Istanbul
Golden Horn
9 Days / 8 Nights Adventure in Turkey!
This itinerary is planned for those who wish to enjoy the most popular Turkey highlights including Antalya. We'll use 2 domestic flights and 1 long trip of 6.5-7.5 hours between Cappadocia and Antalya. (we can avoid the 8 hours-long road and replace it with 1 flight upon request)
Optional Activities
Hot Air Balloons, Photography Sessions, Jeep Safari, Horse Riding, ATVs, Paragliding,
Hot Springs Spa, Dervish (Sufi) Dance Show, Turkish Night Show on Cruise,
and many more other activities 🎊🥇🏖🚙✈⛱
** Optional Activities are not included the price. You can choose and book upon arrival. (Hot Air Balloon can be booked now in payment page)
✔ 6-11 Years Old Children: 30% Discount
✔ 1-5 Years Old Children: 60% Discount
✔ Especial discount for (6+ people) private groups
(we do NOT have mixed group tours)
TOUR SUMMARY
9 Days Turkey Highlights
Antalya Beach Lovers!
Tour Type: Private Basis (Escorted)
Start City: Istanbul
End City: Istanbul
Overnights: (by itinerary order)
-
Istanbul: 2 nights
-
Cappadocia: 2 nights
-
Konya: on the road visit (No overnight)
-
Antalya: 1 night
-
Pamukkale: 1 night
-
Kusadasi: 1 night
-
Istanbul: 1 night
Domestic Flights: 2 (each max 1hr15m)
Road Trip: 8 hours
Transportations: Luxury vans
Accommodation: 8 nights / 5*&4* Hotels
What's included, what's not!
INCLUSIONS:
✔ All Accommodations in 5*&4* Hotels
✔ All Breakfasts + Lunches(on tour)
✔ Dinner as per Itinerary
✔ All Domestic Flights
✔ All Transportations by Luxury Vans
✔ Guiding by Professional Licensed Tour Guide
✔ Tips at Hotels & Restaurants
EXCLUSIONS:
- International Flights(click for cheap flights)
- Travel Insurance
- Visas
- Tips to Tour Guides and Drivers
- Optional Activities
- Entrance Fees for Sites
Itinerary Details
Day 1: Istanbul / Arrival - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Dinner)
Welcome to Turkey!! After landing at one of the Istanbul airports, you'll be welcomed at the exit gate by your tour guide (holding a sign with your name on it) and will be transferred by a VIP van/bus to your hotel. There are two international airports in Istanbul. (IST and SAW). At either one, after collecting your luggage, follow the exit signs and go to the exit gate. ▶ At IST airport, you need to exit from gate No.14 and meet your tour guide. ▶ At SAW airport, there's only one exit gate where you'll be welcomed by your tour guide. Today, we have no planned activity, so you can spend the rest of the day at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: N/A
Day 2: Walking Tour in Old Istanbul - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After having an open buffet breakfast at the hotel, you'll be picked up by your tour guide to begin the Istanbul city tour. Istanbul is a vibrant blend of rich history, diverse cultures, and modern urban life. The main historical part of Istanbul is called Old Istanbul where you will be amazed by witnessing the fascinating Byzantine(East Roman) and Ottoman empires' historical and cultural structures. In today's tour, we will visit the following highlights of Old Istanbul: Topkapi Palace: Explore the former palace of Ottoman sultans, showcasing imperial collections, courtyards, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus. This palace was the first administrative palace of the Ottoman Empire after conquering the city. Hagia Sophia: This iconic building has served as a cathedral, mosque, and museum. Hagia Sophia is known for its massive dome and innovative architectural design. It was considered the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque): Known for its stunning blue tiles, this mosque is a significant religious and architectural landmark with 6 minarets. This mosque has a capacity of more than 10000 prayers. Hippodrome: A chariot-racing track originally constructed by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in AD 203 and later expanded by Constantine the Great in the 4th century. Grand Bazaar: Finally, immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world with over 4000 shops. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Please note that Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and the Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 3: Istanbul Tour - Flight to Cappadocia - Overnight in Cappadocia (4* Cave Hotel)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, you'll check out from your hotel in Istanbul and will be transferred to the airport to fly to Cappadocia. This flight will take 1hr15m. As soon as you land in Cappadocia, you'll be transferred to your hotel. The distance between the airport and your hotel is about 45 min. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Cappadocia (a Cave Hotel) Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 4: Cappadocia Tour - Hot Air Balloon (Opt) - Overnight in Cappadocia (4* Cave Hotel )
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
You will have the option to take a memorable Hot Air Balloon tour over the unique landscapes of Cappadocia early in the morning to see the sunrise from up there! After breakfast at the hotel, you'll start your tour in Cappadocia's unique and captivating region, known for its extraordinary landscapes, cave dwellings, ancient history, fairy chimneys, and underground cities. The oldest settlement in these soft rocks goes back to 5000 years ago! Today, we'll visit the following magnificent sightseeing of Cappadocia: Göreme Open Air Museum: a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries adorned with remarkable frescoes. Devrent/Imagination Valley: The rock formations will surprise you with shapes in which each of them resembles various shapes and figures. These shapes include animals, people, and other imaginative forms. You won't miss the rock-shaped camel! Pasabag/Monks' Valley: known for its well-formed fairy chimneys in the region. You'll have a chance to walk between the mushroom-shaped pillars and take unique photos. Avanos Town and its Pottery Workshops: The longest river in Turkey which is called Kizilirmak(Red River) goes through this beautiful town. The red clay in this town has become a job opportunity for its local people since 5000 years ago. You'll have a chance to try your pottery-making talent on one of those kick-wheels! Underground City: There are more than 150 underground cities in Cappadocia which 5 of them are open to visit. These bunkers were carved into the soft volcanic rock by ancient civilizations for defensive purposes with a capacity of thousands of people. Uchisar Castle: The highest peak rock in the region containing a mass of rooms and shelters. Pigeons Vally: Famous for the numerous pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. Feed the pigeons and take photos with the evil-eye tree! After visiting the above highlights, you'll be transferred to the airport to fly to Istanbul. this flight will take 1hr15m. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Cappadocia Cave Hotel Meals: Breakfast-Lunch Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon-Turkish Bath/Hamam-ATV/Quad Bike- Horse Riding - Turkish Night-Classic Car Photo Shooting.. (Contact for more info) Important Note: Please book the Hot Air Balloon tickets through our agency to avoid any inconvenience circumstances since refunding the canceled flight (because of weather conditions) has been an issue in this activity!
Day 5: Cappadocia to Antalya via Konya (Moulana Rumi) - Overnight in Antalya (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
Following breakfast, you will complete the hotel checkout and begin a road journey to Antalya. En route, a pause is scheduled in Konya city to explore the tomb and museum dedicated to Moulana Rumi, a globally known Sufi and poet from the 13th century. His devotees, known as Dervishes, engage in the spiritual Sema dance as part of their ceremonies. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit the Sultan Selim Mosque, constructed in the 16th century. Post-lunch, the bus journey to Antalya will resume. The whole road trip from Cappadocia to Antalya takes around 8 hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Antalya Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 6: Antalya Tour - Road Journey to Pamukkale - Overnight in Pamukkale/Denizli (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, You'll complete your checkout from your hotel in Antalya and start your tour in Antalya city. you'll have an option to either choose a full-day or half-day yachting tour to swim in beautiful corners of the coastal city of Antalya in the Mediterranean Sea or take the city tour. Today, we'll visit the following highlights: Duden Waterfall: offering the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and relax in peaceful surroundings, Duden is the river that drops off a rocky cliff directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Tunektepe Cable Car: From 605m high, look at the fascinating view of Antalya and the Mediterranean Sea and take beautiful photos. Hadrian's Gate: Was built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 130 AD. Enter the gate and walk through the old town of Antalya. After finishing your tour, we'll take the road to Pamukkale. This road journey takes approx. 3 hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Pamukkale/Denizli 4* Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 7: Pamukkale Tour - Road Journey to Kusadasi- Overnight in Kusadasi (5*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner)
After breakfast, You'll check out from the hotel and start your day tour. Today, we'll visit the following highlights: Pamukkale/Cotton Castle: A natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique geological formation terraces of white travertine terraces filled with thermal water. Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Ancient city of Hierapolis: It is situated above the terraces, and was built near the hot springs for therapeutic purposes. The ruins of Hierapolis, including Roman baths, temples, and a necropolis, are part of the archaeological site. You'll also visit the Cleopatra Natural Pool. After finishing your tour and the optional activities mentioned below, we will hit the road to Kusadasi. This road takes approximately 3 hours. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Kusadasi 5* Meals: Breakfast-Lunch-Dinner Optional activities: Paragliding-Gyrocopter-Textile/Outlet shopping center-Turkish delight factory.
Day 8: Ephesus Tour - Flight to Istanbul - Overnight in Istanbul (4*)
(Meals: Breakfast - Lunch)
After breakfast, You'll check out from the hotel in Kusadasi and start your tour. Today, we'll visit the following highlights: Ancient Greek/Roman city of EPHESUS: Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also famous for the temple of Artemis-one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World which was originally located in Ephesus. You'll also visit many architectural and historical highlights during your walking through the streets of Ephesus such as the Library of Celsus, Hercules Gate, Grand Theatre, Roman Public Toilets, and Temple of Hadrian. It will paint a vivid picture of what everyday life in the ancient city might have been like. House of Virgin Mary(optional): It is believed that the Virgin Mary spent her last years in this house near Ephesus. After finishing your tour, you'll be transferred to Izmir airport to fly to Istanbul. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight: Istanbul Meals: Breakfast-Lunch
Day 9: Istanbul / Departure
(Meals: Breakfast)
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to check out and will be transported to the airport for your departure flight. We sincerely hope you’ve cherished every moment of your vacation and are leaving with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories and photos! We can’t wait to welcome you back for another adventure. Safe travels! 😇 Overnight: N/A Meals: Breakfast Included Activities: N/A Optional Activities: N/A