This is a 12-day tour that highlights Turkey’s most famous destinations, where history, culture, and landscapes create lasting memories. In Istanbul, you will stand beneath the vast domes of Hagia Sophia, admire the blue tiles of the Sultanahmet Mosque, explore the world-famous Grand Bazaar, and take a cruise on the Bosphorus. The journey then takes you to Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, where you can visit the Grand Mosque, the peaceful Green Mosque, and the historic silk bazaars in Kozahan. In Pergamon, you will see history at the Acropolis, the site of the ancient library, the Altar of Zeus, and the Asklepion healing center, providing a look into art, learning, and medicine. The trip continues to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities. Here, you will walk the same streets once traveled by emperors, marvel at the Library of Celsus, the Great Theater, and the Temple of Hadrian, and reflect at the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This journey offers a perfect mix of discovery, spirituality, and cultural depth. It aims to awaken your senses and imagination.
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: Bursa Tour (Breakfast)
- We will leave Istanbul early in the morning and drive to Bursa.Today, we will visit the Grand Mosque, Green Tomb, Green Mosque, Kozahan Ancient Silk Market, and Inkaya Tree.
- At the end of the tour, we will check into our hotel and spend the night in Bursa.
Day 3: Pergamon Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will check out and head to Pergamon, a city known for its stunning architecture and cultural significance, especially as one of the Seven Churches of Revelation in early Christianity. The Acropolis, featuring landmarks such as the Altar of Zeus and the Temple of Dionysus, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- At the end of the tour, we’ll go to Kusadasi for a relaxing overnight stay.
Day 4: Ephesus Tour (Breakfast – Dinner)
- Today, we will visit the Virgin Mary’s House, the humble stone house where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life.
- Afterward, we will visit the Ephesus Ancient City, which includes the Celsus Library, Agora, Theater, Odeon, Trajan Fountain, Domitian Temple, and Roman Latrines. We will stop at the Ephesus Experience Museum before we leave Ephesus. Our final stop is the Temple of Artemis, located near Ephesus.
- We will drive to Pamukkale at the end of the tour, drop you off at your hotel, and then have dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5: Pamukkale Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we’ll explore the ruins of Hierapolis Antique City, including the theater, Plutonium, necropolis, and the Temple of Apollo. We will stop at Cleopatra’s Pool. You can swim at the antique pool or rest after walking through the ancient city. Then, we’ll walk down the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale formed by mineral-rich hot springs.
- Afterward, we’ll drive to Antalya for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Perge Side Aspendos Tour (Breakfast)
- Today, we will visit Antalya’s historical heritage. We will visit the ancient city of Perge and see the Roman Gate, the Hellenistic Gate, and its grand colonnaded street. Afterward, we will drive to Aspendos and visit the famous, well-preserved Aspendos Antique Theater. We will visit the ancient city of Side and see the Apollo Temple and more.
- We will visit Manavgat Waterfall and drive you back to your hotel.
Day 7: Konya City Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will drive to Konya. We will visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the famous Sufi poet Rumi, and showcasing his tomb and significant artifacts. On our way to Cappadocia, we will also visit a Seljuk caravanserai.
- We will rest and spend the night in Cappadocia.
Day 8: Northern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
*** Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight (Please book it in advance)
- After breakfast, we will drive to Uchisar Castle for a panoramic view of Cappadocia. Next, we will visit the Goreme Open Air Museum 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 9: Southern Cappadocia Tour (Breakfast)
- After breakfast, we will 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. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 10: Cappadocia to Istanbul (Breakfast)
- You will have a free morning in Cappadocia today. Then, we will take you to the airport for your return flight to Istanbul.
- Upon your arrival in Istanbul, we will meet you at the airport and drive you to your hotel.
Day 11: Classical 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 walk you back to your hotel.
Day 12: Departure (Breakfast)
- Today, we will drive you to the airport according to your flight schedule for your flight back home.