10-Day The Turkish Tour from Antalya, Istanbul Out Tour Code: 438-20276 europamundo 2603110

We'll leave Antalya and head to Aspendos to visit its Roman theater, often regarded as the best-preserved in the world. Afterward, we'll continue to Side, where you'll have the chance to admire the Temple of Apollo by the sea. There will be time to stroll through its bustling port and lively streets. As we travel through stunning landscapes, we'll cross the Taurus Mountains, with peaks that rise over 3,500 meters and remain snow-covered for most of the year. We'll stop in Karaman to see its fortress from the outside before continuing to the Cappadocia region. Dinner will be included in Nigde.

We'll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. We'll begin with a visit to Gumusler, a fascinating 7th-century underground monastery featuring some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in Turkey. In Kaymacli, we'll explore the underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. Then, we'll visit Uchisar, a natural fortress offering breathtaking views. After lunch, we'll discover the Goreme Valley, home to an open-air museum where we can marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Our accommodation will be in Avanos and dinner will be included.

At the far edge of Cappadocia, we'll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we'll learn about the Dervish order. Dinner will be included. In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

We'll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques. You'll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we'll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.

We'll make our way to Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor, which was home to a quarter million people 2,000 years ago. We'll explore the House of the Virgin Mary, the Basilica of St. John, and the impressive Ephesus ancient city ruins (admission included). Next, we'll head to Kusadasi, a bustling coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, thriving shops, and small castle. Dinner will be included.Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after exploring Ephesus, we'll make a stop in Kusadasi (4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), where we'll include a panoramic tour of the city before continuing on to Aydin.

We'll set off for Izmir, the third most populous city in Turkey, where our guide will lead a brief tour of this vibrant metropolis, known for being the most westernized and modern in the country. We'll then head inland, pausing for lunch along the way before arriving in Bursa. This historic city, the fourth largest in Turkey, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its center. Highlights include the traditional commercial districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the renowned Green Mosque. We'll reach Istanbul by the end of the day.

A sightseeing tour of the city awaits us. On our tour, we'll enter the Suleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, we'll explore the ancient walls, the Golden Horn, the bustling fishing district and we'll marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Our tour also includes tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you'll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.As the afternoon draws to a close, we'll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city's most vibrant commercial district. There, you'll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and see the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.

Today, you will embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus. Tickets are included for this approximately two-hour journey on a private boat. This trip travels the strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, which divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia. You will observe the lively maritime activity. The route passes under the two bridges linking Europe and Asia, and you will see the Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, you will return to central Istanbul and have some free time.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.