Highlights of Turkey incl. Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya

We have arrived in Istanbul! We meet our guide and transfer to our hotel, let’s settle into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, to explore our surroundings.

Let’s start our Turkish adventure and uncover some of the highlights of Istanbul.  We start our day exploring the Fener/Balat neighbourhood. Known for its picturesque streets, antique shops, colourful staircases, and historical churches. This charming area is perfect for capturing Instagram-worthy moments and immersing yourself into the many different diverse contrasts, and layers this city has to offer.

Savour a hot cup of Turkish tea or coffee during our excursion today.

Next, step into the rich heritage of Istanbul's old city. Marvel at iconic landmarks such as the beautiful Blue Mosque, the Egyptian Obelisks, and the ancient Roman Hippodrome. Continue with a scenic walk near the majestic Hagia Sophia (seen from the outside).

*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus, a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. Closed on Fridays until 16:00.

The rest of your afternoon is at leisure, to relax and get to know your surroundings, our expert guide will be happy to tell you of further places to visit.

For those looking to discover more of this fascinating city, perhaps take time out to explore Topkapi Palace once home to the opulent Ottoman Sultans, savour the tastes and smells of the Spice Bazaar, or dare to look upon the face of Medusa in the underground cistern, or relax and admire the views on a leisurely cruise down the Bosphorus.

Shop for souvenirs at world’s largest and oldest covered market, the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops. Here you can find many items from souvenirs, spices and much more, don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase if you love to shop till you drop!

See more of this alluring city, as you uncover many of the historic and captivating places that Istanbul has to offer, there is so much to discover, no matter how many times you visit!

We say a fond farewell to Istanbul as we depart by coach to Istanbul airport for our flight to captivating and scenic Cappadocia, famous for their Byzantine Churches and fairy chimneys.

On arrival in Cappadocia, we settle in and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.

Let’s get together tonight and enjoy dinner in our hotel. Dinner is included for the next six nights of our stay in our hotels.

Let’s see more of this enchanting country as we uncover the beauty of Cappadocia on a full day guided tour! Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and the famous Goreme Open-Air Museum (included), a complex of churches cut into volcanic rock during the Middle Ages decorated with frescoes, and we drive through some of the other valleys; Love Valley, Pigeon valley to name a few to see the famous iconic fairy chimneys. Next, we uncover the ancient underground City of Kaymakli that once housed over 3,500 people dating back to the 7^th and 8^th century BCE. After we make our way back to our hotel with a stop in Avenos, famous for their pottery making and see a pottery demonstration.

Goreme open air Museum

Please ensure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for today’s excursion, there are steps, uneven ground. 

Kaymakli underground city  or similar

Please note there are low ceiling tunnels that you are required to bend and crouch on this excursion to enter the various levels of the underground. For those who wish to opt out there are souvenir stalls and a café to rest at outside the underground city.

Sit back relax after our day’s adventure of exploring the highlights of Cappadocia.

Today we depart Cappadocia and make our way by coach to Konya (250km approximately 3.5hours). Konya is an important pilgrimage destination for the Sufis, as the founder of Mevlana order of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi rests here and known from where the whirling dervishes come from.

On arrival in Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum with its distinctive Jade conical dome which houses tomb the 13^th century poet, philosopher, and religious leader Mevlana Celadeddin Rumi. The museum is home to important artifacts, manuscripts, priceless Qurans, and gardens filled with fountains, roses, and tombstones.

Evening at leisure

After our visit to the museum, we make our way to our hotel, check in and spend the rest of our evening at leisure.

Today we set off for Antalya by coach (approximately 4 hours 280km), we leave Konya and head towards the coast and ancient historical sites. Sit back relax and watch as the scenery changes.

On arrival to Antalya, we become familiar with the old city, with an orientation walking tour (pending on the location of our hotel) taking in highlights of the historical area, including the Clock Tower and Hadrian’s Gate.

Evening at leisure.

Let’s unpack and soak up our surroundings.

Today is free to explore Antalya at your leisure. Your expert guide will be happy to tell you of places to visit and see.

Take a bus to one of the many pebble beaches, or experience some shopping in the old town. 

Relax, sit back, and soak up the atmosphere.

Discover the beauty of the ancient Antalya region!

Today we set off by coach on our full day guided excursion taking in the splendour of two ancient cities Side and Aspendos. Side (meaning pomegranate) set on the Mediterranean coast dates back to the 8^th century BC and was once dominated by Alexander the Great who clearly left his stamp here! Discover ancient Roman ruins which are evident everywhere throughout this historic city. We have free time to explore in the seaside town of Side, savour a fresh pomegranate juice, shop for souvenirs, or take a few insta shots at the Temple of Apollo. Don’t forget to look down as you walk the cobbled streets, you can still see some of the ruins under glass, by the tourist shops.

After we discover another historical city, Aspendos. Aspendos ties back to the legend of Troy, where refugees fled as described by Homer. Stand in awe as we marvel at the well-preserved amphitheatre in almost perfect condition, Roman Empire engineering at its best!

As we make our way back to our hotel, we take a quick stop and admire the beauty of the Duden waterfalls in the background, a perfect opportunity for a photo.

At Leisure.

Enjoy our final evening and reflect on the many highlights of our journey.

Today we say farewell to Antalya, as we depart for home, transfer by coach to Antalya airport for our flight home via Istanbul.