Highlights
- Go hiking in Love Valley among towering rock formations called fairy chimneys
- Explore the largest city on the Turquoise Coast, Antalya, by e-bike
- Visit the ancient ruins of Termessos, Kekova, Xanthos, and Hierapolis
- See Istanbul's European and Asian sides during a cruise in the Bosphorus Strait
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Uçhisar in Cappadocia | Uçhisar |
| Day 2 | Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley Hike | Uçhisar |
| Day 3 | Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Explore the Kaymaklı Underground City | Uçhisar |
| Day 4 | Transfer to Antalya via Konya & the Aspendos Theater | Antalya |
| Day 5 | E-Bike Tour of Antalya, Explore the Ancient Ruins of Termessos | Antalya |
| Day 6 | Road Trip to Kaş via Yanartaş & Myra | Kaş |
| Day 7 | Boat to Kaleköy & the Sunken Ruins of Kekova or Hike to Phellos | Kaş |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Pamukkale via the Ancient City of Xanthos | Pamukkale |
| Day 9 | Relax in the Travertines of Pamukkale, Visit Hierapolis, Fly to İstanbul | İstanbul |
| Day 10 | Explore the Vibrant City of İstanbul by Foot | İstanbul |
| Day 11 | Guided Tour of Sultanahmet & the Grand Bazaar | İstanbul |
| Day 12 | Boat Cruise in the Bosphorus Strait, Relax at the Hürrem Sultan Hammam | İstanbul |
| Day 13 | Depart İstanbul |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Kayseri, Transfer to Uçhisar in Cappadocia
Welcome to Turkey's historic Cappadocia region! Meet your driver at the airport and transfer to Uçhisar, the highest point in Cappadocia. Look out the windows on the drive to catch a glimpse of the ancient cave dwellings, surreal rock formations, and soaring hot-air balloons the region is known for. Check into your hotel and stay in to relax, or venture out and explore the area on your own. You can start by visiting the iconic fourth-century CE Uçhisar Castle that overlooks the valley. Climb the hill to the ancient rock fortress, explore the passageways and tunnels, and enjoy the panoramic vista from the top.
Day 2: Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley Hike
Day 3: Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride, Explore the Kaymaklı Underground City
Wake up before dawn for what's sure to be a highlight of your trip—a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's lunar-like landscape at sunrise. Enjoy a small breakfast and transfer to the launch point to watch the crew inflate the massive balloons. When the balloons are ready, hop into the basket and hold on tight as you rise into the air. Take in the breathtaking views below as the valleys transform in the soft morning light. When you land, continue the adventure as you head to the Kaymaklı Underground City.
Day 4: Transfer to Antalya via Konya & the Aspendos Theater
Leave the otherworldly landscape of Cappadocia behind as you transfer to Antalya this morning, the largest city on the Turquoise Coast. Although it's a six to seven-hour drive, you won't be bored, as there are plenty of stops along the way. The first is Sultanhani Caravanserai, a 13th-century shelter that tradespeople used when traversing the Silk Road. Enter through the massive stone doorway and imagine the countless merchants, travelers, and their camels who sought refuge here. Continue your drive to the city of Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi.
Read the original writings from this 13th-century icon and browse the captivating display of artifacts to learn more about Rumi's life before enjoying a quick lunch and jumping back in the car. The last stop before Antalya is the Aspendos Theater, one of the most well-preserved Roman theaters in the world. Stand within the imposing stone walls of this second-century landmark and take in its sheer size, towering tiers of seats, and the stage where gladiators, musicians, and actors used to perform. Head to your hotel in Antalya to unwind after your action-packed road trip.
Day 5: E-Bike Tour of Antalya, Explore the Ancient Ruins of Termessos
Today's adventure is an e-bike tour across Antalya to see the city's main landmarks. Once you grab your equipment and complete a safety briefing, cycle to Düden Park, home to Düden Waterfall. Hop off your bike to get a view of the falls cascading into the Mediterranean Sea from the park's observation deck. Leave the water behind to head to Kaleiçi, the city's historic Old Town. Cycle along the narrow streets surrounded by the city walls, mosques, Turkish baths, and charming shops. Take a break in a local restaurant to try a simit, a traditional Turkish bagel, with a cup of tea.
Once you're rejuvenated, continue on the tour, passing world-famous beaches, cultural centers, green parks, and the Antalya Aquarium. Transfer back to your hotel to rest your legs before heading out of the city to the Taurus mountains to visit the ruins of Termessos. Explore this well-preserved ancient city, said to have been built around 300 BCE. Walk among the remnants of temples, baths, and towering stone walls. Visit the intact theater and admire the dramatic mountain backdrops before returning to Antalya for the night.
Day 6: Road Trip to Kaş via Yanartaş & Myra
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Say goodbye to Antalya as you head down the coast to Kaş, a small fishing village turned tourist town. On the way, stop at Yanartaş (Burning Rock), where gases like methane emerge from the rocks, creating a permanent fire. Admire the fifth-century BCE church at the entrance, then head up the hill to see the legendary volcanic field. When you reach the top, look out at the flames that have been burning for over 2,500 years, inspiring the creation of Homer's mythical fiery creature, the Chimera.
Head back down the hill to continue the drive, stopping at the ancient city of Myra, built in the second century BCE. Wander through this archaeological wonder, admiring the well-preserved rock-cut tombs adorning the cliff faces. Explore the Roman theater, agora, and St. Nicholas Church—believed to be the final resting place of the saint who inspired the story of Santa Claus. After walking through the remains of this once-prosperous city, finish the drive to Kaş and settle in at your hotel.
Day 7: Boat to Kaleköy & the Sunken Ruins of Kekova or Hike to Phellos
One of the best ways to see the Turquoise Coast is by water, so this morning, jump in a boat and cruise to the fishing village of Kaleköy, also known as Simena. Disembark and head up the hill overlooking the village to visit Kaleköy Castle, a Byzantine-era fortress built to fight pirates. Enter the well-preserved ruins, walk among the stone walls and towers, and admire the panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea. Head down the hill and hop on the boat to the Sunken Ruins of Kekova, a partially submerged city destroyed by earthquakes in the second century.
View the remains of the city's walls, stairs, and even sarcophagi from the boat before sailing back to Kaş. If you're not feeling a boat tour, there are two alternative activities you can choose from. The first is a hike up Mount Felen to visit the ancient city of Phellos. Explore the rock-cut tombs, intricate Lycian sarcophagi, and remnants of the amphitheater before heading back down the mountain. Your second alternative is a more adventurous version of the original tour, as you'll be kayaking across the sea to Kaleköy and the sunken ruins. This more active option gives you a closer look at the underwater ruins.
Day 8: Transfer to Pamukkale via the Ancient City of Xanthos
Day 9: Relax in the Travertines of Pamukkale, Visit Hierapolis, Fly to İstanbul
After breakfast, head to the baby-blue waters the town is known for at the Travertines of Pamukkale. When you enter the property, you'll be greeted by mineral forests, petrified waterfalls, and a series of terraced basins with thermal waters flowing down them. Pack your swimsuit, as you can swim in some of the hot springs, which are rich in minerals beneficial for the skin, such as calcium.
Nearby is the ancient Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded by Apollo around 190 BCE. Explore the incredibly well-preserved theater and a necropolis, a cemetery with elaborate tomb monuments, and admire the Antique Pool, full of submerged Roman columns due to an earthquake. After a relaxing day, head to the airport for a one-hour flight to the largest city in the country, İstanbul.
Day 10: Explore the Vibrant City of İstanbul by Foot
Start your first morning in İstanbul with a nourishing breakfast at the hotel, then head out for a full day of exploration. Start at Topkapı Palace, the former residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to 19th century. See how royalty used to live by exploring the palace's throne room, courtyards, and even the old Sultans' quarters. Continue on your tour to the Spice Bazaar, one of the longest markets in the city. Browse the 85 shops selling local spices, nuts, coffee, tea, and Turkish delight.
Day 11: Guided Tour of Sultanahmet & the Grand Bazaar
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel, then meet your guide for another action-packed day exploring the streets of İstanbul. Today's focus is the historic district, Sultanahmet, home to nearly all the important landmarks. Start at the 17th-century Blue Mosque, named after the intricate blue tiles lining its interior. You can easily combine your visit with the Hippodrome, sitting on the west side of the mosque's courtyard. This ancient Roman stadium is now a park known as Sultanahmet Square, where you can admire the mosque's impressive exterior and the ancient Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius.
Head to the Hagia Sophia next, which was built before the Middle Ages in the year 537 CE, making it the largest building in the world during that time. It's difficult to fully understand the true size of this landmark until you enter and marvel at its interior. In the afternoon, follow your guide through the winding streets of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's largest and oldest covered markets. Meander down the 61 covered streets to browse over 4,000 shops selling goods like Turkish rugs, lanterns, teas, and spices. After all that walking, head back to the hotel to rest before dinner.
Day 12: Boat Cruise in the Bosphorus Strait, Relax at the Hürrem Sultan Hammam
Start your day with a leisurely cruise along the Bosphorus Strait so you can admire the shores of both the European and Asian sides of the city. Listen as your guide teaches you about İstanbul's rich history as you sail past Ottoman palaces, ornate mosques, and elegant mansions that reflect the city's rich heritage. Disembark and head back to your hotel to rest or continue exploring the city alone.
Spend your final evening in Turkey relaxing at the Hürrem Sultan Hammam, a traditional Turkish spa designed and built by Mimar Sinan, one of the most influential architects of the Ottoman Empire, at his wife's request. Enter and admire the marble interior, intricate tilework, and elegant domes that create a serene atmosphere. Choose the spa treatments you want to indulge in, such as a massage or body scrub, then sit back, relax, and enjoy being pampered.
Day 13: Depart İstanbul
Your Turkish adventure comes to a close today after a memorable 13 days. Say goodbye to İstanbul with a final visit to the Grand Bazaar, where you can pick up some last-minute souvenirs or get one last taste of some Turkish street food. Keep an eye on the clock, as a driver will be meeting you back at the hotel to take you to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!
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