In-Depth Turkey Vacation

Welcome to Istanbul, a Middle East country that jams fascinating history, breathtaking natural wonders, and stunning coastlines! Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Istanbul. Check-in and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Today's journey takes you deep into the heart of Istanbul's imperial and spiritual legacy. Begin at the Hagia Sophia, the architectural marvel that has served as a church, mosque, and museum over the centuries.

Continue to the elegant Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece of Ottoman design and a serene hilltop sanctuary offering panoramic views of the Golden Horn. Step into the Topkapi Palace, once the opulent seat of Ottoman sultans, where jeweled relics, royal chambers, and lush courtyards evoke centuries of empire. Descend into the Basilica Cistern, an atmospheric underground reservoir supported by rows of ancient columns.

In the afternoon, shift from history to hands-on culture with a cooking class - learn to prepare classic Turkish dishes under expert guidance, rounding out your day with a meal you've helped create.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and stories of Istanbul today. Start at the Spice Bazaar, where the air is rich with the aromas of saffron, sumac, and rose tea - offering a sensory window into centuries of trade.

Then, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, gliding between two continents while admiring grand Ottoman mansions, palaces, and the skyline dotted with minarets. Step inside the Kariye Mosque (Chora Museum), where exquisite Byzantine mosaics and frescoes depict biblical scenes with stunning artistry.

Wrap up your day at the legendary Grand Bazaar, a maze of over 4,000 shops offering everything from handwoven carpets to intricate jewelry - a living testament to Istanbul's enduring role as a crossroads of commerce and culture.

Fly to Cappadocia this morning. Upon arriving at Kayseri airport, you will be transferred to the wonderful land of Cappadocia. When driving through the Devrent Valley and Pasabag Valley, stop and take a short walking tour to discover a mass of rock in various shapes, including the famous "fairy chimneys". Take a rest at the town of Avanos and then proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its dozens of churches, chapels, and monasteries that were carved into the rock from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Take photos in the neighboring valleys if time permits before going back to the hotel.

Continue your exploration of this magical land. Visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks. Later, descend into the subterranean city of Kaymakli, the largest underground city in Cappadocia. Walking through the narrow tunnels to search and see the rooms with different functions, you can easily imagine how the Christians lived after fleeing persecution in the 7^th century. Followed by is Cavusin Valley, where many dwellings were carved into a massive rock wall. The tour will end at the Red Valley and Wine House. Surrounded by fertile vineyards, this cozy place with a nice atmosphere will refresh you.

After breakfast, drive to Konya. Stop at Sultan Han, a large 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai on the road to Konya for rest. Upon arriving in Konya, pay a visit to the Mevlana Museum, the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi, a Turkish Sufi mystic, as well as the dervish lodge of the Mevlevi order. Later, explore Catalhoyuk, a very large Neolithic and Chalcolithic settlement that existed from approximately 7500 BC to 5700 BC in southern Anatolia, as well as the largest and best-preserved Neolithic site found to date.

Today you will drive toward Antalya and the journey usually takes about 4.5 hours. The Aspendos on the road between Konya and Antalya is famous for its Roman Theatre built in the 2^nd century AD by Marcus Aurelius. Until now, more than 2,000 years later, the theatre is still nearly intact and used for music and drama festivals. The followed Perge is one of the impressive Greco-Roman sites of Turkey. Passing through the arch of its Roman Gate, you will see the remains of once the most prosperous city. After the tour, spend overnight at Antalya.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, Antalya is a famous resort center. Today, you can explore this city on your own. Walking around the center of Antalya decorated with ancient houses and restaurants, or just simply sprawling in deck chairs on soft white sands and clear blue waters, you can feel charmed and relaxed.

For a more immersive seaside experience, consider an optional gulet tour - a traditional wooden boat cruise that takes you along the turquoise coastline, with stops for swimming in hidden coves and enjoying lunch on board. Whether you seek leisure or a bit of adventure, today offers the perfect balance of freedom and discovery.

After breakfast, about a 3.5-hour drive will take you to Pamukkale, which is famous for its unique geological formations named "cotton castle" in Turkish. Collections of terraced basins filled with blue waters among a pristine, all-white landscape, what a picturesque area it is! Close by is the ancient city of Hierapolis. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site along Pamukkale, Hierapolis flourished under the Roman era. Today several remains can be seen such as the main street, the gates, and the theatre.

This morning, travel from Pamukkale to Kusadasi with a visit to Aphrodisias.

Begin at the Aphrodisias Museum, home to statues, reliefs, and artifacts unearthed on site. Then explore the Temple of Aphrodite, once the heart of the city's spiritual life, and stroll through the grand Agora, where citizens once gathered for trade and debate. Marvel at the massive Stadium, among the best-preserved of its kind, and the elegant Theatre.

Don't miss the Hadrian Baths, the Odeon once used for intimate performances, and the Bishop's Palace, reflecting the city's later Christian history.

After the tour, move on to Kusadasi for the night.

Visit the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical sites in the Mediterranean. Step onto the Arcadian Way, the grand colonnaded avenue once used by Roman chariots and emperors. Admire the striking façade of the Celsus Library, a marvel of Roman architecture that once held thousands of scrolls. Imagine roaring crowds as you explore the massive Ephesus Theatre, which could seat up to 25,000 spectators for performances and public gatherings.

Later, make a meaningful visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a serene pilgrimage site believed to be where Mary spent her final years. After your exploration, return to Kusadasi, where your evening is at leisure by the Aegean Sea.

After breakfast, travel from Kusadasi to Izmir, then catch a domestic flight back to Istanbul, where your journey began.

Upon arrival, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at leisure. You may choose to revisit a favorite spot, shop for last-minute souvenirs at a local bazaar, or unwind at a street-side café with Turkish coffee in hand. Whether you're savoring your final glimpses of the Bosphorus or taking a peaceful stroll through a quiet neighborhood, today offers a relaxed pace to reflect on your travels.

Your journey through Turkey comes to a close today. At the appointed time, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight from Istanbul. As you leave this city of soaring minarets, ancient empires, and unforgettable flavors, may the memories of your adventure stay with you for years to come. Safe travels!