24 NIGHTS – 25 DAYS TURKIYE AND JAPAN

DAY 1- ARRIVAL TO ISTANBUL AND PRIVATE TRANSFER TO YOUR HOTEL.
Overnight at: https://www.perapalace.com/ for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 2 – BOSPHORUS CRUISE BY PUBLIC FERRY WITH A VISIT TO SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Enjoy the Bosphorus Cruise on a public ferry (also
known as Gypsy Boat) passing half a dozen
Ottoman imperial palaces, traditional Yalis
(waterside villas) and
shore villages. We
drive to visit
Suleymaniye Mosque
which was built by the
most important
architect of Ottoman times, Architect Sinan, this superb monument is Istanbul’s largest mosque
complex.

DAY 3 – PRIVATE BYZANTINE & OTTOMAN RELICS (OLD CITY WALKING TOUR) & FLIGHT TO TOKYO
In the morning sightseeing tour in the old city of
Constantine, Istanbul starts with Hippodrome
Square where chariot races
were once held in Roman
Age and today one can see
the Obelisk from Egypt, the
Fountain of Wilhelm II and
the Colossus, Serpentine
Column from Delphi and the
marvelous Underground
Cistern built in order to
solve water supply problem
nearby. Followed by a visit
to the masterpiece of
Byzantine architecture St. Sophia operates as mosque today. The splendor of the
interior decoration, the massiveness of its architectural proportions being unusual
for a church and the most important of
all, the height of its central dome has
amazed everyone since it was first
constructed. Then only a short walk
away, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue
Mosque) is the only mosque with six
minarets in Istanbul. Called as blue mosque by foreigners
because of the dominant color of more than 20.000 Iznik tiles
decorating the spacious interior The Mosque is regarded as the peak achievement of Ottoman architecture. The highlights of the afternoon are a visit to the
magnificent Topkapi Palace which is the only palace remaining from the Ottomans reflecting the
splendor of the once mighty empire. End the day with a visit to the incredible Grand Bazaar.
End of the tour private airport transfer to your Tokyo flight.
Turkish Airlines TK198, Istanbul (IST) to Tokyo (HND): 02:20 – 19:20 (next day)
Welcome to Tokyo and private transfer to your hotel. GRAND TOUR: TOKYO – KYOTO – HIROSHIMA AND MILLENI MORE
For most of our visitors, hearing the word “Tokyo” conjures up a treasure trove of imagery. It rightly
should, as Tokyo is full of charms both old and new. Urban adventure, discovery, and just plain fun
are sure to come your way as you traverse this notoriously vibrant city with us by your side. For us,
however, Tokyo will be just a starting point. The most famous sites – Mt. Fuji, historic Kyoto and
Nara – are of course expertly covered, but allow us to take you to some less trodden parts of the
country where you’ll discover a different type of Japanese soul.

DAY 4 – ARRIVAL TOKYO
Your 13-days Central and Western Honshu tour begins in Tokyo.
Upon arriving at Narita or Haneda International Airport, you will meet one of our friendly and
professional personal tour guides and be escorted to a private car.
From there, we’ll drive you about 85 minutes (or 45 minutes if coming from Haneda) to your fivestar
hotel in the heart of Tokyo.
We hand-pick hotels that are not only
superlative in nature, but which are also
conveniently located near the Imperial
Palace, or in central Tokyo (including ritzy
Ginza).
After check-in, and allowing for good
weather, you are invited to enjoy a peaceful
stroll around the Imperial Palace Garden and
the nearby, more modern areas of Tokyo at
your leisure.
Upon your request, it would be our pleasure to make dinner arrangements at a nearby fine
restaurant.
Explore the beautiful nature, rich history, and unique culture of Japan
with us as Dmc Turquia with 17 different Japan Itineraries. Please ask
us other amazing Japan itineraries

DAY 5 – MODERN AND HISTORICAL TOKYO
Your tour guide will be at the ready in your hotel’s lobby at the
agreed upon time.
Together, you will explore both historical and modern parts of
Tokyo by private car, including but not limited to:
・a visit to the world famous Toyosu Fish Market
・a stroll about the glitzy Ginza district
・an historical cultural immersion at Senso-ji temple
・a spiritual stroll through the forests of and into the Meiji Shrine
・a sensory blast in Harajuku, where you can see the latest in
youthful fashion
・and finally to Omotesando, where the streets are lined with
luxury shops
It’s a lot to see, but rest assured we won’t overload your day!
We’ll make sure you are only as busy as you want to be.

DAY 6 – HAKONE — a legendary and luxurious onsen resort town
From Tokyo, you will head to the train station and take the “Romance
Car” express train to Hakone.
Whether it is romantic or not is up to you, but its large glass windows will
certainly afford you some nice views on the way!
After arriving in Hakone, you’ll transfer to the Hakone
Tozan Railway, Japan’ s oldest mountain railway — a
blast for railway fans and regular folks alike due to its
switchback design.
From there, the views (and transportation modes) just
get better and better, as we ride the Hakone Tozan
Cable Car to the Hakone Ropeway, where we alight
on to Lake Ashi, from where we take a cruise across
the lake. It may seem like a lot of transportation hopping, but it is actually quite leisurely!
Tonight, you will stay overnight at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan).
Your room will allow for spacious relaxation and feature a beautiful mountain view and your very own,
private onsen (natural hot spring bath).

DAY 7 – Explore Mt. Fuji Province
After having a lovely Japanese
breakfast and checking out your
ryokan, we will go by private car to
Lake Yamanaka-ko, and the
eponymous town. This is the closest
town to four of the famous five
lakes in the area.
From here you can see Mt. Fuji
looming large both above you and
in the shimmering reflection of the
gorgeous lakes. Upon arriving at
Yamanaka-ko, you will head to the
Fifth Station of Mt. Fuji by private
car. As the mountain is divided into
10 stations from base (First Station)
to summit (Tenth Station), you will
be approximately halfway up the
mountain. Count on scenery all around, and a great sense of history and place as you gaze yonder from Japan’s
most famous mountain.
Next, you will head to the very appropriately named “Wind Cave,” which runs horizontally for 201
meters (659 ft), and then to the “Ice Cave,” which is vertically concentric and 153 meters (502 ft) long.
Even during the middle of summer, you can see real ice!
The next stop on our discovery tour is Oshino Hakkai. Oshino Hakkai is known as the Mysterious
Spring, and is a World Cultural Heritage spot owing to it famous clear water and gorgeous views.
You will stay overnight on the shores of Lake Yamanaka-ko.

DAY 8 – HEAD TO KYOTO – Kyoto’s World Heritage Sites
Hard to believe, but until the early 1600s,
Tokyo really wasn’t all that much to talk
about. From the 8th century, it was
(briefly) Nara and then Kyoto that
functioned as the political and religious
centers of Japan, along with all their
intellectualist trappings. Add to this a very
fortunate escape from WWII bombings,
and what you have today is a living
monument to all things traditionally
Japanese. Allow us to share our deep
understanding of all things Kyoto and
Nara with you.
After meeting with your personal tour guide, you will head to Mishima Station (Travel time: 1 hour)
before continuing on to Kyoto by Shinkansen, or “bullet train” (Travel time: 2 hours).
Kyoto is well known as one of the world’s most culturally rich cities, boasting 17 UNESCO World
Heritage Sites, more than 1600 Buddhist temples, and over 400 Shinto shrines. You will get your first taste of the city by
means of an afternoon tour with a local
Kyoto guide. You will visit the ancient
temples and shrines like Kiyomizu-dera,
Sanjusangen-do, Kinkaku-ji (Kyoto’s
famed Golden Pavilion), Fushimi-Inari-
Taisha (with its picturesque, hill-climbing
pathway lined with thousands of red
torii), and Saiho-ji with its garden renown
for lush, rolling mossy landscapes.
Examples of ryokan selections in Kyoto:
Yoshikawa Ryokan, Tawaraya Ryokan,
Hiragiya Ryokans, Yoshinoya Ryokan,
Sumiya Ryokan, Kikusui, Ioshinoya.

DAY 9 – KYOTO ATTRACTIONS
On your second day in Kyoto, you will explore
the Arashiyama and Sagano districts. You will
head to Arashiyama first and experience “Hozugawa-
Kudari” (Hozu River rafting through the
Hozu Gorge).
For over one thousand years, the Hozu River has
been home to a bustling and thriving water
transport culture. This boat trip not only paints
you a picture of that culture, but also invites you
into an awe-inspiring and healing world, a place of tranquility.
Regardless of the time of year you visit, you are always surrounded by gorgeous scenery.
Next, you will visit Tenryu-ji temple, where the main
attraction is their 14th century Zen Garden.
Just outside the north gate of the temple, you will step
into a different world as you are enveloped and then
entranced by a large thicket of bamboo that rolls out
into the distance. This is the famed Arashiyama
Bamboo Grove.
Your next stop will bring you to Okochi-sanso. This villa was
the home of Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), an actor in
samurai films. Okochi-sanso is now open to the public,
allowing us all to enjoy the garden and the views over
Kyoto.
Finally, you’ll return to your hotel or ryokan in downtown
Kyoto

DAY 10 – NARA – Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan
Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan, and
remains a great asset amongst the nation’s cultural
legacies.
The centerpiece is the Daibutsu, or “Great Buddha,”
which is said to be Japan’s single most impressive sight,
housed right here in Todai-ji Temple.
You’ll then visit Nara Park, a splendid green space home
to about 1200 deer.
In pre-Buddhist times, deer were considered messengers
of the gods and today enjoy the status of National
Treasures. You can feed the deer “shika senbei” (deer
biscuits) that are available for purchase from vendors in
the park. Some may even bow politely to request their
snack (others have fewer manners).
After getting your fill of Nara’s bounty, we will return to
your lodging in nearby Kyoto.

DAY 11 – OSAKA – Osaka, Japan’s bustling culinary capital
Just as Kyoto and Nara were the capitals of
government and religion before Tokyo took center
stage, Osaka was the center of commerce. Even
today, Osaka is the largest city outside of greater
Tokyo. It has a very different vibe, and is known as the
foodie capital. Beyond Osaka lies a gorgeous castle
and an enchanting onsen (hot spring) town during this
part of your grand tour.
You will visit Osaka as a day trip from Kyoto, as the
cities are not very far apart in distance—though they
are worlds apart in culture!
First, we’ll visit Osaka Castle, built as a display of
power by Shogun Toyotomi Hideyoshi after he
achieved his goal of unifying Japan in 1583.
No visit to Osaka would be complete without also
visiting vibrant Dotonbori Riverwalk in Osaka’s
Minami (“South”) district, the city’s number one
sightseeing spot. With a Japanese guide by your side,
plan on culturally enriching chats while sampling the country’s best street food. Just south of Dotonbori is Hozenji, a tiny temple hidden
down a narrow street, built around a moss-covered statue
of a deity.
Next door is atmospheric Hozenji Yokocho, a cobblestone
alley lined with traditional restaurants and bars.
After enjoying this lively and atmospheric walk — and
stopping to enjoy some of Osaka’s famed food and
hospitality — you’ll return to your hotel or ryokan in
Kyoto

DAY 12 – HIMEJI CASTLE, SHOSHAZAN ENGYO-JI TEMPLE & KINOSAKI ONSEN
After checking out of your lodging in Kyoto, you’ll get on the
bullet train to Hyogo Prefecture, home of the nation’s most
beloved castle, Himeji-jo (Travel time: approx. 1.5 hrs).
Today’s highlights will be the
newly restored Himeji-jo, the
finest castle in all of Japan,
followed by a visit to
Shoshazan Engyo-ji. This
temple complex is often used
as a location for shooting
films and television programs
such as The Last Samurai.
Stay overnight in Kinosaki Onsen, where
the star attractions are seven hot spring
facilities scattered about the small town.
Guests staying in town usually take part in
the traditional stroll along the canal from
bath to bath, all the while wearing a yukata
(light cotton kimono) and geta (wooden
sandals).

DAY 13 – Uradome & Sanin Coast National Park in Tottori Prefecture
Get firmly off the beaten track with us as we
traverse the north coast of western Honshu
Island. In these sparsely populated parts of
Japan, there is little to get in between us and
the immense natural beauty of the land and
sea. Once we’ve breathed it all in deeply, we’ll
cross over the mountains to Hiroshima, a city
famous for tragedy, but known in Japan today
as a very nice midsize city.
Your private tour guide will meet you at your ryokan. Together you’ll head to Tottori Prefecture. We’ll stop along the way and visit Sanin Kaigan, a National Park
along the Sea of Japan coastline. Sanin Kaigan is well known for
good reason — its numerous inlets, rock formations, islands, and
caves make for a splendid landscape.
Explore the Uradome Coast
by boat or clear-bottomed sea
kayak (Jun-Oct), which allows
for views of the marine flora
and fauna thriving in this part
of the ocean. A local guide will be with you, providing meaningful
and experience-enriching explanations along the way.
You’ll stay overnight at Misasa Onsen, which contains one of the
highest levels of radium (in a good way!) in the world. Radon is a
weak radioactive gas produced by the decay o f radium. When
absorbed into the body, radon elevates your metabolism and
boosts our natural immunity healing power.
Misasa Onsen is famous for its fantastic illuminations of their
Japanese-style lodgings, and also, of course, the radon-rich baths

DAY 14 – ADACHI MUSEUM & IWAMI-GINZAN in SHIMANE PERFECTURE
After departing Tottori Prefecture, we’ll head for Shimane
Prefecture, a journey which takes about 2.5 hours by car along
the Sea of Japan.
Another exciting day is in store as we
visit the modern Adachi Museum of
Art, selected as the best Japanese
garden by the magazine Sukiya Living.
The museum has also been awarded three stars by the Michelin Green
Guide.
Our next destination is Iwami-ginzan, a historic silver mine in the
mountains. It was discovered in the early 16th century and mined for nearly
400 years.
You will visit the silver mine area and nearby Omori Town,
where you’ll go back in time as you tour historical residences,
shrines, and temples. The area became a World Heritage Site
in 2007.
In the evening, you’ll stay in an old-fashioned onsen town
called Yunotsu, which is a part of the Iwami-ginzan World
Heritage Site.

DAY 15 – HIROSHIMA PEACE MUSEUM & MIYAJIMA
It’s time to say goodbye to the Sanin coast and Shimane as we head back over the mountains towards
Hiroshima.
In Hiroshima, we’ll head to a local restaurant for Hiroshima’s specialty food, “Hiroshima-yaki”
(Hiroshima-style “okonomiyaki”, a savory pancake-like dish).
Next, we’ll visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Museum, where you are sure to gain a new
perspective on the atomic bomb disaster. It’s a solemn but well-executed memorial.
Later, we’ll visit one of Japan’s most visited tourist
locales, Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
Itsukushima Shrine seems to float on the waves
during high tide, a sight considered one of the three
most beautiful in all of Japan.
Your overnight stay at a luxury ryokan in seaside
Miyajima is sure to put a nice cap on your adventure
across Honshu

DAY 16- Guided free time in Hiroshima until departure & FLIGHT BACK TO ISTANBUL VIA TOKYO
On your last day in Hiroshima, we will do whatever your heart desires until it is time for you to depart.
We’ll say “sayonara” at the international airport, flight to Istanbul.
Japan Airlines JL262, Hiroşima (HIJ) to Tokyo (HND): 16:40 – 18:10
Welcome to Tokyo Haneda airprot and catch you Istanbul flight.
Turkish Airlines TK 199, Tokyo (HND) to Istanbul (IST): 22:05 – 05:15

DAY 17 – Welcome to Istanbul and private transfer to your hotel & LEISURE DAY ON YOUR OWN
Overnight at: https://www.perapalace.com/ for 1 night on bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 18 – PRIVATE ECLECTIC TOUR OF ISTANBUL & FLIGHT TO CAPPADOCIA
This private tour includes a
perfect visit to the Galata
Tower built by the Genoese
in 1348. The Old Pera was
given to them by the
Ottoman Empire because of
their help in defeating a
Crusade. After a short
gentle walk we take the
oldest functioning metros in
the world. The “Tunnel”,
Completed in 1873, it is the shortest metro ever built which connects
Karakoy to Beyoglu, followed by a local window-shopping if you would like
to experience. We will visit the Galata Mevlevi Lodge (Galata
Mevlevihanesi) is an exciting museum
showcases variety of Turkish
calligraphic art items, music items and
items belonging to the Mevlevi cult ure.
Gentle walk to Taksim Square then
drive into the colorful sights, vibrant
sounds and intriguing scents of the
Egyptian Bazaar (Spice Market). End of the tour private transfer to your Cappadocia flight.
Turkish Airlines, Istanbul (IST) to Kayseri (ASR): 20:35 – 21:55
Overnight at http://www.kalekonak.com/ for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis.

DAY 19 – HOT AIR BALLOON RIDING TOUR & PRIVATE CLASSIC CAPPADOCIA TOUR
Early morning hot-air balloon (up 7 years old). Experience
begins by transfer of the passengers to the headquarters
with luxury minibuses. Our passengers will have an open
buffet – full catered delicious breakfast and their check-in
will be made while the pilots are choosing a good launch
site according to the wind directions. Once the launch site
is selected, the passengers will proceed to the launch site
where they will witness how the crew and the pilot unload,
assemble and inflate the balloon. Following an
introduction to the safety factors of ballooning with your
pilot, your amazing experience will begin. The balloons will
climb approximately 300 meters (1000 feet) during the
flight. A panoramic and marvelous view will greet the
passengers while drifting above the valleys and between
rock formations. Balloons move by the wind and you will float wherever the wind takes you; so that
each flight brings new and memorable experiences. Each passenger is to dress according to the
temperature. Flat shoes, hat, sunglasses and of course camera is a must. The flight presents many
photo opportunities and lifetime memories to cherish. The flight will last approximately for 60 minutes.
In keeping with ballooning tradition, our passengers are treated to a champagne ceremony upon landing by our crew. The passengers will receive a memento certificate. All our passengers are covered
with insurance by Eureko Insurance Company. After the flight our luxury minibuses will take you back
to your hotel. Your entire balloon adventure lasts about 180 minutes.
After second breakfast at your hotel meeting with your guide and
driver for start your next tour. The lunar landscape of Cappadocia,
starting with the rock formations beyond; visit Devrent and Pasabag
–three coned fairy chimneys” where the voice of wind mixes with
the “songs of fairies”. Lunch is in Avanos, center of terra cotta work
of art since 3000 BC. In the afternoon visit the famous UNESCO
World Heritage Site Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best
examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with
frescoes and paintings (10th & 13th century).

DAY 20 – PRIVATE HIDDEN DWELINNGS OF CAPPADOCIA TOUR & TURKISH NIGHT SHOW
Red Valley, with its fabulous volcanic rock formations, is
in the heart of Cappadocia but away from the tourist
crowd. Rock-Cut hermit churches with frescoes and
paintings fit with the Valley’s meditative atmosphere,
remained intact since the beginning. Our lovely hike will
start from a beautiful panoramic point presenting us
great light in the morning for pictures. After the hike we
give a refreshment break in Cavusin village which will be
complemented by a
visit to the ruins of
Cavusin Town. After
lunch, 40-minute
drive will take us to the least visited Underground city; Kaymakli
which is known as the widest underground city in the region.
Unlike other underground cities, Kaymakli has different
ventilation and security system. 4 of the 6 floors are open to
visitors and believed to shelter 2,000 people from persecution and
loots. TURKISH NIGHT SHOW WITH DINNER (20:00 – 23.30)
Join us on an unforgettable night of live music, Turkish cuisine and belly dancers. Live like a true
Turkish person through colorful and authentic Turkish traditions, and relax in a friendly, fun
environment.

DAY 21 – FLIGHT TO ANTALYA & PRIVATE ANTALYA OLD CITY TOUR
Private airport transfer to your Antalya flight.
Pegasus Airlines PC3503, Kayseri (ASR) to Antalya (AYT): 10:05 – 11:25 am
Welcome to Antalya airport and
meeting your guide and join your
private tour. Tour will start with the
visit of Antalya’s most distinctive
landmark is the Yivli Minare (fluted
minaret), built by the Seljuk sultan
Alaeddin Keykubad (1219-36). The
minaret is a typical example of
Seljuk architecture, with a square
base surmounted by an octagonal
drum bearing the fluted shaft, with
its corbelled gallery around the top.
The attached 14th-century mosque
is still in use today. The minaret is
right beside the Kale entrance gate
into the old city. Opposite the
minaret is Antalya’s Ottoman-era clock tower, while nearby are some tombs dating from the 14th
century. After here visit to Hadrian’s Gate. A prosperous port, Attaleia was
surrounded by thick defensive stone
walls pierced by several gates that
could be closed and sealed in case of
attack from pirates or invaders. The
grandest of these, and the only one
surviving, is Hadrian’s Gate, a
monumental triple-arched portal on
the street, modeled on the Roman
triumphal arch. After a nice local lunch
walking through the Roman Fortress
(Hidirlik Kalesi) where is built in the 2nd
century, this squat 14-meter-high
cylindrical tower watches over the old
harbor from high above on the edge of Karaalioglu Park. Visit Antalya
Museum of which the Roman period is especially rich in statuary and sarcophagi, of which the museum
has world-class collections.
Overnight at: https://www.pudinghotel.com/ for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 22 – PRIVATE PERGE, ASPENDOS, SIDE & MANAVGAT WATERFALL TOUR
Depart from your hotel to visit Perge. An important
city of ancient Pamphylian, Perge was originally
settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. St. Paul
preached some of his first sermons here. The theater
stage has finely carved marble reliefs; other carvings
from around the city are displayed in the stadium.
Amateur archaeologists will want to see the
handsome city gate flanked by two lofty towers, a
long colonnaded road once paved with mosaics and
lined with shops, a large agora, the public baths and
a gymnasium. Proceed to Aspendos one of the best
preserved theatres in the world with seating for
15,000. Still used today, the theater galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the
architect’s success. Nearby stand the remains of a basilica, agora and one of the largest aqueducts in
Anatolia. It is commonly believed that Aspendos was founded by colonist from Argos. We will then
proceed to Manavgat Waterfalls for a refreshing break. After having lunch, depart for Side where you
will have free time for shopping or back to hotel to relax and enjoy some leisure time.

DAY 23 – DRIVE TO PAMUKKALE AND PRIVATE PAMUKKALE TOUR & HEAD TO KUŞADASI
After breakfast check out at hotel and drive to
Pamukkale. Pamukkale; with the other name
‘’The Cotton Castle’’ One of the natural
wonders of Turkey; the thermal spa of
Pamukkale has abundant supplies of
remarkable hot spring waters laden with
calcareous salts. It is claimed to benefit heart
and circulation complaints, as well as digestive
disorders and rheumatic and kidney diseases.
Nobody can dispute its excellent stressrelieving
properties: a half-hour wallow will
certainly relax you. Hierapolis; Walk around the ancient city, the monuments and the thermal baths.
See the architectural genius of the theatre, the magnificently well-preserved Necropolis and the
worldwide famous Devil’s Hole. Year-round swimming possibility in the natural hot spring pool. After
visiting here head to Kuşadası.
Overnight at: https://www.ilaydaavantgarde.com/ for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.

DAY 24 – PRIVATE EPHESUS TOUR
Take off to the ancient city of Ephesus and first visit the
Basilica of St. John, who came here with the Virgin Mary
and wrote his Gospel. To the southwest of the Basilica
stands the Isa Bey Mosque and further in the same
direction is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven
Wonders of the World. Ephesus was undoubtedly one of
the most important cultural centers of the ancient world.
Impressive structures you will see include the Library of
Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, Theater and Odeon. Terrace
houses which
opened to visit
recently will be
also included in
our itinerary.
Close by is the
House of the
Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years.
On August 18th, 1961, Pope John XXll proclaimed the House of
Virgin Mary at Ephesus to be sacred. You will have a chance to take a phial of Holy Water from the
Sacred Spring.

DAY 25 – PRIVATE AIRPORT TRANSFER TO YOUR ISTANBUL FLIGHT
Turkish Airlines TK 2313, Izmir (ADB) to Istanbul (IST): 10:35 – 11:50 am
End of the services.