Antalya Ephesus Cappadocia Istanbul. 7 days full of history and places of extraordinary beauty. Full day Antalya tour, Full day tour to Ancient Ephesus and the house of the Virgin Mary,  Full day city tour in Istanbul and a half-day cruise to Bosphorus.

Travel Plan – Inclusions

Day by Day Itinerary

DAY 1: ISTANBUL

Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 

DAY 2: ISTANBUL – FULL-DAY OLD CITY TOUR

We begin our tour from the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul at Agia Sophia. Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD this church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of emperors and empresses.

Next, we visit the Blue Mosque, which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only imperial Mosque with six minarets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100.000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. After a lunch break, we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace which, from the 15th to 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans.

The final visit will be to the Grand Bazaar which was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4.000 shops are full of treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewellery, ceramics, icons and leather goods.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL – HALF-DAY BOSPHORUS CRUISE – CAPPADOCIA

Half-day cruise through Bosporus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th-century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges Disembarkation at the European part of Turkey and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Dinner and overnight

DAY 4: CAPPADOCIA – FULL-DAY CAPPADOCIA NORTH TOUR

Our first real encounter with Cappadocia’s almost Martian landscape is in the Derwent valley. We visit Pasabag’s “fairy chimneys”, where the voice of the wind harmonizes with the songs of the fairies. From here we pause at Avanos centre of terracotta art which is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, views over the river and its production of earthenware pottery, it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kızılırmak has always been used. A visit to the ceramic & tile centre to see how the ceramics are made by hand.

After lunch, we visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum to see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia. People of Goreme, at the heart of the Cappadocia Region, realized that these soft rocks could be easily carved out to form houses, churches, and monasteries. These Christian sanctuaries contain many examples of Byzantine art from the post-iconoclastic period. These frescoes are a unique artistic achievement from this period.

You visit a carpet cooperative, where you’ll see how exquisite Turkish carpets are hand-woven. We complete the tour with a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia. Dinner and overnight.

DAY 5: CAPPADOCIA – ANTALYA

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Antalya. Upon your arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.

DAY 6: ANTALYA – FULL DAY CITY AND BOAT AND WATERFALLS TOUR

Antalya is a city that ranks as one of the most popular places among visitors to Turkey. Our full-day excursion will take you sightseeing in the historic city of Antalya. Do you still wonder what to do in Antalya, Turkey? We will start the day by picking you up at the main entrance of your hotel. Along the way, we will visit the Antalya Waterfalls. So you can take photos of the beautiful Antalya Waterfalls. Kaleici, or Old Antalya, is filled with history and lovely buildings. You will see old houses built in the Ottoman style and from the park, you’ll enjoy terrific views of the water. You will see the old town’s harbour, Hadrian’s Gate, and many other sights as well. This section of the city features many small streets lined with shops, kebab restaurants and pensions. There are some great boutique hotels and pensions here if you decide to return and stay in the ancient heart of Antalya.

Following places to be seen on this tour: • Antalya Old Barbour • Old Town of Antalya • Duden Waterfalls • Free time at the Antalya Bazaar • Hadrianus Gate (by your own at the free time) • Old fluted minaret & clock tower (by your own at the free time)

Dinner and overnight in Antalya.