Destination
Istanbul
Departure
Manchester
Departure Time
March April May June July August September October November December
Dress Code
Sports casual
Overnight at Pera Place Hotel for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.
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.
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.
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.
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 five star 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.
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:
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.
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).
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.
s 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-InariTaisha (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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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
Overnight at Pera Place Hotel for 1 night on bed and breakfast basis.
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 Kale Konak Cave Hotel for 3 nights on bed & breakfast basis.
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).
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.
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 Puding Hotel for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.
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.
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 Ilyada Avantgarde Hotel for 1 night on bed and breakfast basis.
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.
End of the tour private airport transfer to your Athens flight. Aegean Airlines A3997,
Izmir (ADB) to Athens (ATH): 20:50 – 22:10
Welcome to Athens and private transfer to your hotel.
Overnight at Athens Manor Houses for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.
Breakfast at hotel. Meet your guide and depart for a sightseeing tour of Athens; the city where democracy was born, and most of the wise men of the ancient times. The most important civilization of ancient world flourished in Athens and relives, through some of the world’s most formidable edifices. Your expert guide will take you to see the centre of the city, the Syntagma (Constitution) Square, the House of Parliament, the Memorial to the Unknown Soldier, the Academy, the University, the National Library. Driving down Herod Atticus street, see the Evzones with the traditional Greek uniform and the Presidential Palace. Further, see the Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and make a short stop at the Panathenaic Stadium, where the first Olympic Games of the modern era were held (1896).
Continue with a visit to the Acropolis hill, to admire the architectural masterpieces of the Golden Age of Athens: the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and, finally «the harmony between material and spirit», the monument that «puts order in the mind», the Parthenon.
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out. Departure transfer to Piraeus port, for the ferry to Mykonos; upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Mykonos at Kamari Hotel for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis.
Breakfast in the hotel.
Free day at leisure.
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out. Departure transfer to Mykonos port, for the ferry to Mykonos; upon arrival, transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Santorini at Nautilus Dome Hotel for 2 nights on bed and breakfast basis
Breakfast in the hotel.
Free day at leisure, overnight in Santorini.
Aegean Airlines A3357, Santoron (JTR) to Athens (ATH): 12:30 – 13:15
Breakfast in the hotel and check-out.
Departure transfer to Santorini airport, for the flight back home.
End of the services.
Transport
(note: everything mentioned here is included in the price)
other
Also included in the price:
Price Does NOT include:
Single Traveler |
2 Guests (P.P.) |
4 Guests (P.P.) |
6 Guests (P.P.) |
8 Guests (P.P.) |
10 – 14 Guests (P.P.) |
£32.579,00 |
£24.263,00 |
£22.022,00 |
£20.511,00 |
£19.056,00 |
£17.980,00 |
*PRICES FOR PER PERSON SHARING A DOUBLE ROOM OR A TRIPLE ROOM.
*SINGLE SUPPLEMENT ON ALL PAX SEGMENTS: 6.809,00 Euro
* 0-11 years old kid 50% discount (per room 2 kids)
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