8-Day Turkey Highlights Tour from Antalya (Istanbul out) | Hot Air Balloon Ride Option Tour Code: 138-20276 europamundo 2603109

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.

We'll enjoy a fantastic day traveling through the heart of Anatolia, heading north where the landscapes turn lush and green. We'll arrive in Safranbolu by early afternoon, a delightful small city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once a key stop on ancient caravan routes. In the courtyard of a beautifully preserved caravanserai, you'll enjoy a traditional Turkish tea. Dinner will be included.

Today, we'll journey along the Black Sea coast, taking in the region's lush green landscapes. Our first stop will be Gokgol Magrasi. Admission is included to explore this magnificent cave with an underground river and vibrant colors. In Eregli, a coastal town on the Black Sea, you'll have time for lunch, and later, we'll visit the impressive Cehennemagzi caves and tombs, rich in mythology. We'll arrive in 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, with tickets included. This private boat excursion, lasting approximately two hours, is exclusively for our travelers. The journey travels through 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 the continents and offers views of the Sultan's palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Following the cruise, you will return to central Istanbul for some free time.

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