Ottoman Explorer (5 Star) - 12 Days



Who is this trip for
Age range
15 - 99Start / End
- Istanbul
- Istanbul
Physical rating
Group size
1 - 14Meals included
15Highlights
- Istanbul - Take in the highlights of the city on a guided tour, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome
- Cappadocia - See the amazing rock formations of the Devrent Valley, Pigeion Valley, Ortahisar and the rock-cut churches of Goreme
- Cappadocia Cave Hotel - Experience a unique stay in a cave hotel, blending ancient history with modern comfort in the heart of the region's stunning landscapes
- Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City - Explore one of these incredible subterranean networks, carved deep into the earth and featuring an intricate system of dwellings, stables, cellars, churches, and wineries
- Antalya - Spend a day at leisure in this Mediterranean resort town, or head out on an optional tour of the Old Town
- Pamukkale - Unwind in the thermal hot springs, surrounded by the fairytale white landscape and visit the ruined Roman spa town of Hierapolis
- Ephesus - Uncover the marbled streets, ancient theatre, Library of Celsus, Hadrian's Temple and the House of the Virgin Mary
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Summary
SEMI-INDEPENDENT TOUR (5 STAR UPGRADE): Take in the best of Turkey on this 12-day group tour, starting in Istanbul with guided sightseeing, free time and an optional Bosphorus cruise. Explore the fairy-tale landscapes of Cappadocia, spend two nights in the Mediterranean beach resort of Antalya and head to Kusadasi for included day trips to Pamukkale and Ephesus. End your adventure with an included flight back to Istanbul.
Itinerary
Day 1
Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. An included transfer will take you from the airport to our hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure in the hotel, or head out to begin your exploration.
Tour Style: On this tour you will enjoy sightseeing at all included sights with expert local guides, and all of your travel arrangements are included. You will travel without a tour guide between destinations.
Day 2
Exploring Istanbul
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a full day Istanbul city tour, including visits to Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome, with free time for lunch. We will also explore the Grand Bazaar, where you can put your bartering skills to the test. After the tour, we'll return to the hotel at approximately 17:00.
Day 3
Istanbul at Leisure & Optional Bosphorus Cruise
Today is free for you to relax in the hotel or further explore Istanbul at your own pace. You will also have the chance to join an optional cruise of the Bosphorus, the body of water that divides not only Istanbul, but Europe from Asia. If you choose the cruise package, your tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for a half-day excursion, which includes a visit to a spice market and a Bosphorus cruise. After the cruise, you'll be taken back to your hotel, and the remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 4
Istanbul to Cappadocia
Istanbul - Cappadocia. You will be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Istanbul Airport for your included flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and transferred to our cave hotel for the next three days, which is hewn into the rock face, with many of the guest rooms located in unique caves. . The remainder of the day is at leisure. Whilst in Cappadocia, an optional hot air balloon tour will be available, book and pay locally.
Day 5
Exploring Cappadocia
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:30 before we embark on a full-day Cappadocia tour. The itinerary includes the Goreme Open Air Museum and Devrent Imagination Valley before we break for lunch at a local restaurant. Then it's back to exploring, as we visit the Pasabag Monks Valley, Avanos, and Goreme Panorama. After the tour, we'll head back to the hotel, and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 6
Exploring Cappadocia Continued
Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 09:30 for another full day of exploring the fairytale landscapes and underground cities of Cappadocia. Highlights of today's tour include visits to Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, and either Derinkuyu or Kaymakli Underground City. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by stops at Ortahisar Village and Avanos Valley. After the tour, we'll be transferred back to the hotel for another night in Cappadocia.
Day 7
Cappadocia to Antalya
Cappadocia - Antalya. Say farewell to Cappadocia as you are transferred to the airport for your included flight to Antalya, a popular Mediterranean resort city on Turkey's south coast. On arrival in Antalya, you'll be greeted and transported to our hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Day 8
Antalya at Leisure & Optional Tour
You can choose to spend a day at leisure in Antalya, perhaps wandering into the Old Town, or heading down to the beach. Alternatively, you can join an optional Antalya Old Town & Waterfalls tour. If you choose this option, our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby for a full-day excursion. Highlights include a cable car ride to Tunektepe for stunning views of pine forests and the turquoise Mediterranean Sea, a visit to Duden Waterfalls, and stops at the Old Town, Hadrianus Gate, and the Clock Tower. After the tour, you will be transferred back to our hotel for the evening.
Day 9
Pamukkale Day Trip
Antalya - Pamukkale - Kusadasi. Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 07:00 for a full-day tour to the white cotton castles and travertines of Pamukkale. We also visit the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. You will also have the chance to take a dip in the Hot Thermal Pools. After the tour, we will complete our journey to Kusadasi, where the evening is at leisure.
Day 10
Ephesus Day Trip
Kusadasi - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Our tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby at 9:00 before we embark on a day trip to the Ephesus Ruins, the Fountains of Trajan and Polio, the Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, the Library of Celsus, the Bouleuterion, and the Great Theatre. We'll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and also visit the House of the Virgin Mary. After the tour, we will return to our hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 11
Return to Istanbul
Kusadasi - Izmir - Istanbul. You'll be picked up from our hotel and transferred to Izmir Airport for your included flight to Istanbul. On arrival back in Istanbul, you'll be met and taken to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure, and to tick off any final sights or souvenir shopping you need to do.
Day 12
Istanbul
Our tour comes to an end today after breakfast and hotel check out. A transfer to the airport is provided for you. Safe travels!
What's Included
Meals
Breakfasts: 11, Lunches: 4, Dinners: 0
Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.
Vegetarian options availableLocal Guide
Self GuidedWifi
Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.
Dates & Prices
Aug 25
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- Save 20%Fri 15 Aug 2025 > Tue 26 Aug 20254 spaces of 14 left£2,765Best offer£2,219
- Save 20%Sat 16 Aug 2025 > Wed 27 Aug 20254 spaces of 14 left£2,765Best offer£2,219
- Save 20%Sun 17 Aug 2025 > Thu 28 Aug 20254 spaces of 14 left£2,765Best offer£2,219
- Save 20%Mon 18 Aug 2025 > Fri 29 Aug 20254 spaces of 14 left£2,765Best offer£2,219
Essential trip information
Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.
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