Treasures of Turkey Tour (15 days)

Itinerary;

Istanbul - Selçuk - Pamukkale - Dalyan - Fethiye - Kaş - Myra - Çıralı - Eğirdir - Konya - Cappadocia - Istanbul

Day 1 - Istanbul

Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to the hotel. You can arrive at any time today as there are no planned activities until Dinner time. Istanbul is Turkey's largest city, with an estimated population of around 17 million. You will be blown away by the beauty an grandeur of it's architecture and history. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul - Selçuk

After breakfast we board a morning flight to the city of Izmir, followed by a transfer to the nearby town of Selçuk. We will visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the most visited ruins site in Turkey. The facade of the library alone is worth the trip. Walking through the huge amphitheatre will make you want to try out your singing skills. It is still sde every year for live concerts and has a definite aura surrounding it. After lunch we will visit the home of Virgin Mary, where it is believed she spent her last days. Visit to the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. Overnight in Selçuk.

Day 3 - Selçuk - Pamukkale

In the morning we drive to Pamukkale where we will visit the amazing travertines (Calcium Pools) and explore the ruins of the ancient Roman spa town of hierapolis. This World Heritage-listed site stands as a monument to the wonder of nature. Our tour through Hierapolis includes its very large amphitheatre and free time to swim in the Cleopatra Antique Pool, where water allegedly cures almost every ailment known to mankind. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 4 - Dalyan - Fethiye

After breakfast we depart to the river town of Dalyan and enjoy a boat trip to Lake Köyceğiz. We will the visit Turtle Beach, where turtles come every year to lay their eggs, and some mud baths where you can relax in the warm mud and refresh your skin. We will then see the ruins of the Kaunos (Tombs) on the Mediterranean coast. Continue our drive towards Fethiye. OVernight in Fethiye.

Day 5 - Fethiye

In the morning we will drive to Fethiye and visit coastal Ölüdeniz (The location for the movie 'Blue Lagoon'). In the afternoon you can choose to try tandem paragliding or relax at the beach. Free afternoon and evening. Night in Fethiye.

Day 6 - Kaş

In the morning we depart for the seaside town of Kaş, visiting stunning Saklikent Gorge with its built-in waterfalls and spectacular scenery on the way. Free evening. Night in Kaş.

Day 7 - Kaş - Myra - Çıralı

After breakfast we drive to a nearby town where we will embark on a boat cruise to visit the sunken city of Kekova where you can look through the crystal-clear waters at the ruins below. You will have the opportunity to go for a short swim. After lunch we will depart for Myra (home of the Legend of St. Nicholas). We then continue on to Çıralı, a laid back little village and a beatiful beach backed by mountains. This area is particulary famous for the Çimera (burning rock), spontaneous flames coused by burning methane, that burns from the crevices of the nearby hillside. In ancient times these flames were used as landmarks by which sailors could navigate. Dinner and night in Çıralı.

Day 8 - Çıralı

Free day to explore the charming village of Çıralı. Relax at the beach or walk to the village of Olympos to explore the ruins. We will meet later in the evening to visit the Çimera (burning rock) on Mt. Olympos. Night in Çıralı.

Day 9 - Eğirdir

After breakfast we head inland for the picturesque town of Eğirdir, situated on an inland lake surrounded by mountains. Along the way we will stop in Isparta to sample some of the many rose products that this region is famous for. Dinner and night in Eğirdir.

Day 10 - Konya - Cappadocia

Today we depart for Cappadocia. Along the way we will stop in Sultan Hanı, the world's largest Caravan saray. Our next stop is Konya, the most religious city in Turkey, best known for its devout followers of the Sufi sect of Islam (Whirling Dervish). Here we will visit the Whirling Dervish Museum and the MEvlana Mausoleum. After arriving in Cappadocia and checking into our hotel we will meet again for a Turkish Cultural Show in the evening. Night in Cappadocia.

Day 11 - Cappadocia

Optional: One-hour hot air balloon flight early in the morning. This is one of the highlights of the trip. You will enjoy the unique view from the air of this stunning landscape.

Full day tour of Cappadocia, where you can wander through the desert, surrounded on every side by cave houses dug by hand in the natural rock formations that form this magical landscape. This is a place where your imagination can run free. We will visit places such as Paşabağ and Derinkuyu Underground city, extending 8 levels below the ground and carved out of volcanic rock. In the evening we will enjoy dinner, local drinks and a Turkish Cultural Show with a lively dance performance. Night in Cappadocia. 

Day 12 - Cappadocia - Istanbul

Morning tour of Derinkuyu Underground City, extending 8 levels below the ground and carved out of volcanic rock. Enjoy some more of the landscape before heading to Kayseri airport for our flight back to Istanbul. Night in Istanbul.

Day 13 - Istanbul

After breakfast we start the historical tour of the Old City of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and the Hippodrome. Dinner and night in Istanbul.

Day 14 - Istanbul

After breakfast we will visit Topkapı Palace, residence of the Ottoman Sultans for almost four centuries and Istanbul's must-see attraction. Enjoy free afternoon of shopping in the 4500 shops of the Grand Bazaar. Farewell dinner. Night in Istanbul.

Day 15 - Istanbul

Free morning. Bus transfer to airport. End of Service.