15 Days Grand Turkey Tour: Istanbul, Ephesus, Bodrum, Antalya and Cappadocia Private Tour

Welcome to Turkey. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. After settling in, enjoy a welcome drink and an informative session with culinary experts. In the evening, join your fellow travelers and our friendly crew for a welcome dinner, where you will savor traditional Turkish cuisine and experience the enchanting atmosphere of Istanbul at night.

Following a morning orientation, begin your city tour with a hands-on Turkish cooking lesson, where you will prepare and enjoy your own lunch featuring regional flavors. Afterward, visit the opulent Topkapi Palace, the former residence of Ottoman sultans, housing exquisite collections of imperial jewels and relics. Continue to the Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, famous for its intricate blue Iznik tiles, and explore the ancient Hippodrome, once the center of chariot races, featuring the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpentine Column.

Start your day with a visit to the Hagia Sophia, a 6th-century architectural masterpiece reconstructed by Justinian. Afterward, explore the vibrant Grand Spice Bazaar to discover exotic spices, Turkish delight, and traditional handicrafts. In the evening, immerse yourself in local culture with a belly dancing and folklore class, where you will learn the techniques and expressive movements of these traditional arts.

Enjoy a morning Bosphorus cruise, a traditional excursion along the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, offering unique views of Istanbul's waterfront palaces and fortresses. Following the cruise, you will be transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, a transfer will take you to your hotel in Kusadasi for dinner and an overnight stay.

Spend the day among the ruins of Ephesus, once a commercial hub of the ancient world and dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Walk through the agora, gymnasium, and the iconic Library of Celsus. The tour also includes a visit to the final abode of the Virgin Mary and the site of the Temple of Artemis. Before returning to your hotel, you will visit a traditional carpet weaving center to witness one of Turkey's oldest artistic traditions.

Head into the hills to Sirince, a village of old stone houses where the remains of 42 churches can be found. Here, you will observe local women demonstrating ancient techniques in handmade textile production, including carpets and kilims. The village is also renowned for its fruit wine, and you will have the opportunity to sample various local varieties at a winery before returning to Kusadasi for dinner.

Depart for Pamukkale to witness the stunning calcium terraces, often referred to as the Cotton Castle. After a lunch break, explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. You will have the opportunity to walk through the natural phenomenon of the white terraces and bathe in the mineral-rich thermal waters. Dinner and overnight stay will be at your hotel in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic four-hour drive to the coastal town of Bodrum. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax by the sea. Dinner will be served at the hotel.

Embark on a full-day boat excursion along the turquoise Bodrum coastline. The trip includes several stops at beautiful bays where you can swim, snorkel, or simply relax on deck. You will visit the Black Island, famous for its grotto containing warm mineral waters believed to have beautifying properties. Lunch is served on board during this relaxing day at sea. Return to the harbor in the late afternoon for dinner.

Depart for Antalya after breakfast. The drive takes approximately four hours; on arrival our representative meets you and takes you to your hotel, and the rest of the day is free. Dinner is included at the hotel.

Today is a free day to enjoy Antalya at your leisure. You may choose to relax on the beach, explore the old town, or visit local markets. For those seeking activity, there are various optional local excursions available, such as diving, snorkeling, or river rafting. Spend the day soaking up the Mediterranean sunshine before returning to your hotel for dinner.

Enjoy a final morning in Antalya before your afternoon transfer to Antalya airport for your domestic flight to Cappadocia. On arrival at Kayseri Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax and take in the unique landscape of the region. Dinner will be provided at the hotel.

Begin the day with a culinary lesson focusing on the flavors of Central Turkey, including traditional kebabs and pancakes. In the afternoon, visit the Goreme Open Air Museum to view 10th-century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and early monks. Continue to the abandoned village of Cavusin, visit a local pottery workshop, and conclude the day at Pasabagi to see the famous three-headed fairy chimneys.

Participate in a professional ceramics class where you will receive assistance in creating your own piece of art to keep as a souvenir. In the afternoon, explore the Ozkonak Underground City, an expansive subterranean dwelling that dates back to the Hittite era and served as a shelter for various civilizations throughout history. Return to your hotel for dinner.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping in Cappadocia. You will then be transferred to Kayseri Airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul, marking the end of your 15-day Turkish adventure. We wish you a pleasant journey home.