Explore Turkey's top cities with our 10-day package starting and ending in Istanbul. Experience the unique blend of Asia and Europe in Istanbul, the former capital of three mighty empires. Delve into the underground cities of Cappadocia, marveling at the rock-cut churches, storerooms, and kitchens, while learning about the history of early Christians from your knowledgeable local guide. Capture stunning photos of the fairy chimneys from the most picturesque vantage points. Wander along the ancient streets of the best-preserved Greco-Roman city, with the House of the Holy Mary nearby. Take a dip in the healing thermal springs of Pamukkale. Witness the breathtaking sunset over the Mediterranean from Antalya's finest panoramic viewpoint. Stroll through the cobblestone streets adorned with colorful flowers in the old town, and marvel at landmarks like the clock tower, Hadrian's Gate, and the Kesik Minare.
Day 1: Istanbul Arrival
Upon your arrival at Istanbul (IST) or Sabiha Gökcen Airport (SAW), you'll be warmly greeted by your designated driver who will then escort you to your hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure. Spend the night in Istanbul, relaxing and preparing for the adventures ahead.
Day 2: Full Day Old City Tour By Walking
You’ll visit; Hagia Sophia - Blue Mosque - Topkapi Palace - Hippodrome - Obelisk of Theodosius and Grand Bazaar
Meet your guide at the designated time for your full-day tour. Begin by exploring Hagia Sophia, once the largest building in the world after the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. It served as the religious hub of the city during the Byzantine era. Next, visit Topkapı Palace, which not only served as the Sultan's residence but also as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire for nearly 400 years.
Continue to the Hippodrome, constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD. During the Roman era, it served as the civic center where up to 100,000 spectators could gather. Then, admire the iconic Blue Mosque, constructed by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616. With its six minarets and grand dome, it's a renowned landmark of the old city.
Finally, explore the Grand Bazaar, boasting 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops, making it one of the world's largest bazaars. After the tour, your guide will drive you back to your hotel. Spend another night in Istanbul, reflecting on the day's discoveries.
Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise & Cappadocia Arrival
You’ll visit; Devrent Valley - Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) - Avanos - Goreme and Open Air museum
After breakfast at the hotel, check out. Meet your guide at the hotel lobby according to your tour pick-up time to start your half-day tour. First, visit the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where the air is filled with the delightful scents of various herbs and spices like cinnamon, caraway, saffron, and more.
Next, embark on a Bosphorus Cruise, a classic boat trip along the waterway that separates Europe and Asia. Along the shores, you'll see old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and charming fishing villages. During the cruise, you'll pass by landmarks such as the majestic Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the beautiful parks and imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace.
After the tour, you'll be driven to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Check-in and spend the night in Cappadocia, anticipating the adventures awaiting you.
Day 4: South Tour
You’ll visit; Red and Rose Valley - Cavusin Village Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City - Ortahisar - Pigeon Valley
Meet your guide at the designated pick-up time and embark on your full-day tour. Begin by visiting Rose Valley, a uniquely beautiful area of Cappadocia characterized by its sharp ridges, which take on a pink hue, especially during sunset due to the minerals in the sandstone.
Next, explore Cavusin, surrounded by the wider Red Valley, known for its houses carved into massive rock formations and its famous rock churches.
Continue to Pigeon Valley, named after the countless man-made dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic tuff. It's an excellent spot for leisurely walks amidst the stunning Cappadocian landscape.
Next, delve into the Underground Cities, once refuge for 15,000 Christians. These settlements played a crucial role in the development of Christianity, providing shelter, worship spaces, and storage rooms. Explore the ancient bedrooms, churches, meeting halls, and food storage rooms in this eight-storey city connected by 30km of corridors and passageways.
Finally, visit Ortahisar, known for its friendly inhabitants, picturesque stone houses, narrow streets, lovely churches, and the castle-like rock formation that gives the town its name.
After the tour, return to your hotel and spend the night in Cappadocia, reflecting on the wonders of the day.
Day 5: North Tour
You’ll visit; Devrent Valley - Pasabag (Monk’s Valley) - Avanos - Goreme and Open Air museum
Meet your guide at the scheduled pick-up time and embark on your full-day tour. Begin by exploring the Goreme Open-Air Museum, home to numerous rock-cut churches dating back to the second half of the 9th century. Admire the beautiful and colorful frescoes that decorate the walls of these ancient churches.
Next, visit Devrent Valley, renowned for its peculiar rock formations resembling various animals. It's like walking through a natural sculpture zoo.
Continue to Pasabag, also known as Monks Valley, or the Pacha's Vineyard, where you'll find the hermitage of Simeon monks.
Afterward, head to Avanos for a typical Turkish lunch and the opportunity to experience pottery-making with local experts.
Next, visit Goreme Panorama, offering one of the best panoramic views of the fairy chimneys, the iconic rock formations of Cappadocia.
Lastly, explore Uchisar, home to the natural highest rock castle, which provides a magnificent panorama of the surrounding area.
At the conclusion of the tour, your guide will drive you back to your hotel. Spend another night in Cappadocia, reminiscing about the day's adventures.
Day 6: Konya & Antalya
After breakfast at the hotel, check out. Today's itinerary includes a visit to the 700-year-old Sultanahani Caravanserai, once frequented by ancient traders and travelers on the Silk Road. Next, you'll explore the museum dedicated to the 13th-century philosopher, Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi. Mevlana was a philosopher and mystic of Islam who preached tolerance, positive reasoning, goodness, charity, and awareness through love.
Following lunch, you'll journey to Antalya. Check into your accommodation and spend the night in Antalya, anticipating the experiences that await you in this beautiful coastal city.
Day 7: Kursunlu Waterfall & Perge – Aspendos Tour
Meet your guide at the designated pick-up time to start your full-day tour. Your first destination is Perge, one of the largest and most renowned ancient cities in the Pamphylia region. Perge served as the capital of Pamphylia and later came under Roman rule in 133 B.C., flourishing during this period. Many of the ruins that remain today date back to this era. Explore the Agora, Roman Baths, Colonnaded Street, Nymphaeum, and the Grand Amphitheater, capable of accommodating 15,000 people.
Next, visit the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, believed to have been constructed in the 2nd century. This impressive theater, with a seating capacity of over 20,000, is still utilized for festivals and music concerts today.
After lunch at a local restaurant by a nearby river, head to Kursunlu Waterfall. Here, you'll revel in the fresh pine scent, cool atmosphere, and breathtaking waterfall scenery.
Conclude your day's adventures and return to Antalya for overnight accommodation, reflecting on the fascinating history and natural beauty you've experienced.
Day 8: Full Day Pamukkale Tour Drop Off Kusadasi
You’ll visit; Calcium spring terraces, Hierapolis museum, Hierapolis Theatre, Roman Bath, and Temple of Apollo, Cleopatra hot spring thermal pool
Early in the morning, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and you'll embark on a journey to Pamukkale, often referred to as the "Pools of Heaven on Earth." Pamukkale has been a popular settlement for centuries, known for its hot springs believed to possess healing powers, making it one of the earliest spas on Earth. People from far and wide traveled to Pamukkale in search of remedies.
The unique terraces of Pamukkale were formed by warm spring water with a temperature of 35°C, containing calcium bicarbonate. This natural wonder has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Upon arrival, you'll visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, boasting the largest necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. One of the highlights of the site is the Sacred Pool, where shallow thermal waters flow over ancient Roman ruins beneath.
After the tour, you'll continue your journey to Kusadasi. Check into your accommodation and spend the night in Kusadasi, reflecting on the historical and natural wonders you've witnessed throughout the day.
Day 9: Full Day Ephesus - Virgin Mary - Artemis Temple Tour
You’ll visit; Ephesus - The Temple of Artemis - The House of Virgin Mary
Meet your guide at the designated pick-up time to begin your full-day tour. Your first stop is the House of Virgin Mary, a church built from the 6th century AD atop the foundations of a house believed to have belonged to Mary in the 1st century AD. The church is declared by the church to be the final residence where Mary spent her last days.
Next, your tour continues to the ancient city of Ephesus, renowned as the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. In the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city in the world after Rome, with a population exceeding 250,000. Walking through the ancient streets among remarkable monuments such as the third-largest library of the ancient world and the largest Roman theater on the Asian continent provides an immersive experience akin to being a time traveler.
Following Ephesus, visit the Temple of Artemis, also known as the Artemision, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The ancient cult dedicated to Artemis made Ephesus a highly visited pilgrimage site in antiquity.
After a day filled with historical exploration, return to Kusadasi for overnight accommodation, marveling at the rich history and cultural heritage you've encountered.
Day 10: Izmir Departure
Today marks the conclusion of our service. A flight from Izmir to Istanbul will be arranged according to your preferences. This marks the end of our guided tour, and we hope you've enjoyed your time exploring Turkey's rich history, culture, and natural beauty. If you have any further inquiries or require assistance with anything else, please don't hesitate to let us know. Safe travels, and we hope to see you again in the future!