Day 1: Flight Pamukkale – Pamukkale Tour
Merhaba! We will meet at your hotel lobby in Istanbul and transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Pamukkale. Take the flight from Istanbul Airport for your flight to Pamukkale. Upon arrival Pamukkale we will meet and depart for our tour.
Pamukkale Travertines, Ancient City of Hierapolis
Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the “Cotton Castle”. This name is truly fitting; the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a castle made of cotton. We will also spend time in Hierapolis, with one of the largest and most diverse necropolises in the world.
Tip: Cleopatra Pool visit is optional with additional cost. Don’t forget to have your towels and swimsuits with you.
After the tour we will drive about 2,5 hours and check in to our hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast we will meet and depart for our tour of Ephesus.
Ephesus Ancient City, Temple of Artemis, Virgin Mary’s House
First, we will visit Ephesus ruins starting from the upper gate and see famous Celsus Library, Hadrian Temple and Ephesus Antic Theatre which has a capacity of 25000. Next, we will stop by at Temple of Artemis once was a one of the seven wonders at ancient times. Then we will head to Virgin Mary’s House where she spent her last years.
After the tour we will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Antalya. Upon arrival Antalya we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
After breakfast we will meet and depart for our tour.
Perge, Aspendos, Side
This is a day trip to well-known Pamphylian cities Perge and Aspendos. Perge was the capital city of Pamphylia, a vast Roman province, with a combination of Roman, Greek and Byzantine cultures. See the best-preserved Roman Baths in Anatolia, the Agora, Colonnaded street, Nymphaion and a stadium with a capacity of 12000. After Perge we move onto Aspendos, which was one of the most important cities of Pamphylia which was the original name of the Antalya region. Aspendos theatre is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatre on the Asian continent. Built into a steep hillside and big enough to host 15000 people, this vast semicircular edifice was used to stage plays in second century A.D. It’s perfect acoustics means that it is still used today for operas and ballet festivals.
After visiting the amphitheatre you can experience the amazing engineering of the city’s high aqueduct near the Eurymedon river. You will have the lunch break by Seljuk Bridge over the Eurymedon River. After lunch break, we will move onto Side where is a peninsula, famous with roman type of theatre. Side used to be one of the most important trade centers in antiquity and now it’s one of the most popular holiday resorts in Southern Turkey.
After the tour we will be back to our hotel. Overnight in Antalya.
We will meet at your hotel lobby and you will be transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival Cappadocia we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
After breakfast we will meet and depart for our tour visiting Cappadocia’s Northern Region.
Goreme Open Air Museum, Devrent Valley, Pasabagi, Avanos
First, we visit to Devrent Valley where various types of fairy chimneys are abundant. We will walk through this amazing valley. Thereafter visit Pasabagi (Monk’s Valley) with multiple stems and caps, peculiar to this area. After visiting Pasabagi, drive to Avanos which is known for the pottery, a craft dating back to the Hittite period. The red clay which is worked by local craftsmen comes from the residue in the Kizilirmak River, the longest river of Turkey. Further to the time for lunch proceed to Goreme Open Air Museum (Dark Church is excluded; entrance requires additional admission fee) to visit the churches, chapels and monasteries carved into the fairy chimneys from the 10th to the 13th centuries with frescos painted on the walls. Thereafter time to take photos in the neighboring valleys before going to the hotels.
After the tour we will be back to our hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional Balloon Tour: Flying in a hot air balloon is an amazing and unforgettable experience which you will never forget. Very early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our balloon site. You will be welcomed with a light breakfast while you are registering for your flight. After meeting at the balloon site you will be watching how we prepare our balloons for your adventure. After getting on the air you will be seeing beautiful sunrise upon Cappadocia. You will be thrilled with the scale of colors and shapes. We will be ascending up to 3000 feet and then almost you will be able touch fairy chimneys. After landing we will celebrate our flight with champagne toast (or soft drink) and your pilot will be presenting your flight certificates. After deflation balloons you will be transported to your launch site and continue to your day.
After breakfast in your hotel, you will check out and depart for your full day guided tour of Cappadocia’s southern region.
Kaymakli Underground City, Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle
First, we visit to Rose Valley, one of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Cappadocia, and explore the famous rock- cut churches by hiking through the valley. Rest in Cavusin, an old Greek village, known for its Christian houses and churches. After having time for lunch visit Uchısar Castle, similar to Ortahisar Castle in style, where storage caves can also be observed. In the afternoon visit Kaymakli (or Ozkonak) Underground City where early Christians lived in fear and faith. On the way back, visit to panoramic Pigeon Valley where pigeons contributed to the lives of locals with their manure to fertilize the vineyards. You may also like to taste Cappadocia wine in a local winery.
After the tour you will be transferred to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival Istanbul continue to international terminal.
Turkey Insiders team says so long and looks forward to be your host again until next time on your travel pleasure for other destinations. Gule Gule.
Price Includes
- Domestic flights as mentioned in the program with 15kg luggage & 8kg cabin allowance.
- Airport transfers mentioned as in the itinerary.
- Accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
- Meals as indicated on day headings.
- Transportation by a comfortable AC nonsmoking car/Van with professional driver.
- Professional licensed guide during the tours in English language.
- Entry fees to the sites and museums.
- No Hidden Fees.
Price Excludes
- Personal expenses.
- Drinks with indicated meals.
- Optional tours.
- Visa cost to Turkey.
- Customary Tips to the guide, driver & hotel staff.