Detailed Tour Program
Day 1 · Arrival in Istanbul
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel, with assistance during check-in.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Day 2 · Istanbul between continents
A Bosphorus tour between Europe and Asia, passing palaces, fortresses and historic waterfront mansions. Spice Market and the historic Balat district, with colourful houses and multicultural heritage. In the afternoon, İstiklal Street and a pause at the historic Pera Palace Hotel.
Day 3 · Classic Istanbul
Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque with its İznik tiles and the Roman Hippodrome. Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern and a final visit to the Grand Bazaar.
Day 4 · Bursa · Aegean region
Bursa, the first Ottoman capital: Ulu Cami and historic Koza Han, once a centre of the silk trade. Continue to the lakeside village of Gölyazı on Lake Uluabat, then transfer to the Aegean coast. Dinner included.
Overnight: Izmir/Aliağa.
By road: 460 km · approximately 6 hr including stops
Day 5 · Pergamon
Pergamon Acropolis, with its theatre, temples and administrative buildings; the Asclepion, an ancient healing centre; and the Red Basilica exterior. Transfer to the Kuşadası area.
Overnight: Kuşadası.
By road: 290 km · approximately 4 hr
Day 6 · Ephesus · Pamukkale
A full day in Ephesus: the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, agoras, paved streets and elite residences. The Temple of Artemis area and House of the Virgin Mary. Depart for Pamukkale, its travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis. Dinner included.
The programme mentions a possible swim in Cleopatra's Pool; access requires confirmation.
By road: 380 km · approximately 5 hr
Day 7 · Lycia: Xanthos, Letoon and Patara
Enter ancient Lycia: Xanthos, its capital, and the sanctuary of Letoon. In the afternoon, Patara, an ancient port associated with St Nicholas's birthplace.
Overnight: Kaş.
By road: 400 km · approximately 5 hr 30 min
Day 8 · Lycia and the Mediterranean
Kaputaş Beach and a visit to Myra, known for its rock-cut Lycian tombs and Roman theatre. St Nicholas's Church and, in the afternoon, a regular boat trip around Kekova, beside the submerged city.
Overnight: Antalya.
By road: 250 km · approximately 4 hr, plus the boat trip
Day 9 · Free day in Antalya
A free day to explore Antalya and its combination of history, sea and Mediterranean life.
Day 10 · Konya · Cappadocia
Travel across Anatolia, stopping in Konya, a centre of the Seljuk sultanate, and visit the Mevlana shrine, Rumi's mausoleum. Continue to Cappadocia.
Overnight: Cappadocia.
By road: 480 km · approximately 6 hr
Day 11 · Cappadocia
Göreme Open-Air Museum, volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and an underground city once used as a refuge.
Optional: a balloon flight at dawn.
Day 12 · Cappadocia · Southeast Anatolia
Transfer to Adıyaman, in the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Commagene, between Persian and Hellenistic cultural traditions. Dinner included.
By road: 600 km · approximately 7 hr 30 min
Day 13 · Mount Nemrut · Flight to Istanbul
An early-morning ascent to Mount Nemrut, with its colossal statues of gods and King Antiochus I. Domestic flight to Istanbul.
Overnight: Istanbul.
Transfer and flight: 80 km by road, then Adıyaman–Istanbul flight · 1 hr 45 min
Day 14 · Asian Istanbul
Cross to Asia by ferry: Üsküdar and Kuzguncuk with their historic houses; Beylerbeyi Palace and Kadıköy with its market.
An included Turkish Night with folk dances and dinner.
Day 15 · Departure
Free time until the airport transfer. End of the circuit.
Included & Not Included
Included services
- Included admissions: Hagia Sophia
- Blue Mosque
- Topkapi
- Basilica Cistern
- Ulu Cami and Koza Han
- Pergamon and Asclepion
- Ephesus
- Hierapolis and Pamukkale
- Xanthos
- Letoon
- Patara
- Myra
- Mevlana
- Göreme
- Mount Nemrut
- Fourteen nights with breakfast
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Spanish-speaking guide
- Listed admissions
- Air-conditioned transport
- Domestic flight
- Three dinners (Aliağa, Pamukkale and Adıyaman)
- Turkish Night
Not included
- International flights
- Lunches
- All drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips
- Cappadocia balloon flight
