14-Day Istanbul, Aegean, Mediterranean & Cappadocia Classical Türkiye Tour

Today explores the imperial heart of Istanbul, shaped by Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Visits include the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of public life and ceremonies, followed by the Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture. Continue to Hagia Sophia, one of the most influential monuments in world history, and Topkapı Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans, including the Harem section. The day concludes at the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground Roman water reservoir showcasing ancient engineering. Overnight in Istanbul.

This day focuses on Istanbul’s commercial, religious, and maritime identity. Begin at the Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest covered markets in the world, followed by the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the architect Sinan and representing the height of Ottoman architecture. Continue to the richly decorated Rüstem Pasha Mosque, famous for its İznik tiles, and the lively Spice Market, historically linked to global trade routes. In the afternoon, enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, offering a scenic perspective of palaces, mosques, and waterfront neighborhoods lining this strategic waterway between Europe and Asia. Overnight in Istanbul.

Today highlights Istanbul’s transformation into a modern, multicultural metropolis. Visit the Galata Tower, a symbol of the city’s medieval commercial past, followed by Dolmabahçe Palace, reflecting the Ottoman Empire’s 19th-century modernization and European influence. Continue to Taksim Square and İstiklal Street, the lively heart of modern Istanbul. The tour concludes with visits to the Chora Church (Kariye), renowned for its Byzantine mosaics, and the historic Balat and Fener neighborhoods, known for their multicultural heritage. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, continue by road to Kuşadası, your base for exploring the ancient cities of the Aegean region. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Early departure to visit Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Temple of Hadrian, and the Terrace Houses, offering insight into elite Roman life. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, St. John Basilica, and view the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Full-day excursion to the Ionian cities of Priene, Miletus, and Didyma, illustrating the political, religious, and urban development of ancient Western Anatolia. These sites provide a deeper understanding of Greek city-states and oracle traditions. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Drive inland with a visit to Aphrodisias, a UNESCO-listed ancient city renowned for its marble sculpture school, stadium, and temple complex. Continue to Pamukkale, visiting Hierapolis and the white travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Travel through the lakes region to Sagalassos, a spectacular mountain city known for its monumental fountains and dramatic setting. Continue to Antalya, with a visit to the Antalya Archaeology Museum, one of the finest museums in Türkiye, providing essential context for the region’s ancient sites. Overnight in Antalya.

Explore the ancient cities of Perge, with its colonnaded streets and public buildings, and Aspendos, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the world, still admired for its acoustics. Afternoon free to relax along the Mediterranean coast. Overnight in Antalya.

Scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains to Konya, historically the Seljuk capital of Anatolia. Visit the Mevlana Museum, associated with the mystic philosopher Jalaluddin Rumi and Sufi tradition. Overnight in Konya.

Drive to Cappadocia, stopping at Sultan Han Caravanserai, one of the finest examples of Seljuk roadside inns on the Silk Road. Continue to the Ihlara Valley, where a walk along the river reveals rock-cut churches set within a dramatic canyon landscape. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Today introduces Cappadocia’s landscape and monastic heritage through its most iconic sites. Begin at Uçhisar Castle, the region’s highest viewpoint, offering panoramic views across valleys and fairy chimneys. Continue to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches and Byzantine frescoes that illustrate early Christian monastic life. Visit Paşabağ (Monks Valley), where distinctive fairy chimneys and hermit dwellings reflect both the geology and spirituality of the region. The tour continues to Avanos for lunch and a visit to a traditional pottery workshop along the Kızılırmak River, before concluding in Devrent Valley, known for its imaginative rock formations shaped by erosion. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Begin the day at Kaymaklı Underground City, exploring its multi-level chambers, storage areas, and ventilation systems that reveal how communities once lived beneath the ground. Continue to Keşlik Monastery, a peaceful rock-cut complex with frescoed chapels illustrating Cappadocia’s Christian heritage. Visit Sobessos, a late Roman archaeological site with mosaics and bathhouses, before walking through Mustafapaşa, a historic Greek-Ottoman village known for its stone mansions. The day concludes at Ortahisar Panorama, offering scenic views of Ortahisar Castle and the surrounding valleys before transfer for departure connections.