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 Amazing food, diverse traditions, religions and stories: these are the things that make Turkey such an unforgettable travel destination. All together we are going to visit the best of Turkey in 10 fantastic days, on a gay group tour. Visiting Istanbul is like visiting two continents, two worlds, two times. We will also visit Cappadocia, home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme National Park and take a fantastic hot air balloon ride (many people's dream!). And we can't finish without visiting Bodrum, famed for sun, sand, luxury, and nightlife, the Turkish Riviera!
Istanbul was and is one of the great cities in the world. Istanbul also has a modern side, divided between the old and the modern, the skyscrapers, the wide avenues, the brand stores and the gay nightlife.
The historic center looks like something out of a fantasy book. The city's skyline is made up of domes and minarets. The cobbled alleys lined with picturesque wooden houses are a pleasure to explore.
And Cappadocia, famous for its unique rock formations and amazing hot air ballooning opportunities, the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia are one of Turkey's most popular natural wonders.
Bodrum, home to one of the ancient wonders of the world, there are lots of interesting historic sites to visit. Offers also a true Mediterranean escape with its numerous bays, beautiful beaches and nightlife.
Day 1
Hello and welcome to the charming city, coveted by empires across the centuries, straddling both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is one of the world's great metropolises.
Upon your arrival at Istanbul airport (IST), we will have a transfer waiting for you that will take you directly to the hotel in maximum comfort. Here we will be waiting for you and it will be the meeting point for the group. Depending on your arrival time, you can still enjoy some free time until dinner time arrives. On your first night we'll have our first group dinner in a typical restaurant, to introduce ourselves/get to know each other and socialize.
Included: • Transfer included from airport to hotel • Welcome Gift • Group dinner • Hotel in Istanbul
Day 2
We start the day early, with a delicious breakfast, and after that, our local LGBT guide will be waiting for us to take us to explore the streets of the city of Istanbul.
Today we will walk through the streets and pass by many places full of history and magic. We will visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, (Hagia Sophia Museum). It was built in the 6th century and it was the biggest church in the world for 1000 years and it is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World. We also go to the Blue Mosque, known as the Blue Mosque because of its 20,000 blue tiles, it has 6 towering minarets and last great mosque of the Classical period, to the Grand Bazaar, the oldest and biggest covered market in the world and discover 65 streets and more than 4000 shops containing all kinds of everything and pass and visit the Roman Hippodrome, Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, and German Fountain.
After our tour through the streets of the ancient city, we will have an optional group lunch and the rest of the afternoon you will be free to continue exploring the city on your own.
After dinner, we'll have a private tour, to show us the gay night life and gay venues in Istanbul.
We will have an orientation tour around Taksim district, where the overwhelming majority of gay and gay friendly venues are located. Your guide will give general information about gay life in Istanbul and show us the location of a selection of popular gay and gay friendly venues in the city. Our guide will naturally tell you where to go, but actually they will also be telling you where not to go, and what not to do.
This tour is good mainly because most of the gay venues are difficult to find in Istanbul and the gay culture of Turkey is fairly different than most of the Western countries.
Included: • Breakfast • Half day morning tour of the old town • Local LGBT Guide • Istanbul gay night tour • Hotel in Istanbul
Day 3
After breakfast, around 10am we go on a Culinary Tour of two Continents with LGBT life in Istanbul.
Face the hip and happening part of Istanbul in one day on this private gay walking tour. Visit the European and the Asian side of Istanbul by ferry, visit Taksim Square and Istiklal street, enjoy the view of the city from the Galata Tower, and explore Turkish cuisine. In this culinary experience we will taste more than ten types of local Turkish food and drink Turkish coffee or tea.
In the middle of the afternoon, we'll be back in our hotel area and you'll have the rest of the time and dinner at leisure. Take the opportunity and go shopping or buy your gifts at the Grand Bazaar or walk along the modern and fantastic Pedestrianized Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Street) which is a bustling modern shopping street with a wealth of restaurants and cafes.
Included: • Breakfast • Culinary tour of two continents • Lunch included • Local LGBT guide • 2 Ferry rides between European and Asian side of Istanbul • More than ten types of local Turkish food (lunch included), Turkish coffee or tea • Entrance Fees • Transport on the tour • Hotel in Istanbul
Day 4
This morning, we leave Istanbul. After breakfast, a transfer will be waiting for us to take us to the airport for a flight of about 1h20 to amazing Cappadocia!
Today's flight is not included in the cost of the tour. We will provide the recommended flight details when you book. If you are booking your trip closer to the departure date, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.
Upon arrival at Kayseri Erkilet airport (ASR), in Cappadocia, a transfer is waiting for us to take us to the hotel in Göreme, which sits at the heart of a network of valleys filled with astonishing rock formations.
We'll give you a brief explanation of the city and you'll have the day free to wander around. But at night we'll have another group dinner in this fantastic place! And get ready, because tomorrow we wake up early for a dream experience!
Included: • Breakfast • Transfer from hotel in Istanbul to Istanbul airport • Transfer from Kayseri airport to hotel in Göreme (Cappadocia) • Dinner included • Hotel in Göreme
Day 5
Today we'll have to wake up earlier, but it's worth it for a unique and unforgettable experience: Cappadocia balloon flight!
A transfer will be waiting for us to take us to the launch site. Take in the beauty of Cappadocia’s landscape with a sunrise balloon flight.
As you float higher in a balloon flown by an experienced pilot, admire the volcanic rock formations and fairy chimneys that dot the landscape and the valleys that cut through the scenery.
It is a once in a lifetime experience and you'll have it and at the end, receive a flight certificate.
Then we return to the hotel and you have the rest of the day free to visit and discover the beautiful city of Göreme, or we can suggest optional tours.
Included: • Breakfast • Cappadocia balloon flight • Transfer to and from the launch site
• Flight certificate • Hotel in Göreme
Day 6
As you woke up very early yesterday, today you have a more relaxed morning and you can sleep longer, or go shopping. Relax and enjoy.<
In the afternoon, around 2pm, a new adventure awaits you: discover the hidden corners of Cappadocia, famed for its unique lunar landscapes, underground cities, and volcanic rock-cut churches on this fun, rugged jeep excursion.
You'll get exclusive access to hidden locations, visit Cappadocia’s best-kept secret Gomeda Valley and admire panoramic views and stunning skylines of the Cappadocia region. It's going to be an amazing adventure!
Then we return to the hotel and you have the afternoon and evening free.
Included: • Breakfast • Cappadocia half-day jeep off-road adventure • Hotel in Göreme
Day 7
This morning, we leave Cappadocia. After breakfast, a transfer will be waiting for us to take us to the airport for a flight to Bodrum, famed for sun, sand, luxury, and nightlife, the Turkish Riviera.
Today's flight is not included in the cost of the tour. We will provide the recommended flight details when you book. If you are booking your trip closer to the departure date, there is a chance you will have to purchase a different flight than the rest of the group.
Upon arrival at Milas Bodrum airport (BJV), a transfer is waiting for us to take us to the hotel.
We'll give you a brief explanation of the city and you'll have the day free to wander around, go to the beach or pool.
Included: • Breakfast • Transfer from hotel in Göreme to Kayseri airport • Transfer from Bodrum airport to hotel in Bodrum • Hotel in Bodrum
Day 8
Today, after breakfast, we'll set off on a relaxing adventure along the Turkish coast. We are in Bodrum, so a boat trip is a must!
Navigate aboard a sailboat leaving from Bodrum to discover some amazing islands and bays along the Turkish coast: you can swim on the same day 3-4 different bays and island!
After a fantastic day on the Bodrum Turquoise Turkish coast, the late afternoon and evening are free to enjoy as you please. Maybe after dinner we'll get together and have a drink!
Included: • Breakfast • Bodrum island boat tour • Lunch included • Hotel in Bodrum
Day 9
Today is completely free, it will be our last full day together, allowing you ample opportunity to explore Bodrum. You'll have an optional list of activities to participate in a group or on your own, like visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis or just spend the day at the beach or pool.
With the arrival of the night and for us to start saying goodbye, remembering the last days we spent together, laughing and socializing, we will end on a high note with our last official group dinner.
After dinner you will have the rest of your free time and join us for a toast and who knows, planning your next adventure!
Included: • Breakfast • Dinner included • Hotel in Bodrum
Day 10
Today is the day to say goodbye. After breakfast we leave our hotel and each one will leave for their next destination.
If you need any transfer to the airport, or another location, let us know that we can help. If you want to stay longer in Bodrum or another city in Turkey and need help, let us know.
Included: • Breakfast
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