Fethiye to Istanbul Northward Bound 9 Day Tour 🚌

Welcome to Turkey! Your incredible 9-day journey begins in the picturesque harbour town of Fethiye, known for its stunning coastline, ancient history, and lively atmosphere.

🚗 Pick-up & Transfer to Your Hotel
We offer a seamless transfer service based on your arrival location:
✔ From Fethiye Harbour – If arriving by ferry or boat.
✔ From Dalaman Airport – A private transfer directly to your hotel.
✔ From Fethiye Bus Station – If traveling from other parts of Turkey.

🏨 Check-in & Free Time in Fethiye
After check-in, you have the rest of the day to relax and explore at your own pace.

🌅 Recommended Activities for Your First Evening:
✔ Fethiye Marina – Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the scenic harbor views.
✔ Fethiye Old Town (Paspatur Market) – Explore local shops, cafés, and the famous Umbrella Street.
✔ Calis Beach Sunset – Watch a breathtaking sunset by the sea.
✔ Try Traditional Turkish Cuisine – Enjoy fresh seafood, kebabs, or mezes at a local restaurant.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

Today is all about discovering Fethiye your way! Whether you want to relax, go on an adventure, or explore historical sites, there are plenty of amazing activities to choose from.

🌿 Optional Activities & Excursions in Fethiye
🚙 Jeep Safari Adventure – Explore Saklikent Gorge, Tlos Ancient City & Yakapark, driving through off-road trails and scenic landscapes.
🪂 Paragliding over Oludeniz – Experience one of the world’s most famous paragliding spots, taking off from Babadag Mountain and landing on Blue Lagoon Beach.
🛶 12 Islands Boat Tour – Sail across crystal-clear waters, stopping at hidden bays, islands, and snorkeling spots.
🛁 Dalyan Mud Baths & Turtle Beach – Take a dip in healing mud baths, see the ancient Lycian tombs, and relax on Iztuzu Beach, home to caretta-caretta turtles.
🕍 Visit Kayakoy Ghost Town – A hauntingly beautiful abandoned Greek village, just a short local bus ride from Fethiye.

🍽️ Evening Dining Recommendations
🐟 Experience Fethiye’s Infamous Fish Market – Pick your own fresh fish or seafood, have it cooked on the spot, and enjoy it with traditional mezes!
🌊 Dine Along the Marina – Enjoy a romantic seaside dinner with a view of the harbor.
🥘 Explore Local Turkish Restaurants – Try authentic kebabs, mezes, and traditional dishes in Fethiye Old Town.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

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

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

👋 11:00 AM – Meet Your Tour Guide & Begin the Pamukkale Tour
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your expert tour guide, who will lead you through the highlights of Pamukkale & Hierapolis aboard a comfortable tour bus.

🏞️ Pamukkale Tour – The “Cotton Castle”
🍽 Lunch in Pamukkale
Before starting your exploration, you’ll enjoy a delicious local lunch with traditional Turkish dishes.

🌿 Explore the Travertine Terraces
Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle”, is famous for its stunning white mineral terraces, created by natural thermal waters.
✔ Walk along the terraced pools and feel the warmth of the mineral-rich waters.
✔ Take in breathtaking views of this unique natural wonder.

🏛️ Ancient City of Hierapolis
Explore Hierapolis, a UNESCO-listed Greco-Roman city, renowned for its healing thermal waters and historical significance. Key highlights include:
✔ The Grand Theatre – A well-preserved Roman amphitheater offering spectacular views.
✔ The Necropolis – One of the largest ancient cemeteries in Turkey.
✔ Ancient Baths & Thermal Springs – Once enclosed, now an open-air historical site.

🛁 Cleopatra’s Pool (Optional Swim Experience)
Take an optional swim in Cleopatra’s Pool, a natural thermal bath with submerged ancient Roman columns, believed to have been used by Cleopatra herself.

🚗 Evening Transfer to Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
After an incredible day exploring Pamukkale and Hierapolis, you will continue your journey towards Ephesus.

🏨 Overnight Stay in Selcuk or Kusadasi
Check into your hotel and relax, preparing for tomorrow’s Ephesus Full-Day Tour, where you will visit one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

Sights Visited

🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
Your journey into the past begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi, followed by a guided tour of one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world—Ephesus.

🏛️ Explore the Ancient City of Ephesus
Once the capital of Roman Asia and home to over 200,000 residents, Ephesus was one of the most influential cities of the ancient world. As you walk through the marble streets, you’ll see:
✔ The Library of Celsus – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, this stunning structure was once a major hub of learning.
✔ The Grand Theatre – A massive 25,000-seat amphitheater, where gladiators once fought and public performances took place.
✔ The Temple of Hadrian – A beautifully preserved temple with intricate carvings honoring Emperor Hadrian.
✔ The Marble Street & Agora – Once bustling with trade, these streets and the central marketplace give a glimpse into daily life in ancient Ephesus.

🏡 Visit the House of the Virgin Mary

🙏 A Place of Peace & Pilgrimage
Located in the hills above Ephesus, the House of the Virgin Mary is believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years. Recognized as a holy site by the Vatican, the house is visited by both Christians and Muslims.
✔ See the simple yet sacred home where Mary lived
✔ Drink from the holy spring, believed to have healing properties
✔ Light a candle or leave a prayer note at the wishing wall

🏛 Visit the Temple of Artemis – One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
🏛️ The Remains of a Legendary Temple
Though only a single column remains today, the Temple of Artemis was once one of the most lavish and awe-inspiring temples of its time, dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis. Learn about its historical and cultural significance while taking in the ruins of this once-grand structure.

🚗 Return to Your Hotel & Overnight Stay
After a full day exploring Ephesus and its sacred sites, you will be dropped off at your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi, where you can relax and prepare for the next leg of your journey to Istanbul.

🏨 Overnight in Selcuk or Kusadasi

Sights Visited

Today is your free day to explore Ephesus and the surrounding areas at your own pace. Whether you choose to relax, shop, taste local wines, or enjoy some water fun, there are plenty of exciting options to fill your day.

🌿 Optional Activities for the Day

🛍️ Explore the Seaside Town of Kusadasi
✔ Take a local bus to Kusadasi, a vibrant coastal town.
✔ Wander through the bazaar, famous for its “genuine fake” designer goods.
✔ Enjoy a seaside lunch with fresh seafood and Aegean views.
✔ Walk along the marina and beaches, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.

🍷 Visit Sirince – A Charming Wine Village
✔ Travel to the old Greek village of Sirince, set in the hills above Ephesus.
✔ Taste locally made fruit wines, including pomegranate, cherry, and peach varieties.
✔ Stroll through the cobblestone streets, filled with local handicrafts, homemade soaps, and traditional goods.
✔ Enjoy a Turkish coffee or homemade pastry at one of the traditional cafés.

💦 Cool Off at a Water Park (Perfect for families or thrill-seekers!)
✔ Choose between Adaland or Aqua Fantasy, two of the biggest water parks in Turkey, located just outside Kuşadası.
✔ Enjoy thrilling waterslides, lazy rivers, and wave pools.

🚍 Evening: Board an Overnight Bus to Istanbul
After a day of exploring at your leisure, you will:
🕗 Evening Transfer to the Bus Station
🚌 Overnight Bus to Istanbul (Approx. 10-12 hours, comfortable reclining seats provided)

🌙 Overnight on the Bus – Heading to Istanbul
Tomorrow, you will wake up in Istanbul, ready to explore one of the most historic and vibrant cities in the world!

🚌 Morning – Arrival in Istanbul
After your overnight bus journey from Ephesus, you will arrive in Istanbul, the vibrant city that straddles two continents – Europe and Asia.
🚖 Transfer to Your Accommodation & Check-In
✔ Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel for check-in.
✔ Rest & recharge after your journey, or enjoy a leisurely breakfast.

🌿 Free Day to Explore Istanbul at Your Own Pace
Today, you can wander the city at your own leisure, getting a sneak peek at the landmarks you will explore in detail tomorrow or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path.

🕌 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day:

🛍️ Explore Istiklal Street & Taksim Square
✔ Stroll along Istiklal Avenue, a lively pedestrian street filled with shops, cafés, bookstores, and street performers.
✔ Visit Taksim Square, the modern heart of Istanbul, where historic meets contemporary culture.
✔ Stop by the Galata Tower for an unparalleled panoramic view of Istanbul.

🛶 Take a Short Bosphorus Ferry Ride (Great for first-time visitors!)
✔ Hop on a public ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar and enjoy beautiful skyline views of Istanbul from the water.
✔ Visit Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi), a legendary tower sitting on a tiny islet in the Bosphorus.

🕌 Visit Suleymaniye Mosque – A Peaceful Alternative to the Blue Mosque
✔ A hidden gem offering spectacular views over the Golden Horn.
✔ Less crowded but equally beautiful, designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

🍽 Experience Istanbul’s Culinary Scene
✔ Try a traditional Turkish breakfast (kahvaltı) with cheese, olives, honey, and simit (sesame bread rings).
✔ Grab a delicious street food snack, like a doner kebab, fish sandwich (balık ekmek), or stuffed mussels (midye dolma).
✔ Enjoy Turkish coffee at Pierre Loti Café for a relaxing view over the Golden Horn.

🌅 Catch the Sunset at Kadıkoy (Asian Side)
✔ Take a ferry to Kadikoy, Istanbul’s trendy Asian-side district, known for its cafés, street art, and nightlife.
✔ Enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar or watch the sunset over the Bosphorus.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Tomorrow, your guided Old City Tour begins, where you will explore the famous Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.

Today, you will explore the mystical and historical wonders of Istanbul, visiting its most iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar.

🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in central Istanbul areas:
✔ Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, or Taksim.
❗ If staying outside these areas, an extra charge may apply—please check with our team.

🕌 Blue Mosque – Istanbul’s Architectural Jewel
Start your day at the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), one of the most breathtaking mosques in the world.
✔ Marvel at its six towering minarets and stunning blue Iznik tilework inside.
✔ Walk through its massive courtyard and admire the intricate Ottoman architecture.
✔ Learn about its historical and religious significance in Islam and the Ottoman Empire.
❗ Note: Due to Friday prayers, the mosque is closed for visits at certain times on Fridays.

🏛️ Hagia Sophia – A Marvel of Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture
Once a Byzantine church, then an Ottoman mosque, and now one of the world’s most famous historical landmarks, Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) is a must-visit.
✔ Be amazed by its massive central dome, stunning Byzantine mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy panels.
✔ Discover the fascinating transformation of this site over centuries.
✔ Walk in the footsteps of emperors and sultans who ruled from this magnificent structure.
❗ Note: Hagia Sophia

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Home of the Ottoman Sultans
Step inside Topkapi Palace, the former imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
✔ Explore the Sultan’s private chambers, royal gardens, and treasury.
✔ See the famous Topkapi Dagger, the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, and other legendary artifacts.
✔ Visit the Imperial Council Hall, the Arms Collection, and the Sacred Relics Room, home to Islamic relics such as the Prophet Muhammad’s cloak and sword.
✔ Optional: Visit the Harem Section (extra entrance fee), where the Sultan’s wives, concubines, and royal family members lived.
❗ Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🛍️ Grand Bazaar – One of the World’s Largest Covered Markets
Stroll through the historic Grand Bazaar, home to over 4,000 shops, 497 stalls, and 2,195 workshops.
✔ Explore the maze-like alleys filled with handmade carpets, jewelry, ceramics, leather goods, and souvenirs.
✔ Experience the art of Turkish bargaining with friendly shopkeepers.
✔ Visit traditional gold and spice shops, a treasured part of Turkish culture.
❗ Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

🌿 Our Recommendation: Visit the Spice Bazaar (Optional Free Time)
After your guided tour, we highly recommend exploring the Spice Bazaar, where you can:
✔ Immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of Turkish tea, spices, and dried fruits.
✔ Sample authentic Turkish delight, nuts, and honey.
✔ Pick up traditional Turkish coffee or a mix of spices to take home.
📍 This visit is not part of the guided tour, but you will have plenty of free time to explore it on your own before returning to your hotel.

🚖 Evening Drop-off & Overnight in Istanbul
🚗 Return to your hotel and relax after a full day of sightseeing.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul.
Tomorrow, you will set sail on a Bosphorus Cruise, visiting Dolmabahce Palace and Pierre Loti Hill for breathtaking city views.

Optional Tour : Bosphorus Dinner Cruise & Turkish Night Show

Sights Visited

Today, experience Istanbul from both land and sea, with a Bosphorus cruise showcasing the city’s stunning palaces, fortresses, and bridges, followed by panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill.

🏰 Dolmabahçe Palace – The Last Residence of Ottoman Sultans
🕘 Morning Pick-up from Your Accommodation
🚖 Transfer to Dolmabahce Palace, the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire’s final years.

🏛 Inside Dolmabahce Palace
✔ Built between 1842 and 1853 in Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo styles.
✔ Home to six Ottoman Sultans and later Mustafa Kemal Ataturk during the early Republic period.
✔ Explore the opulent Crystal Staircase, the lavish Ballroom, and the Imperial Halls.
❗ Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. If your tour falls on a Monday, it will start two hours later at 11:30 AM.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Two Continents
Board a luxury boat for a Bosphorus cruise, where you’ll glide between Europe and Asia, witnessing Istanbul’s grand waterfront landmarks.

📍 Sites You’ll See Along the Way:
🗼 Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary islet tower that has served as a lighthouse, hospital, and radio tower, now a restaurant and museum.
🏰 Walls of Constantinople – The fortified walls built to protect Byzantine Constantinople, breached only twice in 1,600 years.

🚢 Passing by Iconic Palaces & Mosques:
✔ Ciragan Palace – A former Sultan’s palace, now a luxurious hotel.
✔ Ortakoy Mosque – Famous for its pink mosaics and stunning Bosphorus backdrop.
✔ Beylerbeyi Palace – The summer residence of Ottoman Sultans, offering breathtaking views.
✔ Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge – One of Istanbul’s three main bridges connecting Europe & Asia.
✔ Rumeli Fortress – Built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 before the fall of Constantinople.

🏛 Stop at Kucuksu Palace – A Hidden Ottoman Gem (1 Hour Visit)
During the cruise, you’ll disembark for a short visit to Kucuksu Palace, a small but exquisitely designed Ottoman hunting lodge.
✔ Built by Sultan Abdülmecid, Kucuksu means “small water”.
✔ A hidden gem of Ottoman architecture, with intricate carvings and elegant interiors.

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

🌄 Pierre Loti Hill – A Stunning View of the Golden Horn
✔ Take a cable car ride up to Pierre Loti Hill, named after a French novelist who loved Istanbul.
✔ Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views over Istanbul & the Golden Horn.
✔ Try Turkish coffee at a café perched atop the hill.
🚠 Cable Car Descent – A scenic ride back down, offering more spectacular views of the city.

🚍 Drive Past the Ancient City Walls
✔ The Byzantine Walls, built to protect Constantinople, have stood for over 1,600 years.
✔ The bus tour continues through Sultanahmet, bringing the day to a relaxing end.

🚖 Evening Drop-off & Overnight in Istanbul
⏰ Return to your hotel between 17:00 – 18:00 PM.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul.

📌 Important Notes:
✔ Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays – On this day, the tour starts later at 11:30 AM.
✔ Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill are the only stops visited on foot. All other landmarks will be seen from the boat or bus.

Sights Visited

🚖 Private Transfer to Istanbul Airport
As your incredible 9-day journey through Turkey comes to an end, we provide a comfortable and hassle-free transfer to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, based on your flight details.

✈️ Departure from Istanbul
Take one last look at this magical city, reflecting on the amazing experiences, historical wonders, and cultural treasures you’ve encountered throughout your adventure.
💬 Need Assistance?
If you need help with additional travel plans within Turkey, such as:
✔ Domestic flights or transport
✔ Hotel bookings & accommodation
✔ Day trips or extended tours (Cappadocia, Troy, or Gallipoli)
✔ Local recommendations for dining & sightseeing
📞 Our team is happy to assist!

✨ Thank You for Traveling with Alaturca!
We hope you had an unforgettable experience exploring Turkey’s breathtaking landscapes, ancient cities, and rich cultural heritage.
🌍 We look forward to welcoming you again for your next adventure!