14-Day Istanbul, Cappadocia, Mediterranean Cruise & Aegean Highlights Tour

Today explores the historic heart of Istanbul shaped by Byzantine and Ottoman rule. Visit the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once the center of imperial ceremonies, followed by the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, two of the city’s most significant monuments. Continue to Topkapı Palace, the former residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans, before concluding at the atmospheric Basilica Cistern, an underground Roman water reservoir. Overnight in Istanbul.

This day focuses on Istanbul’s role as an imperial trading and maritime city. Begin at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets, followed by the Süleymaniye Mosque, designed by the architect Sinan. Continue to the richly decorated Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the lively Spice Market, historically linked to global trade routes. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus cruise, offering views of palaces, mosques, and waterfront neighborhoods lining the strait between Europe and Asia. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast, visit Dolmabahçe Palace, reflecting the Ottoman Empire’s 19th-century modernization and European influence. Continue with a Bosphorus experience before transferring to the airport for a flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional hot air balloon flight at sunrise. The day introduces Cappadocia’s volcanic landscape and early Christian heritage. Visit Devrent Valley, the monastic settlement of Zelve, and Paşabağ (Monks Valley), known for its distinctive fairy chimneys. Continue to Avanos for a pottery demonstration along the Kızılırmak River, before visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring rock-cut churches with Byzantine frescoes. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Explore lesser-visited parts of Cappadocia, beginning in Soğanlı Valley, a quiet monastic area set within a rural landscape. Continue through traditional villages to Keşlik Monastery, where frescoes are hidden beneath a thin soot layer. The day concludes at Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the largest subterranean settlements in the region. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Depart Cappadocia and begin a scenic drive across the Anatolian plateau toward Konya, historically one of the most important Seljuk capitals. Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to Jalaluddin Rumi, the 13th-century mystic philosopher whose teachings formed the foundation of Sufi spirituality in Anatolia. The site offers insight into Seljuk art, Islamic mysticism, and Konya’s role as a major intellectual and spiritual center during the medieval period. Continue westward to Pamukkale, arriving in the evening. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Begin the day with visits to Hierapolis, an ancient spa city established around natural thermal springs during the Hellenistic period. Walk through the ruins of baths, temples, streets, and the vast necropolis, which illustrate the city’s long-standing role as a healing center. Continue to the famous white travertine terraces of Pamukkale, formed by calcium-rich waters flowing down the hillside over thousands of years. The journey continues to Aphrodisias, a UNESCO-listed ancient city renowned for its marble resources and internationally celebrated sculpture school. Unlike many Roman cities, Aphrodisias thrived primarily as an artistic and cultural center, and its stadium, temple, and sculpted reliefs remain exceptionally well preserved. In the late afternoon, arrive in Fethiye and embark on the gulet, beginning the Mediterranean cruise. Overnight on board.

While sailing along the Mediterranean coastline and nearby bays, the cruise reflects the maritime routes that connected Anatolia to the wider ancient world. Secluded coves, sheltered anchorages, and coastal landscapes provide a relaxed counterbalance to the archaeological intensity of the land-based portion of the journey. Overnights on board.

After disembarking from the gulet, travel north along the Aegean coast to explore three key cities of Ionian civilization. Visit Didyma, home to the monumental Temple of Apollo and one of the most important oracle centers of antiquity. Continue to Miletus, a major port city and birthplace of early philosophers, known for its theater and urban layout. The day concludes at Priene, a well-planned Hellenistic city set dramatically against Mount Mykale, offering insight into ancient city planning and civic life. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved and most important ancient cities in the Mediterranean world. As a Roman provincial capital, Ephesus was a major center of trade, administration, and religious life. Walk along marble streets past landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the Great Theatre, which once accommodated tens of thousands of spectators. Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site, followed by St. John Basilica, traditionally believed to mark the burial place of the Apostle John. From here, view the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Overnight in Kuşadası.

Transfer to Izmir Airport for a flight to Istanbul, connecting with international departures.