This 19-day journey across Turkey takes you from vibrant Istanbul to the ancient streets of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale, and the turquoise shores of Antalya. You will explore the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, the mighty stone heads of Mount Nemrut, and the mysteries of Gobeklitepe. When you travel to the southeast, explore the spiritual charm of Sanliurfa, the historic streets of Mardin, the underground city of Dara, and the cultural wealth of Midyat. Our last stop is Van, by its deep blue lake and famous castles, where the well-known Van cats await. This is a journey into the heart of Turkey’s rich historical heritage, vibrant culture, and stunning beauty.
Tour Program
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Day 1: Arrival – Dinner Cruise (Dinner)
- We will meet you at the airport upon your arrival in Istanbul and escort you to your hotel.
- In the evening, we will drive you to the port for the Dinner Cruise. Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Bosphorus in the evening, which offers stunning views of Istanbul, traditional Turkish dishes, and entertainment.
- After dinner, return to your hotel.
Day 2: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast – Lunch)
- We will pick you up from your hotel early in the morning and drive you to the airport for your flight to Izmir.
- We will meet at Izmir Airport and drive you to Selcuk for the Ephesus Tour. We will visit the Virgin Mary’s House, her last residence. You can explore the humble stone house she lived in during her last years or enjoy the peaceful gardens.
- Afterward, we will visit the Ephesus Ancient City, which features the Celsus Library, the Great Theater, the Temple of Hadrian, the Fountain of Trajan, the Hercules Gate, and the Temple of Domitian. We will also stop at the Ephesus Experience Museum for a unique experience. Our final stop is the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive you to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour (Breakfast – Lunch)
- You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Pamukkale in the morning. It is an approximately three-hour journey through scenic countryside.
- During your tour, you will visit Hierapolis Ancient City, including the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater. We will stop at Cleopatra’s Pool. You can swim in the antique pool or rest after walking through the ancient city. Our last stop is the famous Cotton Castles. You can enjoy the hot, healing waters of Pamukkale and take amazing photos.
- Then, you will be transferred to Antalya, where you will spend the night.
Day 4:Antalya City Tour With Boat Trip and Waterfalls (Breakfast – Lunch )
- We will pick you up from your hotel and drive to the ancient harbor for the boat ride. You will take a 45-minute boat ride along the Mediterranean coast, enjoying beautiful scenery and panoramic views of Antalya.
- Afterward, we will visit Duden Waterfalls, which offer a stunning blend of cascading water and lush greenery, making it a peaceful escape into nature. At the Karpuzkaldıran Waterfalls, we’ll enjoy a relaxing walk along the well-kept paths, surrounded by the sound of rushing water and the melodies of birds. Take in the peaceful ambiance and embrace the tranquility of nature. Our last stop is the old city of Antalya, Kaleici. It is a fascinating maze of cobblestone Mediterranean streets surrounded by beautifully preserved Ottoman-era houses. You can visit iconic landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate and the ancient harbor and discover the city’s history.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 5: Perge Side Aspendos Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will visit the three most significant ancient sites in this area. We will visit the ancient cities of Perge, Aspendos, and Side. We will visit Manavgat or Kursunlu Waterfalls on our way back to the hotel.
- Drop off at your hotel and spend the night in Antalya.
Day 6: Antalya to Cappadocia (Breakfast )
- We will pick you up from your hotel according to your flight schedule and drive you to Antalya Airport for your flight to Cappadocia.
- We will meet you at Cappadocia Airport and drive you to your hotel in Goreme, where you will stay for 2 nights.
Day 7: Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast – Lunch)
- *** Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)
- After breakfast, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia.
- Next, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the rock-carved churches and fantastic frescoes on the walls.We will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos to observe traditional techniques that are still in use. Afterward, we will visit Monk’s Valley (Pasabag) to see the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and the rock-carved monk cell of St. Simeon.
- We will drive you back to your hotel after visiting Devrent Imagination Valley, where you can see animal-shaped fairy chimneys.
Day 8: Southern Cappadocia Tour ( Breakfast -Lunch)
- After breakfast, we will pick you up from your hotel and drive to Goreme Panorama Point to see Cappadocia from a different angle.Next, we will drive to Red Valley for a 4-km hike. On the hike, you will see rock-carved churches, pigeon houses, and local farms.After visiting Cavusin Village, we will drive to Love Valley to see pillar-shaped rock formations.We will visit Kaymakli Underground City, an underground settlement used as a shelter by early Christians.
- After visiting Pigeon Valley, we will drive you back to your hotel.
Day 9: Cappadocia to Adiyaman (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will drive to Adiyaman. It is a 7-hour drive through the Anatolian countryside.
- Check into your hotel and spend the night in Adiyaman.
Day 10: Mount Nemrut and Adiyaman Tour (Breakfast)
- We will wake up early in the morning and drive to Mount Nemrut to catch the sunrise.
- After exploring Mount Nemrut, we will return to our hotel for breakfast. Following breakfast, we will leave Adiyaman and visit the Arsemia Ancient City, the Cendere Bridge, and the Royal Tomb of Karakus.
- Finally, we will drive to Sanliurfa, check into our hotel, and spend the night there.
Day 11: Gobeklitepe and Sanliurfa Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will start with a visit to the world-renowned archaeological site of Gobekli Tepe. Known as the oldest temple on Earth, this awe-inspiring site predates the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. You’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you explore this remarkable sanctuary, which is over 12,000 years old. Afterward, we will drive to the Sanliurfa Archaeology Museum to see more mosaics and remains from Gobekli Tepe, Karahan Tepe, and the surrounding area. We will visit the sacred pool of Abraham and explore the old city of Sanliurfa.
- At the end of the tour, we will drive to Mardin. Overnight in Mardin.
Day 12: Mardin Midyat Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will visit the Deyrulzafaran Monastery, built on the remains of an ancient solar temple. This historic site, dating back to the 5th century, was once the spiritual center of the Syrian Orthodox Church. During the visit, you’ll explore the main chapel, the crypt, the old chapel, and the cellar—remnants of the ancient solar temple that once stood here. Next, we will head to Dara, an ancient Assyrian city later reconstructed by Roman emperors. We’ll explore the ruins of Dara, including the cemetery, water cisterns, fortification walls, and the Agora Church. From there, we will proceed to Nusaybin (Nisibis), which was once a key commercial hub. After exploring the city, we will visit the Church of Saint Jacob. We will pause for lunch by the Beyazsu River, enjoying the scenic surroundings, before continuing to Midyat. Midyat is a charming town with a unique character. We’ll stroll through its streets, soaking in the local culture and atmosphere.
- At the end of the tour, we will return you to your hotel in Mardin.
Day 13: Mardin Old City Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will stroll through the charming limestone streets of Mardin, a city that beautifully blends ancient cultures and architecture.
- As we wander through the old town, we’ll admire its majestic stone mansions and traditional houses, each with intricate carvings and stories etched into their façades.We will also visit the Grand Mosque (Ulu Camii), an iconic symbol of Mardin with its elegant minaret and spiritual ambiance.
- In the afternoon, we will visit the impressive Kasimiye Madrasa, a 15th-century educational complex known for its stunning architecture, symbolic water features, and sweeping views over the Mesopotamian plains.
- Later, we’ll drive to Van, arriving in the evening. Upon arrival, we will check into our hotel and spend the night resting.
Day 14: Van Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, Lake Van, Turkey’s largest lake, is known for its striking turquoise waters and volcanic origins. We will take a scenic boat ride to Akdamar Island, home to the exquisite Holy Cross Church, a 10th-century Armenian cathedral famous for its ornate stone reliefs depicting scenes from the Bible.
- Next, we’ll visit the imposing Van Castle, a Urartian fortress offering panoramic views over the lake and city. Afterwards, we’ll stop by the House of Van Cats, where you can see the region’s unique, odd-eyed cats that are famous for their beauty and gentle nature. We’ll finish our day at Cavuştepe, the ruins of an ancient Urartian fortress and temple complex dating back to the 8th century BCE, where you can admire the remarkable stonework and learn about the rich history of the Urartu civilization.
- Overnight in Van.
Day 15: Van to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive you back to the airport according to your flight schedule.
- We will meet you at Istanbul Airport and drive you to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 16: Istanbul City Tour (Breakfast)
- You will meet your tour guide this morning at the hotel reception and head to the old city.
- During the tour, you will explore iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, the Basilica Cistern, and the Grand Bazaar.
- At the end of the tour, your guide will accompany you back to your hotel.
Day 17: Istanbul Gourme Tour (Breakfast)
- In the morning, we will meet you at your hotel and drive to the old city of Istanbul.
- We will walk to Fener and visit historical landmarks. We will drive to Balat, explore another face of Istanbul, and take photos of colorful traditional houses. Our last stop is Galata Tower. We will be trying traditional Turkish street food on our way while we are exploring the old streets of Istanbul.
- We will drive you back to your hotel at the end of the tour.
Day 18: Half-Day Dolmabahce Palace Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the last residence of Ottoman Sultans and a famous European-style Ottoman Palace.
- In the afternoon, you can rest and get ready for your flight back home.
Day 19: Departure ( Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home.