Turkey Delight Cappadocia Journey

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, you have the remainder of the day at your leisure to begin exploring Istanbul at your own pace. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we begin the Istanbul City Tour with a visit to the Hippodrome, once the centre of chariot races and home to three historic monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine. Next, we visit the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning interior adorned with blue Iznik tiles. Opposite the mosque stands the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, originally the Church of Divine Wisdom and a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. For over a thousand years, it was the world’s largest church, famed for its 6th-century golden mosaics. After lunch, we head to Ali Pasa Bazaar, where you can browse a variety of spices, traditional Turkish sweets, coffee, souvenirs and more, all offered at reasonable prices. We then return to your hotel. This evening, you may choose to join an optional dinner cruise on the Bosphorus from 19:30 to 23:30. The cruise offers dinner with unlimited local drinks, along with live entertainment including belly dancing, Turkish folklore performances and a DJ, providing a memorable night on the water connecting Europe and Asia. After the cruise, transfer back to your hotel for overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we embark on a traditional Bosphorus boat excursion, cruising along the waterway that divides Europe and Asia. The shoreline is dotted with historic wooden villas, marble palaces, fortresses and fishing villages. From the boat, we will admire landmarks such as Dolmabahce Palace and the imperial pavilions of Yildiz Palace. Along the coast stands Ciragan Palace, its impressive marble façade stretching 300 metres along the shore. We pass Ortakoy, a unique area where a church, mosque and synagogue have coexisted for centuries. Next, we see Rumeli Fortress, built in 1452 by Mehmet the Conqueror in just four months to control the Bosphorus – a remarkable example of military architecture. We also visit Beylerbeyi Palace, the summer residence of Ottoman sultans, preserved with original furnishings and gardens on Istanbul’s Asian side. After a lunch break at a Turkish restaurant, we continue to the Grand Spice Bazaar, where you can browse a variety of local foods, spices and souvenirs. Following the tour, we transfer to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir (not included). On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in and dinner. Overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we collect you from the hotel for a fully guided tour of Ephesus, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites. We explore key highlights including the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the Roman Baths, Celsus Library and the Grand Theatre. Following lunch, we visit a traditional carpet weaving centre, where this age-old craft continues to thrive. Next, we head to the Turkish village of Sirince, known for its authentic Anatolian Greek architecture and renowned fruit wines. You will have some free time to explore the village at your leisure. On the return journey, we stop at a well-known leather production centre, offering quality goods at factory prices. This guided tour ensures a relaxed shopping experience without the usual market pressure, allowing you to appreciate the craftsmanship. We return to the hotel for dinner and overnight in Kusadasi.

After breakfast, we depart for Pamukkale. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we visit the striking calcium terraces of Pamukkale, also known as the ‘Cotton Castle’, along with the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. We will explore this remarkable natural site on foot, and you may choose to relax in the warm waters of the natural springs. Return to the hotel for dinner. For those seeking a unique experience, there is an optional tandem paragliding flight over Pamukkale’s famous white terraces, offering spectacular aerial views of the area’s distinctive landscape. This activity concludes around 17:30, after which you will return to the hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, we travel to Antalya. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel where lunch and dinner will be served. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and explore at your leisure. For those interested, there is an optional hot air balloon tour starting early at 5:30 am. This experience offers a unique sunrise flight over the ancient city of Hierapolis and the striking white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The flight concludes with a champagne celebration before returning to the hotel for breakfast. Please confirm your participation with your guide the day before, as the tour begins early in the morning. Overnight in Antalya.

After breakfast, we explore Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, beginning with the marina, Clock Tower, Hadrian’s Gate, the Broken Minaret, and Hidirlik Tower. Kaleiçi reflects layers of history—from its Roman origins through Byzantine, Seljuk, and Ottoman periods. Hadrian’s Gate, also known as The Three Gates, is a triumphal arch built to honour the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The Broken Minaret belongs to the Korkut Mosque, originally a 2nd-century Roman temple, which explains the absence of a traditional minaret. Hidirlik Tower, constructed in the Hellenistic era and later modified in the 2nd century AD, may have served as a fortification or lighthouse. After lunch, we visit Düden Waterfalls, where numerous streams from the Taurus Mountains cascade into the Mediterranean, creating a series of picturesque falls. Following the tour, return to the hotel for some free time. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

After breakfast, we set off early for Konya, with a coffee break en route to rest and refresh. Upon arrival, we visit the striking green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the revered mystic and founder of the Sufi order known as the Whirling Dervishes. Following the tour, we continue our journey to Cappadocia. On arrival, we check in to the hotel where dinner will be served. This evening, you may choose to join an optional Turkish Night Show at 19:30, held in authentic cave settings. The event features traditional Anatolian cuisine, unlimited local drinks, belly dancing, folk performances, a DJ, and warm hospitality, offering a lively insight into Ottoman-era customs.

After breakfast, we will collect you from the hotel and drive to Özkonak Underground City, one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved subterranean settlements. Following the tour, we visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, the heart of Cappadocia, renowned for its 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus Christ and monastic scenes. Next, we explore Çavuşin, an abandoned village known for its old cave houses built by Greek inhabitants. After lunch at a restaurant in Avanos, we visit a pottery workshop to observe traditional pottery-making techniques. We then continue to Love Valley, a secluded area famous for its striking natural rock formations. Our final stops are Devrent Valley, also called Imagination Valley, where the rock formations resemble various animals, and the Three Beauties—three iconic fairy chimneys that symbolise Cappadocia. We return to the hotel for dinner. There is an optional hot air balloon flight available early this morning, offering a spectacular sunrise over the fairy chimneys and valleys, followed by a celebratory champagne landing and flight certificate. Please confirm with your guide the evening before, as this tour begins before dawn.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Cappadocia to explore at your own pace. Later, transfer to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul (flight not included). Upon arrival, you will connect with your onward journey home. We hope you found the tour memorable and look forward to welcoming you on another trip in the future.