Turkish Wonders From Antalya to Istanbul - 10 Days

Welcome to the enchanting city of Antalya, Turkey! Upon your arrival, we will be there to transfer you to your hotel. Details regarding the meeting place and time will be displayed on the information boards in the hotel reception for your convenience. In the afternoon, we'll set off on a short tour of Antalya, a vibrant coastal city with a population exceeding a million. Our exploration includes a visit to Hadrian's Gate, a triumphal arch that dates back to Roman times, and a walk through the charming Ottoman district. We will also see a stunning waterfall where the waters dramatically cascade directly into the sea. Dinner is included tonight, offering you a taste of the local cuisine. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

We set off from Antalya today, making our way to Aspendos, where we will visit its remarkable Roman theatre, renowned for being one of the best-preserved in existence. Our exploration continues as we head to the coastal town of Side, where you can take in the stunning Temple of Apollo overlooking the sea. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander through the bustling port and vibrant streets, soaking up the lively atmosphere.

As we traverse the breathtaking landscapes, we will ascend through the Taurus Mountains. These peaks soar over 3,500 metres and are often capped with snow throughout the year, offering a dramatic backdrop to our journey. We will stop at Karaman to catch a glimpse of its striking fortress from the outside, before continuing to the captivating region of Cappadocia. Our day concludes with dinner in Nigde, where you can relax after a day filled with discovery and awe-inspiring vistas.

We'll dedicate the entire day to discovering the captivating region of Cappadocia, renowned for its surreal landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our adventure begins at Gumusler, where we explore an intriguing 7th-century underground monastery adorned with some of Turkey's finest Byzantine frescoes. Next, in Kaymakli, we'll delve into an underground city that once accommodated up to 30,000 people. Following this, we'll visit Uchisar, a natural fortress offering stunning views across the region. After lunch, we'll explore the G�reme Valley, home to an open-air museum with impressive rock-cut churches; admission is included. We'll conclude our day with a stay in Avanos, with dinner provided.

On the fourth day, we explore the enchanting landscapes at the far edge of Cappadocia, venturing into the Ihlara Valley. Known for its serene waters, this valley boasts impressive rock-cut churches and villages, offering a glimpse into ancient times. Our journey continues as we visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic stop for traders along the Silk Road. In Konya, we'll explore the Mevlana Mausoleum, where we delve into the history of the Dervish order, rooted in the teachings of the poet Rumi. Dinner is included, and in the evening, you might wish to attend a mesmerising dervish dance performance at the cultural centre.

Our journey continues as we set off on a picturesque route adorned with lakes, ultimately reaching Egridir. This enchanting town by a vast lake is famed for its historic walls and mosques. You'll have time to savour lunch here, indulging in the serene surroundings. Our next stop is Hierapolis-Pamukkale, renowned for its mesmerising terraces of mineral-rich waters that create the awe-inspiring Cotton Palace. Entry to this natural wonder is included, allowing us to fully appreciate its unique beauty. Dinner will be included.

Today, we journey to Ephesus, a remarkably preserved ancient city in Asia Minor once bustling with a population of 250,000 people over 2,000 years ago. We�ll wander through its impressive ruins, exploring landmarks such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the extraordinary remnants of the ancient city itself, with admission included in your experience. Our travels then take us to Kusadasi, a vibrant coastal town renowned for its lively atmosphere, bustling shops, and charming small castle. You can look forward to a delightful dinner, which is part of our itinerary. Please note that during the high season, from May to October, accommodation will be provided in Aydin rather than Kusadasi. In this scenario, after our exploration of Ephesus, a stopover in Kusadasi between 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. will include a panoramic tour of the city before we continue on to Aydin.

After departing Kusadasi, we journey to Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. Here, our guide will lead a concise exploration showcasing Izmir's reputation as one of the country's most westernised and contemporary cities. From here, we continue our travels inland, pausing for lunch as we make our way towards Bursa. This historic city, ranked as the fourth largest in Turkey, offers a rich tapestry of cultural and historical sites to explore, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within its centre. During our visit, you'll experience the city's traditional commercial areas, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the famous Green Mosque. Our day concludes in Istanbul, arriving towards evening.

In Istanbul, you have a fantastic day of exploration ahead. Our sightseeing tour covers the city's rich history and cultural landmarks. We'll start with a visit to the grand S�leymaniye Mosque, Istanbul's largest mosque, before exploring the ancient city walls and the Golden Horn. We'll walk through the lively fishing district and admire the stunning exterior of the iconic Hagia Sophia. Your ticket includes entry to the Topkapi Palace, once the centre of the Ottoman Empire's power, where you'll find impressive courtyards and opulent pavilions.

Afterwards, you have the afternoon free to discover more of this captivating city, which straddles two continents. Later in the day, we'll head to Taksim, Istanbul's vibrant heart, bustling with shops and restaurants. You'll have time to enjoy a meal or hop on the charming old tram that runs through this busy area. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the nearby historic Galata Tower.

Today, we'll embark on a memorable two-hour boat journey along the Bosphorus, with tickets included. Our private boat will navigate this bustling strait, which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and separates Istanbul into its European and Asian sides. As we cruise, you'll witness the vibrant maritime activity and pass beneath the impressive bridges that link the two continents. Marvel at the striking Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and the unique Ottoman architecture lining the shores. Once we return to central Istanbul, you will have the opportunity to explore further on your own.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your time in Turkey.