Panoramic Turkey: History, Culture & Beach

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted at the airport and escorted to your hotel via a comfortable private transfer. Take time to settle in and rest after your journey - or, if you're feeling energized, consider spending your first evening on a Bosphorus dinner cruise, enjoying traditional music and dazzling city views from the water. Alternatively, explore local meyhanes (taverns) for authentic Turkish flavors, or attend a Whirling Dervishes performance for a glimpse into the city's spiritual heritage.

For anybody's first visit to Turkey, the Hagia Sophia is a must-see. Built in the 6th century, it is a historical witness of the two great religions: Christianity and Islam. Just a short walk from the palace is the Basilica Cistern. Step down from the water palace entrance, as if into another world: the mysterious heads of Medusa, the tinkle of water drops hitting the surface of the water, marble columns in neat rows, etc.

Afterward, visit Suleymaniye Mosque, a rather delicate mosque that combines majestic domes, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views over the Golden Horn. Walk through the nearby Hippodrome of Constantinople. Some monuments, like the Egyptian Obelisk and Serpentine Column, can be seen here.

In the late afternoon, we highly recommend joining us with a Bosphorus Strait Cruise. Enjoy the mesmerizing night views while having a sip on board.

Spend the day exploring Istanbul's rich blend of modern creativity and deep-rooted tradition. Begin with a visit to the Istanbul Museum of Modern Art, where contemporary Turkish and international works come to life in a stunning Bosphorus-side building. Continue to the Masumiyet Müzesi (Museum of Innocence), an evocative space created by Nobel laureate Orhan Pamuk that brings fiction and memory into a deeply personal museum experience. Next, ascend the iconic Galata Tower for sweeping views over the old city and the Bosphorus Strait.

In the afternoon, head to Eyup Sultan Mosque, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Islamic world, and pay your respects at the adjacent tomb. End your day with a peaceful cable car ride or walk up to Pierre Loti Hill, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the Golden Horn from a charming hillside café.

Begin your morning with a visit to the Istanbul Naval Museum, followed by the Tomb of Barbaros Hayrettin, the legendary Ottoman admiral. Take the ferry to the Asian side, where you'll explore the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and visit the Fountain of Sultan Ahmed III. Enjoy lunch at a time-honored restaurant known for its Ottoman and Turkish home-style cuisine (at your own expense).

Afterward, head to Kadikoy, the central hub of Istanbul's Asian Side, to visit the Kadikoy Municipality Building (exterior view) and discover the bustling Kadikoy Balik Pazari market.

Return by ferry to the European side. Sample a signature Turkish dessert and stop at the Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi shop for a cup of authentic Turkish coffee. Continue to the lively Spice Bazaar, and soak in the local atmosphere around the Yeni Mosque, where shoe shiners evoke images of a bygone era.

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your flight to Kayseri, then drive to Cappadocia (the journey takes about 2.5 hours in total).

Upon arrival, let your imagination free in Devrent Valley, where the rocks are being eroded into different shapes of animals, and see the amazing fairy chimneys standing out to the sky in Pasabag Valley. Continue to drive to Cavusin Valley to uncover the troglodyte dwellings where people have lived for centuries. Conclude your day at the Pigeon Valley, a captivating natural corridor named for the thousands of dovecotes carved into the soft volcanic rock.

Today we will appreciate the beautiful examples of Byzantine art in the cave-churches of the Goreme Open Air Museum, and get a fabulous panoramic view over Cappadocia at the Uchisar Castle. Then, visit the Ortahisar, a natural citadel carved in rocks.

In the afternoon, feel free to explore the city. You can hike along the Red Valley and Wine House. The vast green vineyards will refresh your eyes and treat your fatigue during the journey. Alternatively, visit Avanos, a vibrant village famous for its hundreds-year-old pottery tradition. Have a hands-on experience at a local workshop!

Set off on a 3-hour road trip to Konya, the final resting place of the poet and Sufi mystic Mevlana Rumi, and the birthplace of Turkish whirling dance. Upon arrival, visit the Mevlana Museum, whose fluted dome of turquoise tiles can be seen from afar. Get to know the rituals and practices of the Mevlevi Order here.

In the afternoon, continue to Catalhoyuk Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage, for an insight into Neolithic human settlement through unearthed ritual buildings, wall paintings, and sculptures.

Today we will first sightsee the historical city of Konya, including its maze-like bazaar that is crammed with dazzling hardware, clothes, jewelry, and religious paraphernalia.

Then we will move forward to Antalya, a beautiful city on the Mediterranean coast. En route, stop in Aspendos to visit its Roman theatre with many Greek characteristics. It is said to be one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world.

Arrive late in the afternoon, check into your hotel in Antalya, and relax.

It is a free day for you to enjoy Antalya's fabulous beaches and exotic cultures. You may explore its narrow cobbled street, impressive museum, the Hadrian's Gate, and many other historical buildings in the old quarter. Or just relax on a charming beach or enjoy a traditional Turkish bath.

Enjoy some leisure time in Antalya before flying back to Istanbul (about 2 hours) for an onward flight to your next destination.