Istanbul – Cappadocia – Ephesus – Pamukkale – Antalya (11 Days)

Upon your arrival in Istanbul, you will be greeted at the airport and comfortably transferred to your hotel. Enjoy a pleasant overnight stay in Istanbul.

After a relaxing night, your day begins with the Old City Tour. The itinerary includes iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, and the Suleymaniye Mosque. After an enriching day of exploration, you will return to your hotel to spend the night in Istanbul.

After enjoying breakfast at your hotel, your day starts with a visit to various captivating sites. The itinerary includes the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar), a Bosphorus Cruise, Rumeli Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace, Bosphorus Bridge, and Camlica Hill. Exploring these remarkable places promises an unforgettable experience. Following the day's adventures, you will return to your hotel to spend the night in Istanbul.

As the day breaks, you'll be picked up from your hotel for a flight to Cappadocia. The adventure begins at Istanbul Airport, where you'll board a flight to Cappadocia. The flight duration is approximately one hour. Upon arrival in Cappadocia, you'll be greeted by a knowledgeable guide and driver, initiating a full-day Cappadocia tour. The journey includes visits to Devrent Valley, known for its captivating and unique chimneys, Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), the enchanting town of Avanos, the beautiful Goreme Valley, and the Open Air Museum, where ancient churches and Christian dwellings, carved from soft rocks and stones thousands of years ago, still stand. After this awe-inspiring and invaluable experience, you'll return to your hotel to spend the night in Cappadocia.

NOTE: Optional tours such as hot air balloon and the Whirling Dervish Show can be added to this program.

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the second part of our tour begins. We embark on another full-day exploration of Cappadocia, starting with a visit to the renowned and unforgettable rock churches in the Red and Rose Valley. The colors of the rocks change throughout the day, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. We'll also embark on a 5 km hike through the Gulludere Valley.

In the ancient Greek village of Cavusin, we explore the houses and churches of Christian clergy such as Saint John the Baptist and Nicephorus Phocas. Continuing our journey, we arrive at Kaymakli, a city rich in historical culture and natural beauty, where we visit the underground city that served as a refuge for early Christians. Our final destination is Ortahisar, home to a natural castle.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Cappadocia

You will be picked up from your accommodation and transferred to Kayseri Airport. When you land at Izmir Airport, we will pick you up from there and bring you to the hotel in Kusadasi. Staying overnight in Kusadasi.

Do you want to discover the most significant Roman metropolis of the Mediterranean with a professional tour of Ephesus and to have a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary? You may re-live the ancient Ephesus while visiting it with our expert guides. You will walk through the Fountains of Polio Hadrian-Trajan, the temples of Dormition, Roman Baths, the Brothel, Celsius Library, and the Great Theater. While you are wandering around the ancient city you will be impressed by the magnificence of the buildings with the technology of those times. Also, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary where she spent her last days accompanied by St. John, who preferred to live in this remote place rather than in a crowded place. At the end of the tour, we will proceed to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

We will drive through the abundant valleys to Pamukkale, the Cotton Castle which is beyond reality with its white lime cascades formed by hot mineral springs. When we reach there, we will find both natural and ancient historical beauties together. We will visit the ruins of the Roman health spa of Hierapolis, which is one of the largest and most diverse necropoleis in the world. And, of course, enjoy a swim in your hotel’s thermal pool.

At the end of your tour, you will be brought to the hotel in Pamukkale.

After having breakfast for the last time in Pamukkale, we will check out in the morning and set off to Antalya by public bus. Our journey will last about 5 hours. When we arrive in Antalya you will be transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, you will have free time to do whatever you want, rest or go out. Staying overnight in Antalya.

You will be picked up from your hotels and the departure time depends on your hotels’ location. When we arrive at Perge, we will see that much of Perge`s architectural splendor is living proof of the Hellenistic period. Perge was the capital of Pamphylia. The Roman Baths, the Agora, Collonaded Street, Nymphaeum, and the stadium are all along our route. Then we will set off to see The Aspendos Ancient Theatre, a very strong and well-preserved building despite many earthquakes, still standing with its astonishing architecture. It has a capacity of 15,000 people and it's still being used for festivals and music concerts today.

After having lunch at a restaurant, we will take the road to Side (pronounced Seeday). When we arrive there, you will notice that Side is a touristic, modern city, however, it is also one of the best preserved classical sites in Turkey. Once upon a time, it was a port city that served the largest slave market in this region. During Roman times much construction took place in Side including a large theatre, Roman Baths, and the Temple of Apollo. Here you will have an hour of free time to enjoy the sea or the city, whatever you want.

At the end of this relaxing day, you will be brought back to your hotels.

Today is the day of leaving Antalya behind. You will be transferred to Antalya Airport to fly to Istanbul. Upon your arrival, you will be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel.