Traditional Turkish Hospitality Homestay Experience Tour in Turkey

This program is specially designed for those who’d like to take the opportunity of getting acquaintance with the traditional Turkish hospitality well known by the world. We choose the best routes for our guests for this cultural trip. Thanks to Turkish Hospitality tour program held by Turkish Travel, you’ll be the guest of God in our host families’ home and you’ll see the difference, the real Turkish culture. We are proud of presenting this special program to our guests. We guarantee that it will be your life’s trip. You’ll keep those precious moments in your mind forever. Most of the host families are the members of Friendship Force Club and they have a great experience to host their valued guests from all over the world. Just join and let us introduce the hospitality coming from the deep-seated tradition in Anatolia. For more information you may check our Hospitality page as well. Here we go !

DAY 1 ISTANBUL Welcome to the paradise of two continents. Deren Koray Tourism representative will meet you in Atatürk Int’l Airport. We’ll transfer to the hotel located in the heart of the city. Just relax and get acquaintance with Istanbul. We’d like to give a welcome cocktail and briefing about the entire tour. Rest of the night is at your perfunctory exploration around the hotel located in the center of the city. [D]

DAY 2 ISTANBUL Get your breakfast strong since the most important landmarks await our exploration. We’d like to state that even 7 days are insufficient to see the all details of the places of interest in Sultanahmet District however we’ll offer the major places. The first place is The Blue Mosque famous for blue and white Iznik tiles was built between 1609-1616 then we’ll proceed for the ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life, stands in the open space next, we’ll pass Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum that reflects the lifestyle of Turks of every society from the 8th century to the present. Lunch at Konyali one of the well known restaurants in Topkapi. Time to visit Topkapi Palace having the galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of gorgeous crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain of Ottoman era. Visiting Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines and children of the sultan, charms visitors, an exhibition of imperial costumes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the treasury and a priceless collection of miniatures from medieval manuscripts. Hagia Sophia, one of the finest buildings of all time built by Emperor Justinian now Fatih Sultan Mehmet’s Mosque. Exploring the majestic serenity and the fine Byzantine mosaics of the building. After St. Sophia we’ll proceed for Sunken Palace also known as Basilica Cistern from Justinian era with its 336 marble columns. Finally, we’ll depart for gorgeous Grand Bazaar having over 4000 shops inside. Ready to get lost? Go on then. Egyptian Bazaar is another paradise for the shop-lovers. At night we’ll take you a special restaurant for dinner as again you won’t be able to resist the world famous cuisine. Late at night we’ll join informative light & sound show in the front of Blue Mosque (if available) [B] [L] [D]

DAY 3 ISTANBUL Today we’ll introduce another Istanbul that you’ll admire. First we’ll take you to Kariye Museum that was built in 5th century. Here you’ll be the witness of one of the finest Byzantine works in the world. Mosaics, frescoes, the Biblical composition of the artwork are dazzling here. Next we’ll pass the City Walls of Constantine built by Emperor Theodosius the Second in 413 for defense. Lunch time! After having our meal we’d like to introduce the cruise of your life. Bosphorus Ferry Tour is such a wonderful experience in Istanbul. Welcome aboard. The ferry will take us along the Bosphorus passing under 2 bridges linking Asia & Europe continents. Get ready to see the parade of the imperial palaces: Kiz Kulesi (Maiden Tower), Ciragan Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, Kirmizi Yali, Kücüksu Kasri, Rumeli Hisari, Anadolu Hisari, Kanlica (famous with honey on creamy yoghurt for 300 years), Beykoz, Tarabya, are important places you’ll observe from the sea. The cruise terminates at Anadolu Kavagi in Asia Continent. We’ll climb Genoese Castle where you can observe the Black Sea joins Bosphorus so-called Clashing Rocks associated with Jason & Argonaut had to navigate on their search of Golden Fleece. Anadolu Kavagi is famous for its fish restaurants. We’ll set you free for an hour for your perfunctory exploration. The breathtaking view of Bosphorus, charcoal fish & raki are the main triplet that all tourists & Turkish people adore having this experience. Here is the difference of Turkish travel. We’ll invite you to a dinner with Turkish folk songs. The rest of the night is all ours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 4 CANAKKALE Today we’ll depart for the conjunction point of Aegean and Marmara Sea. Along the Thrace & Marmara Sea and passing thru Saroz Bay, we’ll reach honored Dardanelles (Canakkale) that connects the Marmara and the Aegean Sea. Canakkale is strategically important, so the castles are visible both in European and Asian side. While crossing the Gallipolli by car-ferry, you can take the picture of World War I Memorial of Dardanelles where half million people lost their lives. Time to visit the impressive ruins of Troy dated back to 3rd century B.C., The Trojan War took place between Greek & Trojan people for the honor of Helen, Just pay attention to the story of Wooden Horse in here. You’ll love this. After Troy we’ll proceed Assos for overnight. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 5 PERGAMON – IZMIR We’ll start the day in picturesque fishing town Assos and we’ll depart for Pergamon once a great center of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. Pergamum: first an ancient Kingdom dated back 323 B.C. This Hellenistic city was the center of culture, commerce and medical with its philosophers, scientists and artists like Galen (131-210 AD). Acropolis, remains of celebrated library, an impressive Hellenistic style 10000 spectator capacity theater, marble columned temples of Trajan and the Temple of Dionysus, the Temple of Athena, library of Pergamum once catered 200.000 volumes, (It’s not hard to guess the first parchment paper was invented here) the sanctuary of Demeter, Zeus Altar one of the grandest monuments; Satan’s Throne and great medical treatment center Asclepion where the symbol of modern medicine came from. After lunch we’ll proceed for Izmir and we’ll meet host families in the city center. Get ready to be the guest of God and take the advantage of the real culture, feel the traditional Turkish hospitality thanks to our host families. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 6 IZMIR – CITY TOUR Today we’d like to show you around. Meeting at Konak, first we’ll visit Alexander Great’s Velvet Castle & agora, just watch the spectacular view from here for Izmir Bay. Time to visit Bayrakli where the original city was established in the 3rd millennium B.C. and one of the Seven Churches mentioned as Smyrna in the book of Revelation. Proceed for ancient Konak Mosque, Izmir clock tower which is the symbol of Izmir, walking towards to Ethnography Museum in Varyant, visiting the museum and Kemeralti Grand Bazaar, Kizlararagasi Hani where the traditional “Tiredness Coffee” will be served, and Hisarönü. Get ready your life’s night out! At night we’ll invite you to a dinner in a very traditional way at Authentic Middle Asia Restaurant in Kemalpasa & Turkish night, explore the real culture of the Turks with the host families. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 7 IZMIR – EPHESUS Today we’ll meet at Konak the city center. Ready to depart to commercial center of the ancient world. Arrive at Ephesus where St. Paul Preached, Heracletes Gate, Curates Street, Scholastic Baths, Celcus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian way, (Harbor Street), The Basilica of St. John, Virgin Mary’s House that visited by Popes and is considered pilgrimage site for Catholics as well. After Ephesus depart for Selcuk and typical Turkish Village Sirince taste the vine & gozleme cooked in wooden stove, return to home, at night spent with host families they will have a surprise for you. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 8 IZMIR – ÇESME Host families will drop you at Konak, We’ll depart for the most impressive sea shore of the world. Cesme is just 80 km away from Izmir and it’s considered one of the top 7 seas around the world. Arrive at Ilicalar, Sifne which is famous for the thermal spas, Cesme Castle, walk along the shore, take a break at café near by the sea. The Greek Islands are visible here. Take a stroll old bazaar and have a glance. You’ll love here. Early afternoon we’ll depart for Izmir. At night host families will take care of you since it’s the last day of you with them. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 9 SARDIS – PAMUKKALE Well, time to say good bye to the host families. Depart from Konak, for Pamukkale enroute the ruins of ancient Sart (Sardis), once the capital of the Lydian realm of Croesus, lie on the Sart Cayi (Pactoles River). Here the first coins were minted. For lunch we’ll serve traditional wooden fire cooked meat balls in Salihli. Time to pop-in Buldan & drink natural mineral water, examine the embroidery center of Aegean Region. Hand crafts are very popular in here. Just examine how the people survive their life in Buldan. Later we’ll arrive in Pamukkale the magical and spectacular natural site that was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO. Here the thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running off the plateau’s edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Time to meet with the host families in Denizli. Just relax and get acquaintance with the new host families. Here you’ll be taken great care as well. At night we’ll join traditional Turkish night in one of the well known restaurants in Denizli with host families. You’ll certainly love this since they will try to please you. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 10 PAMUKKALE – HIERAPOLIS Today host families will drop you at the city center. Hierapolis with its best -preserved baths is in our list today. The Basilica (dated back 6th Century AD), The temple of Apollo, the well preserved theater that can cater 14.000 spectator at a time. The church was devoted to St. Philip and the Domitian Arch, the Necropolis, Because of the healthy water of Pamukkale this city once was called as a Sacred city. After strolling all historical remains we’ll have the lunch in one of the restaurants in Pamukkale. Later we’ll proceed for Karahayit. Unlike Pamukkale Karahayit is famous for its red-characteristic basins. For those who’d like to take the opportunity of swimming in these thermal pools or strolling around the basins it’s time to do. We’ll have a break for a for time in here. Later we’ll meet with the host families. Rest of the night will be yours as host families will take great care of you. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 11 APHRODISIAS Today we’ll explore one of the important religious sites dated back to 2800 BC. The temple of Aphrodisias, the city walls, The ruins of Sebasteion; the theater established in late Hellenistic period; the sculptures (mostly displayed in the museum), the ruins of the baths (not for swimming for today, sorry!), the gymnasium, the Byzantium Stavropolis are the major sights. Along the Acropolis we’ll examine the baths with carved gates devoted both Aphrodite and Hadrian; the big pool which was excavated by the archaeologists in the recent years, the most beautiful marble construction the Odeon. The Temple of Aphrodite, the Bishop’s church, the two columned Tetraphylon and well-preserved stadium for 30000 spectator. After lunch at Yörük restaurant that is the best place for your entertainment and animation with delicious Turkish food, we’ll turn back to Denizli. Since Denizli is the textile center of Turkey, we strongly advise to pop in one of the shopping malls in the city center for your once over. Tonight will be the last night with the hostfamiles. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 12 MARMARIS Time to say good bye to the host families. Now we’ll depart for one of the best resorts in Turkey. Marmaris located on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains and also it’s one of the most attractive maritime parklands, for all water sports and sailing. En route enjoy your lunch by the splendid view of Gökova Bay, Ancient Marmaris, Physkos, was an important stage on the Anatolia-Rhodes-Egypt trade route. Our new host families will meet you in here. Just relax and get acquaintance with the host families. Tonight we’ll invite you to a welcome dinner in one of the well known restaurants. Another Turkish night will be waiting for you in here. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 13 MARMARIS – BOAT TRIP Today we’ll invite you a boat trip in order to show all untouched corners from the sea. With this you’ll have an idea about the famous “Blue Voyage” Paradise Island Beach, as you can guess from the name, Aquarium is famous for its crystal clear water. Phosphorous and other caves will take your attention en route. You will not be able to resist the invitation of the turquoise water at Turunc and Kumlubük Beach. En route it’s an interesting place called Gölenye Springs are well known for its curative waters good for intestinal ills. Cleopatras’s Island beaches in Sedir Island is simply magnicifient. See the all tones of the blue with the golden colored sand in here. There is a debate that the sand was carried from the Egypt for the meeting of Cleopatra and the Roman commander Antonius 2000 years ago. Explore the ruins in the island as well such as the Temple of Apollon, the theatre and the Necropolis. Enjoy sailing. At night host families will take care of you. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 14 MARMARIS – DATÇA – BOAT TRIP God sends his beloved person to Datca Peninsula so that he could live for longer years here Strabon said. The fresh air with rich oxygen gives health to the body. Datça is famous for its almond as well as its natural environment. You’ll be amazed when you see the untouched corners of Datça. It’s the main stop of the yachts on the blue voyage tours. We’ll have a special tour to ancient Knidos by boat from Datça. Knidos is considered as the point which seperates Aegean Sea from Mediterranean. Knidos was famous for its naked Aphrodite sculpture in ancient times. The sculpture made by Praksiteles was so beautiful and famous that everybody used to come to see this masterpiece. Knidos was used to be an art and science city as well. The astronomer and mathematician Euxodos lived in here. At dusk we’ll turn back to Marmaris. It will be the last day with host families. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D] DAY 15 ANTALYA Today we’ll depart for the capital of tourism in Turkey. In the morning we’ll say good bye to the host families. We’ll pass thru the pine forests en route we’ll have a lunch break. It’s time to choose your own trout fish will be fried with butter, enjoy delicious mezes with Turkish raki or white wine, via Korkuteli Plateau, we’ll arrive Antalya. Check-in at the hotel situated in the heart of the city. Just relax. We invite you to a dinner at old harbor, After dinner stroll around the Mediterranean style street in Kaleici and explore the lively atmosphere here. You’ll certainly love the nite-life of Antalya. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 16 ANTALYA CITY TOUR It is impossible to see all historical sites within 2 days around Antalya however we’ll choose the majority. We’ll start to explore Antalya from the city center. We’ll walk in Kaleiçi District to see the Hadrian Gate (constructed in 117-138 AD) which was considered as the entrance of Antalya, Hidirlik Tower, a typical Seljuk architecture Truncated Minaret which is the symbol of Antalya, Kesik Minaret and typical narrow Mediterranean style streets with its historical houses. Antique harbor is another main site to see for our strolling. After lunch’ we’ll pass Antalya Museum that was awarded by the European Council in 1988 as the best museum of the year. Here you’ll see an exhibit starting with the natural history section proceeding chronologically through the Stone and Bronze Ages and following classical and Hellenistic periods till the Ottoman Era. After museum we’ll set free for your own exploration. Those who’d like to enjoy the crystal clear water why not going to Konyaalti Beach for the tepidity of Mediterranean? You can also get the advantage of shopping in Antalya for your souvenir. Tonight you’re free to choose your own restaurant in Antalya. Enjoy your freedom. Rest of the night is yours. [B] [L] [D]

DAY 17 ANTALYA & ENVIRONS Full day excursion, here, important historical sites await your discovery, amid a landscape of pine forests, olive and citrus groves and palm, avocado and banana plantations. Side an ancient Pamphilian City dated back 7th century B.C. with its stunning amphitheater, Aspendos dated back 5th century B.C. with its best preserved 30000 spectator capacity theater which is still being used for the concert and festivals, another Pamphilian City Perge dated back 12th century B.C. and the magnificent ruins of these cities are the major places for our visit. A detailed and the interesting information will be given here by our professional guides in these cities. You’ll admire what you’ll see and what you’ll hear today. It’s the last night of our Hospitality Tour. A farewell dinner will be held at old port (Kaleiçi). [B] [L] [D]

DAY 18 END OF OUR SERVICE Today we’ll provide your transfer to Antalya Int’l Airport. Well it was our pleasure to share those precious moments. End of our service. Time to have your present in order to make this trip memorial. It’ll be pleasure to host you in Turkey again as there are so many things to see. Have a safe journey home. [B]

Tour Code: DKC005