Aegean & Cappadocia Explorer
12 days · 5 suggested stays
Day 1 — Arrive in Istanbul, settle in, and enjoy a relaxed evening with a Bosphorus cruise.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Arrival and Check-in
Check into hotel and freshen up after your journey.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
Evening cruise along the Bosphorus with skyline views.
Hotel in Sultanahmet
Stay in the heart of the old city.
Day 2 — Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia
Visit the majestic former cathedral and mosque.
Blue Mosque
Admire the stunning blue tiles and architecture.
Lunch at Sultanahmet
Enjoy a traditional Turkish meal.
Topkapi Palace
Explore the opulent palace of Ottoman sultans.
Day 3 — Discover the Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and take a ferry to Kadikoy for a food tour.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Grand Bazaar
Wander through one of the world's oldest covered markets.
Spice Bazaar
Smell the exotic spices and taste Turkish delight.
Ferry to Kadikoy
Take a scenic ferry across the Bosphorus to the Asian side.
Kadikoy Food Tour
Sample street food and local specialties.
Day 4 — Fly to Cappadocia, check into a cave hotel, and explore Goreme Open-Air Museum.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Flight to Cappadocia
Fly from Istanbul to Nevsehir or Kayseri.
Cave Hotel Check-in
Settle into a unique cave hotel in Goreme.
Goreme Open-Air Museum
Explore rock-cut churches and frescoes.
Sunset View Point
Watch the sunset over the fairy chimneys.
Day 5 — Hot air balloon ride at sunrise, then explore underground city and hike a valley.
(overnight: Cappadocia)
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Float over Cappadocia's surreal landscape at sunrise.
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast.
Derinkuyu Underground City
Explore the multi-level underground city.
Rose Valley Hike
Hike through the beautiful Rose Valley at sunset.
Day 6 — Fly to Antalya, relax on Konyaalti Beach, and explore Kaleici old town.
(overnight: Ephesus)
Flight to Antalya
Fly from Cappadocia to Antalya.
Hotel in Antalya
Check into a seaside hotel with pool.
Konyaalti Beach
Relax on the pebble beach and swim in the Mediterranean.
Kaleici Old Town
Stroll through historic Ottoman-era streets.
Day 7 — Explore ancient Perge and Aspendos, then enjoy a beach afternoon.
(overnight: Ephesus)
Perge Ancient City
Visit the ruins of a once-thriving Roman city.
Aspendos Theatre
Admire one of the best-preserved Roman theatres.
Lunch in Side
Enjoy a seaside lunch in the charming town of Side.
Beach Time
Return to Antalya for a relaxing beach afternoon.
Day 8 — Travel to Kusadasi via Pamukkale, visiting the travertine terraces.
(overnight: Göbeklitepe)
Drive to Pamukkale
Rent a car or take a bus to Pamukkale.
Pamukkale Terraces
Walk on the white travertine terraces and swim in Cleopatra's Pool.
Drive to Kusadasi
Continue to Kusadasi after Pamukkale.
Aslan Konuk Evi
—
Visit site
Check into a beachfront hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 9 — Full day exploring the ancient city of Ephesus and nearby sites.
(overnight: Kusadasi)
Library of Celsus
Marvel at the iconic facade of this ancient library.
Great Theatre of Ephesus
Explore the massive ancient theatre.
Terrace Houses
See well-preserved Roman villas with mosaics.
Sirince Village
Visit a charming village known for wine and fruit.
Day 10 — Relax on Kusadasi's beaches and explore the marina.
(overnight: Kusadasi)
Long Beach (Kusadasi)
Spend the morning on the golden sands of Long Beach.
Kusadasi Marina
Stroll along the marina and browse shops.
Kadikalesi Fortress
Explore the medieval fortress overlooking the sea.
Charisma De Luxe Hotel
—
Visit site
Return to hotel for a relaxing evening.
Day 11 — Travel back to Istanbul, with a stop in Izmir for a quick visit.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Drive to Izmir
Drive from Kusadasi to Izmir (about 1.5 hours).
Izmir Clock Tower
See the iconic clock tower in Konak Square.
Kemeralti Bazaar
Browse the historic bazaar for souvenirs and local goods.
Flight to Istanbul
Fly from Izmir to Istanbul.
Day 12 — Enjoy a final morning in Istanbul, maybe visit a museum, then depart.
(overnight: Istanbul)
Suleymaniye Mosque
Visit the grand mosque and enjoy panoramic views.
Spice Bazaar Visit
Pick up last-minute souvenirs and spices.
Transfer to Airport
Head to Istanbul Airport for departure.
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