit.

Be sure to visit the Duomo di Sorrento, it has a white façade and a bell tower a short distance away, offering panoramic views of the historic center. The cathedral dates from the 15th century, although it has subsequently undergone many changes, the last even in the 20th century when its current façade was added.

DAY 5

After a delicious breakfast in your hotel, you will be transferred to the beautiful Amalfi coast.

Amalfi was founded in the year 830, the maximum splendor of the city came during the 9th century when it was part of one of the four Italian Maritime Republics. At this historical moment, the navigation rules were governed by the so-called Amalfi Tables, the oldest marine code in the world

DAY 6

After an exquisite breakfast, you will have free time to explore the town that was a trading superpower in the middle ages.

The Amalfi Coast is a 50 kilometers stretch of coastline along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrento Peninsula, in the Campania region. It is a popular vacation destination with vertical cliffs and a rugged shoreline with small beaches and pastel-colored fishing villages. The coastal path from the port city of Salerno to Sorrento over the cliffs passes grand villas, terraced vineyards, and cliff-top lemon groves

At night you will have a good rest at your hotel.

DAY 7

Following our delightful breakfast, you will have leisure time until 3:00 PM. You can do some shopping or simply continue to relax and marvel at the remarkable history of this ancient seafaring town. Amalfi has been a prominent tourist destination since the time of the Roman Empire, renowned for its significance during the era of emperors and conquests.

Later, you will be transferred directly to Naples, where your train journey back to Rome will commence. You can expect to arrive at Roma Termini station around 7:00 PM.

DAY 8

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will arrange a transfer for you to Rome Airport, where you will board your flight to Istanbul.

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, our team will be ready to welcome you. You will be transferred to your hotel in one of our comfortable private vehicles. After checking in at the hotel, the remainder of the day will be yours to unwind and begin exploring this captivating city at your own pace.

DAY 9

In the morning, your friendly English-speaking assistant will pick you up and transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Ankara, the capital of Turkey.

In Ankara, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the renowned Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, which showcases the fascinating history and culture of the Anatolian region.

We’ll also explore the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, honoring the nation’s revered founding father and first president.

Afterward, we’ll embark on a picturesque journey toward the enchanting region of Cappadocia, known for its surreal landscapes and captivating cave architecture.

Along the way to your hotel, we’ll make a stop at one of the region’s largest underground cities, marveling at its intricate tunnels and chambers.

Upon arriving at your hotel, you can settle in, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax, preparing for the adventures that await you in Cappadocia.

DAY 10

After enjoying a hearty breakfast, we will dedicate the entire day to exploring the remarkable region and Turkish cities of Kirsehir, Nigde, and Kayseri.

Our journey begins in the town of Uçhisar, where we’ll delve into its troglodyte villages and venture deep into the Underground City of Kaymakli. This expansive underground settlement, one of the largest in the region, will leave us in awe with its intricate network of tunnels and chambers.

Continuing our adventure, we’ll make our way to the awe-inspiring Göreme Valley. Here, we’ll be enchanted by the open-air museum, which showcases churches intricately carved into the rock and adorned with beautiful frescoes. The rich history and spiritual atmosphere of this site will undoubtedly captivate us.

In the afternoon, we’ll be treated to the breathtaking landscapes of Pasabag Valley. As we explore the area, we’ll marvel at the incredible cave dwellings and the famous limestone fairy chimneys that dot the scenery.

Our next stop will be Avanos, a town renowned for its pottery heritage that dates back to the Hittites. We’ll have the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the artistic ambiance of countless pottery factories. Notably, Avanos recently revealed an underground city, boasting three floors, homes, tunnels, and places of worship.

As the late afternoon approaches, we’ll return to our hotel for a delicious dinner and a well-deserved rest.

DAY 11

In the early morning, following a delightful breakfast, we will commence our journey to Pamukkale, which translates to ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish.

En route, we will make a stop at the Old Palace and Medieval Fort of Caravanserai, located along the historic trade route leading to Persia. This remarkable site served as a haven for merchants, providing them with an opportunity to rest, replenish their supplies, and connect with fellow travelers.

Upon reaching Pamukkale, you will have ample free time to explore the city and uncover its treasures. Be sure not to miss the chance to visit the awe-inspiring travertine terraces, where you can witness the breathtaking white calcium cascades created by the hot thermal springs in the vicinity. The natural beauty of Pamukkale is truly mesmerizing.

After a day filled with exploration, we will indulge in a delicious dinner and retire to our hotel for a well-deserved rest.

DAY 12

After breakfast, we’ll explore Hierapolis, an ancient Hellenistic city recognized as a World Heritage Site. Witness the fascinating ruins of the Necropolis, ancient Roman baths, and the breathtaking natural park known as the “Cotton Castle,” famous for its thermal waters and stunning beauty.

During our free time for lunch, we’ll savor a delicious meal before visiting the pilgrimage site of Meryamana, believed to be the final resting place of the Virgin Mary.

Our journey continues to Ephesus, the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor. Roam the streets where historical figures like Cleopatra, Marc Anthony, and Saint Paul once walked.

Besides, we’ll marvel at well-preserved ruins, including the Odeon, the Arch of Hercules, the Library of Celsus, the Greco-Roman Theater, the Agora, and the Basilica of Saint John.

In the late afternoon, we’ll transfer you to your hotel for check-in, followed by a delightful dinner and a well-deserved rest.

DAY 13

Early in the morning, after a delicious breakfast, we will head towards Izmir to catch our flight back to Istanbul.

Once we arrive, we will transfer you to your hotel, and the rest of the day will be yours to freely explore the city at your own leisure.

DAY 14

Start your day with a delicious breakfast and get ready for an exciting adventure exploring Istanbul, an amazing city. We will meet you at your hotel or a nearby meeting spot to begin the fun-filled day.

Join our friendly guide who speaks English for an unforgettable experience. We have all-inclusive tickets and lunch at a fantastic restaurant in the city center. You’ll visit incredible places with a rich history from the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman empires.

Get ready for an incredible experience! You’ll be amazed by the grandeur of Hagia Sophia. The Constantinople Racecourse will give you a thrilling time. The Blue Mosque is marvelous. Topkapi Palace will leave you in awe with its majestic presence. And be sure to explore the vibrant Grand Bazaar with over 4000 stores!

After the tour, take your time to soak in the enchanting ambiance of the old city, savoring every moment. When you’re ready, you can get back to your hotel.

DAY 15

After savoring a delightful breakfast, we will arrange a seamless transfer for you to Istanbul Airport, ensuring you arrive in good time for your international flight.

The entire team at Greca extends their warmest wishes for a safe and pleasant journey. We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back soon, creating more unforgettable moments that will stay with you forever.

Have a wonderful trip! Or, as the locals say, “Iyi yolculuklar!”