Bhutan backpacking

SHORT ITINERARY :

You’ll touch down at Istanbul Airport at 11 a.m., and right from the start, you’ll realize this Turkey group trip isn’t your typical holiday. We’ll dive headfirst into Istanbul’s rich history—starting with the Grand bazaar and Spice bazaar .

Get ready for a wild ride through the Grand Bazaar, where over 4,000 shops sell everything from spices to jewelry. Warning: you might walk in looking for souvenirs and walk out with a rug, three lamps, and enough Turkish delight to last a lifetime. Haggling is practically a sport here, so feel free to channel your inner negotiator.

We’ll finish the day with dinner on a cruise along the Bosphorus—because what’s a trip to Turkey without a little water under the (literal) bridge?

On Day 2 of your Turkey group trip, we’ll explore Karaköy—a neighborhood where modern cafes mix with centuries-old charm.

Next, we’ll stroll over to Hagia Sophia, a building that’s had more makeovers than a reality TV star. It started as a church, then became a mosque, and now it’s a museum. The grandeur of the Byzantine mosaics is breathtaking, but keep an eye out for the Viking graffiti. Yep, even back then, tourists couldn’t resist leaving their mark!

Your caffeine fix will come with a side of history, before we climb Galata Tower for sweeping views of Istanbul. Next we head to Blue mosque, place where you’ll wonder how many Instagram shots it’ll take to capture all six minarets. Fun fact: the mosque was built with so many minarets, the sultan was accused of trying to one-up Mecca (he wasn’t, but he did make history).

In the afternoon, things get crafty. Ever tried making your own mosaic lamp? Now’s your chance! You’ll create a colorful masterpiece to take home—because who wouldn’t want a Turkish lamp in their living room to brag about?

Later, we’ll head to Istiklal Street, where you’ll stroll past street performers and quirky shops, or just grab a bite at one of Karaköy’s trendy cafes. Trust me, the street food here is legendary—if you haven’t tried a simit (the Turkish version of a bagel), are you even on a Turkey group trip?

We are organising a food tour today and take you for a walk to taste the following

Start the day on the Asian side of Istanbul with a visit to one of the grand mosques, probably the Çamlıca Mosque. It’s the largest mosque in Turkey, with its stunning architecture, intricate tile work, and peaceful courtyards, offering a sense of serenity and history.

As evening approaches, cross back to the European side and make your way to Galata Tower. The tower stands tall with a view that captures the entire city under the golden glow of sunset, the Bosphorus shimmering below.

Next, you’ll head to the Ballat district, one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods. It’s filled with narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and an authentic, old-world charm. It’s a photographer’s dream and a great place to soak in Istanbul’s bohemian vibes.

To wrap up, you’ll participate in a lamp-making workshop, where you create your own Turkish-style mosaic lamp. The soft glow from your handmade lamp will forever remind you of this memorable day in Istanbul.

Not a bad mix of culture, history, and hands-on creativity!

In the afternoon, things get crafty. Ever tried making your own mosaic lamp? Now’s your chance! You’ll create a colorful masterpiece to take home—because who wouldn’t want a Turkish lamp in their living room to brag about ?

Today is a relaxed morning and you will have few free hours . We will check out and head to the Süleymaniye Mosque, perched on one of Istanbul’s seven hills, offers not only awe-inspiring architecture but also some of the best panoramic views of the city. Designed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan, the mosque has a serene courtyard, elegant domes, and intricate details inside, with its spacious interior lit by soft light filtering through stained glass windows.

On Day 5, we will reach to Antalya in the early morning , a city where you can hit the beach and explore ancient Roman gates all in one afternoon.

We will keep our bags in the hotel freshen up and then head for a chilled out breakfast.

First, we’ll visit Hadrian’s Gate—a 2,000-year-old archway that once welcomed emperors.

Then, get ready for some serious relaxation with a traditional Turkish bath at a local hammam. Picture yourself wrapped in steam, scrubbed clean, and more relaxed than you’ve ever been. It’s like a spa day, but with centuries of tradition behind it.Turkish baths have been an integral part of the culture for centuries, originally designed for socializing as much as for bathing.

Today’s all about chilling. We’ll head to Konyaaltı Beach

In the afternoon, we’ll take a short trip to see the Düden Waterfalls—where, yes, the water literally plunges straight into the sea. It’s nature’s version of a dramatic exit.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, there’s always a beach party happening somewhere.

The Düden Waterfalls are unique because they cascade directly into the Mediterranean Sea, creating a dramatic and picturesque scene.

The highlight of today’s adventure is the surreal landscape of Pamukkale, where you can walk across white travertine terraces filled with thermal water.

Afterward, we’ll head to Cleopatra Beach, where legend says the Egyptian queen herself swam in these very waters. So go ahead—channel your inner royalty!

Day 8 is when your Turkey group trip takes a turn into fantasy land—welcome to Cappadocia, where the landscape looks like something straight out of a storybook.

We’ll explore Love Valley, Pigeon Valley, and Monk’s Valley, where bizarre rock formations, called fairy chimneys, have been shaped by millions of years of erosion. They say the formations in Love Valley resemble something a little cheeky… but I’ll let you be the judge.

Wake up early for the experience of a lifetime: a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s unique landscape. Floating above the fairy chimneys at sunrise is something you’ll never forget—unless you’re afraid of heights, in which case, let’s just call it a "memorable thrill."

Afterward, we’ll hike through Ihlara Valley, a lush canyon with a river meandering through it, before finishing the day with dinner in a Cappadocian cave restaurant. It’s the perfect way to end the day—delicious food, a cozy cave, and plenty of stories to share.

Our trip ends today . You will be dropped back to Cappadocia airport by 10am today. Book any flight post that.

If you’re extending your trip, why not cap it off with a paragliding adventure in Fethiye? You’ll soar over the famous blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz Beach, one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

If you’re heading home, just take one last look at the stunning Turkish landscape and let it all sink in. This has been an epic Turkey group trip—and you’ve got the memories (and souvenirs) to prove it!

Turkey is calling, are you ready?

Historical Crossroads: Turkey is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, making it a melting pot of cultures, languages, and traditions. The city of Istanbul straddles both continents!

Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys: The region of Cappadocia is famous for its otherworldly landscape of fairy chimneys—tall, thin spires of rock that have formed due to volcanic activity and erosion.

Ancient Troy: The ancient city of Troy, made famous by Homer's epic "The Iliad," is located in modern-day Turkey. The archaeological site of Troy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Turkish Delight: Turkish delight, or "lokum," is a traditional sweet treat that's been enjoyed for centuries. It comes in a variety of flavors and often includes nuts or fruit.

Blue Mosque: The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is renowned for its stunning blue tiles and its impressive size. It has six minarets, which is unusual for mosques.

Largest Cathedral Mosaics: The Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which has served as both a church and a mosque, boasts some of the largest and most intricate Byzantine mosaics in the world.

Breathtaking Pamukkale: Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is known for its stunning white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. It's a natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A Feast of Culture: Turkish cuisine is renowned for its diversity and flavor. Dishes like kebabs, baklava, and mezes (small appetizers) are just a few examples of the rich culinary traditions in Turkey.

Unique Language: Turkish is a member of the Turkic language family and uses the Latin alphabet. It's known for its vowel harmony and agglutinative structure, meaning that it often forms words by stringing together various suffixes.