Fethiye to Istanbul Northward Bound 6 Day Tour ✈️

Welcome to Turkey! Your exciting 6-day journey begins in the beautiful harbour town of Fethiye, known for its stunning coastal views, historical sites, and vibrant atmosphere.

🚗 Pick-up & Transfer to Your Accommodation
We offer seamless transfer options based on your travel arrangements:
✔ Pick-up from Fethiye Harbour – If arriving via ferry or boat.
✔ Transfer from Fethiye Bus Station – For those coming from other cities.
✔ Dalaman Airport Transfer – A direct transfer from Dalaman Airport to your hotel.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Fethiye
Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first evening in this charming seaside town. Take a leisurely walk along the marina, explore Fethiye Old Town, or relax at a seaside café with fresh seafood and traditional Turkish mezes.

🕡 06:30 AM – Pick-up from Fethiye Accommodation
Your day begins early with a pick-up from your hotel in Fethiye and transfer to the local bus station.

🚌 07:00 AM – Local Bus to Denizli & Transit to Pamukkale
Enjoy a scenic journey through Turkey’s diverse landscape as you travel to Denizli, where you will then transfer to Pamukkale.

👋 11:00 AM – Meet Your Tour Guide & Start the Tour
Upon arrival, you’ll meet your expert tour guide, who will lead you through the highlights of Pamukkale and Hierapolis aboard a comfortable tour bus.

🏞️ Pamukkale Tour – The “Cotton Castle”
🍽 Lunch in Pamukkale
Before starting your tour, enjoy a delicious local lunch with traditional Turkish flavors.

🌿 Explore the Travertine Terraces
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle”, is famous for its dazzling white mineral terraces created by natural thermal waters. Walk barefoot across the stepped pools, taking in the stunning panoramic views and feeling the warmth of the mineral-rich waters beneath your feet.

🏛️ Ancient Ruins of Hierapolis
Discover the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, once a famous spa retreat due to its healing thermal waters. Among the well-preserved ruins, you will explore:
✔ The Grand Theatre – A magnificent Roman amphitheater with stunning views of Pamukkale.
✔ Necropolis (Ancient Cemetery) – One of the largest burial sites in the region, filled with ornate tombs and sarcophagi.
✔ Ancient Baths & Sacred Pools – These historic baths, once enclosed, now sit under the open sky, offering a glimpse into ancient relaxation practices.

🛁 Cleopatra’s Pool (Optional Swim Experience)
For those who want a unique experience, swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool is a must! This thermal pool, filled with submerged ancient columns, was believed to have been a gift to Cleopatra herself.

🚗 Evening Transfer to Ephesus
After an incredible day exploring Pamukkale and Hierapolis, you’ll continue your journey to Ephesus in the evening, arriving in Selcuk or Kusadasi.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
Rest for the night in your chosen accommodation – Standard, Top-end, or Premium – as you prepare for the next day’s adventure exploring Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the Temple of Artemis.

Sights Visited

Today, you will step into one of the most iconic ancient cities in the world, discovering the incredible ruins of Ephesus, followed by visits to sacred religious sites before flying to Istanbul.

🏛 Ephesus Full-Day Tour – Walking Through Ancient History
🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
Your tour begins with a hotel pick-up in Selcuk or Kusadasi, where you’ll meet your expert guide and begin exploring Ephesus and its surrounding landmarks.

🏛 Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
One of the best-preserved classical cities in the world, Ephesus was once the capital of Roman Asia and a thriving trade center. As you walk through the city, you’ll encounter:
✔ The Marble Street – The main thoroughfare of the city, lined with ancient buildings.
✔ Library of Celsus – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this magnificent two-story library once housed over 12,000 scrolls.
✔ The Grand Theatre – A massive 25,000-seat Roman amphitheater, where gladiator fights and dramatic performances took place.
✔ Temple of Hadrian – A stunningly preserved temple, showcasing exquisite carvings and Roman architectural beauty.
✔ Harbor Street – Originally leading to the sea, this ancient avenue reveals Ephesus’ historical connection to maritime trade.

🏡 House of the Virgin Mary

🙏 A Place of Peace & Pilgrimage
Perched on Mount Koressos, the House of the Virgin Mary is a sacred site for Christians, believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Inside, you’ll see:
✔ A humble living space & kitchen
✔ A well outside the house
✔ A small prayer area used for worship
The site has been recognized by the Vatican and has been visited by several Popes, making it an important place for both history and faith.

🏛 Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
🏛 Remains of a Legendary Temple
Visit the Temple of Artemis, another Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a single column remains, this temple was once a massive structure dedicated to the goddess Artemis, symbolizing the grandeur of Greek civilization.

✈️ Evening Transfer to Izmir Airport & Flight to Istanbul

🚗 Evening Transfer to Izmir Airport
After a full day of exploration, you’ll be transferred to Izmir Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.

✈️ Flight to Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you’ll be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
Settle into your accommodation and prepare for the exciting Istanbul Old City Tour on the following day.

Sights Visited

Today, experience the rich history and architectural wonders of Istanbul, where the past and present seamlessly blend. You’ll explore the city’s most famous landmarks, from stunning mosques and palaces to its bustling marketplaces.

🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour – Icons of the Ottoman & Byzantine Eras
🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
Your tour begins with a hotel pick-up from centrally located areas, including Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.

🕌 The Blue Mosque – An Architectural Masterpiece
Admire the six soaring minarets and cascading domes of Sultanahmet Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque due to its exquisite blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior.
✔️ Step inside to see the intricate Ottoman tilework and stained-glass windows
✔️ Explore the grand courtyard, offering one of the best panoramic views of the mosque
❗ Note: Due to Friday prayers, the mosque is closed for visits at certain times.

🏛 Hippodrome of Constantinople – Relics of the Byzantine Era
Step into the ancient heart of Constantinople, where chariot races, gladiator fights, and imperial ceremonies once took place.
✔ Obelisk of Theodosius – Originally from Egypt, this 3,500-year-old monument was brought to Istanbul by the Romans.
✔ Serpent Column – A Greek relic from Delphi, believed to bring protection to the city.
✔ German Fountain – A beautiful gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany to the Ottoman Sultan.

🕌 Hagia Sophia – A Legacy of Empires
A monument that bridges Christianity and Islam, Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) was originally built as a Byzantine church, later converted into a mosque under the Ottomans, and is now a symbol of Turkey’s diverse heritage.
✔ Marvel at its massive dome, breathtaking mosaics, and calligraphy panels
✔ Learn about its transformation from a church to a mosque and its current significance
❗ Note:

🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Home of Ottoman Sultans
Explore the opulent royal residence of Ottoman sultans, where the empire was ruled for over 400 years.
✔ Visit the Imperial Treasury, featuring the famous Topkapi Dagger & Spoonmaker’s Diamond
✔ See sacred relics, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword
✔ Walk through the palace courtyards with panoramic views of the Bosphorus
✔ Harem Section (Optional Visit) – A secluded world of wives, mothers, and concubines, ruled by the Sultan’s mother.
❗ Note: Closed on Tuesdays.

🛍️ Grand Bazaar – A Shopping Paradise
End your day with a visit to one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, the Grand Bazaar.
✔️ Explore over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets, spices, and Turkish souvenirs
✔️ Bargain with friendly local vendors for unique gifts
✔️ Walk through the colorful labyrinth of stalls and workshops
❗ Note: Closed on Sundays.

⭐ Our Recommendation: Visit the Spice Bazaar (Optional – Free Time)
🛍️ If you have extra time, we highly recommend visiting the Spice Bazaar to experience:
✔ Fragrant spices, Turkish teas, dried fruits, and sweets
✔ Authentic Turkish delights and local delicacies
✔ A lively atmosphere with local vendors and food tastings
📍 This visit is not part of the guided tour, but you will have free time to explore and return to your hotel at your leisure.

🚗 Pick-up & Drop-off Details
✔ Pick-up from centrally located hotels in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
❗ If your accommodation is outside these areas, an additional charge may apply. Please consult our team for assistance.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
Relax in your hotel after a day of exploration, preparing for another adventure in modern & historic Istanbul.

Optional Tour : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Sights Visited

Today, you will experience Istanbul from land and sea, exploring its historic palaces, scenic waterfronts, and breathtaking viewpoints. You will first visit the opulent Dolmabahce Palace, embark on a Bosphorus cruise, and end the day with spectacular views from Pierre Loti Hill.

🏛️ Morning Tour: Dolmabahce Palace – The Last Residence of Ottoman Sultans
🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Hotel
Your day begins with a hotel pick-up from centrally located areas before heading to Dolmabahce Palace, one of the most lavish palaces in Turkey.

🏰 Inside the Dolmabahce Palace
Built between 1842 and 1853, Dolmabahce Palace is an architectural masterpiece blending Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo styles.
✔️ Residence of the Last Six Ottoman Sultans – The center of Ottoman power before the fall of the empire.
✔️ Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s Summer Residence – He lived here during the summers until his passing in 1938.
✔️ The Crystal Staircase & Grand Ballroom – Stunning interiors decorated with gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and handmade carpets.
❗ Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On this day, the tour will start two hours later at 11:30 AM.

🚢 Midday: Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Europe & Asia
After your palace tour, embark on a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Along the way, admire some of Istanbul’s most iconic waterfront landmarks:
🗼 Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary tower on a small islet, which has served as a lighthouse, hospital, and now a museum & restaurant.
🏰 Walls of Constantinople – Built over 1,600 years ago, these fortifications protected Byzantium and later Ottoman Istanbul.

🚢 Cruising past grand palaces & mosques:
✔ Ciragan Palace – A 19th-century Ottoman palace, now a luxury hotel.
✔ Ortakoy Mosque – A charming mosque with distinctive pink mosaics, sitting right by the water.
✔ Bosphorus Bridge – One of the main links between Europe & Asia.
✔ Beylerbeyi Palace – A summer residence of the Ottoman sultans, with stunning waterfront views.
✔ Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – The second Bosphorus Bridge connecting the two continents.
✔ Rumeli Fortress – Built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 before the conquest of Constantinople.

🏰 Kucuksu Palace Stop (1 Hour Visit)
During the cruise, you’ll stop to explore Kucuksu Palace, a small yet intricately designed Ottoman retreat built by Sultan Abdülmecid.
✔ Opulent interior with fine carvings and chandeliers
✔ A peaceful waterfront location overlooking the Bosphorus

🚍 Afternoon Bus Tour & Panoramic View from Pierre Loti Hill
After the cruise, switch to a guided bus tour, driving through Istanbul’s historic streets and past the Old City Walls.

🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – A Romantic Viewpoint Over the Golden Horn
Named after the French novelist Pierre Loti, this hill is one of the most picturesque and romantic spots in Istanbul.
✔️ Take a cable car to the top for breathtaking views of the city
✔️ Enjoy traditional Turkish coffee in a charming café overlooking the Golden Horn
✔️ Capture stunning panoramic photos of Istanbul

🚠 Cable Car Ride Back Down – Offering even more scenic views of Istanbul.

🚍 Return Bus Tour Through the Old City
Your bus tour will continue through Istanbul’s historic district, passing by:
✔ Ancient Byzantine Walls
✔ Landmarks of Sultanahmet
🚗 Drop-off at Your Hotel (Approx. 17:00-18:00 PM)

📌 Important Notes:
✔ Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On Mondays, the tour starts at 11:30 AM.
✔ Kucuksu Palace, Pierre Loti Hill, and Dolmabahce Palace are the only stops you will explore on foot. Other sights will be seen from the boat or bus.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Enjoy your final night in Istanbul before preparing for your departure on Day 6.

Sights Visited

🚗 Private Transfer to Istanbul Airport
As your incredible 6-day journey through Turkey comes to an end, we will provide a comfortable and hassle-free transfer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, depending on your flight.

✈️ Departure from Istanbul
Take a moment to reflect on the amazing experiences you’ve had, from the stunning Cotton Castle of Pamukkale and the ancient wonders of Ephesus to the iconic landmarks of Istanbul.
💬 Need Further Assistance?
If you require help with additional travel plans, including domestic tours, hotel bookings, or transportation, our team is happy to assist!

✨ Thank You for Exploring Turkey with Us!
We hope you had a wonderful journey and look forward to welcoming you back for more adventures in Turkey in the future!