Day 1: Welcome to Türkiye! Upon arrival at Istanbul/Sabiha Gokcen airport, your driver will be waiting for you with a sign that has a unique code matching the code you were provided upon booking your itinerary package. The journey from the airport to the old city region of Istanbul will take approximately 60 minutes, and your driver’s priority is to provide you with a safe and comfortable transfer to your hotel. Once you arrive at your hotel, you can settle in and enjoy your first night in this vibrant city. We recommend taking some time to explore on your own and soak up the local culture and atmosphere.
Day 2: Today, you will embark on the Ottomans Relics & Byzantine Tour, which begins with a pick-up from your hotel lobby between 8:00-8:30 am. Your friendly and knowledgeable English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day as you visit some of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. The tour includes visits to the following must-see attractions:
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque): Marvel at the exquisite design of this world-renowned mosque, famous for its six minarets and stunning blue-tiled interiors.
Hagia Sophia Museum: Step back in time and explore the rich history of this former church-turned-mosque-turned-museum, which boasts an impressive collection of artifacts and artwork.
Topkapi Palace: Get a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman Empire as you tour the oldest and largest palace complex in Istanbul, which served as the seat of Ottoman power for over 400 years.
Grand Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic covered market, established in 1461. Stroll through the narrow alleys and admire the wide range of goods on display, from handmade products to rare antiques. Lunch will be served at a traditional restaurant where you can sample some of Türkiye’s delicious cuisine.
In addition to the above, you will also see the Hippodrome of Constantinople, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II.
Your tour will conclude with a return transfer to your hotel, where you will spend your second night in Istanbul. The following morning, you will check-out of your room and be ready 15 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time for your flight to Cappadocia.
Day 3: After arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport (Cappadocia), you will be transferred from the airport to join the group tour of Northern Cappadocia (Red Tour). The tour starts between 9:00-9:30 am, and it will be a full day of exploring the history of the region, enjoying the unique nature and climate, and visiting interesting sites. After the tour ends, you will be transported to your pre-booked hotel in Cappadocia for a relaxing evening.
Day 4: You will have an early morning pickup between 4:00-5:00 am from your hotel in Cappadocia to join a hot air balloon flight. Enjoy watching the balloons being prepared and then take off to witness the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia from above. The balloon safety team will follow your balloon on the ground until it lands. At the end of the flight, you will receive a commemorative certificate and celebrate with a toast of champagne.
After your balloon flight, you will return to your hotel for breakfast and some rest before starting your Southern Cappadocia tour. You will meet your driver at the hotel lobby at 9:30 am to join the group tour. The tour includes a visit to the Goreme Panorama, where you can see different rock formations and beautiful landscapes of Goreme town. You will then visit an underground city that was used by early Christians during the Roman Empire’s persecution, followed by a visit to underground caves where people used to hide.
At the end of the Green tour, you will be transferred to the Kayseri or Nevsehir airport for your scheduled flight to Antalya. Once you arrive at Antalya airport, you will be transferred to your pre-booked hotel for check-in and overnight stay.
Day 5: The first day in Antalya is coordinated to be free, so you can benefit from the time to explore Antalya’s old city. Perhaps start your day by taking a stroll through the old city, known as Kaleici, where you can wander through narrow streets lined with Ottoman-era buildings, visit historical sites such as the Hadrian’s Gate, and browse through the shops and markets selling local crafts and souvenirs.
If you’re in the mood for some relaxation, Antalya has some of the most beautiful beaches in Türkiye, with crystal clear waters and breathtaking scenery. You could head to Lara Beach or Konyaalti Beach, which are both easily accessible from the city center. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to take some time to relax and soak up the sun in this beautiful city.
You will spend your next day on a full day cultural tour with a professional guide at Perge Aspendos and Side.
Day 6: Get ready for an exciting day ahead! You’ll be picked up from your hotel between 8:00-9:00 am to join one of the most popular tours in Antalya. The tour will start with a visit to the ancient Pamphylian city of Perge, a Roman archaeological site. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll step back in time to 1500 BC and follow in the footsteps of St. Paul on his missionary journey through the Hittite settlement. You’ll be amazed by the well-preserved statues in the Antalya Museum and the ornate marble reliefs at the theater. Take in the complex design of the stadium, and marvel at the city gates with their two commanding towers, great arcade, public baths, and gymnasium.
The tour will continue with a visit to Aspendos, the best-preserved ancient amphitheater in the world. As you walk through the theater, you’ll feel as if you’ve traveled back in time to the 2nd century AD. You’ll be in awe of the perfect acoustics, and you might even get to witness a live performance on the stage.
The tour will end with a visit to Side, an ancient Greek city located on a peninsula surrounded by stunning beaches. You’ll have free time to explore the area, take a stroll along the beach, or indulge in some shopping. Be sure to snap some photos of the ancient ruins before returning to your hotel.
The Perge Aspendos & Side Tour ends at 5:00 pm, and you’ll be transported back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 7: Get ready for an exciting day of rafting! You’ll be picked up from your hotel between 8:30-8:45 am to join the rafting group. A professional licensed coach will provide you with safety instructions and equipment before you launch your rafting boat on the Koprucay River. As you navigate through the refreshing spring water, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful green landscapes and ancient areas. This is an unforgettable experience you won’t want to miss! Learn more about this tour here: Rafting on Koprucay/Koprulu River.
At the end of the tour, around 5:00 pm, you’ll be provided with a return transfer to your hotel where you can relax and reflect on your exciting day of rafting.
Day 8: Your day on a yacht tour in Antalya begins with a pickup from the hotel you reside in. You will enjoy a full day tour on the Mediterranean Sea, stopping at three different locations for an hour each to have a swim and take a break. You will have a chance to relax on the yacht’s deck and take in the stunning views of the coastline. The yacht tour ends at around 6 pm.
At the end of the yacht tour, you will be transferred to Antalya airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will meet your driver, who will take you to the hotel you will be staying in. Your transfer to Istanbul’s international airport for your flight back to your home country will be scheduled according to the date and time of your tickets.
