10 Days Turkey Itinerary

Experience a full-day walking tour of Istanbul, beginning with a hearty open buffet Turkish breakfast. Explore the city's captivating blend of history and contemporary life, making it a perennial draw for countless empires throughout its storied past. Our journey starts at Hippodrome Square, once the site of ancient Roman sporting events. We then proceed to the 17th-century Ottoman Mosque, famous for its six towering minarets that seem to touch the sky. Known as the Blue Mosque for its stunning blue İznik tiles, it stands in striking contrast just opposite the legendary monument of the Byzantine era, the exterior of St. Sophia Mosque and Museum (inner visit not included). After lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant, we continue to Topkapi Palace ( closed on Tuesday )  before concluding our day with a leisurely stroll through the labyrinthine alleys of the Grand Bazaar (closed on Sunday). Rest and relax overnight in Istanbul.

• Breakfast & Lunch

Start your day with a delightful breakfast at your hotel before meeting your guide to embark on a small group tour. Our first destination is the Spice Market, a bustling bazaar located in the vibrant Eminonu district of Istanbul. Here, immerse yourself in the aromatic scents of exotic spices, Turkish delights, and a variety of local goods, offering a sensory journey through Istanbul's rich culinary traditions. After exploring the Spice Market, we'll proceed to the pier to embark on a memorable boat cruise along the legendary Bosphorus Strait. This picturesque waterway connects the Marmara and Black Seas and serves as a natural boundary between Europe and Asia. As we sail, marvel at Istanbul's skyline adorned with historic palaces, mosques, and modern developments. Admire the architectural marvels of the Bosphorus bridges, passing under two of the three iconic spans that symbolize the city's link between continents. Following our cruise, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring traditional Turkish cuisine amid a cozy and authentic atmosphere. Energized after our meal, we'll cross over to the Asian side of Istanbul, where we'll ascend Camlica Hill. From this elevated vantage point, soak in panoramic views of the sprawling cityscape and the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus below, offering a breathtaking perspective of Istanbul's vast urban expanse. Our day continues with a visit to Dolmabahce Palace, the grandeur and final residence of the Ottoman Dynasty. Marvel at the opulent architecture and lavish interiors adorned with crystal chandeliers, ornate furnishings, and magnificent frescoes. Learn about the palace's significance in Ottoman history and its role as a symbol of imperial power and modernization during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After a captivating day of exploration, we'll return to our hotels in Istanbul, where you can unwind and reflect on the day's discoveries. Each moment spent immersed in Istanbul's vibrant culture and rich heritage promises to leave a lasting impression, offering a deeper appreciation for this captivating city that straddles the divide between East and West.

• Breakfast & Lunch

Early in the morning at 04:30 am you will be picked up from the hotel and transfer to airport. Self checkin and board the flight to Izmir. Following your arrival, our welcome pickup team will be waiting for you at the exit gate and transfer to Selcuk ( Saljuck) town to begin the day trip exploring the ruins of Ephesus. Imagine a place steeped in ancient history, where architectural monuments spanning thousands of years have been meticulously preserved and maintained. Some restored relics still exude historical power and majesty. Ephesus, once the ancient Roman capital of Asia Minor, is often referred to as the Pompeii of Turkey due to its rich history of civilizations that thrived here before slipping into obscurity until its rediscovery by archaeologists in the late 1800s. During the tour, you will visit major highlights and ruins such as the Temple of Hadrian and the Library of Celsus, which is considered one of the most significant examples of ancient library architecture. The Theatre, with a seating capacity of nearly 24,000 people during its prime, offers a breathtaking view of the landscape and the city's grandeur from its elevated position, accessible by climbing its stairs. You will also visit the House of Mother Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years after being brought here by St. John from Jerusalem, holding significant historical importance for humanity. On the return journey to our hotel, we will stop at the Basilica of St. John, constructed over his tomb, before transferring to back to your hotel in Kusadasi. In the evening, Kusadasi offers several enjoyable activities and experiences. You can walk around Marina, have your own lunch at a local seafront diners or explore a little bit in old town. Overnight in Kusadasi.

• Breakfast & Lunch

Early breakfast at the hotel and pickup at about 08:00 am from your hotel and drive to Pamukkale ( 2,5 hour) by tour minibus before you start off another day full of fun and history. You will commence the tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis from the top of the mountain. This remarkably well-kept remains of Greek-Roman era with full of supreme combination of human-made structures and natural wonders. Its strictly forbidden to walk with your shoes or slippers to avoid damage over this delicate white deposits but this is a really good thing as you let this surface message your soles while walking its warm healing waters grazing your toes. If you are not willing to swim, you can simply rollup your pants but its recommended to wear your swim suits to splash its mineral waters during your hiking and you may also succumb to your childlike instincts and jump to these natural infinity pools to the best of your ability. Your guide will give you some free time to linger on these White terraces made of limestone deposites and take some pictures for making your family and friends jealous. The original Hellenistic constructions had been devastated by earthquakes in the first century so majority of the historical artifacts we will visit today are from the Roman era. The antique pool of Cleopatra(additional local cost applies) offers us a rare opportunity to swim in warm healing water amongst the collapsed marble columns of Apollo (divine founder of the city) Temple which was toppled into the water after many successive earthquakes. At the end of the tour you will be treated a late lunch before we set off on a journey to Antalya. Check in your hotel either in old town or seaside according to your selection during booking. Overnight in Antalya.

• Breakfast & Lunch

Breakfast at the hotel. If you choose one of the beautiful boutique hotels in the centre of Antalya, you can easily explore the explore the Old Town (Kaleiçi), Hadrian’s Gate, and Antalya Museum at your own pace. Antalya is also where the azure waters of the Mediterranean meet the rugged cliffs of the Taurus Mountains. The enchanting Old Town of Kaleiçi, where Ottoman-era houses and ancient city walls offer a glimpse into Antalya's storied past. Discover the intricacies of Turkish art and history at the Antalya Museum, home to an impressive collection of artifacts spanning millennia. Relax amidst the natural beauty of Düden Waterfalls or embark on a boat journey to discover hidden coves and ancient ruins along the Turquoise Coast.

• Breakfast
• *Optional Guided Day Tours

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you can spend your day at leisure in one of the famous Antalya beaches or we can book additionally ”Tour of Perge Aspendos and Waterfalls” or ”Cable Car Tour” in Antalya. Overnight in Antalya Tour of Perge, Aspendos, and Waterfalls: Perge is an ancient city near Antalya known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, including a theater, stadium, and agora. Highlights include the Roman Baths, Hellenistic Gate, and the Temple of Artemis. Aspendos is famous for its well-preserved Roman theater, one of the best-preserved in the world, with impressive acoustics and seating for thousands. The theater hosts cultural events and performances today. Waterfalls: Likely referring to the Duden Waterfalls, a natural wonder near Antalya where the Duden River cascades over cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea. There are Upper and Lower Duden Waterfalls, each offering scenic viewpoints and natural beauty. Cable Car Tour: This tour typically involves a scenic cable car ride up to the summit of a nearby mountain, such as Tunektepe or Tahtali Mountain (also known as Mount Olympos). From the top, enjoy panoramic views of Antalya, the Mediterranean coastline, and the surrounding Taurus Mountains. Some cable car tours may include activities like hiking, picnicking, or visiting a restaurant with panoramic views. Overnight in Antalya

• Breakfast

Today, we generally prefer morning flights to Cappadocia. But depending one seasonal flight schedules, airlines operate flights in different times of the day. Depending on your date of travel, we can inform you the most convenient option and book it with your confirmation. Overnight in Cappadocia

• Breakfast

Rise and shine after sleeping like a baby in an original cave room of your hotel (Regular stone rooms are also available on application for those having claustrophobia). If you want you can wake up early before to snapshot the balloons over the sky before we admire the landscape from sky on the following day. Departure for the 1st day excursion at 09h30 with our guide in small group and visit Devrent Valley where you should let you mind run wild with a lot of different shapes that you need to liken to different creatures; Monks Valley where you can admire some of the most striking shaped and sculptured uniquely by nature, Avanos (Vanessa) by Red River and Pottery Workshop for enjoying demonstrations by a craftsman on a 3000 years traditional Hittite style kick wheel. Lunch will served in a local Turkish Restaurant. Our next stop will be legendary official Goreme Open Air Museum. We will finish the day by sipping our tea overlooking the fabulous panorama of Goreme from a hilltop. Return to our hotels. Evening free at your own pace and mingle with locals and other international tourists in Goreme and have your own dinner to savour some more delicious Turkish food. Overnight in Goreme

• Breakfast & Lunch

To make the most of your stay, every morning bright and early hot air balloons of Cappadocia are flying over clouds. You can take part in an optional Hot Air Balloon Tour in Cappadocia that enables you to admire land forms and mushroom shaped chimneys of Cappadocia with stunning panorama of the Goreme, Uchisar, Avanos and surrounding area with bird’s eye view. We will stay more or less one hour in the air depending on the weather conditions. Return transfer will be around 07h30-08h00 back to our hotel depending on the seasonal time change of sunrise. You will have enough time to have a quick shower and breakfast. You can pack up your luggages and leave them in the reception. Departure from the hotel and start our day trip with a 3 km hiking in red valley. You would leave no stone unturned on this journey through Cappadocia. During this slow hiking you will have a chance to see many hidden cave dwellings and natural formations while ending up our trail in Cavusin Village where you can picture the oldest church in the region dedicated to St.John. Lunch in a local restaurant and continue paying a visit to underground city of Kaymakli which is considered as the architectural masterpieces of Hittite people dug in the ground almost 3000 years ago. These Groundscapers were the ideal residential areas to the contrary of today’s world skyscrapers. We will see their ventilation shafts, round stone doors for protection from enemy attacks, winery and much more. Return to our hotels, pickup our luggages and transfer to airport for your evening return flight to Istanbul. End of our services.

• Breakfast & Lunch
• *If you need additional night stay in Istanbul in a nearby hotel to airport, can be added to the package upon request.