12-Day Turkish Adventure: Discovering History and Beauty
Day 1: Istanbul Arrival & Welcome
- Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel.
- Check in, rest, and meet your guide for an Istanbul orientation.
- Overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 2: Istanbul Marvels (Walking Tour)
- Explore the iconic Blue Mosque, a masterpiece from 1616.
- Visit the Turkish Islamic Art Museum and its stunning carpets.
- Tour the grand Topkapı Palace, the Ottoman Sultans' residence.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Shop at the historic Grand Bazaar.
- Visit Suleymaniye Mosque and stroll through the Spice Market.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 3: Istanbul's Treasures Continue
- Discover the Roman Hippodrome's historic structures.
- Explore the Basilica Cistern with its mysterious Medusa heads.
- Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, built in 537.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Experience the Chora Church's unique mosaics.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 4: Bosphorus Cruise & Flight to Cappadocia
- Enjoy a Bosphorus Boat Tour showcasing Istanbul's history.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Fly to Cappadocia.
- Check-in and rest for Day 5.
- Overnight in Cappadocia. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 5: Cappadocia Wonders (Private Tour)
- Explore the imaginative Devrent Valley and its Fairy Chimneys.
- Visit Pasabag, resembling scenes from the Hobbit and Smurfs.
- Pottery Workshop to learn about Hittite art.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Discover cave churches at the Goreme Open Air Museum.
- Visit Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 6: Cappadocia's Underground Secrets
- Explore the Kaymaklı Underground City.
- Photo break at Nar Lake.
- Hike through Ihlara Canyon's beautiful nature.
- Lunch at the canyon.
- Visit Sarıhan Caravanserai.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 7: Soganli Village & More
- Explore monastic life in Soganli Village.
- Visit the Sobessos Excavation site with floral mosaics.
- Discover Keşlik Monastery and understand ancient social lives.
- Drive to Sinassos, an Old Greek Village.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Hike in Red Valley for 2 hours.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 8: Flight to Izmir & Leisure Time
- Transfer to the airport.
- Fly to Izmir.
- Check-in to the hotel in Kusadasi or Selcuk.
- Relax and enjoy the evening.
- Dinner and overnight stay. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 9: Ephesus Exploration (Private Tour)
- Explore the ancient site of Ephesus.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit the Temple of Artemis and St. John’s Basilica.
- Explore the Virgin Mary's House and the Selcuk Ephesus Museum.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 10: Priene, Miletus, Didyma Adventure
- Drive to Priene, an Ionian City.
- Visit Miletus, known for ancient philosophers.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Explore the Temple of Apollon in Didyma.
- Return to the hotel. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 11: Aphrodisias & Pamukkale (Private Tour)
- Drive to Aphrodisias, a well-preserved ancient site.
- Lunch at a local restaurant.
- Visit Hierapolis (Pamukkale / Cotton Castle).
- Marvel at the travertine formations.
- Return to the hotel in Pamukkale. Estimated Time: 6-8 hours.
Day 12: Departure
- If departing, transfer to the airport.
Experience the rich history, diverse landscapes, and cultural wonders of Turkey in this 12-day adventure!