Turkey and Croatia Essential

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

  Upon arrival at the airport, a private transfer will take you to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is left for you to relax and go out for a short exploration on your own.

  • Istanbul

• Day 2: Istanbul, Highlights of Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire

  Istanbul, once the capital of both the Byzantine Empire and the Ottoman Empire, preserved numerous heritages that reflect the splendor of that period. Today you will visit the city's highlights including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and the ancient Hippodrome.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 3: Istanbul, Glimpse into the Local's Daily Life

  Enjoy a 1-hour scenic cruise on the Bosphorus Strait in the morning. Appreciate the historic architecture on both sides of the coast with the sea breeze petting your face. After the cruise, make a visit to the Rumeli Fortress, an open-air museum on the shore of the Bosphorus Strait. Spend some time exploring the exotic Spice Market, one of the largest bazaars in Istanbul which is a great place to get an insight into the daily life of the locals. Besides thousands of spices with different colors and aromas, many other items like ceramic pottery and Turkish delights can be also found there.

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  • Istanbul

• Day 4: Istanbul - Kayseri - Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum

  Head to the airport and fly to Cappadocia this morning. Your adventure starts from the Devrent Valley and Pasabagi Valley, where you can see the amazing fairy chimneys and various animal-shaped rocks. Following with the Goreme Open Air Museum, containing the finest of the rock-cut churches that are beautiful examples of Byzantine art. Later on, pay a visit to the Uchisar Castle situated at the highest point in Cappadocia for a magnificent panoramic view over the Goreme. End the tour today at Pigeon Valley.

  Tonight, you will stay at a hand-picked cave hotel in Cappadocia. Wake up early tomorrow to view the breathtaking village scenery with a lot of hot-air balloons up in the sky at sunrise.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 5: Cappadocia, Subterranean City of Kaymakli

  Continue your adventure of Cappadocia to the Ortahisar Citadel. Descend into the subterranean city Kaymakli which built in the 7th century by Christians fleeing persecution. It is worth spending some time snaking through its narrow tunnels to experience how the people lived during that time. Cavusin Valley, the next spot you will visit, is one of the oldest settlements in this area. In the afternoon, you will relax at the Red Valley and Wine House which is known for its fertile vineyards.

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  • Cappadocia

• Day 6: Cappadocia - Kayseri - Istanbul - Zagreb

  Take the flight back to Istanbul and connect your flight to Zagreb, the capital of Croatia. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local chauffeur and then be transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at leisure.

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  • Zagreb

• Day 7: Zagreb, Guided Tour to Discover the City Center

  You will learn about Zagreb culture through a 2-hour guided walking tour around the historical city center. The guide will show you the history of the Cathedral, the St. Mark Church, Lotrscak Tower, Stone Gate, and so on. After the tour, it is time for you to do some adventure on your own. Various markets are nice places to experience authentic Croatian life.

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  • Zagreb

• Day 8: Zagreb - Plitvice Lakes National Park - Zadar

  About 2.5 hours' drive away from Zagreb is the famous Plitvice Lakes National Park, one of the most beautiful places in Croatia. You will have a full-day time to visit this natural wonder composed of lakes, caves, and waterfalls. Following a local guide to find the ultimate charm of the park and learn about the causes of these landscapes.

  When the tour ends, your private driver will take you to your hotel in Zadar for the night.

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  • Zadar

• Day 9: Zadar, Learn about Its History through a Walking Guided Tour

  Zadar is an enchanting city with a history of about 3,000 years. You will feel like stepping into the middle ages of Europe when you walking through Zadar's streets. By a guided city walking tour, you will cross the ancient City Gate, visit the Five Wells Square, the Captain's Tower, the St. Donatus Church, and end at the Monument to the Sun. Nearby is the Sea Organ, where you can listen to the music made by sea waves before beginning your own exploration.

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  • Zadar

• Day 10: Zadar - Split, Guided Walking Tour of Split

  Your destination today will be Split, one of the oldest cities in Croatia. Upon arrival in Split, you will enjoy a 2-hour walking tour around the city center, along with the Palace of Diocletian that is registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

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  • Split

• Day 11: Split, Free at Leisure

  Today is a free day for you to explore. Not only be known for its splendid history, Split also famous for its great coastline. You can stroll around the old city again and step into a local cafe for some leisure time. Or join a full-day excursion to some nearby islands, such as the Hvar and the Blue Cave.

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  • Split

• Day 12: Split - Dubrovnik, Guided Walking Tour around Dubrovnik

  After breakfast, you will take a private vehicle toward Dubrovnik, the famous "City of King's Landing" in the Game of Thrones. It usually takes about 3 hours on road.

  After arrival, meet with a local guide and start your 2-hour walking tour to explore its historic Old Town. Passing through the Pile Gate, the main entrance to the Old Town, you will see the 15th-century Onofrio's Fountain and then stroll along Stradun Street to find the Franciscan Monastery, the Cathedral, Rector's Palace, and Orlando's Pillar. The tour will end at the Dubrovnik Funicular, where you can get to the top of Mount Srd on foot or by cable car for the stunning scenery consisting of blue water and vermilion roofs.

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  • Dubrovnik

• Day 13: Dubrovnik, Free at Leisure

  Dubrovnik is a charming city that deserves you to explore more. Take the most of today to enjoy Dubrovnik on your own. Stroll on Banje Beach, one of the top beaches in Croatia, join fun water activities, or visit the historic old city again, there are lots of fun for you to find out.

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  • Dubrovnik

• Day 14: Dubrovnik, Departure

  After breakfast in the hotel, check out and then take a private transfer to Dubrovnik airport. Board your departure flight with lots of good memories.

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