Highlights
- Enjoy moments of rejuvenation in traditional Turkish hammams (bathhouses) and soak in the therapeutic thermal waters of Pamukkale.
- Take part in a memorable hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia, offering breathtaking views of its unique landscape and a serene, magical experience.
- Engage with local artisans, explore bustling bazaars, and witness traditional crafts such as carpet weaving and pottery-making in Cappadocia and other regions.
- Taste authentic Turkish cuisine, from Istanbul's street food to traditional Anatolian dishes, and savor unique flavors like Turkish coffee and baklava.
Inclusions
- Transportation as outlined in the itinerary
- Accommodations with breakfasts specified in the itinerary
- Domestic flight tickets included (The luggage allowance is 15 kg for check-in & 8 kg for hand bag per person.)
- Tour pick-up and drop-off services
- 4 Days & 3 Nights Blue Cruise From Fethiye to Olympos included Breakfast - Lunch & Dinner
- Expert-guided tours in Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale and Ephesus led by professional English speaking guides
- Lunches on the tours
- Costs for parking, fuel, tolls, and bridge crossings
- Entry fees for all attractions in the itinerary
- Inclusive of local taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- Personal expenses not covered by the tour
- Beverages during lunches on the tours
- Dinners at the hotels (in gulet, they are included)
- Entry fee to the Cleopatra Antique Pool in Pamukkale
- Optional tours and excursions
- Additional activities like the Cappadocia hot air balloon ride
- Entrance fees for historical sites, national parks, and attractions in the Blue Cruise Tour
- Beach towels (please bring your own) in the Blue Cruise Tour
- Beverages (available for purchase at the onboard bar) in the Blue Cruise Tour
Remarks
- Exact pickup time will be given at the time of booking.
- You are kindly requested to present yourself at the departure point 30 minutes prior the pre-advised departure time.
- In case of poor weather and/or sea conditions, this program is subject to change without notice in the Blue Cruise
- Cabins on Turkish Gulets are for 2 or 3 people. Single supplement is not available, single passengers will share or need to pay double to get a private cabin.
- It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, as shade is minimal during summer.
- The tour itinerary may be adjusted to avoid crowding at popular spots.
- If there is no direct flight between Cappadocia and Antalya on your travel dates, a connecting flight via Istanbul will be arranged.
- Paddleboards, snorkeling equipment, and fishing lines for endless fun on the water, Free drinking water throughout the cruise, Complimentary Wi-Fi to share your journey with loved ones, Bath towels, linens, and all the basics for a comfortable stay, Port taxes are fully covered in the Blue Cruise.
12-Day Turkiye Exploration Tour from Istanbul
Day 1: Fly to Izmir from Istanbul & Ephesus Tour
04:00 AM: Hotel pick-up and transfer to the airport. (The pick-up time can change according to your flight time.)
07:00 AM: Flight from Istanbul to Izmir. (The departure time can change according to the tour date and availability.)
08:10 AM: Arrival in Izmir. Transfer to Ephesus Ancient City.
Begin your full-day tour with a visit to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Explore the well-preserved Greco-Roman city of Ephesus and enjoy a lunch break. Afterward, visit the House of Virgin Mary, a holy site for Christians and Muslims.
Transfer to the hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Leisure Day
Today is your leisure day. You can take a rest in your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi/Selcuk.
Day 3: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour – Fethiye
07:30 AM – After breakfast, transfer to Pamukkale. It takes about 2,5 hours.
Visit the calcium terraces and pools, and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Temple of Apollo, the Necropolis, and the theater. Learn about St. Philip’s connection to the city.
After the tour, enjoy free time for swimming in thermal pools (optional). Then, transfer by bus to Fethiye which takes 3 hours. Check in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Blue Cruise Departs From Fethiye for Olympos
Samanlik Bay – Butterfly Valley – St-Nicholas Island
Breakfast and Check out from the hotel in Fethiye. Transfer to the boat at the Fethiye harbor. Depart from Fethiye Harbor between 11:00 and 12:00.
- First stop at Samanlik Bay for swimming and lunch or Butterfly Valley (sea conditions permitting) to enjoy lunch, a swim, and an optional visit to the nature reserve, home to 136 species of butterflies and moths.
- Cruise to Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) for swimming and optional paragliding (weather permitting).
- End the day at St. Nicholas Island, explore Byzantine ruins, swim, have dinner, and spend the night on board.
Day 5: Aquarium – Kas – Kekova
- Early morning cruise to Aquarium Bay or Firnaz Bay near Kalkan for breakfast and swimming.
- Continue to Kaş, stopping in the harbor for lunch and a visit to this charming fishing village. Explore the remnants of ancient Antiphellos, including Lycian rock tombs, sarcophagi, and a Roman theater.
- End the day in a bay near Kekova with swimming, dinner, and the second night on board.
Day 6: Sunken City – Simena – Gokkaya Bay
- Morning cruise to Kekova’s Sunken City, a protected Lycian-Roman archaeological site visible from the boat.
- Visit Simena, a picturesque village accessible only by boat, featuring a Byzantine-Ottoman castle.
- Optional water sports at Gokkaya Bay. Enjoy dinner and relax in this pirate haven or join the party at Smugglers Inn.
Day 7: Myra – Demre – Olympos
Start your final morning with a refreshing swim and a leisurely breakfast. By 10:30-11:00 AM, disembark at Çayağzı Harbor. Say goodbye to your crew and fellow travelers as your journey concludes.
Upon your arrival, we will transfer you to Antalya city center. Overnight in Antalya.
Day 8: Leisure Day
It is your leisure day.
You can explore Antalya on your own today. Overnight in Antalya.
Activity suggestions:
- Explore Kaleiçi (Old Town): Wander through the charming cobblestone streets, and visit historical landmarks like Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, and quaint Ottoman-era houses.
- Antalya Aquarium: Enjoy one of the largest tunnel aquariums in the world, perfect for families or marine life enthusiasts.
- Take a Boat Tour: Embark on a relaxing boat trip from the harbor to enjoy the views of the coastline.
Day 9: Perge – Aspendos & Side Tour & Fly to Cappadocia
08:00 AM – After breakfast, pick up from the hotel for a full-day tour.
- Visit Perge, the ancient capital of Pamphylia, to see the Roman Bath, Agora, Colonnaded Street, Nymphaion, and Stadium.
- Explore Aspendos, renowned for its well-preserved Roman theater.
- Continue to Side to visit the Roman Theatre, Roman Bath, and the Temple of Apollo by the sea.
- Stop at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall for a relaxing break.
Around 5 PM, transfer to Antalya Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 10: Leisure Day
Additional activity 1: Hot air balloon flight is highly recommended; however, please note that the cost of the balloon tour is not included in this package. You can add it through the extra activities section when making your reservation.
Additional activity 2: To capture breathtaking photos with hot air balloons, join a Cappadocia hot air balloon watching tour.
Today is all yours! Relax at your hotel or wander through the charming town to soak in Cappadocia’s unique atmosphere. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 11: Cappadocia Red Tour
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel before embarking on the famous Red Tour:
- 09:30 AM: Depart for a guided tour.
- Visit Devrent Valley, home to whimsical fairy chimneys.
- Explore Pasabag (Monk’s Valley), where mushroom-shaped rock formations create a surreal landscape.
- Head to Avanos for lunch and admire its pottery traditions.
- Discover the Zelve Open Air Museum in Göreme, showcasing ancient rock-cut churches and Christian settlements.
- End the day with a visit to Uchisar, known for its natural castle and panoramic views.
After an enriching day, return to your hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 12: Cappadocia Yellow Tour & Fly to Istanbul
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of your hotel and setting out on the Yellow Tour:
- 09:30 AM: Begin the day with a hike through Red Valley and Güllüdere Valley (Rose Valley), exploring rock-cut churches and stunning landscapes.
- Visit Cavusin Village, renowned for its ancient homes and churches.
- Break for lunch near Pigeon Valley and admire its unique vistas.
- Explore Ozkonak Underground City, once a refuge for early Christians.
- Stop at Ortahisar to see its natural castle before concluding the tour.
Afterward, you’ll transfer to Cappadocia Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, enjoy a smooth transfer to your hotel for the night.
Thank you for joining this unforgettable journey through history, nature, and culture. We hope the memories created during this adventure will stay with you forever. Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again!
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