10 Days Full of Iconic Beauties of Turkey

Welcome to Istanbul – The Beginning of Your Adventure

✈ Arrival in Istanbul – A warm welcome awaits you at Istanbul Airport.
🚗 Private transfer to your hotel – Relax and enjoy a comfortable ride to your accommodation.
🏨 Check-in at your hotel – Unwind, settle in, and prepare for an unforgettable journey.

🌆 Optional Evening Experience: Bosphorus Dinner Cruise
Enhance your first night in Istanbul with a magical cruise along the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia meet.
📌 What to Expect:
✔ Panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic landmarks, including the Bosphorus Bridge, Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, and Ortakoy Mosque, all beautifully illuminated at night.
✔ A gourmet Turkish dinner featuring traditional mezes, fresh seafood, and delicious desserts.
✔ Live entertainment, including Turkish folk dances, whirling dervishes, belly dancing, and a DJ to keep the night alive.
✔ A romantic and vibrant atmosphere, perfect for an unforgettable evening.
📌 Additional Cost: This is an optional experience and can be arranged separately.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul – Rest and prepare for your exciting exploration of Istanbul the next day!

Sights Visited

Discovering Istanbul – A Journey Through Time
Istanbul is a city where history, culture, and modern life seamlessly blend, creating an unforgettable experience. Today, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of the Ottoman and Byzantine Empires as you explore some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

🏛 Today’s Tour Highlights

📍 Topkapi Palace – The Imperial Residence of the Ottoman Sultans
✔ Step into the luxurious world of Ottoman royalty at the Topkapi Palace, which served as the political and administrative center of the empire for over 400 years.
✔ Explore the Imperial Treasury, Holy Relics, and Harem quarters, offering a glimpse into the opulent lives of sultans and their royal families.
📌 Closed on Tuesdays

📍 Grand Bazaar – The World’s Oldest & Largest Market
✔ Wander through the labyrinth of 4,000+ shops, selling handmade carpets, jewelry, ceramics, spices, and souvenirs.
✔ Experience the bustling energy of one of the world’s most famous marketplaces, where merchants have traded for centuries.
📌 Closed on Sundays

📍 Hagia Sophia – The Crown Jewel of Byzantine & Ottoman Architecture
✔ Marvel at the grand dome and intricate mosaics of this 6th-century masterpiece, once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and now a functioning mosque once again.
✔ Admire the fusion of Byzantine and Ottoman influences, symbolizing Istanbul’s unique cultural heritage.

📍 Blue Mosque – A Stunning 17th-Century Ottoman Marvel
✔ Admire the six towering minarets and breathtaking blue tilework that give the mosque its famous name.
✔ Experience the tranquil ambiance inside this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
📌 Limited access during Friday prayers

📍 Hippodrome & Obelisk – Istanbul’s Byzantine Center
✔ Walk through Sultanahmet Square, once home to Byzantine chariot races and gladiatorial contests.
✔ See the Egyptian Obelisk, the Serpent Column, and the German Fountain, each with a unique historical story.

💡 Our Recommendation for the Afternoon
After your guided tour ends, enjoy free time to explore Istanbul at your own pace.
✔ Spice Bazaar – A sensory delight of Turkish teas, spices, and sweets (self-guided, not part of the tour).
✔ Rooftop Cafés – Relax with Turkish coffee and baklava, overlooking Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ Eminönü Waterfront – Watch ferries cross the Bosphorus, or enjoy a fresh fish sandwich by the docks.

📌 Important Notes
🚫 Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
🚫 Blue Mosque is unavailable for entry during Friday prayers.
🚫 Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🚗 Pickup Information
✔ Hotel pickups available from: Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
✔ Pickups outside these areas may incur an additional charge – please check with our team.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

After a day of history and cultural discovery, return to your hotel to relax before your next adventure.

Sights Visited

Dolmabahce Palace Tour & Bosphorus Boat Cruise + Flight to Cappadocia
Today, discover Istanbul from land, sea, and sky as you explore the luxurious Dolmabahce Palace, embark on a Bosphorus cruise, and visit Istanbul’s Asian side. Later, fly to Cappadocia, where your next adventure begins!

🏛 Tour Highlights

📍 Dolmabahce Palace – The Ottoman Empire’s Jewel on the Bosphorus
✔ Begin your day with a private transfer to the most opulent palace in Istanbul.
✔ Explore 285 lavish rooms, decorated with crystal chandeliers, gold accents, and fine European furniture.
✔ Admire the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, weighing 4.5 tons!
📌 Closed on Mondays – If your tour falls on a Monday, the departure time will be adjusted to 11:30 AM.

📍 Bosphorus & Golden Horn Cruise – A Journey Between Two Continents
✔ Embark on a 2.5-hour cruise, gliding along the Bosphorus Strait.
✔ Enjoy panoramic views of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, including:
◾ Maiden’s Tower – A legendary tower standing on a tiny islet.
◾ Ortakoy Mosque – A picture-perfect mosque by the waterfront.
◾ Bosphorus Bridge – Connecting Europe and Asia.
◾ Galata Tower – Overlooking Istanbul’s historic skyline.

📍 Kucuksu Palace & Asian Istanbul – A Glimpse of Ottoman Elegance
✔ Disembark on the Asian side of Istanbul to visit Kucuksu Palace, a small but magnificent 19th-century Ottoman residence.
✔ Enjoy the serene atmosphere of the Asian waterfront, away from the city’s bustling European side.

📍 Pierre Loti Hill – Stunning Views Over the Golden Horn
✔ Board a tour bus to Pierre Loti Hill, a beloved spot for panoramic views of Istanbul’s historic Golden Horn.
✔ Relax at a traditional Turkish café, sipping on Turkish coffee or tea while taking in the spectacular scenery.
✔ Descend via cable car, enjoying a fun and scenic ride down the hill.

📍 Old City Walls – A Drive Through Byzantine History
✔ Conclude your tour with a drive around Istanbul’s ancient city walls, built in the 5th century by Emperor Theodosius II.
✔ These walls protected the city for over 1,000 years, until the Ottoman conquest in 1453.

✈ Evening Flight: Istanbul to Cappadocia
🚗 Private transfer to the airport after your Bosphorus adventure.
✈ Flight from Istanbul to Kayseri (Cappadocia’s nearest airport).
🚗 Arrival & private transfer to your cave hotel in Cappadocia.

🌙 Overnight in Cappadocia – Rest and prepare for an extraordinary adventure among fairy chimneys and ancient underground cities tomorrow!

Sights Visited

Exploring the Wonders of North Cappadocia
Today, immerse yourself in the magical landscapes and ancient history of Cappadocia. Begin the day with an optional hot air balloon ride, followed by a full-day guided tour of North Cappadocia’s most breathtaking sites.

🌅 Early Morning (Optional Tour) – Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
🎈 A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience!
✔ Soar above Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes as the sun rises, casting a golden glow over the fairy chimneys.
✔ Enjoy 360° panoramic views of the unique rock formations, valleys, and ancient cave dwellings.
✔ Toast your adventure with a celebratory glass of champagne upon landing.
📌 Additional Cost: This experience is not included in the tour package but can be arranged separately.

🏛 Full-Day North Cappadocia Tour

📍 Goreme Open-Air Museum – A UNESCO World Heritage Site
✔ Explore Cappadocia’s most famous historical site, featuring rock-carved churches and monasteries from the Byzantine era.
✔ Admire well-preserved frescoes and mosaics that tell the stories of early Christian life.
✔ Visit the Dark Church, one of the most beautifully preserved churches in the region.

📍 Avanos Village – The Art of Pottery Making
✔ Visit Avanos, a town famous for its pottery-making tradition dating back thousands of years.
✔ Watch skilled artisans shape pottery using clay from the Red River, Turkey’s longest river.
✔ Try your hand at crafting your own pottery piece!

📍 Goreme Esentepe – Cappadocia’s Best Viewpoint
✔ Stop at this breathtaking panoramic viewpoint offering sweeping views of Cappadocia’s surreal landscape.
✔ Capture stunning photos of fairy chimneys, rock formations, and cave dwellings.

📍 Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Home of the Fairy Chimneys
✔ Discover some of Cappadocia’s most famous rock formations, known as “fairy chimneys”.
✔ See the three-headed fairy chimney formations, where monks once lived in isolation.

📍 Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – A Natural Wonderland
✔ Wander through whimsical rock formations, shaped by nature over millions of years.
✔ Spot rocks resembling animals and everyday objects, such as camels, snakes, and hands.

🌙 Overnight in Cappadocia

🏨 Return to your cave hotel for a well-earned rest after a day of adventure and discovery.

Sights Visited

South Cappadocia Tour – Hidden Valleys & Underground Cities
Today, dive deeper into the history and unique landscapes of Cappadocia as you explore its underground cities, valleys, and panoramic viewpoints.

🌄 Tour Highlights

📍 Underground City – A Hidden Subterranean World
✔ Descend into one of Cappadocia’s famous underground cities, built by early Christians seeking refuge from persecution.
✔ Walk through a maze of tunnels, kitchens, sleeping chambers, storage rooms, and even churches, showcasing the remarkable ingenuity of these ancient civilizations.
✔ Learn how thousands of people lived completely underground for months at a time.

📍 Meskendir Valley – A Tranquil Escape into Nature
✔ Hike through this serene valley, lined with ancient cave dwellings, fairy chimneys, and rock formations.
✔ Experience hidden rock-carved churches and tunnels, once used by monks and early settlers.

📍 Pigeon Valley – A Historic Haven for Pigeons
✔ Discover Cappadocia’s ancient pigeon houses, carved into the cliffs for centuries.
✔ Learn how pigeon manure was used to fertilize local vineyards, contributing to the region’s renowned winemaking traditions.

📍 Love Valley – Cappadocia’s Most Famous Rock Formations
✔ Visit the legendary Love Valley, known for its tall, phallic-shaped rock formations that were naturally sculpted over millions of years.
✔ Capture incredible photos of these bizarre yet fascinating formations.

📍 Uchisar Castle – The Highest Point in Cappadocia
✔ Climb to the top of Uchisar Castle, a natural rock fortress that provides the best panoramic views of Cappadocia.
✔ Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of valleys, fairy chimneys, and distant mountains.

📍 Cavusin Valley – Ancient Cave Dwellings & Churches
✔ Explore Cavusin Village, where early Christians carved homes and churches into the cliffs.
✔ Visit the 5th-century Church of John the Baptist, one of the oldest and most impressive cave churches in Cappadocia.

🌙 Evening Activities (Optional Add-Ons)

✔ Traditional Turkish Night Show & Dinner 🎭
Enjoy an authentic Turkish night show featuring Whirling Dervishes, belly dancing, and live folk music.
Savor a delicious Turkish dinner with unlimited drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic).
Immerse yourself in Turkey’s rich cultural heritage with a lively and entertaining evening.
📌 Additional Cost – Available upon request.

✔ ATV (Quad Bike) Safari at Sunset 🚵
Ride through Cappadocia’s most scenic valleys, including Sword Valley, Love Valley, and Rose Valley.
Experience an adrenaline-filled adventure, enjoying breathtaking sunset views over the rock formations.
📌 Additional Cost – Available upon request.

🌙 Overnight in Cappadocia

🏨 Return to your cave hotel for a well-earned rest after a day of exploring Cappadocia’s hidden gems.

Sights Visited

Exploring Konya & Transfer to Antalya
Today, step into the spiritual and historical heart of Turkey as you explore Konya, the home of Mevlana Rumi and the Whirling Dervishes. Then, take a scenic drive to Antalya, where the Mediterranean coastline awaits.

🏛 Tour Highlights: Konya – A City of Spiritual and Historical Significance

📍 Mevlana Museum – The Spiritual Center of Konya
✔ Visit the final resting place of Mevlana Rumi, the founder of Sufism and the Whirling Dervishes.
✔ Admire intricate calligraphy, religious artifacts, and beautifully decorated tombs.
✔ Learn about the mystical philosophy of Sufism, which promotes love, tolerance, and unity.

📍 Konya Grand Bazaar – A Marketplace Steeped in Tradition
✔ Explore the bustling Grand Bazaar, where locals sell handcrafted goods, textiles, and spices.
✔ Test your bartering skills as you shop for authentic Turkish souvenirs.

📍 Felt House – A 2,500-Year-Old Tradition
✔ Watch skilled artisans craft traditional felt items, using techniques passed down through generations.
✔ Learn about the historical importance of felt-making in Turkish and Central Asian culture.

📍 Sille Village – A Blend of Roman, Greek, and Turkish Heritage
✔ Visit Hagia Eleni Church, a historic Byzantine-era structure built under Emperor Constantine’s rule.
✔ Walk through charming cobblestone streets, lined with traditional stone houses and artisan workshops.
✔ Discover the fascinating coexistence of Turkish and Greek communities that lived in harmony for centuries.

🚗 Transfer to Antalya – Gateway to the Mediterranean
✔ After your tour of Konya, embark on a scenic drive to Antalya (~5-hour journey).
✔ Arrive at Turkey’s stunning coastal paradise, where history, beaches, and natural beauty meet.
✔ Check in to your hotel and relax for the evening.

🌙 Overnight in Antalya

🏨 Settle into your coastal accommodation and get ready for a refreshing Mediterranean experience.

Sights Visited

Exploring Antalya – The Pearl of the Mediterranean
Today, experience the perfect fusion of history, culture, and breathtaking natural scenery as you explore Antalya’s Old Town, sail along its turquoise waters, and enjoy a panoramic cable car ride.

🏛 Tour Highlights: Ancient & Modern Antalya

📍 Kaleici (Old Town) – Step Back in Time
✔ Wander through Kaleici, Antalya’s charming and historic district, where Ottoman houses, Roman ruins, and medieval structures blend seamlessly.
✔ Explore narrow, cobbled streets, lined with cafés, boutique shops, and hidden courtyards.

📍 Hadrian’s Gate – A Roman Masterpiece
✔ Visit Hadrian’s Gate, built in 130 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian’s visit to the city.
✔ Admire its intricate carvings and marble archways, a true symbol of Antalya’s ancient grandeur.

📍 Hidirlik Tower – A Roman Watchtower by the Sea
✔ Climb up to Hidirlik Tower, a 2nd-century Roman structure that has served as both a fortress and a lighthouse.
✔ Enjoy stunning views of Antalya’s coastline and harbor from this historical vantage point.

🚢 Mediterranean Boat Tour – Sail Along the Turquoise Coast
✔ Board a relaxing boat cruise along Antalya’s breathtaking coastline.
✔ Marvel at towering cliffs, hidden caves, and pristine beaches as you glide through the Mediterranean waters.

📍 Duden Waterfalls – A Natural Wonder
✔ Witness the Duden Waterfalls, a spectacular cascade that plunges directly into the sea.
✔ Feel the refreshing mist as you sail close to this majestic sight.

📍 Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall – Where Freshwater Meets Saltwater
✔ See one of Antalya’s most beautiful waterfalls, where freshwater flows into the Mediterranean, creating a stunning contrast.

🚠 Cable Car Ride – The Best View in Antalya
✔ End your day with a scenic cable car ride to the highest viewpoint in Antalya.
✔ Take in breathtaking 360° views of the Mediterranean, Antalya’s Old Town, and the Olympos Mountains.
✔ Capture unforgettable sunset photos from this panoramic spot.

🌙 Overnight in Antalya

🏨 Return to your hotel for a relaxing evening after a day of history, nature, and adventure.

Sights Visited

Journey to Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle & Ancient Hierapolis
Today, embark on a journey to Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Walk through its dazzling white travertine terraces and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, where history and nature blend seamlessly.

🌊 Tour Highlights: Pamukkale & Hierapolis

📍 Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle of Turkey
✔ As you arrive, be mesmerized by the brilliant white terraces of Pamukkale, created by calcium-rich thermal waters.
✔ Walk barefoot along the soft, mineral-rich formations, feeling warm thermal water beneath your feet.
✔ Experience the natural healing properties of these waters, used for therapeutic purposes since Roman times.

📍 Hierapolis – An Ancient Spa City
✔ Discover the UNESCO-listed ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city built atop Pamukkale.
✔ Learn about its importance as a healing center, where people from across the Roman Empire sought therapeutic treatments.

📍 The Amphitheater – A Remarkably Preserved Roman Marvel
✔ Explore one of Turkey’s best-preserved amphitheaters, capable of seating up to 10,000 spectators.
✔ Marvel at its intricate carvings, towering columns, and grand stage, once used for theatrical performances and gladiatorial battles.

📍 Other Ruins of Hierapolis
✔ Walk through the remains of ancient temples, baths, and necropolises, revealing the grandeur of this Roman-era city.
✔ Visit the ancient Necropolis, home to hundreds of well-preserved tombs and sarcophagi.

📍 Cleopatra’s Pool – Swim Among Ancient Ruins (Optional)
✔ Bring your swimsuit and take a once-in-a-lifetime dip in the sacred thermal pool, believed to be used by Cleopatra herself.
✔ Relax in the warm, mineral-rich waters, surrounded by submerged Roman columns and ruins.

📌 Additional fee applies for entry to the pool.

🚗 Evening Transfer to Kusadasi – The Gateway to Ephesus
✔ After a day of exploring Pamukkale, travel to Kusadasi, a beautiful coastal town near Ephesus.
✔ Check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening by the Aegean Sea.

🌙 Overnight in Kusadasi

🏨 Settle into your hotel, preparing for tomorrow’s exploration of Ephesus, one of the world’s most well-preserved ancient cities.

Sights Visited

Exploring the Ancient Marvel of Ephesus
Today, step back in time as you explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk along its marble streets, admire its architectural wonders, and visit historical and spiritual sites that have shaped civilizations for centuries.

🏛 Tour Highlights: Ephesus – A Timeless Wonder

📍 The Marble Streets of Ephesus – Walking Through History
✔ Stroll through the ancient streets lined with towering columns and elegant structures.
✔ See remnants of shops, government buildings, and public latrines, all meticulously preserved.

📍 The Library of Celsus – A Roman Masterpiece
✔ Marvel at one of the most photographed ruins in Turkey, a stunning 2-story library that once held thousands of scrolls.
✔ Appreciate the intricate Corinthian-style columns and detailed carvings that reflect Ephesus’s cultural and intellectual importance.

📍 The Agora & Grand Amphitheater – The Social and Cultural Heart of Ephesus
✔ Walk through the bustling ancient marketplace (Agora), once a thriving trade center connecting the Mediterranean world.
✔ Step inside the Grand Amphitheater, which once hosted gladiator fights, concerts, and political speeches for 25,000 spectators.
✔ Sit at the top for a breathtaking view of the ancient harbor and trade route that once made Ephesus a global trading hub.

🌟 Beyond Ephesus: Historical & Spiritual Landmarks

📍 The House of the Virgin Mary – A Place of Peace and Reflection
✔ Visit the humble stone home believed to be the final residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
✔ Experience the spiritual serenity of this pilgrimage site, which draws visitors from all over the world.
✔ Light a candle for blessings, or drink from the sacred spring believed to have healing properties.

📍 Temple of Artemis – A Wonder of the Ancient World
✔ Stand at the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once a grand temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
✔ Though only a few columns remain, its massive foundations still hint at its former grandeur.

📍 Isabey Mosque – A Seljukian Architectural Gem
✔ Admire this 14th-century mosque, known for its stunning Islamic calligraphy and intricate tile work.
✔ Learn how Seljuk and Ottoman influences shaped this elegant place of worship.

🌙 Overnight in Ephesus/Kusadasi

🏨 Return to your hotel for a peaceful evening reflecting on the wonders of the day.

Sights Visited

This morning, your unforgettable journey through Turkey comes to an end. After enjoying a leisurely breakfast, it’s time to say goodbye to the stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture that have made this trip so special.

🚗 Transfer to Izmir Airport
✔ Private transfer from your hotel to Izmir Airport, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey.
✔ Domestic flight to Istanbul, where you’ll connect to your international flight home.

💙 A Heartfelt Goodbye
✔ As we bid you farewell, we hope you leave with incredible memories of Turkey’s ancient cities, stunning coastlines, and breathtaking landscapes.
✔ Thank you for choosing us for your adventure—we look forward to welcoming you again in the future!