This ten-day tour of Turkey offers visitors the opportunity to experience some of the country's most remarkable sights. The tour includes a visit to Istanbul, where guests can explore the historic streets and admire the Blue Mosque. It also includes a journey to Ephesus, home to well-preserved Roman ruins such as the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. The itinerary then takes you to Antalya, where you can enjoy a relaxing stay in the Mediterranean coastal region, with mountain and beach views. This is followed by a visit to Pamukkale, where you can see the famous white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis. In Cappadocia, you can explore the distinctive lunar landscape, the Goreme open-air museum, and the Uchisar rock castle, offering sweeping views of the valley. Additionally, the tour includes a stop in Konya, renowned for its Whirling Dervishes.
Deal negotiated for you
- A stay of 9 nights in the hotels as listed or similar
- Board according to programme
- Flights departing from the city of your choice
- All transfers during your stay
- Sightseeing as mentioned in the programme with an English-speaking guide
Your stay starts here
Your detailed itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. You may then proceed to check-in and spend the rest of the day at your leisure exploring the city.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 2 | Istanbul
After breakfast, meet your guide and start your full-day tour.
Begin with a visit to Hagia Sophia, the largest building in the world, excluding the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. Once the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period, this iconic structure is now a museum and mosque.
Next, explore the Hippodrome, built by Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 AD. During the Roman period, the Hippodrome served as the civil centre, with a capacity of 100,000 spectators.
You will then have the opportunity to visit the Blue Mosque, constructed by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in 1616. The Blue Mosque, with its six minarets and magnificent dome, is one of Istanbul's most renowned landmarks.
Continue to the Basilica Cistern, a massive underground structure measuring 143 meters long and 65 meters wide. It can hold up to 80,000 cubic meters of water and is supported by 336 columns, mostly of Ionic and Corinthian styles.
Finally, visit the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with 18 entrances and over 4,000 shops.
At the end of the tour, your guide will drive you back to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 3 | Istanbul – Kuşadasi
After breakfast at the hotel, check-out and meet your guide in the lobby for your half-day tour.
First, visit the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, saffron, mint, thyme, and other herbs and spices.
Next, enjoy a Bosphorus Cruise. This traditional boat excursion takes you along the waterway that separates Europe and Asia, offering views of old wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses, and small fishing villages. You will pass notable landmarks such as the Dolmabahçe Palace, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the parks and imperial pavilions of Yıldız Palace.
After the cruise, transfer to the airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Kuşadasi.
Day 4 | Kuşadası – Ephesus – Kuşadasi
After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Ancient Ephesus.
First, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where a church was built in her honour.
Continue to Ancient Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city in the Roman Empire, after Rome, with a population of over 250,000. Walking through its ancient streets, you will encounter beautiful monuments such as the Library of Celsus, the largest Roman theater in Asia, and more.
Next, visit the Temple of Artemis (Artemision), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was a major pilgrimage site dedicated to the cult of Artemis.
At the end of the tour, drive back to your hotel.
Overnight in Kuşadasi.
Day 5 | Kuşadasi – Pamukkale – Antalya
After breakfast, check-out and meet your guide for a full-day tour.
Visit Pamukkale, also known as the "Cotton Castle." Pamukkale's terraces were formed by warm spring waters rich in calcium bicarbonate. It has been a popular destination for centuries, with visitors coming here for its believed healing powers.
Next, explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, home to the largest necropolis in Anatolia, with over 1,200 gravestones. The Sacred Pool, where ancient Roman ruins are submerged beneath thermal waters, is one of the highlights.
After the tour, drive to Antalya.
Overnight in Antalya.
Jour 6 | Antalya
Enjoy a cable car ride from sea to sky, taking in spectacular views from the top of Tünektepe, which stands 1,365 meters above sea level. You will see the beautiful coastline, surrounding mountains, pine forests, and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea.
Next, visit Duden Waterfalls, the most famous and visited waterfall in the Antalya region. Walk through the beautiful park and enjoy the sounds of cascading water.
After lunch at a local restaurant with panoramic views, enjoy free time to explore the old town (Kaleiçi). Explore top attractions such as Hadrian's Gate, the Clock Tower, and Kesik Minare (Truncated Minaret). Kaleiçi's narrow stone streets are also great for shopping and visiting art galleries and museums.
Overnight in Antalya.
Day 7 | Antalya – Konya – Cappadocia
After breakfast, check-out and head to Konya, where you will visit the museum dedicated to the 13th-century philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi. Mevlana was a mystic whose philosophy of love, tolerance, and charity continues to inspire people worldwide.
Next, visit the 700-year-old Sultanhan Caravanserai, an ancient resting place for traders and travelers along the Silk Road.
After lunch, continue your journey to Cappadocia and check in to your hotel.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 8 | Cappadocia
After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour of Cappadocia's Fairy Chimneys.
Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-cut churches, decorated with colourful frescoes from the 9th century.
Next, explore Devrent Valley, famous for its unique, animal-shaped rock formations. It's like a natural sculpture zoo.
Your next destination is Pasabag (Monks Valley), where you will have the opportunity to view the renowned fairy chimneys and the hermitage of the Simeon monks.
Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch in Avanos, followed by a pottery-making experience with local artisans.
Next, visit the Göreme Panorama viewpoint for one of the best panoramic views of the fairy chimneys.
Finally, visit Uçhisar, where you can explore the highest rock castle in Cappadocia, offering a stunning panoramic view of the region.
Overnight in Cappadocia.
Jour 9 | Cappadocia – Istanbul
After breakfast, check-out and meet your guide for your full-day Cappadocia tour.
Visit Rose Valley, known for its pink-hued rock formations and stunning scenery.
Next, head to Çavuşin, a village surrounded by the Red Valley, where the ancient rock-cut houses and churches are carved into the landscape.
Visit Pigeon Valley, famous for the countless dovecotes carved into the volcanic rock. It's one of the best spots in Cappadocia for walking and photography.
Explore one of the Underground Cities, used as a place of refuge for early Christians. These subterranean cities contain ancient living quarters, churches, meeting halls, and food storage rooms.
Finally, visit Ortahisar, known for its picturesque stone houses, narrow streets, and a castle-like rock formation.
After the tour, drive to Kayseri Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel.
Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 10 | Departure from Istanbul
After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you will be driven to Istanbul Airport for your departure.
Your accomodation
During this trip, you will stay in 4-star hotels (local standard) as listed in the description:
-Nights 1, 2 and 9: 4-star Hotel Celal Sultan (or similar)
-Nights 3 and 4: 4-star Efe Boutique (or similar)
-Nights 5 and 6: 4-star Best Western Khan (or similar)
-Nights 7 and 8: 4-star Hotel Fresco Cave Suites (or similar)
Your meals
During this tour, you will enjoy board according to the programme, with the following details:
-9 breakfasts
-7 lunches (Days 2, 4 and 9)
Useful information
Please be advised that, due to technical requirements, weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances, the dates of excursions may be modified or cancelled.
Maximum group size : 12 people.
Guaranteed departure: minimum of 2 people. The supplier reserves the right to change the departure date if this minimum is not reached.