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Essence of Turkey - 13 days
Best price guaranteed
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Carbon neutral
CO2 emissions resulting from all trips on Bookmundi will be offset via investments in carbon reduction projects.
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Sistema di prenotazione semplice e intuibile. In caso di necessità le istruzioni presenti sul sito sono risultate utili e chiare. Nessun problema riscontrato
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Highlights
Izmir - Stroll along the lively waterfront promenade lined with cafés and shops
Pamukkale - See the brilliant white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal springs
Hierapolis - Explore ancient ruins including temples, baths, and a well-preserved Roman theatre
Fethiye - Visit the ancient Telmessos Theatre and the bustling Fish Market in this harbour town
Antalya - Wander the historic Kaleici district with its Ottoman-era houses and charming Old Harbor
Caravanserai - Step inside a 13th-century Seljuk inn once used by Silk Road traders and their caravans
Saratli - Discover an underground city carved into volcanic rock and used as a refuge in antiquity
Cappadocia - Stay in a unique cave hotel amid landscapes of fairy chimneys and valleys
Ankara - Visit Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Salt Lake - Witness one of the world’s largest salt lakes stretching across the Anatolian plain
Istanbul - Admire Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar on a city tour
Caravanserai - Step inside a 13th-century Seljuk inn once used by Silk Road traders and their caravans
Saratli - Discover an underground city carved into volcanic rock and used as a refuge in antiquity
Cappadocia - Stay in a unique cave hotel amid landscapes of fairy chimneys and valleys
Ankara - Visit Anıtkabir, the monumental mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk
Salt Lake - Witness one of the world’s largest salt lakes stretching across the Anatolian plain
Istanbul - Admire Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the bustling Grand Bazaar on a city tour
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What's Included
Accommodation
10 nights in 4-5 star hotels & 2 nights cave hotel in Cappadocia
Meals
12 breakfasts & 8 dinners
Transport
Arrival airport transfer on day 1 & departure airport transfer on day 13Relevant transfers and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles
Others
Services of licensed guides throughout TurkeyLuggage handlingLocal taxes and service charges
What's Excluded
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Set off on a 13-day tour of Turkey, travelling from Izmir to Istanbul through a tapestry of history, culture and natural beauty. Walk among the ancient ruins of Ephesus, gaze at the dazzling terraces of Pamukkale, and enjoy the coastal charm of Fethiye before continuing to Antalya with its old harbour and winding streets. Journey inland to Cappadocia, a land of fairy chimneys and underground cities, then move on to Ankara to see the Mausoleum of Atatürk. The adventure concludes in Istanbul, where Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and bustling bazaars reflect centuries of tradition and grandeur.
day 1 - Arrival in Izmir
Upon arrival in Izmir, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in. The rest of the day is free at leisure. You may wish to relax at the hotel or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade and enjoy one of the local cafés.
Meals:1 Dinner
OverNight:Izmir
day 2 - Izmir at Leisure
After breakfast, you can opt to join a full-day tour to the ancient city of Ephesus (booked and paid locally), one of the best-preserved archaeological sites of the classical world. Walking along its marble streets, you will see the grand Theatre, the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and many other remarkable remains that showcase the city’s past splendour.
The optional tour also includes a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered place of pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims. This peaceful site is believed by many to have been the final home of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Later, you will stop at a regional carpet centre to observe the traditional craft of Turkish rug weaving, a skill passed down through generations. The day concludes in Izmir, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Izmir
day 3 - Izmir to Pamukkale
Izmir - Pamukkale - Hierapolis - Pamukkale. We depart Izmir, travelling to a leather fashion showroom, where we see first-hand the skill and creativity of Turkish craftsmanship. This visit offers us the chance to appreciate one of the country’s most renowned trades.
From here, we continue to Pamukkale, celebrated for its dazzling white travertine terraces formed by natural thermal springs. These striking formations have drawn visitors for centuries and remain one of Turkey's most famous natural wonders.
Our day concludes with a tour of Hierapolis, the ancient spa city that grew around the hot springs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its ruins include temples, baths, and a well-preserved theatre that recall its status as a thriving centre of health and culture in antiquity.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Pamukkale
day 4 - Pamukkale to Fethiye
Pamukkale - Fethiye. This morning, we drive to the coastal town of Fethiye, a picturesque harbour city on the Turquoise Coast. Known for its natural beauty and lively atmosphere, it serves as the gateway to some of Turkey’s most stunning coastal landscapes.
On arrival, we take a walking tour that includes the ancient Telmessos Theatre, a reminder of the region’s long and layered history. We also visit the bustling Fish Market, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the freshest catch of the day.
The evening is spent in Fethiye, where we will enjoy dinner and spend the night,
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Fethiye
day 5 - Fethiye at Leisure
Today, you have a full day at leisure to relax and enjoy Fethiye at your own pace. You may wish to explore the town, unwind by the harbour, or simply take time to rest.
Alternatively, you can join an optional boat cruise along the stunning Turquoise Coast. This excursion includes swim stops at secluded bays and islands, offering a memorable way to experience the beauty of the Mediterranean.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Fethiye
day 6 - Fethiye to Antalya
Fethiye - Antalya. After breakfast, we set out on a scenic drive along the Mediterranean coast, travelling towards Antalya, often called the jewel of the Turkish Riviera. The journey offers us sweeping views of turquoise waters and dramatic landscapes before we arrive in this vibrant city.
On arrival, we enjoy an orientation walk through the Old Harbor and the historic Kaleici district, with its narrow streets and charming Ottoman-era houses. In the evening, we share dinner at a local restaurant before spending the night in Antalya.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Antalya
day 7 - Antalya at Leisure
Today, you may choose to explore Antalya at your own pace, perhaps wandering through the charming Old Town, browsing the local bazaars, or relaxing by the marina.
Alternatively, you can join an optional excursion to Perge and Aspendos. At Perge, you can walk through the remains of one of the region’s most impressive ancient cities, while Aspendos is famed for its remarkable Roman theatre, considered among the best-preserved in the world.
The rest of the day is free for you to explore Antalya at your own pace, enjoy dinner or simply relax at your hotel.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Antalya
day 8 - Caravanserai & Saratli Underground City
Antalya - Cappadocia. This morning, we depart early for Cappadocia, travelling across the Anatolian countryside. Along the way, we pause at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai, once a vital resting place for traders and their caravans on the Silk Road.
On arrival in Cappadocia, we explore the underground city of Saratli, carved deep into soft volcanic rock and once used as a refuge in times of conflict. In the evening, we enjoy dinner together before settling in for the night in our cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Cappadocia
day 9 - Cappadocia at Leisure
Early this morning, you may choose to experience a hot air balloon ride at sunrise, floating over Cappadocia’s extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys and valleys.
You will also have the option of joining a half-day tour that visits the Goreme Open-Air Museum, the pottery town of Avanos, Devrent Valley with its imaginative rock formations, and the colourful Red Valley. During the tour, you can also take part in a hands-on pottery demonstration, learning about one of the region’s oldest crafts.
In the evening, you may opt to attend a Whirling Dervishes ceremony, a spiritual performance unique to Turkey. We will then enjoy dinner at our hotel. (All optional activities are booked and paid locally)
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Cappadocia
day 10 - Cappadocia to Ankara
Cappadocia - Ankara. Today, we depart Cappadocia and travel to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey. En route, we pass by the vast Salt Lake, one of the largest in the world and an impressive natural landmark. On arrival, we visit Anıtkabir, the grand mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of modern Turkey. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Ankara.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Ankara
day 11 - Ankara to Istanbul
Ankara - Istanbul. After breakfast, we depart from Ankara and travel to Istanbul. The afternoon is free at leisure, or you may choose to take an optional tour.
On this excursion, you will enjoy a Bosphorus cruise, gliding past Ottoman palaces and elegant mansions along the strait between Europe and Asia. You will also visit the vibrant Spice Market, where your senses will be filled with the colours and aromas of spices, sweets, and local delicacies.
In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner before settling in for the night in Istanbul.
Meals:1 Breakfast, 1 Dinner
OverNight:Istanbul
day 12 - Exploring Istanbul
Today, we embark on a full day guided tour of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. We begin at the Hagia Sophia, an architectural masterpiece that has served as both a Byzantine church and an Ottoman Mosque, and now once again stands as a functioning mosque.
We continue to the Hippodrome, once the centre of public life in Constantinople, before visiting the Blue Mosque, admired worldwide for its striking domes, slender minarets, and beautiful blue Iznik tiles.
In the afternoon, you may choose to visit the Topkapi Palace Museum with an optional entrance ticket. This opulent former residence of the Ottoman sultans showcases the grandeur of the empire, though entry to the Harem section is not included.
Our day concludes with a stroll through the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest covered markets. This evening is at leisure, with the option to enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner paired with a lively belly dancing performance.
Meals:1 Breakfast
OverNight:Istanbul
day 13 - Departure from Istanbul
After your final breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. Safe travels!
