Day 1 Shanghai → Istanbul ★Departure date reference flight: TK027 2225 0520+1
All day
In Turkey, a land steeped in history, you can savor delicious cuisine, marvel at the breathtaking landscapes, from pristine white beaches to lunar-like landscapes, and savor the magnificent city of Istanbul. "If the world were a country, its capital would be Istanbul." — Napoleon
All-day gathering day, gather at Shanghai Pudong Airport in the evening and take Turkish Airlines direct flight to Istanbul.
Reference flight information:
Turkish Airlines TK027 2225 0520+1, Shanghai Pudong PVG - Istanbul IST, flight time is approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. Turkish time is 5 hours later than Beijing time.
Day 2 Istanbul
·morning
After landing in the morning, tourists can simply wash up and dress at the airport, adjust their condition to 100%, and officially start our romantic journey under the stars and the moon.
First, drive to Istanbul's old European city and experience the world capital in the rich sense of history.
Upon arrival, visit [Hagia Sophia, one of the world's top ten most desirable churches]. The 1,500-year-old Hagia Sophia was originally a church, then converted into a mosque, and then developed into a religious museum shared by Christians and Muslims. It is an architectural legend.
·afternoon
After lunch, we'll first visit the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. Light filtering through the stained glass reflects off the blue tiles, creating a magical, mystical atmosphere. If you're there during prayer time, listen to the ritualistic sounds that are unique to this city.
Afterward, a special "Insta-famous Scenic Afternoon Tea" will be served, offering a choice of Turkish coffee or black tea. The restaurant's terrace offers the perfect vantage point for capturing two iconic Istanbul landmarks: the dome of Hagia Sophia piercing the clouds to your left, and the minarets of the Blue Mosque catching the sunset to your right. Get your own hidden gem!
Then, head to the Basilica Cistern, arguably one of Istanbul's most romantic and mysterious attractions. This massive palace is constructed from 336 massive stone columns, each intricately carved. Inside, you'll find two inverted Medusa heads.
After dinner, we drove to the hotel to rest.
Day 3 Istanbul → Kayseri → Cappadocia Flights: To be confirmed
·morning
Today we'll catch an early flight to Cappadocia, the City of Elves. The karst landscape exudes breathtaking beauty, with stone pillars of various shapes rising from the ground, each wearing a strange "hat" on its head. It's believed to be inhabited by elves. This area was once named one of National Geographic's "Ten Most Beautiful Places on Earth."
Upon arrival, we will have lunch.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll explore the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a epitome of Cappadocia's nature, history, and culture. Its breathtaking geological formations and exquisite cave paintings prove that Cappadocia is more than just hot air balloons! We'll also visit the Dark Church, home to the best-preserved frescoes. Its name comes from its near-windowless, dimly lit environment, which surprisingly protects the frescoes from weathering, making it the best-preserved church in the museum.
Then we went to [Göreme Town] for a free tour. This internet-famous town is full of surprises, so feel free to encounter them!
Everyone is responsible for their own dinner in the evening.
What to do during free time?
You can choose to participate in the Speed and Furious ATV at your own expense (65 US dollars per person, it is recommended to book 3 days in advance, you can also choose other platforms to order). ATV is a four-wheel drive motorcycle (one car can accommodate 1-2 people)
Note 1: The ATV ride is a thrilling experience. The ride is bumpy and carries a certain risk. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or those over 70 years old are advised not to participate in this ride.
Note 2: Since most hotels in Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia, do not accept group tours, the group can only stay in surrounding towns. Therefore, you cannot see the hot air balloons flying from the hotel, but we specially arranged to go to the hot air balloon viewing platform in the early morning to check in and take photos of the popular hot air balloons.
Note 3: Standards vary among specialty hotels and B&Bs, and there may be differences in bed sizes. These are generally cave or stone house hotels. In Cappadocia, there are generally two types of rooms: stone house rooms, constructed from stone into the original mountainside; and cave rooms, which are natural caves but offer poor lighting and can be damp. Because of the wide variety of room types, we will randomly assign rooms. We hope everyone will remain calm and enjoy their trip.
Day 4 Cappadocia
·morning
In the morning, you can choose to join the [Sky Tour·Hot Air Balloon Ride] at your own expense (estimated price is US$300 per person, brand Air Kapadokya, about 24-28 people per basket. It is recommended to book one month in advance during peak season. You can also compare prices and choose other platforms to order)
This is one of the four major hot air balloon resorts in the world. When the hot air balloon rises to an altitude of 1,000 feet, you can overlook the entire Cappadocia scenery.
丨Precautions for hot air balloons
Note: Ordering self-funded projects includes tour guide service commission and project fees. Guests participate on a voluntary basis and can compare on multiple platforms such as Ctrip/Hot Air Balloon.
Hot air balloon flights typically take place between 5:00 AM and 8:00 AM. Cappadocia boasts dozens of licensed flight companies, and the experience varies considerably. Hot air ballooning is a high-risk activity, so consider carefully choosing a company. Bookings can be made in advance through official websites, Ctrip, or Taobao, but be sure to choose a reputable company. Hot air balloon flights are highly weather-sensitive, so specific arrangements are subject to availability. Booking in advance is recommended, as on-site bookings may be more expensive.
After breakfast, we will venture far from the surface into the Earth's core and enter Kaymakli Underground City, the largest and most popular of the more than 30 underground cities discovered in Cappadocia. Stepping into it will amaze you with their achievements and wisdom in architectural design.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, we'll visit Avanos, a renowned Cappadocia town known for its long-standing pottery tradition and unique Red River landscape. Without rushing through the sights, we'll first sample goat milk ice cream from MADO, Turkey's most iconic ice cream brand. We'll then stroll through the town, exploring its various artisan workshops and hidden gems, experiencing the fusion of nature and culture.
After leaving the town, we came to a [Panoramic Platform] to check in. Standing here, we could see the entire lunar-like rock formations.
Afterward, explore Pigeon Forge. Imagine the backdrop of picturesque buildings, with flocks of dancing pigeons behind you—a simple pose will easily take over your social media feed. The two small trees covered in blue eyes are also one of Pigeon Forge's landmarks.
Then come to [Uchisar Castle (Exterior)], look up at the highest point of Kappa, and listen to the legendary stories about it.
Afterwards, we enjoyed a [whirling dance of the dervishes]. When the dancers began to spin, the world became mysterious and quiet, and we experienced an immersive cultural cleansing.
Note: The audience seats for the whirling dance are randomly assigned. During peak season, there may be some unfavorable positions. However, the viewing experience when the dervishes begin to whirling will be consistent and will not be affected.
Finally check in to the hotel and rest.
Note 1: Since most hotels in Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia, do not accept group tours, groups can only stay in surrounding towns. Therefore, you won't be able to see the hot air balloons flying from the hotel, but we made a special trip to the hot air balloon viewing platform in the early morning to check in and take photos of the popular hot air balloons.
Note 2: Standards vary among specialty hotels and guesthouses, and there may be differences in bed sizes. These are generally cave or stone house hotels. In Cappadocia, there are generally two types of rooms: stone house rooms, constructed from stone into the original mountainside; and cave rooms, which are natural caves but offer poor lighting and can be damp. Because of the wide variety of room types, we will randomly assign rooms. We hope everyone will remain calm and enjoy their trip.
Day 5 Cappadocia → Konya → Antalya
·morning
If you can get up early this morning, we'll offer a complimentary visit to the hot air balloon viewing platform [Internet-famous classic car] before sunrise for a photo op. Ride in a vintage car, galloping towards the gentle sunrise glow and romantic, colorful hot air balloons. Afterward, stop at the hot air balloon viewing platform. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the sunrise and countless colorful hot air balloons atop the vintage car, creating a truly romantic moment. (Note: The number of cars available will depend on the number of guests.)
Then we drove to Konya, the birthplace of Turkish whirling dance and the ancient capital of the Seljuk period, and walked into the museum to feel the mysterious and profound love and faith - [Mevlana Museum]. It was once a mosque and the residence of believers' "whirling dervishes". It is a holy place for the people of Konya. Local people who go there to worship every day all gather in front of the tomb of Mevlana and his son, chanting something, and circling the box of the Prophet Muhammad's beard seven times, once to pay homage and once to pray for peace and happiness. After each circle, they tap on the outer glass.
·afternoon
After lunch, we continued our drive to Antalya, a city steeped in authentic Ottoman culture. Nestled on the Antalya Bay, this rapidly developing city boasts both ancient history and authentic modern Turkish culture. Since the 1960s, it has become one of Turkey's most important gateways. Strolling through the old town of Kaleici, the ancient Roman walls still stand majestically on the rocky outcrop, shaded by verdant trees both within and beyond the walls, and on and below the hillside. Over the centuries, this region has endured Greek and Roman invasions, leaving traces of its colonial past everywhere. The remains of broken walls and tiles tell of its turbulent history.
After dinner, return to the hotel to rest.
Note: The drive on that day is quite long, so the tour of Kaleici Old Town may be arranged to the next day. The specific tour depends on the traffic conditions on that day. Please understand!
Day 6 Antalya → Pamukkale
All day
After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Pamukkale today.
We'll begin our tour by visiting the ruins of Hierapolis. While the core area of the ruins is only about 2.5 square kilometers, it's quite scattered! Instead of a typical walking tour, we'll arrange a dedicated shuttle bus for a leisurely tour of Hierapolis. This will be your first experience of a full-scale ancient Roman city, from temples to theaters. Immerse yourself in history!
After touring the ancient city, let's head to Pamukkale. After removing our shoes, we'll walk down from the top of the mountain, gradually following the path to the pool. The water here is hot springs, so even walking barefoot won't feel cold. The blue water blends with the white Pamukkale, creating a truly dreamy experience. After removing our shoes, we'll walk down from the top of the mountain, gradually following the path to the pool.
Note: Pamukkale's water filling time is not stable, so some areas may not be filled with water. Please understand!
Day 7 Pamukkale → Ephesus → Izmir
·morning
After breakfast, we'll journey through time and space to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. This important city-state of ancient Greece was enormous, eight times the size of the renowned Pompeii! Built entirely of white marble, its remains include a 25,000-seat amphitheater, the Library of Celsus, an agora, baths, toilets, and more, highlighting the golden age of the Roman Empire in Asia.
When you come to Ephesus, you can still feel the prosperity of the city-state. From the market to the theater, from the library to the houses, from the harbor avenue to the Crete avenue, the picture scroll of history slowly unfolds before you!
·afternoon
After our tour, we'll drive to Izmir, a pearl on Turkey's Aegean coast. The city feels like a European streetscape, a relaxed and carefree experience. As the French writer Victor Hugo put it, Izmir is "like a princess, with her beautiful white veil." We'll then check into our hotel for the night.
Everyone will take care of their own dinner today, and then check into the hotel to rest.
Day 8 Izmir → Istanbul (flights to be announced, approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes)
·morning
In the morning, we will drive to Izmir Airport to fly to Istanbul.
Lunch will be served after landing.
·afternoon
In the afternoon, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise. Standing at the crossroads of the world, winding through the famous strait between Asia and Europe, you'll be captivated by Istanbul's extraordinary charm, a city worthy of its time-honored reputation. Past and present, splendid opulence and simple beauty coexist here in such a striking juxtaposition.
Then, we'll ascend the Galata Tower, a lighthouse built by the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius in 507. Originally constructed of wood, it burned down during the Crusades and was rebuilt in stone by the Genoese in 1348. This ancient tower, steeped in history, has served multiple functions: guard tower, prison, and observatory.
Note: The Galata Tower attraction has recently limited the number of visitors to 100 people per hour. Please note that there may be queues. Please understand.
Finally, enjoy some free shopping on Istiklal Avenue, known as Istanbul's "Champs-Élysées." Starting in the medieval Genoese neighborhood near Galata Tower and ending at Taksim Square, this area played a crucial role in the political, economic, and cultural life of the Ottoman Empire. Today, the avenue is lined with Istanbul's renowned architecture, including churches, international consulates, and renowned restaurants. This elegant, approximately three-kilometer pedestrian street is home to numerous boutiques, music shops, bookstores, art galleries, historic pastry shops, chocolate shops, and restaurants, attracting both locals and international tourists.
In the evening, everyone will take care of their own dinner, and then drive back to the hotel to rest.
Day 9 Istanbul
·morning
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll visit Topkapi Palace, also known to tourists as the Old Palace. Standing at the confluence of the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, it was built in the 13th century and was the center of power for nearly 500 years in the Ottoman Empire. During its heyday, 25 sultans resided here. Home to countless national treasures and precious Islamic artifacts, it's Turkey's largest museum, comparable in status to the Forbidden City, and one of Istanbul's most valuable attractions.
Then we went to the Egyptian Market to explore freely. This ancient and historic market has been in use since 1660. Walking into it feels like a treasure hunt.
·afternoon
Everyone has free time in the afternoon.
What to do during free time?
Experience the Baroque and Rococo styles of Dolmabahçe Palace. At Room 71, Ataturk passed away.
Istanbul Archaeological Museum Arkeoloji Müzeleri: This is an over-the-top archaeological museum next to Topkapi Palace. The interior ambiance includes three parts: the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Ancient Oriental Art, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Balat Renkli Evler: Get a stunning street photo spot and enjoy the colorful dopamine while strolling around
Transfer to the airport in time in the evening.
Day 10 Shanghai → Istanbul ★Reference flight on the day of departure: TK026 0125 1645
All day
Reference flight information:
Turkish Airlines TK026 0125 1645, Istanbul IST - Shanghai Pudong PVG, flight time approximately 10 hours and 20 minutes
Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and say goodbye with tears. Remember to fill out a follow-up review on the "China-TravelNote APP" to win a voucher. You can also post travel notes or works about the wonderful memories of your trip on the "China-TravelNote Community"!
