Overnight at an Airport Hotel
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and
transferred to your hotel near the airport. This first day is intentionally
kept light, allowing you to recover from your international flight and adjust
to the time zone at a comfortable pace.
Rather than rushing into sightseeing, this gentle start ensures you begin your
journey through Turkey feeling rested and ready for the days ahead.
Day 2 – Welcome to the Aegean
Overnight in Izmir or Kuşadası
After breakfast, you will take a short domestic flight to Izmir, the
gateway to Turkey’s Aegean region. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet
you and transfer you to your hotel.
The Aegean coast has a distinctly different atmosphere from Istanbul —
calmer, sun-washed, and deeply connected to ancient Mediterranean
civilizations. This first day in the region is reserved for settling in,
enjoying the slower rhythm of coastal life, and preparing for the remarkable
historical sites you will explore in the coming days.
Day 3 – The Ancient Splendor of Ephesus
Overnight in Izmir or Kuşadası
Today you explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical
cities in the world and a highlight of any journey through Turkey. Once a
thriving port city and one of the largest urban centers of the Roman Empire,
Ephesus reflects the wealth, power, and artistic sophistication of antiquity.
Walking along its marble streets, you will encounter architectural
masterpieces such as the Library of Celsus, the Great
Theatre, monumental fountains, and richly decorated public buildings. As
you move through the ancient city, it becomes easy to imagine daily life here
nearly two thousand years ago — merchants, philosophers, and citizens shaping
one of the great cities of the ancient world.
After the visit, return to your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening along the
Aegean coast.
Day 4 – Pergamon: Power, Knowledge & Healing
Overnight in Izmir or Kuşadası
Today you travel north to Pergamon (modern Bergama), a
city dramatically set atop a steep hill and once a major center of power during
the Hellenistic era. The acropolis rises high above the surrounding plains,
offering sweeping views and an immediate sense of the city’s strategic importance.
You will explore the remains of temples, royal palaces, and one of the
steepest ancient theaters ever built. Pergamon was also renowned for its
intellectual life and medical advancements. At the Asklepion, one
of the ancient world’s most important healing centers, early forms of holistic
medicine were practiced using water, music, and dreams — ideas remarkably ahead
of their time.
After a full day immersed in history, return to your hotel for a restful
evening.
Day 5 – Journey Inland to Pamukkale
Overnight in Pamukkale
Leaving the Aegean coast behind, you travel inland toward Pamukkale,
a landscape that feels almost otherworldly. In the afternoon, you will explore
the famous white travertine terraces, formed over thousands of years by
mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down the hillside.
Above the terraces lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded
as a healing center in antiquity. As you walk through its Roman streets, baths,
and monumental structures, you’ll discover why people from across the ancient
world came here seeking health and renewal. The combination of natural beauty
and archaeological remains makes Pamukkale one of Turkey’s most memorable
destinations.
After the visit, transfer to your hotel for the night.
Day 6 – Aphrodisias: Art, Beauty & Timeless Craftsmanship
Overnight in Pamukkale
Today you travel to Aphrodisias, one of the most refined and
artistically significant ancient cities in Anatolia. Dedicated to Aphrodite,
the goddess of love and beauty, this city flourished as a major center of
sculpture and marble craftsmanship during the Roman period.
Walking through the ruins, you will see why Aphrodisias is considered a
masterpiece of ancient urban design. The Tetrapylon, monumental
stadium, temples, and public spaces remain remarkably well preserved. The
on-site museum displays lifelike statues that reveal the extraordinary skill of
Aphrodisian sculptors — figures so detailed they appear almost alive.
This visit offers a deeper understanding of how art, religion, and daily life
were intertwined in the ancient world.
Day 7 – From Ancient Healing Lands to the Turquoise Coast
Overnight in Fethiye
After breakfast, you leave the inland landscapes behind and journey
southwest toward the Turquoise Coast. Along the way, you
visit Kayaköy, an abandoned Greek village that stands as a silent
witness to the region’s complex history in the early 20th century.
Walking among its roofless stone houses and empty streets offers a
reflective moment — a contrast to the vibrant ancient cities you’ve explored so
far. By afternoon, you arrive in Fethiye, where the mountains meet
the sea and life moves at a gentler pace.
Check in to your hotel and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere.
Day 8 – Lycian Landscapes: Canyons & Forgotten Cities
Overnight in Fethiye
Today is dedicated to the dramatic landscapes of ancient Lycia,
a region shaped by both nature and civilization. Begin with a visit to Saklıkent
Gorge, a striking canyon carved by rushing waters over thousands of years.
Its cool pathways and towering rock walls offer a refreshing change of scenery.
Continue to the ancient city of Tlos, one of the oldest Lycian
settlements. Perched above the valley, its ruins include tombs carved into
cliffs, a fortress, and remnants of Roman and Byzantine life. From the heights
of Tlos, sweeping views stretch across the surrounding plains, highlighting the
strategic importance of this once-powerful city.
After lunch by the river, return to Fethiye for a peaceful evening.
Day 9 – Six Islands Cruise: Life Along the Aegean Sea
Overnight in Fethiye
Today you experience the Aegean from the water. Board a traditional wooden
boat in Ölüdeniz for a full-day cruise among six picturesque
islands and secluded coves.
As the boat glides across crystal-clear waters, you’ll have time to swim,
relax on deck, and enjoy the unhurried rhythm of coastal life. The sea,
sunlight, and gentle breeze create a perfect balance to the historical
explorations of previous days.
Return to Fethiye in the afternoon with the rest of the day free at leisure.
Day 10 – Toward the Mediterranean: Arrival in Antalya
Overnight in Antalya
Leaving the Aegean behind, you travel along the coast toward Antalya,
the heart of Turkey’s Mediterranean region. The drive offers changing
landscapes — rugged cliffs, fertile plains, and glimpses of the deep blue sea.
Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at your
own pace. Whether you choose to rest, stroll along the waterfront, or enjoy a
relaxed dinner, this evening marks a smooth transition into the next chapter of
your journey.
Day 11 – Roman Grandeur of the Mediterranean
Overnight in Antalya
Today you explore two of the finest Roman-era cities on Turkey’s
Mediterranean coast. Begin at Aspendos, home to one of the
best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Built in the 2nd century AD, its
exceptional acoustics and monumental scale still impress visitors today.
Continue to Perge, once the capital of the Pamphylia region. As
you walk along its colonnaded streets, past monumental gates, fountains, and
public buildings, you gain insight into daily life in a prosperous Roman city.
In the afternoon, visit Düden Waterfalls, where fresh water
cascades into the Mediterranean, offering a moment of calm before returning to
your hotel.
Day 12 – Ancient Ports & Living History
Overnight in Antalya
This morning is dedicated to Kaleiçi, Antalya’s historic old
town. Narrow streets, Ottoman-era houses, and remnants of Roman walls reflect
the many civilizations that shaped this port city.
In the afternoon, travel to Side, an ancient harbor city
beautifully set on a small peninsula. Walking among its temples, theater, and
seaside ruins, you experience the unique blend of archaeology and natural
scenery that defines the Mediterranean coast.
Return to Antalya for the evening.
Day 13 – Toward the Spiritual Heart of Anatolia
Overnight in Konya
After breakfast, journey inland to Konya, a city long
associated with spirituality and philosophy. Here you visit the Mevlana
Museum, dedicated to Rumi, whose teachings of love, tolerance, and unity
continue to resonate across cultures and centuries.
You will also explore the Karatay Medrese, admired for its
refined Seljuk tilework. Together, these visits provide a deeper understanding
of Anatolia’s intellectual and spiritual traditions.
Overnight in Konya.
Day 14 – From Neolithic Origins to Cappadocia
Overnight in Cappadocia
Today bridges humanity’s earliest settlements with one of its most
extraordinary landscapes. Begin with a visit to Çatalhöyük, one of
the world’s oldest known human communities, dating back over 9,000 years. Its
remains offer rare insight into early social organization and daily life.
Continue to Ihlara Valley, where you enjoy a scenic walk along
the Melendiz River, surrounded by greenery, rock-cut churches, and dramatic
canyon walls.
By evening, arrive in Cappadocia, where you check in to your hotel
nestled among the region’s iconic rock formations.
Day 15 – Cappadocia’s Otherworldly Landscapes
Overnight in Cappadocia
Today is dedicated to exploring the surreal terrain of Cappadocia. Visit
the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to rock-cut churches adorned with
well-preserved Byzantine frescoes.
Continue to Uçhisar Castle, the highest point in the region,
offering sweeping views across valleys shaped by volcanic forces. End the day
at Devrent Valley, where natural formations resemble animals and
figures, showcasing nature’s creativity.
Return to your hotel in the evening.
Day 16 – Life Beneath the Surface & Village Traditions
Overnight in Cappadocia
Begin the day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon flight, drifting
silently above fairy chimneys and valleys. Later, explore one of Cappadocia’s
remarkable underground cities, carved deep into volcanic rock and
once used as refuge by early Christian communities.
In the afternoon, visit Avanos, a village known for its pottery
traditions along the Red River. Here, you’ll witness techniques passed down
through generations, offering a glimpse into Cappadocia’s living culture.
Enjoy a peaceful final evening in this extraordinary region.
Day 17 – The Hittite Capital & Arrival in Ankara
Overnight in Ankara
After breakfast, you journey north to Hattusha, the former
capital of the Hittite Empire and one of the most important archaeological
sites of Bronze Age Anatolia. Walking through its massive stone walls and
ceremonial gates, you gain insight into a civilization that once rivaled Egypt
and Mesopotamia in power and influence.
In the afternoon, continue to Ankara, Turkey’s modern capital.
The evening is free to rest after a day rich in history.
Day 18 – Understanding Anatolia’s Story
Overnight in Ankara
Today is dedicated to Ankara’s most significant cultural landmarks. Begin
at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, widely regarded as one of
the finest museums in the world for understanding the deep history of Anatolia
— from prehistoric times through the classical period.
Continue to Atatürk’s Mausoleum, a powerful and moving site
that reflects the foundations of the modern Turkish Republic. The remainder of
the day is at leisure.
Day 19 – Ottoman Elegance in Safranbolu
Overnight in Safranbolu
Depart Ankara and travel to Safranbolu, a beautifully preserved
Ottoman town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through its cobbled
streets and timber-framed houses, you experience a living example of 18th- and
19th-century urban life.
Stay overnight in a traditional setting, allowing you to fully appreciate
the town’s atmosphere once day visitors have departed.
Day 20 – Return to Istanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
After breakfast, drive back to Istanbul. Following check-in at
your hotel, the afternoon is free to relax, revisit favorite spots, or enjoy a
leisurely walk along the Bosphorus.
This marks the beginning of the final chapter of your journey.
Day 21 – Hidden Neighborhoods & Living Cultures
Overnight in Istanbul
Today you explore Istanbul beyond its famous monuments. Walk through the
historic districts of Fener and Balat, known for
their colorful houses, churches, synagogues, and layered histories.
Continue through Galata and Karaköy, where old
and new Istanbul blend through art spaces, cafés, and vibrant street life. This
day offers a deeper, more personal understanding of the city’s multicultural
character.
Day 22 – Between Continents: Bosphorus & Kadıköy
Overnight in Istanbul
Begin with a stroll to the Golden Horn and board a ferry for a scenic Bosphorus
cruise, sailing between Europe and Asia. From the water, Istanbul’s
palaces, mosques, and waterfront neighborhoods reveal their full grandeur.
After exploring the Spice Market, cross to the Asian side of
the city and walk through Kadıköy, known for its lively food scene
and local atmosphere. Enjoy tastings of street foods and visits to
long-established eateries before returning to your hotel.
Day 23 – The Imperial Heart of Istanbul
Overnight in Istanbul
Spend your final full day exploring Sultanahmet, the historic
heart of the city. Visit the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque,
and the monumental Hagia Sophia, followed by the atmospheric Basilica
Cistern beneath the city.
After lunch, continue to Topkapi Palace, once the residence of
Ottoman sultans and a symbol of imperial power. As you walk through its
courtyards and terraces, the centuries-long story of the empire comes to life.
Day 24 – Farewell to Turkey
A private transfer will take you to Istanbul Airport for your international
departure.
You leave Turkey with a deep understanding of its civilizations, landscapes,
and living traditions — and memories shaped by time, place, and meaningful
encounters.
End of our services.
Designed for travelers seeking a deep, immersive journey through Turkey’s
civilizations, landscapes, and living cultures — at a comfortable and unhurried
pace.
