Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival - Cappadocia Exploration - Wine Tasting Experience

   • Arrive in Goreme via Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport.
   • Explore Cappadocia's cave dwellings and fairy chimneys.
   • In the evening, visit a local wine house for a 45-minute wine tasting.

   Note: You are most likely to go through Istanbul before reaching Goreme.

2. Day 2: Cappadocia Adventure - Turkish Bathhouse

   • Begin the day with an exhilarating hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's stunning cave dwellings (1 hour).
   • Explore the surreal rock formations of Pasabagi (Monks’ Valley) and Devrent (Camel Rock).
   • Visit a pottery workshop in Avanos for a glimpse into traditional craftsmanship. Discover the Goreme Open Air Museum, Love Valley, and Uchisar Castle.
   • Enjoy a delicious local lunch during the tour.
   • The tour ends with a traditional Turkish bathhouse (hammam) with a bath, massage, and tea.

3. Day 3: Esentepe - Derinkuyu - Cultural Immersion

   • Start with a visit to Esentepe viewpoint for panoramic views of Cappadocia.
   • Explore the fascinating underground city of Derinkuyu.
   • Visit Selime Monastery and stop at a viewpoint overlooking Ihlara Valley.
   • Enjoy a scenic hike through Ihlara Valley. Discover Pigeon Valley and a gemstone (onyx) workshop.
   • Savour a local lunch during the tour.
   • In the evening, go to a night show featuring traditional music and folkloric dance performances.

4. Day 4: Kusadası

   • Fly from Goreme to Kuşadası via a flight through Izmir.
   • Embark on a guided tour of Kuşadası, visiting historical sites such as the city walls and castle.
   •  Enjoy free time for swimming and relaxation at a local beach or pool.
   • Visit a native Turk’s home for an immersive cultural experience.
   • Watch the preparation of traditional Turkish food and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

5. Day 5: Kusadasi Sightseeing Tour

   • Begin your day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Catholic shrine where it is believed that Mary lived her final years.
   • Explore Ephesus, one of the eastern Mediterranean's largest and best-preserved Roman archaeological sites. Marvel at the ancient ruins and gain insight into the city’s grandeur.
   • Enjoy a delicious lunch, which is included in today’s tour, after you explore Ephesus.
   • Visit the Temple of Artemis, a magnificent structure once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Learn about its history, including its reconstruction after flood and fire.
   • Head to the Basilica of Saint John, built over the reputed burial site of John the Apostle, and appreciate its historical significance.
   • Conclude your day with a visit to Isa Bey Mosque, an architectural marvel renowned for its historical and artistic value.

6. Day 6: Pamukkale - Cleopatra

   • Transfer to the village of Pamukkale.
   • Begin your day with a guided tour of Hierapolis, the ancient Greek city known for its rich history and impressive ruins.
   • Enjoy a delicious lunch, which is included in today’s tour.
   • Explore Pamukkale, famous for its stunning natural travertine terraces formed by mineral-rich hot springs. This picturesque site is one of Turkey’s most iconic and photographed locations.
   • Conclude your day with a relaxing swim in the Cleopatra Pools. These natural hot springs have been a popular bathing spot for thousands of years, offering a unique experience.

7. Day 7: Bodrum

   • Arrive in Bodrum and take a guided tour of the harbour and its charming, maze-like streets. Marvel at traditional houses with their unique colourful shapes and use of local materials like stone, wood, clay, and cane.
   • Visit the historic Bodrum Castle and enjoy swimming.

   From November to March, tours in Bodrum and the south of Turkey are replaced with private tours in Istanbul. In winter, before flying from Dalaman to Istanbul, visit Dalyan for a river cruise past mountain-carved Lycian tombs and a relaxing therapeutic mud pool experience.

8. Day 8: Fethiye - Dalyan/Istanbul (Optional)

   • Relocate from Bodrum to Fethiye with a stop in Dalyan. Enjoy a scenic river cruise past the impressive mountain-carved Lycian tombs and indulge in a therapeutic mud bath at a local pool.
   • Explore the Tomb of Amyntas, another remarkable rock-carved tomb near Fethiye, offering a glimpse into ancient Lycian burial practices.
   • Visit a viewpoint overlooking Oludeniz Lagoon, renowned for its stunning turquoise and aquamarine waters and sandy bay.
   • Note: From November to March, Bodrum and the south of Turkey are replaced with private guided tours in Istanbul, including attractions such as:
     • Süleymaniye Mosque
     • Spice Bazaar
     • A Bosphorus Strait boat tour
     • Ortaköy Mosque
     • Rumeli Fortress
     • Pierre Loti Hill
     • Taksim Square

9. Day 9: Oludeniz Lagoon - Optional Paragliding - Boating

   • 8:00 am - Pickup for thrill-seekers, optional paragliding over Oludeniz Lagoon from Mount Babadag is available.
   • Enjoy a full-day boat tour from Oludeniz Lagoon. Visit the Blue Cave, Butterfly Valley, Saint Nicholas Island, a cold-water spring, Camel Beach, and an aquarium.
   • Lunch is included at 1:00 PM.

   Note: From November to March, replace southern Turkey with private guided tours in Istanbul, covering Sultanahmet Square, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace Museum, and the Grand Bazaar.

10. Day 10: Departure

    • Transportation will be arranged to take you to the airport. From April to October, flights depart from Dalaman to Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport (IST). From November to March, flights are from either Ataturk Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW), as per your preference.