Welcome to Istanbul – The Gateway Between Continents

🏙 Arrive in the mesmerizing city of Istanbul, where East meets West. As you step into this vibrant metropolis, you’ll be greeted with a warm welcome and a private transfer to your hotel.

🚗 Transfer & Hotel Check-In
✔ Meet & Greet: Our team will be waiting for you at Istanbul Airport for a seamless arrival experience.
✔ Private Transfer: Enjoy a comfortable journey to your accommodation.
✔ Hotel Check-in: Unwind and settle in at your centrally located hotel.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

🏨 Relax at your hotel, preparing for an exciting exploration of this historic city tomorrow.

Discover Istanbul – A Journey Through Time

Today, immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of Istanbul, a city that has been the capital of three great empires: Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.

🏛 Tour Highlights: Iconic Landmarks of Istanbul

📍 Topkapi Palace – The Ottoman Empire’s Seat of Power
✔ Step inside the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans, a lavish palace built in 1465.
✔ Explore opulent halls, royal courtyards, and the Harem, where sultans’ families lived in luxury.
✔ Take in breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus Strait, where Europe meets Asia.

📍 Hagia Sophia – A Monument of Faith & History
✔ Admire one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders, built in 532 AD by Emperor Justinian the Great.
✔ Learn about its transformation from a Christian cathedral to an imperial mosque, then a museum, and now again a mosque.
✔ Marvel at the enormous dome, intricate mosaics, and towering minarets that define Istanbul’s skyline.

📍 The Hippodrome – The Heart of Byzantine Constantinople
✔ Stand where chariots once raced, and emperors addressed the public in Constantinople’s social and political hub.
✔ See the Egyptian Obelisk, brought from Luxor, and the Serpent Column, dating back to ancient Greece.

📍 Grand Bazaar – The World’s Oldest Covered Market
✔ Wander through the legendary Grand Bazaar, a labyrinth of over 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets, spices, ceramics, and souvenirs.
✔ Test your bargaining skills in this historic marketplace, where merchants have traded goods for centuries.

📌 Important Notes
✔ The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
✔ Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
✔ On Fridays, access to the Blue Mosque is limited due to prayers.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

🏨 Return to your hotel after a day filled with awe-inspiring history and cultural discoveries.

Sights Visited

Dolmabahce Palace & Bosphorus Cruise Tour

Today, immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire, sail along the legendary Bosphorus Strait, and take in panoramic views from Pierre Loti Hill.

🏛 Tour Highlights: History & Scenic Views

📍 Dolmabahce Palace – A Symbol of Ottoman Elegance
✔ Step inside Istanbul’s most luxurious palace, once home to the last Ottoman sultans.
✔ Marvel at the world’s largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, made from 4.5 tons of crystal.
✔ Admire the intricate gold leaf ceilings, adorned with 14 tons of gold gilding.
✔ Walk through stunning imperial halls and ceremonial rooms, showcasing Neoclassical and Baroque influences.
📌 Important Note:
✔ Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On this day, the tour will begin two hours later.

📍 Bosphorus Cruise – A Journey Between Two Continents
✔ Sail along the Bosphorus Strait, enjoying spectacular views of Istanbul’s skyline.
✔ Learn about the rich history of the palaces, bridges, and fortresses lining the waterfront.

📌 Highlights Along the Cruise:
✔ Maiden’s Tower: The legendary tower on a small islet, tied to mystical tales from history.
✔ Walls of Constantinople: Pass the 5th-century Byzantine walls, which once protected the city from invaders.
✔ Kucuksu Palace: Stop for one hour at this elegant summer retreat of the Ottoman sultans.
✔ Ciragan Palace & Ortakoy Mosque: Capture stunning views of these Ottoman-era architectural gems.
✔ Bosphorus Bridge: Sail under the iconic bridge, which connects Europe and Asia.
✔ Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge & Rumeli Fortress: Admire the fortress built by Sultan Mehmet II before his conquest of Constantinople in 1453.

📍 Pierre Loti Hill & Cable Car Ride
✔ End the day at one of Istanbul’s most scenic viewpoints, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Golden Horn.
✔ Enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee at the famous Pierre Loti Café, named after the French novelist who fell in love with Istanbul.
✔ Descend via cable car, taking in even more incredible views of the city.

🚗 End of the Day – Return to Your Hotel
✔ Relax after an unforgettable day of history, culture, and stunning scenery.

🌙 Overnight in Istanbul

🏨 Rest and prepare for your next adventure as your journey continues.

Sights Visited

Travel Day to Olympos – Gateway to the Mediterranean
Today, journey from the bustling city of Istanbul to the serene Mediterranean coastline, where Olympos awaits with its natural beauty, ancient ruins, and tranquil beaches.

✈️ Travel Itinerary: From Istanbul to Olympos
✔ Morning transfer from your hotel to Istanbul Airport for your domestic flight to Antalya.
✔ Flight to Antalya (Approx. 1 hour 30 minutes).
✔ Upon arrival, meet our team at the airport, who will assist you with your transfer to the local bus station.
✔ Board the intercity bus for a scenic journey to Olympos (Approx. 1.5 to 2 hours).

🏝 Arriving in Olympos – A Hidden Paradise
✔ Check in to your accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery and rustic charm.
✔ Rest & unwind after a day of travel—take a leisurely walk through the forest or explore the local village.
✔ Optional: If you arrive early, head to Olympos Beach, where you can relax by the turquoise waters.

🌙 Overnight in Olympos

🏨 Enjoy a peaceful stay in a treehouse lodge or eco-friendly accommodation, embracing Olympos’ laid-back atmosphere.

Demre & Kalekoy Cruise – A Journey Through History & Tranquil Waters
Today, set sail on a magical adventure through the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, exploring ancient ruins, charming coastal villages, and a hidden sunken city.

⛵ Afternoon: Set Sail from Ucagiz Village

📍 Ucagiz Harbor – Meet Your Captain & Crew
✔ Arrive at the harbor in the picturesque village of Ucagiz.
✔ Meet your friendly captain & crew, then board your traditional wooden gullet (Turkish sailing boat).
✔ Hoist the anchor & set sail, gliding through the pristine waters of the Mediterranean.

📍 Sunken City of Kekova (Gokkaya) – A Lost Civilization Beneath the Waves
✔ Cruise to Gokkaya Bay, home to the ruins of an ancient Lycian city, partially submerged after an earthquake over 2,000 years ago.
✔ Admire stone staircases, ancient foundations, and walls visible beneath the crystal-clear waters.
✔ Swimming is prohibited here, as the site is a UNESCO-protected heritage area, but the views are absolutely breathtaking.

📍 Kalekoy & Simena Castle – A Hidden Coastal Treasure
✔ Continue to Kalekoy, a charming, car-free Mediterranean village accessible only by boat.
✔ Swim in the warm, turquoise waters, surrounded by centuries-old stone ruins.
✔ Optional Hike to Simena Castle, a Byzantine fortress offering panoramic views over the Mediterranean.
✔ Experience an unforgettable sunset from the castle’s ancient walls, a breathtaking highlight of the day.

📌 Fun Fact: Simena Castle features some of the smallest ancient amphitheater ruins in Turkey, carved directly into the rock!

Sights Visited

Discover Kas – A Coastal Gem on the Turquoise Coast
Today, journey to Kas, a charming seaside town filled with history, culture, and adventure. Whether you choose to relax, explore, or dive into the Mediterranean, Kas offers something for everyone.

🚤 Morning: Sail to Kas – A Mediterranean Jewel

📍 Options in Kas:
✔ Relax Onboard: Stay aboard the gullet, soaking up the warm Mediterranean sun and enjoying panoramic coastal views.
✔ Explore the Town: Stroll through Kas’ vibrant streets, lined with cafés, boutique shops, and traditional market stalls.
✔ Discover the Lycian sarcophagi, elaborately carved tombs scattered throughout the town.
✔ Visit the well-preserved Greek amphitheater, dating back to the 1st century BC, offering breathtaking sea views.

🤿 Optional Activity: Scuba Diving in Kas
📍 Why Dive in Kas?
✔ Kas is one of Turkey’s top diving destinations, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes.
✔ Explore ancient shipwrecks, caves, and sunken ruins, making for an unforgettable dive.
✔ Suitable for all levels – whether you’re a beginner or a certified diver, Kas has something for you.
📌 Pre-booking Recommended:
✔ To secure discounted rates and guarantee availability, we highly recommend booking your dive in advance.

🌅 Midday: Return to the Gullet & Continue Your Journey
✔ After a wonderful morning in Kas, return to your gullet to set sail for the next destination.
✔ Enjoy lunch onboard as you glide through the tranquil turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.

🌙 Overnight at Sea
🏨 Spend the night onboard your gullet, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of the waves under the starlit sky.

Sights Visited

Butterfly Valley, Oludeniz & St. Nicholas Island – A Day of Natural Beauty & Adventure
Today’s journey takes you to some of Turkey’s most iconic and breathtaking coastal locations. From the hidden paradise of Butterfly Valley to the world-famous Blue Lagoon at Oludeniz, this is a day filled with stunning landscapes, adventure, and unforgettable experiences.

🌅 Morning: Butterfly Valley – A Hidden Natural Wonderland

📍 Butterfly Valley Highlights
✔ Wake up to a breathtaking view of towering cliffs and turquoise waters.
✔ Enjoy breakfast in one of Turkey’s most serene and untouched coastal locations.
✔ Swim in the crystal-clear waters, perfect for a morning dip.
✔ Hike through the canyon to discover seasonal waterfalls and explore the lush greenery.
✔ Spot rare butterfly species (depending on the time of year), including the Jersey Tiger Butterfly, which gives the valley its name.

📌 Did you know? Butterfly Valley is only accessible by boat, making it one of Turkey’s most exclusive and unspoiled destinations.

⛵ Midday: Sail to Oludeniz – The World-Famous Blue Lagoon

📍 Oludeniz Highlights
✔ Arrive at Oludeniz, one of the most photographed beaches in the world.
✔ Spend time exploring the Blue Lagoon, a calm and beautifully sheltered bay perfect for swimming.
✔ Wander through Oludeniz’s vibrant beach town, filled with cafés, markets, and lively bars.

📌 Optional Activity: Paragliding Over the Blue Lagoon 🪂
✔ Take off from Babadag Mountain (6,500 feet above sea level) and experience the thrill of flying over Oludeniz.
✔ Soar above the turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and lush green forests.
✔ No experience required! You’ll fly tandem with a professional pilot for a safe and exhilarating experience.
📌 Pre-booking recommended for the best rates and availability. However, if you decide last-minute, just inform your captain and we’ll arrange it for you!

🌙 Evening: St. Nicholas Island – History & Sunset Views

📍 St. Nicholas Island Highlights
✔ Anchor at St. Nicholas Island, an ancient site believed to be linked to Saint Nicholas (Santa Claus).
✔ Relax onboard or enjoy water sports, including paddleboarding or kayaking in the calm waters.
✔ Take an evening hike to the summit, where you’ll find ancient ruins of churches, tombs, and walls dating back to the 4th century AD.
✔ Sip a drink as the sun sets over the Aegean, creating one of the most spectacular views of your trip.

📌 Fun Fact: Some historians believe that St. Nicholas (Santa Claus) was originally buried on this island before being moved to Demre!

🌙 Overnight at St. Nicholas Island

🏨 Spend the night onboard your gullet, surrounded by the tranquil Mediterranean waters and historic ruins.

Sights Visited

Sailing to Fethiye – A Relaxing Farewell to the Mediterranean
Today, your final sailing day takes you on a leisurely journey toward Fethiye, a vibrant coastal town known for its stunning marina, lively atmosphere, and historical charm. Enjoy one last day on the water, making the most of the Mediterranean’s beauty before transitioning to land.

🌅 Morning: Final Swim & Snorkeling in the Mediterranean
📍 Last Moments on the Water
✔ Enjoy a relaxed breakfast on board as the morning sun reflects on the turquoise waters.
✔ Take one final dip in the sea or snorkel around picturesque islands, making the most of your last moments at sea.
✔ Soak up the views from the deck, breathing in the fresh sea breeze and taking in the unforgettable landscapes of the Turkish coast.
📌 Did you know? The Fethiye region is dotted with hundreds of small, uninhabited islands, many of which have hidden coves, ancient ruins, and secret snorkeling spots.

⛵ Midday: Sailing Toward Fethiye

📍 Highlights of the Journey
✔ A leisurely day on the sea, with stops at hidden bays and small islands.
✔ Delicious lunch onboard, prepared with fresh, local ingredients as you enjoy panoramic coastal views.
✔ Relax on deck with a good book, sunbathe, or simply enjoy the peaceful rhythm of the waves.
📌 Want to try something new? Let us know if you’d like to add an optional water activity such as paddleboarding or kayaking at one of the scenic stopovers.

🏝 Afternoon: Arriving in Fethiye – A New Coastal Adventure Begins

📍 Disembarking at the Fethiye Marina
✔ Upon arrival, say farewell to your gullet and crew, marking the end of your unforgettable sailing adventure.
✔ Meet our team at the marina, who will arrange a private transfer to your hotel.
✔ Check-in to your accommodation, where you can relax and refresh before exploring the town.

📍 Your Free Time in Fethiye
✔ Wander the charming old town, filled with local markets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés.
✔ Visit the ancient Lycian rock tombs, carved high into the cliffs overlooking the town.
✔ Stroll along the picturesque Fethiye Marina, where you’ll find seafront restaurants and lively bars.
✔ Enjoy a seafood dinner at a harborside restaurant, savoring freshly caught fish and traditional Turkish mezes.

📌 Optional Activity: Sunset at Amyntas Rock Tombs
Take a short hike up to the ancient Lycian rock tombs, where you’ll witness a stunning sunset over Fethiye – a perfect way to close this chapter of your journey.

🌙 Overnight in Fethiye

🏨 Stay in a charming boutique hotel, a cozy guesthouse, or a luxury resort, depending on your preference.

Sights Visited

Pamukkale & Hierapolis – A Journey Through Natural Wonders & Ancient History
Today, you’ll venture to one of Turkey’s most breathtaking natural and historical sites—Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Known as the “Cotton Castle,” Pamukkale’s surreal white terraces and ancient ruins make it one of Turkey’s most iconic destinations.

🌅 Morning: Depart for Pamukkale

📍 Journey to Denizli Province
✔ After breakfast, meet your guide and depart from Fethiye in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
✔ Scenic drive through the Turkish countryside, passing small villages, rolling hills, and agricultural landscapes.
✔ Arrive at Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and prepare to explore its stunning landscapes and historical ruins.

🏞️ Midday: Exploring Pamukkale – The Cotton Castle

📍 Pamukkale Highlights
✔ Walk barefoot in the famous white travertine pools, created by centuries of flowing thermal waters.
✔ Soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters, believed to have healing properties.
✔ Capture incredible photos of the surreal, cascading terraces that make Pamukkale one of Turkey’s most unique landscapes.
📌 Did you know? The ancient Romans and Greeks considered Pamukkale’s waters sacred, believing they could cure ailments and rejuvenate the body.

🏛️ Afternoon: Discovering Hierapolis – The Ancient Spa City

📍 Hierapolis Highlights
✔ Explore the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman city built atop Pamukkale’s terraces.
✔ Marvel at the Grand Amphitheatre, one of the best-preserved theatres in Turkey, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
✔ Wander through the Necropolis, one of the largest ancient cemeteries, with elaborate tombs, sarcophagi, and mausoleums.
✔ Walk along ancient streets, where merchants, healers, and pilgrims once gathered in this famous healing city.

📌 Optional Activity: Cleopatra’s Antique Pool 🏊‍♀️
✔ Swim in the famous Cleopatra’s Pool, an ancient thermal bath filled with submerged Roman columns.
✔ The water stays at a constant 36°C (96°F), perfect for a relaxing and rejuvenating soak.
📌 Would you like to add this optional swimming experience? 😊

🌅 Evening: Return to Fethiye

📍 Scenic Journey Back
✔ After a full day exploring one of Turkey’s most fascinating destinations, relax on the comfortable return drive to Fethiye.
✔ Enjoy the changing landscapes, from rolling hills to stunning coastal views as you approach the Aegean coast.

🌙 Overnight in Fethiye

🏨 Spend the night in a comfortable boutique hotel or guesthouse, preparing for your next adventure.

Sights Visited

Farewell to Turkey – Return to Istanbul
Today marks the final part of your unforgettable journey across Turkey. From the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the turquoise coast of Fethiye, and the surreal terraces of Pamukkale, you’ve experienced some of Turkey’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations.

🌅 Morning: Departure from Fethiye

📍 Final Moments in Fethiye
✔ Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, soaking in the last views of the Aegean coast.
✔ Meet your transfer driver, who will escort you to Dalaman Airport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.
📌 Would you like to explore Fethiye’s old town one last time before heading to the airport? Let us know if you’d like to customize your departure time!

✈️ Flight to Istanbul & Tour Conclusion

📍 Domestic Flight to Istanbul
✔ Depart from Dalaman Airport on a short domestic flight back to Istanbul.
✔ Upon arrival in Istanbul, continue your onward journey—whether it’s catching an international flight home or extending your stay in Turkey.
📌 Need an extra night in Istanbul? Let us know if you’d like to arrange an additional stay to explore more of this incredible city before you depart!

🌍 Until Next Time!
✔ Your journey with Alaturca comes to an end, but your memories of Turkey will last a lifetime.
✔ We hope you’ve enjoyed exploring this magical country, and we look forward to welcoming you back for another adventure in the future!

💙 Safe travels, and we hope to see you again soon! ✨