Alaturca Explorer 13 Day Tour ✈️

Welcome to Turkey!
Your unforgettable journey begins with a warm welcome as you arrive in Turkey.
✔️ Airport Transfer – Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for a smooth and hassle-free check-in.
✔️ Relax & Unwind – Take the rest of the day to settle in, explore your surroundings, or simply rest before your exciting adventure begins.

🏙️ Optional: Take an Evening Stroll
If you have the energy, consider a leisurely walk through Istanbul’s vibrant streets, perhaps visiting a local café, the bustling Grand Bazaar, or a scenic spot along the Bosphorus.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Istanbul
Enjoy a restful night as you prepare for the incredible experiences ahead in this historic and dynamic city.

🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour: A Journey Through History
After a delicious breakfast, get ready to immerse yourself in Istanbul’s rich history and cultural wonders. Your guided tour will take you to some of the most iconic landmarks in this legendary city.

🌟 Tour Highlights:

🔹 Blue Mosque – Marvel at this architectural masterpiece, famous for its stunning blue-tiled interior, elegant domes, and six towering minarets. (Note: Limited access during Friday prayers.)

🔹 Hagia Sophia – Step inside this awe-inspiring monument, a former Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum, showcasing a fusion of Christian and Islamic artistry.

🔹 Topkapi Palace – Explore the lavish residence of Ottoman sultans, where you’ll wander through:
✔️ Imperial chambers adorned with treasures
✔️ The breathtaking gardens overlooking the Bosphorus
✔️ The renowned Imperial Treasury, housing priceless relics and artifacts (Note: Closed on Tuesdays.)

🔹 Hippodrome of Constantinople – Visit the ancient social and sporting hub of the Byzantine Empire, where:
✔️ Chariot races and gladiatorial contests once captivated thousands
✔️ The Egyptian Obelisk and the Serpent Column still stand today

🔹 Grand Bazaar – End your guided tour in one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, featuring:
✔️ Over 4,000 shops selling handwoven carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and antiques
✔️ A lively atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of Turkish culture
(Note: Closed on Sundays.)

🌿 Our Recommendation:
After your guided tour, consider visiting the Spice Bazaar, a sensory paradise filled with:
✔️ Fragrant teas and exotic spices
✔️ Delightful Turkish sweets and local delicacies
✔️ A lively and colorful market experience
📌 This stop is not included in the tour package, and you’ll return to your hotel on your own afterward.

🚐 Pickup Information:
Hotel pickups are available from central locations, including:
✅ Sultanahmet
✅ Sirkeci
✅ Laleli
✅ Aksaray
✅ Taksim
📌 Additional charges may apply for pickups outside these locations. Please check with our team for more details.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Istanbul
After a day of history, culture, and exploration, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest, preparing for more adventures ahead!

Sights Visited

🏰 Istanbul Dolmabahce & Bosphorus Tour
Embark on a historical and scenic journey through Istanbul’s grand palaces, stunning waterfront, and panoramic hilltop views. This full-day tour offers a perfect blend of Ottoman elegance, breathtaking landscapes, and cultural richness.

🏛️ Dolmabahce Palace: The Jewel of the Bosphorus
Begin your day with a comfortable hotel transfer to the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, an architectural masterpiece built in the mid-1800s by Sultan Abdulmecid.
🔹 Over 200 opulent rooms and 46 grand halls, adorned with European Baroque and Rococo influences.
🔹 The world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, a breathtaking centerpiece inside the palace’s Ceremonial Hall.
🔹 Stunning waterfront gardens, offering spectacular views of the Bosphorus.

📌 Important Note:
✔️ Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On these days, the tour starts two hours later (11:30 AM departure).
✔️ Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill are the only stops visited on foot—all other attractions are viewed from the boat or bus.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise: A Journey Between Continents
After exploring Dolmabahce Palace, board a comfortable boat for a scenic Bosphorus cruise, where you’ll witness Istanbul’s stunning skyline from the water.

🌊 Landmarks Along the Bosphorus:
✔️ Galata Tower – A historic watchtower offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
✔️ Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary structure on a tiny island, steeped in mystical stories and folklore.
✔️ Ortakoy Mosque – A stunning Ottoman-era mosque, beautifully positioned under the Bosphorus Bridge.

🏛️ Stop at Kucuksu Palace (Asian Side)
During the cruise, step onto Istanbul’s Asian shore to visit Kucuksu Palace, an ornate 19th-century hunting lodge once used by Ottoman sultans.
✔️ Exquisite woodwork and lavish interiors
✔️ Serene gardens overlooking the Bosphorus

🚍 Scenic Old City Tour & Pierre Loti Hill
After the boat tour, board a comfortable bus for a panoramic ride through Istanbul’s Old City.
🔹 Stop at Pierre Loti Hill, a renowned vantage point offering sweeping views of the Golden Horn.
🔹 Enjoy a relaxing lunch or coffee at a charming café while soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
🔹 Descend via cable car, taking in stunning views on your way down.

🏰 Drive Along Istanbul’s Old City Walls
The final leg of your journey includes a scenic drive along Istanbul’s ancient Old City Walls, an architectural marvel built by Emperor Theodosius II in the 5th century.
🔹 Marvel at the towering fortifications, once used to protect the Byzantine capital of Constantinople.
🔹 Gain insights into the city’s fascinating past, as you pass through centuries-old gates and watchtowers.

📍 Tour Ends in Sultanahmet – You’ll be conveniently dropped off near Istanbul’s historic heart, where you can continue exploring or return to your hotel at your leisure.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Istanbul
After a day of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and historical exploration, return to your hotel to unwind and prepare for the next adventure!

Sights Visited

🚐 Transfer from Istanbul to Gallipoli & Guided Battlefield Tour
Begin your day with an early morning departure from your accommodation in Istanbul, heading towards the historic battlefields of Gallipoli—one of the most significant sites of World War I.

🗺️ Arrival in Gallipoli & Lunch in Eceabat
Upon arrival in Eceabat, enjoy a delicious lunch before embarking on a fully guided tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula, a site of great historical importance for Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.

🎖️ Gallipoli Battlefield Tour: A Journey Through History
This emotional and educational experience will take you through:

🔹 ANZAC Cove – The landing site of the Australian and New Zealand forces during the Gallipoli campaign of 1915.

🔹 Lone Pine Cemetery & Memorial – A tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought bravely in this challenging terrain.

🔹 Chunuk Bair – The New Zealand Memorial, commemorating the heroic efforts of the Kiwi troops.

🔹 Turkish Memorial (57th Infantry Regiment) – Honoring the Turkish soldiers who defended their homeland under the command of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk.

🔹 Original Trenches & Battlefields – Witness some of the well-preserved trenches, where opposing forces fought just meters apart.

🔹 Gallipoli Museum – Gain deeper insight into the campaign with artifacts, letters, and historical displays that tell the stories of soldiers from both sides.

📌 This part of the tour is a moment to reflect on the sacrifices, heroism, and camaraderie that emerged from one of history’s most pivotal military campaigns.

🚍 Transfer from Gallipoli to Ephesus (Overnight Journey)
After an insightful and moving day, begin your overnight journey to the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi), where the next exciting chapter of your Turkish adventure awaits.

📌 Important Note:
✔️ The transfer from Gallipoli to Ephesus takes approximately 8–10 hours.
✔️ Comfortable transportation provided to ensure a smooth journey.
✔️ Arrive refreshed and ready to explore Ephesus the following morning.

🏨 Overnight Journey to Ephesus (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
Prepare to wake up in one of Turkey’s most iconic historical regions, where ancient wonders and cultural richness await!

Sights Visited

🏛️ Ephesus and Surrounding Highlights Tour
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the Ephesus region, home to some of the most breathtaking and historically significant sites in the ancient world.

🚐 Pick-Up & Transfer to Ephesus
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation and taken to Ephesus, an archaeological treasure that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of the ancient Roman world.

🏛️ Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Once the capital of Roman Asia and home to over 200,000 residents, Ephesus is regarded as one of the best-preserved marble cities of antiquity. Wander through its grand streets and admire its remarkable landmarks, including:

✔️ Library of Celsus – One of the most iconic ruins of the Roman world, originally housing thousands of scrolls and manuscripts.
✔️ The Great Theatre – A massive amphitheater with a capacity of 25,000, once used for gladiator fights and performances.
✔️ Temple of Hadrian – A beautifully adorned monument dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, showcasing intricate reliefs and carvings.
✔️ Marble Streets & Ancient City Ruins – Walk along the same paved roads once traveled by emperors, scholars, and merchants.

📌 Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, preserving the legacy of one of the most important cities in ancient history.

🏠 House of the Virgin Mary (A Sacred Christian Pilgrimage Site)
Next, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the final residence of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus.
✔️ A peaceful and spiritual sanctuary, attracting pilgrims from around the world.
✔️ A beautifully preserved stone house, declared a Catholic pilgrimage site by Pope Paul VI.
✔️ A serene setting surrounded by nature, perfect for quiet reflection.

🏛️ Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Your journey continues with a visit to the ruins of the legendary Temple of Artemis, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
✔️ A fascinating glimpse into the past, despite only a few remaining fragments.
✔️ A site of immense historical and cultural significance, dedicated to Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting and fertility.
✔️ Once one of the largest temples ever built, its sheer scale remains awe-inspiring.

📌 Although only remnants remain today, the Temple of Artemis remains a must-see destination, symbolizing the rich heritage of the ancient world.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
After a day filled with exploration and historical discovery, return to your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for your next adventure.

Sights Visited

🚍 Transfer from Ephesus to Pamukkale
Start your day with a scenic transfer from Ephesus to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most spectacular natural wonders, famously known as the “Cotton Castle” for its dazzling white travertine terraces.

🏞️ Pamukkale Day Tour: A Natural & Historical Wonder
Upon arrival in Pamukkale, enjoy a delicious local lunch before setting off on a guided tour of this breathtaking site.

🌊 Explore the White Travertine Terraces
✔️ Marvel at the natural thermal pools, created over millennia by mineral-rich hot springs.
✔️ Walk barefoot on the white terraces, soaking in the healing waters.
✔️ Capture stunning panoramic views of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder.

🏛️ Discover the Ancient City of Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
✔️ Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman spa city built around the thermal waters.
✔️ Visit the well-preserved Theatre, an impressive 2nd-century structure with a capacity of 12,000 spectators.
✔️ Walk through the Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey, featuring elaborate tombs.
✔️ Experience Cleopatra’s Antique Pool, where you can swim among ancient Roman columns (optional, entrance fee applies).

📌 Pamukkale is a perfect blend of natural beauty and ancient history, offering an experience unlike any other in Turkey.

🚍 Bus Transfer from Pamukkale to Fethiye
After an unforgettable day exploring Pamukkale, begin your journey to the stunning coastal town of Fethiye.
✔️ Transfer to Denizli, where you will board a comfortable local bus to Fethiye.
✔️ Arrive at the Fethiye main bus station in the evening, ready to explore the Turquoise Coast.

📌 Important Note:
✔️ Hotel transfers in Fethiye are only included for customers who have booked accommodation through Alaturca.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Fethiye
Settle into your accommodation and prepare for your next adventure along Turkey’s breathtaking Mediterranean coast!

Sights Visited

⛵ Gulet Blue Cruise Begins: Sail the Stunning Mediterranean
After breakfast, step aboard your luxurious Alaturca Gulet and embark on an unforgettable 4-day cruise along Turkey’s breathtaking Turquoise Coast. Get ready for crystal-clear waters, secluded bays, and ancient wonders, all while relaxing in total comfort.

🌊 Day 1 Highlights: Exploring the Mediterranean Paradise
🔹 Butterfly Valley – Your first stop is this hidden gem, nestled between towering cliffs.
✔️ Home to over 100 butterfly species, including the rare Jersey Tiger.
✔️ Swim in the crystal-clear waters or hike through the lush valley.
✔️ Relax on the golden sand beach, surrounded by breathtaking nature.

🔹 Oludeniz / Blue Lagoon – Experience one of Turkey’s most famous beaches, where the calm, turquoise waters are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
✔️ One of the most photographed beaches in the world.
✔️ A perfect spot to float, relax, and take in the stunning scenery.

🔹 St. Nicholas Island – End the day at this historic island, known for its Byzantine ruins and unmatched sunset views.
✔️ Explore ancient churches and tombs, dating back to the 4th century.
✔️ Hike to the top for a mesmerizing sunset, one of the most breathtaking views of the cruise.

🪂 Optional Activity: Paragliding Over Oludeniz (Additional Cost)
For thrill-seekers, paragliding over Oludeniz is a must-do experience, offering:
✔️ Unparalleled aerial views of the lagoon and coastline.
✔️ A once-in-a-lifetime adrenaline rush as you glide peacefully above the sea.
📌 This is one of the most famous paragliding spots in the world, and advance booking is highly recommended.

🌙 Overnight Stay: Aboard Your Gulet
As the day winds down, enjoy a relaxing evening aboard your cabin cruise.
✔️ Savor a delicious dinner under the stars.
✔️ Sleep to the gentle sway of the Mediterranean waves.

Sights Visited

🌊 Day 2: Cruising the Mediterranean & Exploring Kas
Wake up to the gentle sound of the waves and start your day with refreshing swimming stops in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean. Enjoy a delicious breakfast on board, taking in the stunning coastal scenery as you continue cruising through Turkey’s breathtaking Turquoise Coast.

🏝️ Midday & Afternoon: Arrival in Kas
In the afternoon, you’ll arrive in the charming seaside town of Kas, a picturesque fishing village known for its laid-back atmosphere, boutique shopping, and stunning coastline.

🌍 Explore Kas: A Hidden Mediterranean Gem
🔹 Shop for unique handmade jewelry – Kas is famous for its artisan jewelry stores, offering exquisite silver and gemstone designs.
🔹 Stroll through the cobblestone streets, lined with colorful bougainvillea, quaint cafés, and seaside views.
🔹 Relax at a waterfront café, sipping on a refreshing drink while enjoying the breathtaking Mediterranean scenery.

🤿 Optional Activity: Scuba Diving in Kas (Additional Cost)
For adventure seekers, Kas is one of the top diving destinations in Turkey.
✔️ Dive into the crystal-clear waters, home to vibrant marine life.
✔️ Explore underwater ruins, ancient amphorae, and even submerged wrecks.
✔️ Perfect for both beginners and experienced divers, with world-class dive sites nearby.
📌 If you’re looking for a unique experience, don’t miss the chance to discover Turkey’s underwater wonders!

🌙 Overnight Stay: Aboard Your Gulet
After a relaxing and adventurous day, return to your gulet for another peaceful evening at sea.
✔️ Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars.
✔️ Unwind on deck, taking in the serene waters of the Mediterranean.

Sights Visited

🌊 Day 3: Exploring the Sunken City & Kekova Island
Today’s journey takes you to one of the most fascinating historical sites along the Turkish Mediterranean coast—the Sunken City of Kekova. Witness the remnants of an ancient Lycian settlement, now lying submerged beneath the crystal-clear waters, offering a unique glimpse into Turkey’s rich past.

🏛️ Sail Past the Sunken City of Kekova
✔️ Once a thriving Lycian-Roman town, Kekova was submerged after a devastating earthquake centuries ago.
✔️ Sail slowly past the ruins, where you can spot ancient staircases, walls, and structures beneath the water’s surface.
✔️ Due to preservation efforts, swimming and diving are not permitted, but the view from the deck is unforgettable.

📌 This is one of the most unique archaeological sites in the world, offering an incredible blend of history and natural beauty.

🏝️ Explore Kekova Island & Simena Castle
On the opposite side of Kekova, your gulet will anchor, giving you time to explore what remains of this ancient Lycian settlement.
🔹 Wander through the island’s pathways, passing Lycian rock-cut tombs and ruins of ancient dwellings.
🔹 Climb up to Simena Castle, a Byzantine-era fortress offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Mediterranean.
🔹 Take in the sights of turquoise waters and traditional wooden boats, a scene straight from a postcard.

📌 Simena Castle is one of the best-preserved remnants of Lycian civilization, offering a stunning blend of history and seascape views.

🌙 Overnight Stay: Aboard Your Gulet
As the sun sets over the Mediterranean, return to your gulet for another relaxing night at sea.
✔️ Enjoy a delicious meal on deck, under a sky filled with stars.
✔️ Unwind with the gentle sway of the waves, preparing for your final day of cruising.

Sights Visited

Your incredible Blue Cruise adventure comes to an end today as you arrive in Demre. From here, board a comfortable 2-hour shuttle bus that will take you to the beautiful coastal town of Olympos.
Upon arrival, you’ll have a few hours of free time to explore this stunning natural and historical area.

🌿 Free Time in Olympos: Relax or Explore
🔹 Securely store your luggage at our Olympos office while you enjoy your free time.
🔹 Explore Olympos National Park, home to ancient Lycian ruins hidden within lush forests.
🔹 Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Olympos, a mystical site filled with Roman baths, sarcophagi, and stone pathways.
🔹 Relax at Olympos Beach, where you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean one last time.

📌 Olympos is a perfect blend of nature, history, and tranquility, making it a great stop before heading inland to Cappadocia.

🚌 Transfer from Olympos to Cappadocia (Overnight Journey)
In the early evening, depart from Olympos to Antalya, where you’ll board a comfortable overnight bus bound for the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia.
✔️ A direct route from Antalya to Cappadocia, ensuring a smooth transition to the next phase of your adventure.
✔️ Rest and recharge on the overnight journey, arriving refreshed for your next chapter of exploration.

🌙 Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
Prepare for an exciting new adventure as you journey towards Cappadocia, a land of fairy chimneys, underground cities, and breathtaking sunrises.

Sights Visited

🏜️ North Cappadocia Tour: A Journey Through Fairy-Tale Landscapes
Arrive this morning in Goreme, a town nestled among the breathtaking and otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia. Upon arrival at the bus station, you’ll be picked up and taken on an exciting guided tour to explore some of the most fascinating natural wonders and cultural gems of the region.

🌍 Tour Highlights: Cappadocia’s Surreal Beauty

🔹 Monks Valley (Pasabag) – Wander through this magical valley, famous for its towering fairy chimneys, which were once used as monastic dwellings by early Christian hermits.
✔️ Capture stunning photos of these unique rock formations, shaped by volcanic eruptions and centuries of erosion.
✔️ Learn about the fascinating history of the monks who once lived in these rock-carved dwellings.

🔹 Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Step into a dreamlike landscape, where the whimsical rock formations resemble animals, mythical creatures, and objects.
✔️ Let your imagination run wild, spotting shapes such as a camel, snake, or even a dolphin hidden among the rocks.
✔️ A perfect spot for photography, capturing Cappadocia’s most unique and surreal landscapes.

🔹 Explore Cappadocia’s Local Culture
✔️ Visit small villages, where you can experience traditional Cappadocian life.
✔️ Discover local handicrafts, such as handmade pottery, onyx jewelry, and intricate carpets.

📌 North Cappadocia is known for its fairy chimneys, whimsical landscapes, and rich history, making it one of the most captivating areas in the region.

🌙 Optional Evening Activity: Turkish Night Show & Dinner (Additional Cost)
End your day with an unforgettable cultural experience in a traditional cave restaurant.
🎶 Enjoy live Turkish music & folk dances, including the mesmerizing Whirling Dervishes.
💃 Watch vibrant belly dancing performances and join in the fun.
🍽️ Indulge in a delicious Turkish dinner, with unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available).
🚐 Pickup and drop-off included from your hotel for a seamless evening experience.
📌 This activity is also available after your South Cappadocia Tour the following evening.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Cappadocia
After a day of adventure and discovery, return to your hotel in Cappadocia for a peaceful and comfortable night’s stay.

Sights Visited

🌄 Early Morning – Optional Tour: Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight (Additional Cost)
Start your day with an unforgettable sunrise hot air balloon flight over the magical landscapes of Cappadocia.
✔️ Float high above the fairy chimneys, valleys, and rugged terrain, illuminated by the soft morning light.
✔️ Enjoy a panoramic 360° view of Cappadocia’s surreal rock formations.
✔️ Capture breathtaking photos of one of the most iconic experiences in Turkey.
✔️ A smooth, peaceful flight with a celebratory toast upon landing.
📌 This is one of the most popular and sought-after experiences in Cappadocia, so early booking is highly recommended.

🏜️ South Cappadocia Tour: A Journey Through History & Nature
After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your accommodation to explore the natural wonders and historical treasures of South Cappadocia.

🌍 Tour Highlights: The Best of South Cappadocia

🔹 Underground City – Venture deep into one of Cappadocia’s incredible subterranean cities, built by early Christians as a refuge from invasions.
✔️ Explore multi-level tunnels, ventilation shafts, and hidden chambers.
✔️ See ancient kitchens, living quarters, and stables carved into the earth.

🔹 Uchisar Castle Panorama – Visit the highest point in Cappadocia, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and fairy chimneys.
✔️ A natural rock fortress, once used for defensive and residential purposes.

🔹 Meskendir Valley – Take a scenic stroll through this picturesque valley, surrounded by towering rock formations and lush greenery.
✔️ Discover hidden cave dwellings and ancient churches carved into the cliffs.
✔️ Enjoy a peaceful walk through Cappadocia’s unique landscape.
📌 This full-day tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an ideal way to conclude your Cappadocia adventure.

🏨 Overnight Stay: Cappadocia Region
After a day of incredible exploration, return to your accommodation for a final relaxing night in Cappadocia, preparing for the next chapter of your journey.

Sights Visited

This morning, board an early domestic flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through Turkey.
✔️ A seamless and stress-free flight arrangement, scheduled at the most convenient time for your travel plans.
✔️ Efficient airport transfers, ensuring a smooth transition from Cappadocia to Istanbul.

🔹 Need Assistance with Onward Travel?
If you require any further travel arrangements, we are happy to assist with:
✅ Onward flights or domestic travel bookings
✅ Additional hotel accommodations in Istanbul or elsewhere
✅ Private airport transfers & transportation assistance
✅ Custom tours & extended travel recommendations
📌 Our team is here to ensure your journey is as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Let us know how we can assist!

Thank You for Traveling with Us!
We hope you leave Turkey with unforgettable memories of its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality.

💙 Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again!