17-Day Turkey Unplugged Tour – A Journey Through History & Nature
Escape the ordinary and embark on an unforgettable 17-day adventure through Turkey’s most captivating landscapes and historical sites.
Your journey begins with a relaxing Blue Cruise from the picturesque harbor town of Fethiye, sailing along the Turkish coast, stopping at charming towns and peaceful bays—the perfect opportunity to unwind before reaching Olympos. Here, you’ll explore the ancient Lycian ruins, surrounded by lush forests and stunning coastline.
From Olympos, you’ll travel inland to the enchanting region of Cappadocia, where a walking tour and the North and South Cappadocia Tours will introduce you to its otherworldly landscapes, hidden cave dwellings, and fairy chimneys. This magical destination is a true highlight of the journey.
Next, venture to Pamukkale, where the famous white travertine terraces and the ancient city of Hierapolis provide a surreal yet fascinating experience. From there, explore Ephesus, home to some of the best-preserved ruins of the ancient world, offering a glimpse into life thousands of years ago.
Your adventure concludes in the dynamic city of Istanbul, where history and culture come alive. Wander through iconic landmarks, bustling markets, and breathtaking architecture, experiencing the essence of a city shaped by centuries of civilizations.
This Turkey Unplugged Tour blends relaxation, history, and adventure, ensuring a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Itinerary
🛬 Pick-up & Transfer to Your Accommodation
✔ Private transfer from:
- Fethiye Harbour (if arriving from a cruise or Blue Cruise)
- Dalaman Airport (if arriving by flight)
- Fethiye Bus Station (if traveling by bus)
🏨 Check-in at your hotel in Fethiye
✔ Relax and unwind after your journey.
✔ Take a leisurely stroll along Fethiye Marina or explore Paspatur (Old Town).
✔ Optional: Sunset at Çalış Beach, a great spot to enjoy your first Turkish sunset.
🏨 Overnight in Fethiye
Today, you have the freedom to explore Fethiye at your leisure. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, Fethiye offers a wide range of activities to suit your interests.
🌊 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day
🚙 Adventure & Outdoor Exploration
✔ Jeep Safari – An off-road adventure through Saklikent Gorge, Tlos, and Patara Beach.
✔ Paragliding from Babadag Mountain – One of the best paragliding spots in the world, offering breathtaking aerial views over Oludeniz & the Blue Lagoon.
✔ Scuba Diving or Snorkeling – Explore Fethiye’s crystal-clear waters with diving excursions to underwater caves and reefs.
🏛 Cultural & Historical Sites
✔ Kayakoy Ghost Town – Wander through an abandoned Greek village with stone houses, chapels, and eerie yet beautiful landscapes.
✔ Lycian Rock Tombs – Climb to the Tombs of Amyntas for a panoramic view of Fethiye and insight into ancient Lycian history.
✔ Fethiye Museum – Learn about Lycian artifacts and the region’s deep-rooted history.
💦 Relaxation & Leisure
✔ Mud Baths at Dalyan – A natural spa-like experience in mineral-rich mud pools.
✔ Oludeniz Beach & Blue Lagoon – Spend the day swimming in turquoise waters and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
✔ Boat Trip to the 12 Islands – A relaxing cruise visiting hidden beaches, coves, and uninhabited islands.
🍽 Evening: Local Food & Dining Experience
✔ Fethiye Fish Market – Choose fresh seafood and have it cooked at a local restaurant.
✔ Dinner at a Seaside Restaurant – Enjoy a harbor view while tasting Turkish mezes and seafood specialties.
🏨 Overnight in Fethiye
Today, you embark on a stunning 4-day cruise along the Turquoise Coast, exploring secluded bays, breathtaking beaches, and ancient ruins aboard a traditional Alaturca Gulet.
🛳 Morning: Boarding Your Gulet & Setting Sail
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in Fethiye.
🍽 Breakfast before boarding (optional at the marina cafés).
🛥 Check-in on the Gulet, meet the crew, and get a tour briefing.
🌊 Set sail along the Mediterranean!
🏝 First Stop: Butterfly Valley
📍 Explore the famous Butterfly Valley, a protected nature reserve.
✔ Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.
✔ Optional hike to the waterfall (butterflies are most visible in spring and early summer).
✔ Swim and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the secluded bay.
🏖 Next Stop: Oludeniz & The Blue Lagoon
📍 One of the most famous beaches in Turkey, known for its stunning turquoise waters.
✔ Relax and sunbathe on the soft sand.
✔ Optional: Paragliding from Babadag Mountain, offering unbelievable aerial views of the lagoon.
✔ Enjoy a swim or paddleboard session in the calm, shallow waters.
🌅 Evening: St. Nicholas Island – Sunset & Overnight Stay
📍 Anchor at St. Nicholas Island, home to ancient Byzantine ruins.
✔ Explore the historic rock-cut churches and monastery ruins.
✔ Hike to the highest point of the island for one of the most stunning sunsets in Turkey.
✔ Enjoy a delicious dinner prepared onboard.
✔ Sleep under the clear, starry Mediterranean sky.
🏨 Overnight Stay in a Cabin on the Gulet
Today, your Blue Cruise continues with swimming stops in stunning turquoise waters, followed by a visit to Kas, a charming coastal town known for its bohemian atmosphere, cobblestone streets, and boutique shopping.
🌊 Morning: Swimming & Breakfast at Sea
✔ Wake up to the gentle waves and fresh sea air.
✔ Enjoy a delicious breakfast onboard as the Gulet sails toward today’s stops.
✔ Stop for a morning swim in one of the many secluded coves along the route.
🏝 Midday: Explore Kas – A Seaside Gem
📍 Dock in the beautiful town of Kas, once an ancient Lycian city and now a vibrant coastal retreat.
✔ Wander through charming cobblestone streets lined with colorful houses and bougainvillea.
✔ Visit boutique shops offering handmade silver jewelry, Turkish textiles, and unique souvenirs.
✔ Stop at a local café for Turkish coffee or fresh pomegranate juice.
✔ Optional: Explore ancient Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs above the town.
🐠 Afternoon: Swim & Snorkel at Aquarium Bay
🚢 Depart from Kas and sail to Aquarium Bay, famous for its crystal-clear waters and rich marine life.
✔ Enjoy some of the best snorkeling opportunities on the cruise.
✔ Swim among colorful fish and submerged ancient ruins.
✔ Relax on deck and soak in the warm Mediterranean sun.
🌅 Evening: Dinner & Overnight Stay on the Gulet
✔ Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner onboard.
✔ Unwind under the stars, with the gentle waves rocking the boat.
✔ Spend the night anchored in a quiet, peaceful bay.
🏨 Overnight in a Cabin on the Gulet
Today, you sail through ancient history, passing by the Sunken City of Kekova, an underwater archaeological wonder, before stopping at Simena Castle, where breathtaking coastal views await.
🌊 Morning: Sailing Over the Sunken City of Kekova
🚢 Depart from Kaş early in the morning.
🌊 Sail past the Sunken City, an ancient Lycian settlement submerged due to a massive earthquake.
✔ Observe stone structures, staircases, and ruins disappearing into the deep blue sea.
✔ Swimming and snorkeling are prohibited here, as it’s a protected archaeological site, but the boat will slow down for a clear view.
🏛 Midday: Exploring Simena Castle & Lycian Tombs
📍 Dock on the opposite side of Kekova Island to explore Simena Village and Castle.
✔ Wander through narrow, flower-lined streets in the small fishing village of Kaleköy.
✔ Visit the Lycian Rock Tombs, ancient burial sites carved into the cliffs.
✔ Hike up to Simena Castle, built by the Byzantines, offering a spectacular panoramic view of Kekova Bay and the Mediterranean.
✔ Optional: Try the famous homemade ice cream in Kaleköy, a local specialty!
🌅 Afternoon: Relaxing & Swimming in a Quiet Bay
🚢 Sail to a secluded cove for an afternoon of relaxation.
✔ Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing in the peaceful Mediterranean waters.
✔ Lunch onboard, freshly prepared by the Gulet crew.
🍽 Evening: Dinner & Overnight Stay on the Gulet
✔ Savor a delicious dinner onboard, with the sun setting over the turquoise waters.
✔ Unwind on deck, enjoying the cool sea breeze and starlit sky.
✔ Overnight stay anchored in a quiet bay, surrounded by nature.
🏨 Overnight in a Cabin on the Gulet
Today, you bid farewell to your Blue Cruise, transitioning from the serene Mediterranean waters to the lush, historic surroundings of Olympos, an ancient Lycian city hidden within a National Park.
🌅 Morning: Final Breakfast & Disembarkation
✔ Enjoy one last breakfast onboard, surrounded by the tranquil sea.
✔ Take in the final views of the Mediterranean coastline before sailing back to Demre.
✔ Say goodbye to your captain and crew as your Blue Cruise comes to an end.
🚌 Midday: Transfer to Olympos National Park
🚖 Board a local bus or private transfer from Demre to Olympos (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
🌿 Arrive at Olympos, a secluded paradise set within a National Park.
✔ Check in to your eco-lodge or treehouse accommodation.
🏛 Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Ruins of Olympos & Beach Time
📍 Wander through the jungle-covered ruins of Ancient Olympos.
✔ Discover Lycian tombs, stone archways, and remnants of Roman-era structures hidden in the forest.
✔ Walk along the river path leading directly to Olympos Beach, one of the most untouched shorelines in Turkey.
✔ Enjoy an afternoon of sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing in a completely natural setting.
🌙 Evening: Relax Under the Stars
✔ Optional: Visit the Eternal Flames of Chimaera (Yanartaş)
A short night hike takes you to naturally burning flames, coming from the rocky hillside due to underground gases.
A mythological site, believed to be the breath of the Chimera, a legendary fire-breathing creature.
🏨 Overnight in Olympos (treehouse or eco-lodge accommodation)
Today, you enjoy your last moments in Olympos, taking in the sun, sea, and relaxed atmosphere before boarding an overnight bus to Cappadocia.
🌊 Morning & Afternoon: Free Time in Olympos
✔ Relax at Olympos Beach, surrounded by towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
✔ Swim or snorkel in the Mediterranean, enjoying the last taste of the sea before heading inland.
✔ Explore the ruins of Ancient Olympos, if you haven’t had the chance to do so yet.
✔ Optional: Take a short trek through the National Park, where you may spot local wildlife.
✔ Enjoy a leisurely lunch in a treehouse café, trying traditional gozleme (Turkish pancakes) or fresh seafood.
🌙 Evening: Transfer to Antalya & Overnight Bus to Cappadocia
🚖 Early evening departure from Olympos to Antalya (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
🚌 Board the overnight bus from Antalya to Cappadocia (Goreme).
💤 Enjoy a comfortable overnight journey (approx. 10-11 hours).
🏨 Overnight on the Bus to Cappadocia
Today, you arrive in Cappadocia, home to breathtaking landscapes, fairy chimneys, and cave dwellings. You can choose to rest and unwind or take part in exciting optional activities such as an ATV Quad Safari or a Turkish Night Show.
🚌 Morning: Arrival & Hotel Check-in
🚍 Arrive in Goreme, Cappadocia, after the overnight bus journey.
✔ A crew member will assist you in finding your hotel or cave accommodation.
✔ Check-in and relax, catch up on sleep, or take a leisurely stroll around Göreme.
🏜 Optional Afternoon Activity: ATV (Quad Bike) Safari
📍 Explore Cappadocia’s landscapes in an adventurous way.
✔ Time: Starts at approximately 17:00 PM, making it a perfect sunset activity.
✔ Ride through stunning valleys, including Sword Valley, Love Valley, and Red Valley.
✔ See unique rock formations, fairy chimneys, and ancient cave dwellings.
✔ A guided tour with a safety briefing—no prior experience needed!
🏍 Perfect for adventure lovers looking to experience Cappadocia’s beauty off-road.
🍽 Evening: Optional Turkish Night Show & Dinner
📍 A traditional Turkish cultural experience inside a cave restaurant.
✔ Pick-up from your hotel in the evening.
✔ Enjoy a delicious Turkish dinner with unlimited drinks (wine, Raki, or soft drinks).
✔ Watch traditional folk dances from different regions of Turkey, including:
Whirling Dervishes (a mesmerizing spiritual dance).
Belly Dancing with audience participation.
Live Turkish music and storytelling.
✔ A fun-filled evening of Turkish hospitality and culture.
🏨 Overnight Stay in Cappadocia
✔ Return to your hotel and rest for the exciting adventures ahead!
Today, you’ll experience one of the most iconic moments of your trip—a hot air balloon ride at sunrise (optional) followed by a full-day exploration of South Cappadocia’s hidden wonders.
🌅 Early Morning: Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight
📍 Experience Cappadocia from the Sky at Sunrise
✔ Pick-up from your hotel before dawn.
✔ Watch the balloons being inflated while enjoying a light breakfast with hot drinks.
✔ Take off for a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations.
✔ Float at different altitudes, witnessing the changing colors of the landscape at sunrise.
✔ Upon landing, celebrate with a champagne toast and receive a flight certificate.
🛑 Note: Balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and must be booked in advance due to high demand.
🍽 Breakfast at Your Hotel
After the balloon flight, return to your hotel for a hearty breakfast before setting off on your South Cappadocia tour.
🏜 Full-Day South Cappadocia Tour
🚐 Pick-up from your hotel after breakfast.
👨🏫 Meet your expert local guide and begin the tour.
📍 Highlights of the South Cappadocia Tour:
🏰 Underground City – Descend into a multi-level ancient city used by early Christians to hide from invaders.
✔ Explore the maze-like tunnels, kitchens, stables, and churches carved into the rock.
✔ Learn how thousands of people once lived underground for months at a time.
📍 Uchisar Castle Panorama
✔ Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Cappadocia from the highest rock fortress in the region.
✔ A fantastic photo opportunity with a view of Goreme and its valleys.
📍 Meskendir Valley Hike
✔ A peaceful walk through Cappadocia’s stunning red rock canyons.
✔ Pass by ancient cave dwellings, rock-cut churches, and lush scenery.
📍 Pigeon Valley
✔ See thousands of carved pigeon houses built into the rock formations.
✔ Learn about the importance of pigeons in Cappadocian history and agriculture.
📍 Love Valley
✔ A famous valley known for its unique rock formations, shaped naturally over thousands of years.
✔ Take stunning photos of the gigantic, towering fairy chimneys.
📍 Cavusin Village
✔ Visit a traditional cave village, home to rock-cut churches and dwellings.
✔ Walk through ancient streets and admire Byzantine frescoes inside old cave churches.
🍽 Lunch at a Local Cave Restaurant
✔ Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal in a cave restaurant, featuring local specialties like testi kebab (pottery kebab).
🚖 Evening: Return to Your Hotel & Overnight in Cappadocia
✔ Drop-off at your hotel in the evening.
✔ Relax and unwind after a full day of exploration and adventure.
🏨 Overnight in Cappadocia
Today, you continue exploring Cappadocia’s northern region, where you’ll visit ancient settlements, unique rock formations, and cultural heritage sites before heading on an overnight bus to Pamukkale.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the North Cappadocia Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your hotel in Göreme.
👨🏫 Meet your local guide and begin the day’s exploration.
🏜 Highlights of the North Cappadocia Tour
📍 Goreme Open-Air Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
✔ Home to rock-cut churches with well-preserved frescoes from the Byzantine period.
✔ Visit the Chapel of St. Basil, the Apple Church, and the Dark Church.
✔ Learn about early Christian communities who sought refuge here.
📍 Pasabag (Monks Valley)
✔ Walk among tall, mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys, once inhabited by monks.
✔ Learn about the hermit lifestyle of Byzantine monks who lived in these rock formations.
📍 Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley)
✔ A surreal landscape filled with rock formations shaped like animals.
✔ Spot a camel, dolphins, and a giant praying hand among the natural stone sculptures.
✔ A great place for imaginative photography and creative sightseeing.
📍 Three Beauties of Urgup (Famous Fairy Chimney Rock Formations)
✔ One of the most iconic postcard views of Cappadocia.
✔ Learn about the legend of the three fairy chimneys, believed to represent a father, mother, and child.
📍 Avanos – Pottery-Making Hub
✔ Visit a traditional pottery workshop and watch artisans at work.
✔ Try pottery-making using ancient Hittite techniques.
✔ A great chance to buy handcrafted ceramic souvenirs.
📍 Urgup & Local Wine Tasting (Optional)
✔ Visit Urgup’s local wineries and sample Cappadocia’s regional wines.
✔ Learn about the volcanic soil that creates unique flavors in the wine.
🍽 Lunch in a Local Cave Restaurant
✔ Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal, featuring local specialties like testi kebab (pottery kebab).
🚌 Evening: Transfer to Bus Station for Overnight Bus to Pamukkale
🚖 Drop-off at the bus station in Goreme.
🚌 Overnight bus to Pamukkale (approx. 10-11 hours).
💤 Sleep onboard as you journey towards Turkey’s famous “Cotton Castle”.
🏨 Overnight on the Bus to Pamukkale
🌅 Early Morning: Optional Hot Air Balloon Flight Over Pamukkale
📍 Experience the Beauty of Pamukkale from Above at Sunrise
✔ Pick-up from the bus station or your accommodation before dawn.
✔ Enjoy a light breakfast & watch the balloon inflation process.
✔ Take off for a stunning sunrise hot air balloon ride, floating over:
The white travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
The ancient ruins of Hierapolis.
The Menderes River valley, stretching below.
✔ Celebrate with a champagne toast & receive a flight certificate upon landing.
🛑 Note: Balloon flights are weather-dependent and should be booked in advance.
🍽 Morning: Arrival & Breakfast in Pamukkale
✔ Arrive in Pamukkale early morning after your overnight bus journey.
✔ Relax at a local café and have breakfast before the tour starts.
🏛 Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
🚐 Pick-up from your waiting area & meet your guide.
👨🏫 Start exploring Pamukkale’s unique landscape & ancient city.
📍 Highlights of the Tour:
✔ Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Castle)
A UNESCO-listed natural wonder, famous for its bright white limestone terraces.
Walk barefoot along the warm, mineral-rich pools, believed to have healing properties.
✔ Hierapolis Ancient City
A well-preserved Roman spa city built in 2nd century BC.
Explore the Roman Theatre, Temple of Apollo, and Necropolis (ancient cemetery).
✔ Cleopatra’s Pool (Optional Swimming Spot – Extra Fee)
A thermal pool filled with ancient Roman ruins.
Enjoy a relaxing soak in warm, mineral-rich waters.
✔ Panoramic Views & Photo Opportunities
Capture incredible shots of the travertines and surrounding landscapes.
🍽 Lunch Break
✔ Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant.
🚍 Evening: Travel to Ephesus
✔ Board a comfortable minibus for your journey to Ephesus (approx. 3 hours).
✔ Check-in at your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Relax for the evening and prepare for tomorrow’s Ephesus & Virgin Mary House tour.
🏨 Overnight in the Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).
Today, you dive into the ancient world, exploring Ephesus—one of the best-preserved Roman cities, along with visits to the House of the Virgin Mary and the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in Selçuk or Kuşadası.
👨🏫 Meet your expert local guide & begin exploring Ephesus.
🏛 Full-Day Ephesus Tour Highlights
📍 Ancient City of Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
✔ One of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world.
✔ Walk along Marble Street, the city’s main avenue, lined with shops, homes, and monuments.
✔ See famous landmarks, including:
🏛 The Library of Celsus – One of the greatest libraries of the ancient world.
🏟 The Grand Theatre – A massive amphitheater with 25,000 seats, where St. Paul preached.
🏛 The Temple of Hadrian – Dedicated to Emperor Hadrian with intricate carvings.
🚽 The Public Latrines – A fascinating example of Roman engineering and social life.
📍 House of the Virgin Mary
✔ A holy pilgrimage site for Christians and Muslims.
✔ Believed to be the home where the Virgin Mary spent her final years.
✔ Experience a peaceful atmosphere and drink from the wishing fountain.
📍 Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World)
✔ Once one of the largest temples in the world, now in ruins.
✔ Learn about its grand past and importance in Greek & Roman worship.
✔ A great photo spot with panoramic views of the Ephesus region.
🍽 Lunch Break
✔ Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, featuring mezes, kebabs, and fresh salads.
🚖 Evening: Return to Hotel & Free Time
✔ Drop-off at your hotel in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Enjoy a relaxing evening exploring the seaside town of Kusadasi or the historic streets of Selcuk.
🏨 Overnight in the Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi).
Today, you have a free day to explore more of Ephesus and its surroundings at your own pace. Whether you prefer shopping, wine tasting, or a fun water park adventure, there are plenty of options before you take your overnight bus to Istanbul.
🌿 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day
🛍 Option 1: Shopping in Kusadasi
✔ Take a local bus (dolmuş) to Kusadasi (approx. 30 minutes).
✔ Explore the Grand Bazaar for souvenirs, leather goods, and “genuine fake” designer items.
✔ Walk along the seaside promenade, stopping for coffee or Turkish tea.
✔ Visit Pigeon Island, a small castle island with beautiful sea views.
🍷 Option 2: Wine Tasting & Village Stroll in Sirince
✔ Travel to Sirince, a charming old Greek village (20-minute drive from Selçuk).
✔ Sample homemade fruit wines (pomegranate, cherry, peach, and more).
✔ Stroll through stone-paved streets lined with craft shops & cozy cafés.
✔ Enjoy a traditional village breakfast or lunch with a view.
💦 Option 3: Water Park Adventure in Kusadasi
✔ Visit one of the two largest water parks in Turkey:
Adaland Water Park – Known for its wave pool, rafting slide, and dolphin shows.
Aqua Fantasy – A family-friendly park with huge slides, lazy rivers, and play areas.
✔ A perfect choice for thrill-seekers and families alike.
🚌 Evening: Transfer to Bus Station for Overnight Bus to Istanbul
🚖 Transfer to the bus station in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
🚌 Board the overnight bus to Istanbul (approx. 10-11 hours).
💤 Enjoy the ride with reclining seats & onboard amenities.
🏨 Overnight on the Bus to Istanbul
This morning, you arrive in Istanbul, where you can relax, recover from the overnight bus journey, and enjoy a free day to explore the city at your own pace.
🚌 Morning: Arrival & Hotel Check-in
🚍 Arrive in Istanbul after the overnight bus journey.
🚖 Find your way to your hotel (or ask for assistance if pre-arranged).
🏨 Check-in at your accommodation (if early check-in is available) or store your luggage at reception.
☕ Relax & refresh, grab a Turkish coffee or breakfast before heading out.
🌆 Suggested Activities for Your Free Day
🏛 Option 1: Explore Historical Landmarks (Self-Guided Walk)
✔ Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque – Admire their exteriors and get a feel for the Old City atmosphere.
✔ Basilica Cistern (Optional, if you arrive early enough) – Visit the underground reservoir with stunning columns and Medusa heads.
✔ Topkapi Palace Gardens – Take a peaceful walk through the royal gardens with Bosphorus views.
🛍 Option 2: Shopping & Local Experiences
✔ Grand Bazaar – One of the world’s largest covered markets, filled with jewelry, carpets, spices, and souvenirs.
✔ Spice Bazaar – Discover aromatic teas, Turkish delight, saffron, and exotic spices.
✔ Istiklal Street & Taksim Square – A lively, modern area with boutique shops, bookstores, and street performers.
🌅 Option 3: Enjoy Istanbul’s Waterfront & Relaxing Spots
✔ Galata Bridge & Karakoy – Grab a Turkish tea with views of the Bosphorus and passing ferries.
✔ Ortakoy – A scenic neighborhood with cafés, a beautiful mosque, and Bosphorus views.
✔ Sunset at Maiden’s Tower (Optional Boat Ride) – One of Istanbul’s most romantic sunset spots.
🍽 Evening: Enjoy Authentic Turkish Cuisine
✔ Dinner in Sultanahmet – Taste Ottoman-style kebabs, mezes, and desserts.
✔ Bosphorus-side dining in Karakoy – Seafood lovers can try a grilled fish sandwich.
✔ Taksim Nightlife (Optional) – If you want to experience Istanbul’s vibrant bars and rooftop lounges, head to Beyoglu.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Today, you dive into the history and culture of Istanbul, visiting Ottoman palaces, Byzantine churches, grand mosques, and bustling bazaars. This comprehensive tour offers a perfect introduction to the city’s rich past and vibrant present.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Start of the Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your accommodation in Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, or Taksim.
👨🏫 Meet your expert guide & begin exploring the Old City.
🕌 Blue Mosque – A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture
✔ One of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks, built by Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century.
✔ Features six minarets, a grand courtyard, and beautiful blue İznik tiles inside.
✔ Learn about Islamic traditions and the mosque’s historical significance.
🛑 Note: Limited access on Fridays due to prayer times.
🏛 Hagia Sophia – From Church to Mosque to Museum
✔ Originally built as a Byzantine church in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian.
✔ Converted into a mosque in 1453 by Sultan Mehmed II.
✔ Today, it stands as a symbol of Istanbul’s diverse history, showcasing Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy side by side.
🛑 Note: Hagia Sophia
🏰 Topkapi Palace – The Legacy of Ottoman Sultans
✔ Once the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.
✔ Walk through the Imperial Treasury, displaying golden artifacts, Ottoman swords, and holy relics.
✔ Explore the Harem Section (optional entry), where the royal family and concubines lived.
✔ Enjoy stunning views of the Bosphorus from the palace courtyards.
🛑 Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.
🛍 Grand Bazaar – One of the World’s Oldest & Largest Markets
✔ Wander through 4,000+ shops selling handmade carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and spices.
✔ Learn the art of Turkish bargaining with local merchants.
✔ A great place to shop for souvenirs and experience Istanbul’s marketplace culture.
🛑 Note: Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
🍽 Lunch Break – Enjoy Traditional Turkish Cuisine
✔ A stop at a local Turkish restaurant for a delicious set menu lunch.
✔ Try kebabs, mezes, lentil soup, or baklava.
🛍 Spice Bazaar – A Sensory Experience
✔ Also known as the Egyptian Bazaar, famous for its exotic spices, Turkish delight, and dried fruits.
✔ Smell the aromas of saffron, cinnamon, and freshly ground Turkish coffee.
✔ A great place to pick up authentic Turkish tea and sweets.
📍 (Optional Free Time After the Tour)
✔ If you wish, you can stay longer to explore the Spice Bazaar on your own before heading back.
🚖 Evening: Return to Your Hotel & Free Time
✔ Drop-off at your hotel in the evening.
✔ Relax and enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant or take a Bosphorus sunset stroll.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Today, you experience the beauty of Istanbul from the water, sailing along the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn, stopping at historical palaces and scenic viewpoints for an unforgettable journey through Istanbul’s past and present.
🕘 Morning Pick-up & Dolmabahçe Palace Tour
🚖 Pick-up from your hotel in Istanbul.
👨🏫 Meet your guide and begin the day’s exploration.
📍 Dolmabahce Palace – A Blend of Ottoman & European Elegance
✔ Built in the mid-19th century, serving as the imperial residence of the last Ottoman sultans.
✔ Features grand halls, crystal chandeliers, and European-inspired design.
✔ Visit the Harem section (optional) and Ataturk’s room, where Turkey’s first president passed away in 1938.
🛑 Note: Dolmabahce Palace is closed on Mondays.
🛳 Midday: Bosphorus Cruise – Istanbul from the Water
🚢 Board a comfortable boat for a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait.
✔ Enjoy panoramic views of two continents – Europe & Asia.
✔ Sail past Ortakoy Mosque, known for its pink mosaics & Bosphorus backdrop.
✔ See Maiden’s Tower (Kiz Kulesi), a legendary island structure with a mysterious history.
✔ Pass beneath the Bosphorus Bridge & Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge.
✔ Admire Beylerbeyi Palace, a former summer residence of Ottoman Sultans.
✔ Marvel at Rumeli Fortress (Rumeli Hisarı), built by Mehmed the Conqueror in 1452 to secure the Bosphorus.
📍 Stop at Kucuksu Palace (Small Water Palace)
✔ A hidden gem along the Bosphorus, built as an Ottoman hunting lodge.
✔ Features elegant Rococo-style architecture and luxurious interiors.
🚢 Continue sailing toward the Golden Horn, Istanbul’s natural harbor.
✔ See the ancient walls of Constantinople, built to defend the city for over 1,600 years.
🌅 Afternoon: Pierre Loti Hill – The Best View of the Golden Horn
📍 Cable Car Ride to Pierre Loti Hill
✔ Named after the French writer Pierre Loti, who adored Istanbul.
✔ A romantic hilltop café, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Golden Horn.
✔ Try traditional Turkish coffee or tea while enjoying the view.
🚍 Return by bus through Istanbul’s Old City Walls, with guided commentary on the history of the Byzantine and Ottoman fortifications.
🚖 Evening: Return to Hotel & Free Time
✔ Drop-off at your hotel in Istanbul.
✔ Enjoy your final evening in the city—perhaps a rooftop dinner with a view of the Bosphorus or a relaxing Turkish hammam experience.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Today marks the end of your incredible journey through Turkey. Whether you’re heading home or continuing your travels, we hope you’ve had an unforgettable experience exploring Turkey’s history, landscapes, and culture.
🛫 Airport Transfer & Departure
🚖 Pick-up from your hotel and transfer to the airport (if booked in advance).
🛫 Depart from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) for your onward flight.
💼 Ensure all travel documents, souvenirs, and belongings are packed before check-out.
🔹 Need Assistance?
If you require:
✔ Additional accommodation in Istanbul.
✔ Further domestic travel arrangements within Turkey.
✔ Recommendations for things to do on a longer stay.
✔ Last-minute shopping, dining, or sightseeing tips.
➡️ We’re happy to help! Feel free to reach out. 😊
💙 Thank You for Traveling with Us!
We hope you had an amazing journey filled with history, adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.
Safe travels, and we hope to welcome you back to Turkey again!
Includes
- Accommodations
- Hotel transfers
- Entrance tickets
- City transfers
- Guided tours
Rates and Room Options
Rates are calculated per person based on shared accommodations in double, twin, or triple private rooms.
Steps to Inquire or Book:
Press “BOOK NOW” above to submit an inquiry or book your package tour. The package includes standard-range accommodations by default.
Once your inquiry or booking is completed, you can email us to request upgrades or adjustments, such as:
Upgrades to ‘Top End’ or ‘Premium’ accommodations
A single private room
Dorm rooms for budget travelers
For details on included accommodation options, visit the ‘Accommodation Options’ tab above.
Deposit Payment:
A 30%–40% deposit is required for most tours.
Some tours may require a higher deposit or full payment.
Balance Payment:
The remaining balance is due upon arrival in Turkey.
Luggage Allowance on Flights (if included in your tour):
Domestic flights in Turkey include a 15 kg baggage allowance per person.
If additional luggage allowance is needed, an extra charge may apply. Please contact us for details before booking your tour.
Standart
Fethiye :Fethiye Guesthouse, Dedeoglu Hotel, or similar
Olympos :Bayrams Tree Houses, Turkmen Tree Houses, or similar
Cappadocia :Dinler Hotel, Dedeli Konak Cave Hotel, or similar
Ephesus :Ephesus Centrum, Ephesus Palace, or similar
Istanbul :Olimpiyat Hotel, Fehmi Bey Hotel, or similar
Top End
Fethiye :Marina Boutique Hotel, Orka Boutique Hotel, or similar
Olympos :or similar
Cappadocia :Uchisar Kaya Hotel, Ramada Hotel, or similar
Ephesus :Hotel Carina, Celsus Boutique Hotel, or similar
Istanbul :Golden Royal Hotel, Walton Hotel Galata, or similar
Premium
Fethiye : Ece Saray Marina & Resort, Yacht Classic Hotel, or similar
Olympos : or similar
Cappadocia :Kayakapi Premium Caves, DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, or similar
Ephesus :Cella Boutique Hotel, Akanthus Hotel, or similar
Istanbul :The Elysium Istanbul, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotels Sirkeci, or similar
Fethiye 2 Night
Olympos 1 Night
Cappadocia 2 Night
Ephesus 2 Night
Istanbul 3 Night