10 Days Turkey Trip Itinerary: The Provincial Capitals of Asia Minor

Upon arrival at Istanbul airport, you will be greeted by our representative. From there, you will be transferred to your designated hotel for check-in. Enjoy your overnight stay in Istanbul.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, our full-day tour of the city begins. Our first stop is the renowned Hagia Sophia, a truly iconic structure that is not only admired for its beauty but also recognized as one of the world's largest churches. Next, we will explore the majestic Topkapi Palace, which served as the residence for sultans from 1478 to 1856. This sprawling complex consists of various kiosks, gardens, and areas that span across Istanbul's historic center, all the way to the tip of the Golden Horn.

Continuing our journey, we will marvel at the Blue Mosque with its impressive six minarets and stunning domes that grace the center of the building. The architect's vision truly comes to life in this masterpiece of perfection. In the afternoon, we will visit the Roman Hippodrome, a site that provided entertainment for the people of Constantinople through chariot races and circuses for over a thousand years.

To conclude our day, we will make our way to the Grand Bazaar, a bustling covered market where you can enjoy some free time exploring its many treasures. As the day comes to an end, we will return to your hotel in Istanbul for a well-deserved overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will have an early departure to the airport for our flight to Kayseri. Once we arrive in Cappadocia, our first stop will be the Saruhan Caravanserai, a 12th-century inn specifically built for commercial caravans. In the afternoon, we'll explore the fascinating Zelve Valley, known for its history of Muslims and Christians coexisting until 1924. As we journey through the Devrent Valley, we'll marvel at the unique rock formations called the "Chimneys of the Fairies." Finally, we'll make our way to the ancient city of Ortahisar and check into our hotel for a delicious dinner. Get ready for a restful overnight stay in Cappadocia

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After enjoying our breakfast, we will embark on a full-day excursion. Our first stop will be the Göreme Open Air Museum, where we can marvel at the churches built into the rocky landscape, adorned with beautiful frescoes. Continuing our journey, we will explore the ancient city of Uchisar. Next, we will venture into the Valley of the Pigeons and explore the Pasabag or Valley of the Monks, renowned for its unique rock formations resembling mushroom-shaped chimneys. Our next destination is Avanos, known as the city of potters. In the afternoon, we will have the opportunity to visit an underground city, either Serhatlı or Özkonak, which are remarkable for their multi-level depths and were once used by early Christians as a safe haven from their enemies during the 6th and 7th centuries. To end our day, we will visit a carpet factory to witness the intricate process of weaving Turkish rugs, renowned worldwide, and also make a stop at a local jewelry store. Finally, we will return to our hotel in Cappadocia for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Breakfast. We will depart for Antalya, making a stop at Perge along the way. Perge is an important ancient city situated between the Catarrhactes and Cestrus rivers in Pamphylia. Today, it is a vast collection of ancient ruins located 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) east of Antalya on the coastal plain. In this area, there is an acropolis dating back to the Bronze Age, as well as Aspendos, a city believed to have been founded in pre-Hellenic times by settlers from Argos in ancient Pamphylia, on the southern coast of Asia Minor. Aspendos is approximately 45 kilometers east of the lesser-known town of Perge. Upon arrival in Antalya, we will have dinner and spend the night there.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

We will start the day with breakfast before heading to Pamukkale. On our way, we will make a stop at Sagalaso, a city renowned for its wealth during Alexander the Great's conquest in 333 BC on his journey to Persia. The city had a small population of a few thousand inhabitants. After Alexander's passing, the region became part of the territories controlled by the Macedonian noble Antigonus Monophthalmus. Our next destination will be Pamukkale, known as the "Cotton Castle" in Turkish due to its stunning white waterfalls. These natural travertine pools are formed by hot springs. We will also explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, which served as the episcopal center of Phrygia during the Byzantine period. Finally, we will transfer to the hotel for dinner and spend the night in Pamukkale.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After enjoying breakfast, we will embark on a journey to Ephesus, an exceptionally well-preserved ancient city in Asia Minor. This bustling city was home to a staggering 250,000 inhabitants during the 1st and 2nd centuries. Our exploration will take us to remarkable sites such as Hadrian's Temple, the Roman Baths, the Celsus Library, and the Odeon, an impressive theater with a seating capacity of 24,500. Along the way, we will also have the opportunity to visit the house where the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, spent her final years. During our trip, we will be treated to a captivating fashion show showcasing exquisite local leather products. Upon arrival in Kuşadasi, we will be transferred to our hotel for dinner and an overnight stay in Kusadasi.

After enjoying breakfast, we will begin our journey to Bodrum. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to explore the magnificent Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, which was constructed between 353 BC and 350 BC in ancient Halicarnassus (now known as Bodrum). This impressive funerary monument was built in honor of Mausolus, a governor of the Persian Empire. In Bodrum, we will also have the chance to visit the Castle of Saint Peter of Halicarnassus, also known as Bodrum Castle. This historic site was attacked by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1522, and parts of it were restored using materials from the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Mausoleum itself was originally built as a tomb for King Mausolus, and its name has since become synonymous with grand tombs. Finally, we will be transferred to our hotel in Bodrum for dinner and an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we will arrange for your transfer to Bodrum airport where you will catch a flight to Istanbul. Once you arrive in Istanbul, we will provide a seamless transfer to your hotel. You can relax and unwind for the rest of the day and spend a comfortable overnight stay in Istanbul.

Meal: Breakfast

Breakfast and transfer to the airport to take your flight back.
Meal: Breakfast