Welcome to Turkey!
Your 16-day adventure begins with your arrival in Turkey, where you’ll be greeted with a transfer service to your hotel in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

🚐 Transfer Services Available From:
✔️ Kuşadası Harbour (for those arriving by cruise or ferry).
✔️ Izmir Airport (ADB) (for international and domestic flights).
✔️ Local Bus Stations (Selcuk or Kusadasi) if arriving by bus.
Once you arrive at your hotel, take some time to relax, refresh, and explore your surroundings.

🌍 Optional Activities for Your First Day:
🏛️ Explore Selcuk’s Historic Landmarks – If you have time, visit the Basilica of St. John or take a walk through Selcuk Old Town.
🌊 Relax in Kusadasi – If staying in Kusadasi, enjoy a stroll along the marina, check out the seaside cafés, or unwind on the beach.
🍽️ Enjoy a Traditional Turkish Dinner – Try delicious local dishes like Izmir Kofte, Meze platters, or freshly grilled seafood.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

Today, step back in time as you explore the incredible ruins of Ephesus, one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the world and a major center of the Roman Empire.

🏛️ Full-Day Ephesus Tour Highlights:

🏛️ Ephesus Ancient City – Walk along the marble streets of this grand Roman metropolis, where over 200,000 people lived more than 3,000 years ago. Key sites include:
The Library of Celsus – One of the most iconic and beautiful ruins, once housing over 12,000 scrolls.

The Grand Theater – A massive amphitheater that once held 25,000 spectators.
The Temple of Hadrian – Dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
The Agora, Odeon, and Roman Baths – Offering a glimpse into daily life in ancient Ephesus.

🏡 House of the Virgin Mary – A significant Christian pilgrimage site, believed to be where Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her final years.

🏺 The Temple of Artemis – Visit the ruins of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once an enormous temple dedicated to the Greek goddess Artemis.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in the Ephesus region (Selcuk or Kusadasi) and begin your journey towards Pamukkale, one of Turkey’s most stunning natural wonders.

🚌 Morning: Transfer to Pamukkale
Travel through scenic Turkish countryside, passing charming towns and landscapes.
Upon arrival in Pamukkale, enjoy a delicious lunch before exploring the site.

🌿 Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour Highlights:

🏛️ Hierapolis Ancient City – Walk through this Greco-Roman city, known for its massive amphitheater, necropolis, and Roman baths. This was a major healing center in ancient times, thanks to its mineral-rich thermal waters.

💦 Pamukkale Travertines (The Cotton Castle) – Stroll along the bright white terraces, formed by calcium-rich thermal waters cascading down the mountainside. You can even dip your feet into the warm natural pools.

🏺 Cleopatra’s Pool (Optional, Extra Cost) – Enjoy a relaxing swim in this thermal pool filled with ancient submerged ruins.

🚍 Afternoon: Transfer to Fethiye
After exploring Pamukkale, you will continue your journey towards Fethiye, a beautiful seaside town on Turkey’s Turquoise Coast.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

Today is a free day to explore Fethiye, one of Turkey’s most picturesque coastal towns. Whether you’re looking for adventure, history, or relaxation, there are plenty of options to make the most of your day.

🌿 Optional Activities in Fethiye:
🚙 Jeep Safari – Take an off-road adventure through the stunning countryside, visiting Saklıkent Gorge, Tlos, and Yakapark for a day of nature and exploration.

🪂 Paragliding Over Oludeniz – Experience one of the world’s most famous paragliding spots, soaring over the Blue Lagoon and taking in breathtaking aerial views.

💦 Mud Baths & Dalyan River – Enjoy a therapeutic mud bath, then take a boat trip down the Dalyan River, passing by the Lycian Rock Tombs and ending at Iztuzu Beach, famous for its sea turtles.

🏚️ Visit Kayakoy Ghost Town – Take a local bus or taxi to explore this abandoned Greek village, with its stone houses and churches telling a haunting yet fascinating story.

🏖️ Relax at Oludeniz Beach – Spend the day unwinding at one of the most beautiful beaches in Turkey, famous for its calm turquoise waters and white sandy shores.

🍽️ Evening Recommendation: Fethiye Fish Market
For a truly authentic local experience, head to the Fethiye Fish Market, where you can:
🐟 Pick your own fresh seafood, then have it cooked at a nearby restaurant.
🎶 Enjoy live music and a lively atmosphere while dining.
Alternatively, explore the seafront restaurants along Fethiye Marina, offering stunning views and delicious Mediterranean cuisine.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Fethiye

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation in Fethiye and transferred to the harbor, where you will check in to one of our Alaturca Gulets for an unforgettable 4-day cruise along the stunning Mediterranean coastline.

🚢 Day of the Gulet Cruise – Highlights & Activities
🦋 Butterfly Valley – Your first stop is the stunning Butterfly Valley, a hidden cove home to a variety of butterflies, lush greenery, and a cascading waterfall. You’ll have time to:
Swim in the crystal-clear waters.
Hike up to the small waterfall (if conditions allow).
Relax on the sandy beach, surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

🌊 Oludeniz & The Blue Lagoon – One of Turkey’s most famous and breathtaking beaches. Spend time here:
Swimming in the turquoise waters.
Taking in the majestic views of Babadag Mountain.
Optionally, try paragliding from the mountain for an epic aerial view! (Extra cost, but highly recommended!).

🌅 St. Nicholas Island – The Perfect Sunset Spot
Your gulet will anchor down at St. Nicholas Island for the night.
Climb to the top of the island, where you can explore ancient Byzantine ruins and take in one of the best sunsets of the entire cruise.

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise Experience
Enjoy a delicious dinner onboard while taking in the peaceful surroundings.
Spend the night rocked to sleep by the gentle waves, under a starry Mediterranean sky.

Wake up to another beautiful morning on the Mediterranean, with the sound of gentle waves and the fresh sea breeze. Today, after enjoying breakfast on board, your gulet will make several stops for swimming and relaxation before arriving in the picturesque town of Kaş.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day
🌊 Morning Swim & Breakfast Stop – Begin your day with a refreshing dip in the sea, followed by a traditional Turkish breakfast on deck.

🏝️ Midday Swimming & Lunch Stop – Along the way to Kas, the gulet will stop at secluded bays, where you can:
Swim in turquoise waters.
Snorkel to discover colorful marine life.
Relax under the Mediterranean sun.

🏡 Afternoon: Explore the Beautiful Town of Kas
Upon arriving in Kas, you’ll have free time to explore this charming seaside town known for its laid-back atmosphere, historic streets, and vibrant shopping scene.

💎 Shopping in Kas – Known as one of the best places in Turkey for jewelry, Kaş is home to many handcrafted silver and gemstone shops—perfect for finding unique souvenirs.

🌿 Stroll the Cobblestone Streets – Wander through narrow alleys lined with bougainvillea-covered houses, boutique stores, and cozy cafés.

☕ Relax in a Café by the Marina – Enjoy a cup of Turkish coffee or a refreshing Ayran (yogurt drink) while watching the boats bob in the harbor.

🏛️ Optional Activities in Kas:
Visit the Ancient Theatre – A well-preserved Lycian amphitheater with stunning sea views.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling – Kas is a top destination for underwater adventures, with shipwrecks, caves, and vibrant marine life (extra cost).

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Return to the gulet for dinner, enjoying another peaceful night at sea.
Spend the evening stargazing from the deck, soaking in the peacefulness of the Mediterranean.

Another breathtaking day on the Mediterranean awaits as you sail past ancient ruins, sunken cities, and historic fortresses along Turkey’s stunning coastline.

🚢 Gulet Cruise Highlights for the Day

🏛️ Sailing Past the Sunken City of Kekova
This submerged Lycian city, once part of an ancient settlement, was lost to the sea after a powerful earthquake centuries ago.
The ruins of stone houses, staircases, and archways can still be seen beneath the crystal-clear waters.
Your gulet will slow down to allow for a closer look, giving you time to admire this UNESCO-protected site.

🏝️ Exploring Kekova Island & Simena Castle
The gulet will anchor down on the opposite side of Kekova, where you can step ashore and explore.
Optional Activities on Kekova Island:Walk among ancient Lycian tombs, carved directly into the hillside.
Climb to Simena Castle, a medieval fortress with breathtaking panoramic views over the coastline.
Explore the charming village of Kalekoy, a small, boat-access-only settlement filled with traditional houses and local cafés.

🌊 Swimming & Relaxation
After exploring Kekova, return to the gulet for some leisurely swimming and sunbathing before continuing the cruise.

🌙 Overnight Stay on the Gulet – Cabin Cruise
Enjoy another delicious onboard dinner while taking in the tranquil surroundings.
Spend the evening stargazing from the deck, soaking in the peacefulness of the Mediterranean.

This morning, you bid farewell to your gulet and set off for Olympos, a unique destination where history, nature, and beach life blend seamlessly.

🚌 Transfer from the Gulet to Olympos
After breakfast on board, disembark from your gulet.
Travel by bus to Olympos, located within a protected national park along the Mediterranean coast.

🏛️ Explore the Ancient Ruins of Olympos
Wander through the overgrown ruins of the ancient Lycian city of Olympos, where moss-covered stone pathways, temples, and sarcophagi create an eerie yet fascinating atmosphere.
Visit the ancient theater, Byzantine church remains, and tombs, including the famous Sarcophagus of Captain Eudemos, an ancient ship captain.

🌊 Relax on Olympos Beach
After exploring the ruins, follow the path down to Olympos Beach, where the crystal-clear waters and soft pebbles make for a perfect place to swim and relax.
Optional water activities such as snorkeling or paddleboarding are available.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Olympos

Today is your final day on the Mediterranean coast, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax, soak up the sunshine, and enjoy one last swim in the turquoise waters before heading inland to Cappadocia.

☀️ Free Day in Olympos – Suggested Activities
🏖️ Relax on Olympos Beach – Take in the peaceful surroundings and swim in the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters, surrounded by lush greenery and towering cliffs.

🏛️ Explore More of Olympos Ruins – Wander through the ancient Lycian ruins of Olympos, which are hidden in the forest and filled with historical charm.

🔥 Visit the Eternal Flames of Chimera (Yanartas) (optional morning or late afternoon tour) – Hike up to see the mystical flames that naturally rise from the rocks, a natural gas phenomenon that has burned for thousands of years.

🚣‍♂️ Optional Adventure Activities – If you’re looking for something more active:
Sea kayaking along the coast to discover hidden caves and coves.
Rock climbing on Olympos’ scenic cliffs for an adrenaline rush.

🚌 Evening Transfer to Antalya & Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
In the early evening, depart from Olympos to Antalya by shuttle bus.
In Antalya, board your overnight bus to Cappadocia (Goreme), a comfortable direct journey that will take you through the night.

🌙 Overnight Bus Journey to Cappadocia

After your overnight bus journey, you will arrive in Goreme, Cappadocia, a region famous for its fairy chimneys, cave dwellings, and breathtaking landscapes.

🌄 Morning: Arrival & Rest
Upon arrival, a crew member will take you to your accommodation.
Take time to relax, freshen up, or catch up on sleep after your long journey.
You can spend the morning exploring Goreme town, visiting local cafés, or enjoying a traditional Turkish breakfast.

🚜 Afternoon Optional Tour: ATV (Quad) Bike Safari (Starts at 17:00 PM)
For those looking for adventure, embark on an exciting quad bike safari through Cappadocia’s rugged valleys and rock formations.
Ride through surreal landscapes, including Sword Valley, Love Valley, and Rose Valley.
Experience breathtaking sunset views over the fairy chimneys.
The tour is fully guided, no prior experience needed.
💡 This is an optional tour and requires an additional cost.

💃 Evening Optional Tour: Turkish Night Show & Dinner
For an unforgettable cultural experience, enjoy a Turkish Night Show in a unique cave restaurant.

Pick-up from your accommodation in the evening.
Experience a lively night of traditional Turkish music and dance.
The show includes:Whirling Dervishes – A mesmerizing spiritual performance.
Belly Dancing – An energetic and colorful Middle Eastern dance.
A Traditional Turkish Wedding Performance – Witness cultural traditions firsthand.
Delicious Turkish dinner with unlimited drinks (wine, raki, and soft drinks included).

💡 This is an optional tour and requires an additional cost, but it’s highly recommended for a fun night out!

🌙 Overnight Stay in Cappadocia (Göreme or Nearby).

Today, immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s stunning landscapes, from the skies at sunrise to underground cities and panoramic valleys during the day.

🌅 Early Morning (Optional): Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Flight
For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, wake up before dawn and float above Cappadocia’s magical landscapes.

🎈 OPTIONAL ACTIVITY: CAPPADOCIA HOT AIR BALLOON FLIGHT
Pick-up before sunrise from your accommodation.
Enjoy a light breakfast while watching the balloons inflate.
Soar high above fairy chimneys, valleys, and ancient cave dwellings as the first rays of sunlight illuminate the landscape.
Flight duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Receive a flight certificate as a keepsake.
💡 This activity requires an additional cost and is subject to weather conditions. Highly recommended!

🚍 Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation to explore some of Cappadocia’s hidden gems.

🌄 Highlights of the South Cappadocia Tour:

🏰 Underground City – Explore one of Cappadocia’s largest underground cities, used by early Christians as a safe haven from invaders. Walk through a maze of tunnels, living quarters, kitchens, and ventilation shafts.

🏞️ Meskendir Valley – Enjoy a peaceful nature walk through this scenic valley, lined with rock-cut churches and striking red rock formations.

📸 Uchisar Castle Panorama – Stop at the highest viewpoint in Cappadocia, offering stunning panoramic views of the region.

🕍 Pigeon Valley – Named for the thousands of ancient pigeon houses carved into the rock, offering fantastic photo opportunities.

🌿 Optional Stop: Love Valley or Red Valley – Depending on time, you may visit one of Cappadocia’s most famous valleys, known for its unique rock formations.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Cappadocia (Goreme or Nearby).

Today, you will explore the last wonders of Cappadocia, visiting unique rock formations, ancient settlements, and traditional villages before boarding your overnight bus to Istanbul.

🚍 Full-Day North Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your accommodation to discover some of the most remarkable landscapes and cultural sites in North Cappadocia.

🌄 Highlights of the North Cappadocia Tour:

📍 Goreme Open-Air Museum – One of the most famous sites in Cappadocia, featuring Byzantine cave churches adorned with ancient frescoes.

🏜️ Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley) – Be amazed by surreal rock formations, many of which resemble animals, creating a natural sculpture park.

🕌 Pasabag (Monks Valley) – Home to some of Cappadocia’s most iconic fairy chimneys, where early Christian monks once lived inside the rock formations.

🏡 Visit Small Villages & Local Handicrafts – Learn about traditional pottery making, carpet weaving, and local crafts, passed down for generations.

🏞️ Esentepe Panorama Viewpoint – Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Göreme and the surrounding valleys, offering an ideal photo opportunity.

🚌 Evening Transfer & Overnight Bus to Istanbul
After the tour, enjoy a farewell dinner in Cappadocia (optional).
Transfer to the bus station for your overnight journey to Istanbul.
The comfortable overnight bus will take you directly to Istanbul, allowing you to rest before your next adventure.

🌙 Overnight Bus Journey to Istanbul

After your overnight bus journey, you will arrive in Istanbul, Turkey’s cultural and historical heart. Once you check into your accommodation, today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace.

🌍 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day in Istanbul:

🏛️ Get a Sneak Peek at Istanbul’s Historic Landmarks – Take a stroll through the Sultanahmet district, where you can see Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace from the outside before your official tour tomorrow.

🛍️ Go Shopping in the Grand Bazaar & Spice Market –
Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s largest covered markets, offering handcrafted jewelry, carpets, Turkish textiles, and souvenirs.
Spice Bazaar – A must-visit for Turkish delights, exotic spices, and traditional teas.

🌊 Relax by the Bosphorus –
Walk along the Eminonu waterfront, where you can watch the boats crossing between Europe and Asia.
Try a Balik Ekmek (grilled fish sandwich) from one of the local vendors by the docks.

🏘️ Explore Istanbul’s Hidden Neighborhoods –
Balat & Fener – Known for their colorful historic houses, antique shops, and authentic Turkish cafés.

Karakoy – A modern artsy district with trendy cafés, street art, and unique boutiques.
🍽️ Indulge in Turkish Cuisine –
Try authentic Turkish meze at a local tavern.
Enjoy a rooftop dinner with a view of the Bosphorus or Hagia Sophia.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
Rest up for tomorrow’s full-day historical tour of Istanbul!

Today, you will immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Istanbul, a city that has been the capital of three great empires: Byzantine, Roman, and Ottoman. You will be picked up from your accommodation and guided through the most iconic sites of this fascinating city.

🏛️ Full-Day Istanbul Tour Highlights:

🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) – One of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, famous for its stunning blue Iznik tiles and grand domes. (Note: Entry may be restricted during Friday prayers.)

⛪ Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) – A breathtaking architectural masterpiece that has served as a church, mosque, and now a mosque again for centuries. Marvel at its massive dome, ancient mosaics, and stunning Ottoman calligraphy.

🏰 Topkapi Palace – Step into the world of Ottoman sultans as you explore their grand palace, filled with ancient treasures, sacred relics, and lavish gardens. Visit the Sultan’s private rooms, Imperial Harem, and panoramic terraces with views over the Bosphorus Strait. (Note: Closed on Tuesdays.)

🛍️ Grand Bazaar & Spice Bazaar Tour:
🛒 Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) – One of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with over 4,000 shops selling:
Handmade jewelry, carpets, ceramics, and antiques.
Unique souvenirs and Turkish textiles.
A lively atmosphere filled with bargaining and local craftsmanship. (Note: Closed on Sundays.)

🌿 Spice Bazaar (Mısır Carsisi) – A sensory overload of spices, Turkish delights, teas, and coffees. Enjoy the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents as you browse through local delicacies.

💡 Our Recommendation:
After the official tour ends, we recommend taking extra time to explore the Spice Bazaar at your own pace. Stroll through the market, sip on authentic Turkish tea, or indulge in sweet baklava and traditional Turkish coffee.

📝 Important Notes:
Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
Blue Mosque may not be accessible during Friday prayers.
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🚐 Pick-Up Information:
Pickups are available from central hotel areas, including:
Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, Taksim.
If staying outside these areas, an extra charge may apply—please check with our crew.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul.

Today, embark on a scenic and cultural journey through Istanbul, combining a Bosphorus cruise, palace visits, and breathtaking viewpoints for a truly memorable experience.

🏛️ Morning: Dolmabahce Palace Tour
Begin your day with a guided tour of the Dolmabahce Palace, a magnificent royal residence that reflects the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire’s final era.
Built between 1842-1853, this palace is a blend of Neoclassical, Baroque, and Rococo architectural styles.
Last six Ottoman Sultans resided here before the fall of the empire.
In 1923, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk used this as his summer residence until his passing in 1938.

Marvel at the crystal chandeliers, gold-adorned ceilings, grand halls, and luxurious Ottoman-European interiors.
(🛑 Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays. On those days, the tour begins at 11:30 AM instead of 9:30 AM.)

🚢 Midday: Bosphorus Cruise – Sailing Between Continents
After the palace tour, board your Bosphorus cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia, while admiring the stunning architecture and historical landmarks.

🌊 Highlights Along the Bosphorus:
🏯 Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi) – A legendary tower that has served as a lighthouse, hospital, radio station, and now a museum & restaurant.
🏰 Kucuksu Palace – A small yet grand hunting lodge, built by Sultan Abdulmecid, where you’ll stop for a 1-hour visit.

🏨 Ciragan Palace – A magnificent Sultan’s palace turned luxury hotel, partially rebuilt after a fire in 1910.
🕌 Ortakoy Mosque – Known for its pink mosaics and waterside location, a stunning sight from the boat.
🌉 Bosphorus & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridges – Marvel at these iconic suspension bridges connecting Europe and Asia.
🏰 Rumeli Castle (Rumeli Hisari) – Built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmed II, this fortress played a key role in the conquest of Constantinople.

🚌 Afternoon: Pierre Loti Hill & City Views
After disembarking, continue by bus through the Old City, then head to Pierre Loti Hill, one of Istanbul’s most romantic and scenic spots.
Named after a French novelist who loved Istanbul.
Enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
Take the cable car to the top and try authentic Turkish coffee at a hilltop café.

🚌 Evening Return to Hotel
The bus drives along the ancient Old City Walls, which protected Constantinople for over 1,600 years.
Return to your hotel by 5:00-6:00 PM.

📝 Important Notes:
Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays (tour starts at 11:30 AM instead).
Dolmabahce Palace, Kucuksu Palace, and Pierre Loti Hill are the only stops you’ll explore on foot. The rest will be viewed from the boat or bus.

🌙 Overnight Stay in Istanbul

Today marks the end of your incredible 16-day journey through Turkey, where you have explored ancient ruins, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant bazaars, and historical wonders from Ephesus to Cappadocia and Istanbul.

✈️ Departure & Onward Travel Assistance
If you require any assistance, we are happy to help with:

✔️ Airport Transfers – We can arrange transport to:
Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).

✔️ Additional Travel Plans – If you wish to extend your stay or travel to other parts of Turkey (Gallipoli, Troy, Mount Nemrut, or the Black Sea region), we can assist with:
Domestic flights, bus tickets, or private transfers.
Additional tours or accommodations.

✔️ Local Recommendations – If you’re staying longer in Istanbul, we can suggest:
Restaurants, shopping areas, or cultural experiences.
Hammams (Turkish baths) or rooftop cafés for a relaxing end to your trip.
If you have any last-minute questions or require assistance, feel free to reach out—we are here to ensure your journey ends smoothly.

🙏 Thank You for Traveling with Us!
We hope you had an unforgettable experience in Turkey and look forward to welcoming you again in the future.
🌍✨ Safe travels!✈️😊