Tour-2 14-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Antalya & Aegean Discovery Tour

Today explores the historic core of Istanbul, shaped by the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires over more than fifteen centuries. The tour begins at the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life, imperial ceremonies, and chariot races.  Continue to the Blue Mosque, the last major example of classical Ottoman architecture, admired for its harmonious design and refined interior decoration. Opposite stands Hagia Sophia, one of the most influential monuments in world history, renowned for its monumental dome, groundbreaking engineering, and layered religious past, located within the UNESCO-listed Historic Areas of Istanbul. In the afternoon, visit Topkapı Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries. The Harem Section offers a unique glimpse into palace life and court traditions. The day concludes at the Basilica Cistern, an underground water reservoir and masterpiece of Byzantine engineering, famous for its atmospheric columns and enigmatic Medusa heads.  Overnight in Istanbul.

Today begins in Beyoğlu, the historic New Town of old Istanbul, shaped by the Ottoman Empire’s 18th–19th century Westernization. Walk along İstiklal Street, once the city’s most cosmopolitan avenue and still a vibrant reflection of Istanbul’s European-facing past. Continue to Galata Tower, originally built by the Genoese as a watchtower for their medieval commercial colony. From the top, enjoy panoramic views over the Old City, Golden Horn, and Bosphorus, offering a clear geographic orientation of Istanbul. Later, visit the Spice Market (Egyptian Bazaar), a historic center of Ottoman trade in spices and luxury goods, followed by Rüstem Pasha Mosque, renowned for its exceptional 16th-century İznik tilework, considered among the finest examples of Ottoman ceramic art. The day concludes with a relaxing Bosphorus Cruise, providing scenic views of palaces, waterfront mansions, and fortifications while sailing between Europe and Asia. Overnight in Istanbul.

Begin the day with a visit to the Chora Church (Kariye), one of Istanbul’s most important examples of late Byzantine art, famous for its richly detailed mosaics and frescoes. Continue with a walking tour through the historic neighborhoods of Fener and Balat, located along the Golden Horn, where narrow streets and colorful houses reflect centuries of layered urban life and diverse communities. From here, take a ferry to the Asian side of Istanbul, arriving in Kadıköy, one of the city’s most lively local districts. Enjoy lunch at Çiya Restaurant, widely regarded for its authentic regional Anatolian cuisine. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Cappadocia. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional early morning hot air balloon flight, offering a unique aerial perspective over Cappadocia’s valleys, fairy chimneys, vineyards, and volcanic formations. Later, begin at Uchisar Castle, the region’s highest natural viewpoint, providing a clear overview of Cappadocia’s valley system and settlement patterns. Continue to a panoramic stop in Love Valley to observe the fairy chimneys from above, followed by a walk through Paşabağ, where the formations can be explored up close, offering insight into the region’s geological formation. Visit Saruhan Caravanserai, a well-preserved Seljuk-era inn and a unique example of the medieval travel and trade network across Anatolia. Lunch is taken in Avanos, followed by a visit to a traditional pottery workshop, reflecting the town’s long artisan heritage. The day concludes at Devrent Valley, known for its naturally sculpted rock formations shaped entirely by erosion. Overnight in Cappadocia.

This day focuses on Cappadocia’s historical depth and early settlement patterns. Begin at the Göreme Open Air Museum (UNESCO), home to rock-cut churches decorated with frescoes illustrating early Christian monastic life. Continue to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the region’s largest subterranean complexes, built as a shelter and refuge over centuries. The route proceeds to Sobesos Ancient City, a lesser-known Roman-era site, followed by a walk through Mustafapaşa (old Sinasos), known for its well-preserved stone mansions and layered cultural heritage. End the day with a panoramic stop at Ortahisar, overlooking traditional village life and volcanic rock formations. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Begin with a gentle hike in Red Valley, known for its colorful volcanic layers and scenic viewpoints. Continue to Çavuşin Village, one of the oldest settlements in Cappadocia, where rock-cut dwellings reflect early habitation patterns. Later, take part in a hands-on cooking class, introducing regional Anatolian dishes prepared with seasonal ingredients. The experience concludes with a local wine tasting, highlighting Cappadocia’s long-standing viticulture shaped by volcanic soil and climate. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Antalya. Overnight in Antalya.

Today explores the ancient Pamphylia region, a major cultural crossroads of southern Anatolia during the Roman period. Begin with a visit to Perge Ancient City, once the capital of Pamphylia, featuring monumental gates, colonnaded streets, baths, and a well-preserved stadium. Continue to Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, renowned for its exceptional acoustics and monumental scale, still used for performances today. In the afternoon, visit the Düden Waterfalls, where natural scenery offers a refreshing contrast to the region’s archaeological heritage. Overnight in Antalya.

This day focuses on Antalya’s historic core and its relationship with the Mediterranean Sea. Begin in Kaleiçi (Old Town), where Ottoman-era houses, Seljuk remains, and Roman monuments illustrate the city’s layered past. Visit Hadrian’s Gate, built in honor of the Roman emperor’s visit, and continue toward the historic harbor, once a vital maritime hub. The remainder of the day is free to enjoy Antalya at a relaxed pace, whether along the coastline or in local cafés. Overnight in Antalya.

Transfer to Antalya Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir, the gateway to Turkey’s Aegean region.  Upon arrival, continue to Şirince or Kuşadası, passing through landscapes shaped by olive groves and vineyards. The rest of the day is free at leisure.  Overnight in Şirince or Kuşadası.

Visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the Mediterranean world and a major center of Roman Asia Minor. Walk along marble-paved streets past landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, agora, and bath complexes. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site, followed by St. John’s Basilica, built over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. Overnight in Şirince or Kuşadası.

Drive inland to Aphrodisias (UNESCO), renowned for its marble sculpture school and exceptionally preserved monuments, including one of the best-preserved ancient stadiums in the Roman world. Continue to Pamukkale, where white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascade down the hillside. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including its theater, necropolis, and sacred thermal pools. Return to the Aegean coast in the evening. Overnight in Şirince or Kuşadası.

A free day to relax or choose from optional excursions based on personal interests:

• Şirince Village & local winery visit
• Priene, Miletus & Didyma, key sites of ancient Ionia
• Ferry excursion to the Greek island of Samos

Overnight in Şirince or Kuşadası.

Transfer to Izmir Airport for your international departure, concluding your journey through Turkey’s imperial, volcanic, Mediterranean, and classical landscapes.