Itinerary
- Day 1
Istanbul
You'll arrive in Istanbul and head to your hotel to get settled. The afternoon is yours to relax after traveling, and the hotel reception has tour information available if you want to review what's coming up.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn), Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi)
- Day 2
Istanbul
A guided tour takes you through Istanbul's main sights starting with Süleymaniye Mosque and the ancient city walls overlooking the Golden Horn. You'll see the exterior of Hagia Sophia, then spend time walking through Topkapi Palace to check out its courtyards and pavilions. After lunch, explore on your own before heading to Taksim for dinner, where you can catch the historic tram or climb Galata Tower for views across the city.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn), Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi)
Included Activities
- Guided sightseeing tour of Istanbul
- Visit Süleymaniye Mosque
- Explore ancient walls and Golden Horn
- Visit Topkapi Palace with tickets
- Transfer to Taksim Square
Optional Activities
- Visit Galata Tower
Landmarks Süleymaniye Mosque Golden Horn Hagia Sophia Topkapi Palace Taksim Square Galata Tower 
- Day 3
Istanbul
A two-hour private boat ride takes you through the Bosphorus, the strait connecting the Black Sea and Sea of Marmara. You'll pass under two bridges while viewing Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture along both shores. Once back in central Istanbul, the rest of the day is free to wander around and find your own spots.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn), Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi)
Included Activities
- Bosphorus boat trip on private boat (approximately 2 hours)
Landmarks Bosphorus Strait 
- Day 4
Istanbul to Kusadasi
You'll depart early and drive through Turkey, arriving at Ephesus by lunchtime. The day covers the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site itself. From there, continue to Kusadasi, a vibrant coastal town with a castle and waterfront atmosphere. Dinner's included with your overnight stay (though accommodation might be in Aydin during peak season with a stop in Kusadasi).
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Le Bleu)
Included Activities
- Visit Basilica of St. John in Ephesus
- Visit House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
- Visit Ephesus archaeological site
Optional Activities
- Explore Kusadasi castle
- Explore Kusadasi commercial areas
Landmarks Basilica of St. John House of the Virgin Mary Ephesus 
- Day 5
Kusadasi to Marmaris
Starting early, you'll visit Lake Bafa, one of Turkey's natural highlights. Then it's on to Bodrum, an old Greek fortified city built around a castle with busy streets and a marina to explore. After grabbing lunch, head to Marmaris, a coastal town with its own castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner is included, and note that summer accommodation sometimes shifts to nearby Mugla.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Pasabey)
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Bafa
Optional Activities
- Explore Bodrum castle
- Explore Bodrum streets and marina
Landmarks Lake Bafa Bodrum Marmaris 
- Day 6
Marmaris to Antalya
Head to Dalyan on a navigable river and take a one-hour boat ride to see the Lycian Rock Tombs carved into cliffs. Then continue to a large lake where hot springs let you swim in warm mineral water or try a mud bath. Time to grab a meal at riverside restaurants before traveling to Antalya, where you'll check out Hadrian's Gate, the Ottoman district, and a waterfall that drops right into the sea. Dinner included.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ring Downtown)
Included Activities
- Boat ride to Lycian Rock Tombs in Dalyan (1 hour)
- Visit hot springs and lake by boat
Optional Activities
- Swim in warm waters at hot springs
- Mud bath at hot springs
- Explore Hadrian's Gate in Antalya
- Explore Ottoman district in Antalya
- Visit waterfall in Antalya
Landmarks Lycian Rock Tombs Hadrian's Gate 
- Day 7
Antalya to Nigde
Leaving Antalya, first stop is Aspendos to see the Roman theater, considered one of the best preserved anywhere. Continue to Side to walk around the Temple of Apollo sitting by the water, the port, and the lively streets. The drive crosses the Taurus Mountains with peaks reaching over 3,500 meters, with a stop to see Karaman's fortress from outside. You'll arrive in Nigde by evening with dinner included.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Grand Hotel Nigde)
Included Activities
- Visit Aspendos Roman theater
Optional Activities
- Visit Temple of Apollo in Side
- Explore Side port and streets
Landmarks Aspendos Roman Theater Temple of Apollo Taurus Mountains 
- Day 8
Cappadocia
Spend the whole day in Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape of rock formations and ancient villages. Visit Gumusler, a 7th-century underground monastery with Byzantine frescoes still visible inside. Explore Kaymacli's underground city that once held up to 30,000 people living in carved chambers. Uchisar fortress provides views across the valleys. After lunch, check out Göreme Valley's open-air museum with rock-cut churches throughout the area. Stay overnight in Avanos with dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Ramada Cappadocia)
Included Activities
- Visit Gumusler underground monastery
- Explore Kaymacli underground city
- Visit Uchisar fortress
- Visit Göreme Valley open-air museum with rock-cut churches
Landmarks Gumusler Monastery Kaymacli Underground City Uchisar Göreme Valley 
- Day 9
Cappadocia to Safranbolu
Traveling north through central Anatolia, the landscape gradually shifts to greener surroundings. By early afternoon you'll reach Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a major stop on ancient caravan routes. Have traditional Turkish tea in the courtyard of a well-preserved caravanserai and wander the historic streets. Dinner is included in your stay.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Hilton Garden Inn Safranbolu)
Included Activities
- Traditional Turkish tea at caravanserai
Landmarks Safranbolu 
- Day 10
Safranbolu to Istanbul
Drive along the Black Sea coast through lush green countryside and stop at Gökgöl Magrasi to see a cave with an underground river and colorful formations inside. In Eregli, a Black Sea town, there's time for lunch and to visit the Cehennemagzi caves with tombs connected to local mythology. You'll arrive back in Istanbul by the end of the day.
- Accommodation
- Hotel (Movenpick Golden Horn), Hotel (Doubletree By Hilton Istambul Topkapi)
Included Activities
- Visit Gökgöl Magrasi cave with underground river
Optional Activities
- Visit Cehennemagzi caves and tombs in Eregli
Landmarks Gökgöl Magrasi Cave Eregli Cehennemagzi Caves 
- Day 11
Istanbul
After breakfast, your tour ends, and you'll leave with strong memories from your journey through Turkey.
- Meals
- Breakfast
