Welcome to Istanbul, the city where East meets West. Upon arrival, you are met by your guide and transferred to your hotel in the historic Old City. A welcome pack with tour vouchers and maps awaits you at reception. The rest of the day is free; perhaps a first stroll along the Bosphorus awaits.

Between 08:30-09:00 am, pick up from the hotel you will have a full day guided tour of the Hagia Sophia Mosque (see from exterior), pride of the Byzantine architecture, Byzantine Hippodrome, where chariot races were held, Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles, Topkapi Palace, former residence of Ottoman Sultans and Grand Bazaar, Turkey’s largest covered market with 4000 shops. Overnight in Istanbul

Between 8:00 and 8:30 am, pick up from the hotel for a ferry ride to Büyükada, the largest of the Princes’ Islands. Sail past Sarayburnu, with views of Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Blue Mosque, and by charming island towns along the way. On Büyükada, admire the grand Ottoman mansions and Victorian villas, then take an electric vehicle tour past historic wooden houses and scenic countryside. Enjoy a relaxed lunch with views back toward Istanbul’s skyline. Return by ferry to the hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul and transfer to the airport by your private vehicle. You will take a direct flight from Istanbul to Cappadoccia, which is about 1 hour. Upon arrival, you will be met by our representative holding a sign with your name at the airport exit and transferred to your hotel in Cappadocia. The rest of the day is free time to explore at your leisure. Overnight in Cappadocia

An optional early-morning hot air balloon ride is available to take in the valleys from above. After breakfast, pickup is between 9:30 and 10:00 am for a tour starting at Devrent (Imagination) Valley, known for its striking fairy chimneys. Continue to Pasabag (Monk Valley), famous for its double and triple-headed rock formations. Lunch in Avanos, renowned for pottery and set along the Red River. In the afternoon, visit the Open-Air Museum, the heart of Cappadocia, featuring 10th-century wall paintings depicting the life of Christ and local monks. End the day at Uchisar Castle, the region’s largest natural fairy chimney formation. Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast, transfer to Cappadocia Airport for your domestic flight to Izmir on the Aegean coast. Upon arrival in Turkey’s third-largest city, your guide transfers you to the beautiful coastal resort town of Kusadasi. Check in and spend the evening exploring its charming marina, harbour and lively seafront promenade.

After breakfast at 9:30 – 10:00 a.m., you will be picked up from your hotel and visit the Ancient Roman City of Ephesus, exploring the Arcadian Way, Roman Baths, Temple of Hadrian, the Celsius Library, and the Antique Theatre. In the afternoon, we will be visiting the Virgin Mary House. At the end of the tour, we will transfer back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi

After breakfast, pickup from 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. The first visit will be to Hierapolis, the ancient Greco-Roman city atop hot springs. You will see the large necropolis, the Great Baths, Frontinus Street, the Theatre, the Martyrion of St. Phillip, and the antique pool, also known as Cleopatra’s pool. Finally, be amazed by travertines (the terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water) on which you can enjoy a barefoot walk. Overnight in Pamukkale. 

Leave Pamukkale behind and travel by private vehicle along Turkey’s stunning southwestern coastline to the Mediterranean jewel of Antalya. The scenic drive passes turquoise bays, citrus groves, and ancient ruins en route. Arrive, check in to your hotel, and spend the evening exploring Antalya’s vibrant harbour and castle walls.

At 09:00 – 09:30 am, depart from the hotel for a full-day city tour, drive to Karpuz Kaldıran Waterfalls, where the falls meet the sea, and take a photo break at Konyaalti beach. Our next stop will be in Kaleiçi. And then visit the old town with Hadrian’s Gate, the Clock Tower, the Fluted Minaret, Palm Street, and the ancient harbour. There are many beautiful old houses in Kaleici. Drive to Kursunlu Waterfalls and have free time. After the tour, drive back to the hotel and overnight in Antalya.

After a final breakfast in Antalya, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, your guide meets you and transfers you comfortably to your hotel. The evening is free, perfect for a farewell Bosphorus cruise, a rooftop dinner, or last-minute shopping in the Grand Bazaar.

Enjoy a final Turkish breakfast before your guide transfers you to Istanbul Airport for your international departure. You leave Turkey carrying memories of Byzantine domes, ancient Roman cities, volcanic fairy chimneys, cotton-white mineral terraces, and the irresistible warmth of Turkish hospitality across twelve days.