Day 1 - Arrival at Istanbul
Your driver will welcome you at Istanbul/SAW Airport and transport you to your hotel upon your arrival. After checking in, you will have the remainder of the day to yourself. You will spend the night in Istanbul.
Meals Day 2 - Treasures of Istanbul
Your tour will begin with meeting your guide at the designated pick-up time for a full-day tour. Your first stop will be at the Hagia Sophia, which was once the largest building in the world, excluding the Egyptian Pyramids and the Great Wall of China. During the Byzantine period, it was the religious hub of the city. Next on the itinerary is the Topkapı Palace, which not only served as Sultan's residence but also as the Ottoman Empire's government headquarters for almost four centuries. Following that, you will visit the Hippodrome, which was built by Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203 AD and served as the civic center for the city's residents, with the ability to hold up to 100,000 spectators at once. Finally, you will visit the Blue Mosque, a famous landmark of the old city, built in 1616 by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I, boasting six minarets and a magnificent dome. Afterward, we will visit the Grand Bazaar which is considered one of the largest markets in the world with over 4000 shops and 18 entrances. The tour will end with a drop-off at your hotel and you will spend the night in Istanbul. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Please note that there is an admission fee of 500TL per person for the Topkapi Palace, including Hagia Irene.
Meals Day 3 - HD Bosphorus Cruise / Flight to Cappadocia
Check out from the hotel after breakfast and meet your guide at the hotel lobby at the designated time for your half-day tour. The first stop is the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, where you will be greeted by the delightful aroma of various spices and herbs such as cinnamon, caraway, mint, saffron, and thyme. After this, you will embark on a traditional boat tour along the Bosphorus, the waterway separating Europe and Asia, where you will see a line of old wooden villas, marble palaces, fishing villages, and fortresses. During this tour, you will also pass by several historical landmarks such as the Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress, and the imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. After the tour, you will be driven to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Check in and spend the night in Cappadocia. The tour includes breakfast and lunch.
Meals Day 4 - Underground Cities of Cappadocia
Your guide will meet you at the designated pick-up time for your full-day tour. You will embark on a journey to visit the unique Rose Valley in Cappadocia, which boasts sharp ridges that turn pink during sunset due to the minerals in the sandstone. Next up is Cavusin, surrounded by the gradually widening Red Valley, where houses were carved into rock formations and are renowned for its rock churches. Then, you will explore Pigeon Valley, named after the man-made dovecotes or pigeon houses carved into the soft volcanic tuff, making it an excellent spot for walking in the stunning Cappadocia region. Finally, you will visit the Underground Cities, which once served as a refuge for 15,000 Christians and played a crucial role in the development of Christianity, providing shelter and worship until the end of the 7th century AD. Explore the historical bedrooms, church, meeting hall, and food storage rooms of an eight-story city that is connected by 30 kilometers of corridors and passageways. The tour then proceeds to Ortahisar, a town famous for its charming stone houses, friendly locals, delightful churches, and a castle-like rock formation that inspired its name. Lastly, you will be driven to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia, with breakfast and lunch included. Please note that an admission fee of 300TL is required for the Goreme Museum and 150TL for Zelve (Pasabag) per person.
Meals Day 5 - Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia
Upon meeting your guide at the scheduled pick-up time, embark on a full-day tour. Begin by visiting the Goreme Museum, which showcases a collection of rock-carved churches adorned with vibrant frescoes from the latter half of the 9th century. Next, explore the Devrent Valley, renowned for its unusual rock formations resembling various animals, as if crafted by nature itself. Then, proceed to Pasabagi, also known as Monks Valley or Pacha's vineyard, which features the hermitage of Simeon monks. Enjoy a typical Turkish lunch and pottery-making experience with local experts in Avanos. Afterward, head to the Goreme Panorama, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the fairy chimneys. Finally, visit Uchisar, the highest natural rock castle, providing a magnificent view of the surrounding area. The tour concludes with a drop-off at your hotel in Cappadocia. Breakfast and lunch are included, and admission to the underground city costs 100TL per person.
Meals Day 6 - Konya / Antalya
After having breakfast and checking out of the hotel, your itinerary includes a visit to Sultanahni Caravanserai, which is 700 years old and used to be a trading post on the silk road. You will also be visiting the museum of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi, a 13th-century philosopher and mystic of Islam. Although he did not practice orthodox Islam, his teachings promoted tolerance, positive reasoning, kindness, generosity, and self-awareness through love. Following lunch, you will be traveling to Antalya, where you will check in and spend the night.
Meals Day 7 - Perge&Aspendos&Kursunlu Waterfall Tou
Your guide will meet you at the designated time for your full-day tour. First on the itinerary is Perge, a significant ancient city in the Pamphylia region. Initially the capital of Pamphylia, Perge was eventually overtaken by the Roman Empire in 133B.C. and became prosperous during this time. Most of the ruins that remain today are from this period, including the Agora, Roman Baths, Colonnaded Street, Nympharium, and the impressive Grand amphitheater that could seat up to 15,000 people.
Next, we will visit the Aspendos Ancient Theatre, which was likely built in the 2nd century. With a capacity for over 20,000 people, this historic theatre is still used for festivals and concerts.
After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant by the nearby river, we will head to Kursunlu Waterfall for a refreshing experience surrounded by the delightful scent of pine trees, a cool atmosphere, and stunning waterfalls. You will spend the night in Antalya.
Note that admission fees are required for each person, 200TL for Perge and 2 for Aspendos.
Meals Day 8 - Pamukkale Tour / Travel to Kusadasi
Starting early in the day, guests are picked up from their hotels and taken to Pamukkale, also known as the "Pools of Heaven on Earth." This area has long been renowned for its natural hot springs, believed to possess healing properties, and is considered the oldest spa destination in the world. The unique terraces found here were formed by warm spring water containing calcium bicarbonate, and are now a UNESCO world heritage site. During the tour, visitors can explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which boasts the largest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. The Sacred Pool is also a must-see highlight, as its shallow thermal waters gently wash over ancient Roman ruins. After the tour, guests will travel to Kusadasi, where they will check in and spend the night. Breakfast and lunch are included, while admission fees to Pamukkale are 400TL per person.
Meals Day 9 - Ancient Ephesus Tour
Meet your guide at the designated time for your full-day tour, beginning with a visit to The House of the Virgin Mary. This historical church was built in the 6th century AD on top of the foundations of a house from the 1st century AD and is recognized by the church as the final residence of Mary before her passing. Your tour then takes you to Ancient Ephesus, which is considered the best-preserved classical city in the Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1st century AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city in the world with a population of over 250,000. The city is so well-preserved that walking on the ancient streets and viewing the beautiful monuments, such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest Roman theatre in Asia, gives visitors the feeling of being a time traveler. Finally, you will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This temple was dedicated to Artemis and drew many visitors to Ephesus as a pilgrimage site. The tour concludes with an overnight stay in Kusadasi.
Meals Day 10 - Departure Day
Our services will come to an end today and we will arrange a flight from Izmir to Istanbul upon your request. This marks the end of our assistance. Please enjoy your breakfast.
Meals