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Trip	Highlights of Turkey by Exodus Travels 5 \| Excellent 16612 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Reserve	Turkey Blue Cruises - 18 Days by Tour Altinkum Travel 5 \| Excellent 64 Reviews Trip Details Save Trip Customize

Duration	15 days	18 days
Price From	$ 2,910	$ 2,580
Price Per Day	$ 194	$ 143
Highlights	Discover ancient history and monuments of the Ottoman empire Visit the Roman city of Ephesus See the limestone cascades and thermal springs at Pamukkale Discover one of the best-preserved theatres of the ancient world, Aspendos Enjoy an optional hot-air balloon ride over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia	This is 18 days package to UNESCO Sites of Turkey Join Full-Day Guided Tours to Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Antalya and Fethiye Enjoy sailing to Turquoise bays of Mediterranean Get chance to swim in crystal clear waters where Blue meets to Green.
Trip Style	Small group tour	Small group tour
Lodging Level	Standard	Premium
Physical Level	3- Moderate	2- Easy
Travel Themes	Cultural	Cultural Nature & Wildlife Sailing
Countries Visited	Turkey	Turkey
Cities and Attractions	Antalya Cappadocia Ephesus Istanbul Kusadasi Pamukkale	Antalya Cappadocia Ephesus Istanbul
Flights & Transport	Ground transport included	Ground transport included
Activities	Culture History	Culture Cycling History Hot Springs Nature Ruins & Archaeology Sailing
Meals Included	All hotels are included on a bed-and-breakfast basis. All other main meals are not included, and we suggest you allow about 7,000 Turkish liras (US$370) to cover them, add more if you include alcoholic or expensive fruit juice drinks with each meal. Your group leader will normally assist in organising group meals so you may benefit from better choice and prices. Lunches are normally taken in local restaurants, known as lokantas, or organised as a picnic, and evening meals in lokantas in each town or village; such eating places are widespread throughout Turkey, and the variety, price range and choice is usually quite extensive, but obviously less so in some of the smaller towns in Central Anatolia.	16 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, and 7 Dinners
Description	Turkey played a vital role in the development of the Western world; over the centuries, it has provided a geographical and cultural bridge between Asia and Europe, with ruins and monuments attesting to the rise and fall of many great empires. Starting in Istanbul, we travel through the country, visiting ancient cities and Unesco World Heritage sites including Ephesus, Hierapolis and Aspendos, exploring the natural wonders at Pamukkale and Cappadocia and taking time to relax on the Aegean coast. Add to that the memorials of Gallipoli and you can be sure of a fascinating journey that showcases the best of this country.Discover a diverse nation, rich in history and culture	Join us to discover top visited cities of Turkey with 18 Days package from/to Istanbul. Visit highlights of Istanbul such as Hagia Sophia,Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, and cruising on Bosphorus. Explore Underground cities of Cappadocia, learn history about early christians from your local guide, make photo of the fairy chimneys from the best photoshoot points. Walk on the ancient roads of best-preserved greko-city with House of Holy Mary nearby. Swim in Pamukkale's healing thermal springs. Enjoy the sunset on the Mediterranean from the best panoramic point of Antalya. Visit Fethiye with its cobblestone paved, colorful and small streets. Enjoy 8 days sailing to turquoise bays of Mediterranean and get chance to swim in crystal clear waters where Blue meets to Green. Domestic flight tickets, Airport transfers, 4* accommadation, day tours with english speaking tour guide, Skip-The-Line tickets to the historical sites, lunch at tours, 7 nights stay on board provided.

Itinerary: Highlights of Turkey

Day 1 Start Istanbul

Make your own way to the start hotel and check in. There is no sightseeing planned today (an orientation walk is included on your return to Istanbul on Day 14). Istanbul is one of the great cities with a history spanning thousands of years. It has been through several incarnations, firstly as Byzantium, then Constantinople and finally Istanbul. If there is time, you can wander through the busy streets and absorb the vibrancy of this exciting city linking Europe and Asia. Accommodation: Samir Hotel (or similar)

Day 2 Transfer to Çanakkale via Gallipoli peninsula

There’s a welcome meeting at 9am. Then we depart for the Gallipoli peninsula, the site of many significant battles during the First World War. We visit the battlefields, learn about the events that took place here, and their particular importance to the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps). We then cross the Dardanelles Strait, arriving in the city of Çanakkale in the late afternoon. Approximate driving time from Istanbul to Çanakkale is 5hr 30min (not including stop in Gallipoli). Accommodation: Cura Hotel (or similar)

Day 3 Visit the ancient city of Troy; head to the Aegean coastal town of Ayvalik

This morning after breakfast we visit the city of Troy, immortalised in Homer’s Iliad and once thought to be a place of legend. We see the remnants of the ancient city walls and a reconstruction of the famed wooden horse, while learning more about the ground-breaking archaeological digs that took place here. We continue this afternoon to the seaside town of Ayvalik on the Aegean coast in the northwest. Surrounded by an archipelago of picturesque islands, the town is full of historic stone houses, narrow cobblestoned streets and small shops/cafes selling local produce. We have free time to explore the town, perhaps sampling some of the renowned local olive oil or Ayvalik tost (similar to a club sandwich). Approximate driving time from Çanakkale to Ayvalik is 3hr 30min. Accommodation: Bacacan Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Visit the ancient city of Pergamon; afternoon transfer to Selcuk

After breakfast, we depart for the ancient Greek city and Unesco World Heritage site of Pergamon, the capital of the Attalid dynasty during the Hellenistic period (approximately 323 BCE to 31 BCE). We take a scenic cable car ride up to the Acropolis, which contains the most important remains of Pergamon. See the temples, palaces, library and theatre and learn about the significance of this special archaeological site. We continue to the charming town of Selcuk, where the evening will be free for you to rest or explore at leisure. Approximate driving time from Ayvalik to Selcuk is 2hr 30min. Accommodation: Hitit Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Visit the historic site of Ephesus and the town of Selçuk

This morning, we visit the ancient site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the eastern Mediterranean and a great example of Greco-Roman architecture. Always an important religious centre, Ephesus was founded by Ionian Greeks in the 11th century BCE and flourished under Roman rule. The Greeks replaced the cult of the Anatolian fertility goddess Cybele with Artemis and built a fabulous temple in her honour. With the arrival of the Romans, it became the Temple of Diana and was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We visit the vast amphitheatre, stroll the marble streets once graced by Cleopatra and Mark Antony, and marvel at the gymnasium, baths and wonderfully restored Library of Celsus. After the Ephesus visit, we head to Selçuk and visit Isa Bey Mosque (a fine example of early Seljukian architecture) and St John's Basilica. There will also be free time, during which we recommend a visit to the fascinating Ephesus Archaeological Museum. We return to Selçuk for the evening. Accommodation: Hitit Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 Explore the limestone cascades of Pamukkale and the Roman ruins of Hierapolis

We drive to Pamukkale today, also known as Cotton Castle. This spectacular natural phenomenon was created by deposits from thermal waters that cascaded down the mountainside over hundreds of years, forming myriad pools and terraces. As the water overflows from the pools, dazzling cream-coloured stalactites are formed that, from afar, resemble cotton or snow. The pools are filled with hot spring waters that supposedly have healing properties and are great place for a relaxing dip. Close to Pamukkale are the ruins of Hierapolis, which was founded by the King of Pergamon in 190 BCE and by the second century CE had become an important Roman bath centre. The extensive ruins of Hierapolis are well worth exploring and include a theatre, temple, holy area, monumental fountain, bath, basilica and necropolis. We spend the afternoon discovering the travertines and ancient city. Approximate driving time from Selcuk to Pamukkale is 3hr-3hr 30min. Accommodation: Melrose House Hotel (or similar)

Day 7 Visit Xanthos; transfer to coastal town of Kaş

We depart Pamukkale this morning and travel to the seaside town of Kaş. On the way, we stop at Xanthos, the capital city of the Lycian Federation and arguably the most important city throughout Lycian history. After a guided visit, we continue on the road to Kaş. Situated on the Teke Peninsula, the small port town of Kaş was known as Habesos or Habesa in ancient Lycia, and as Antiphellos to the ancient Greeks. Today, there are several Lycian rock-cut sarcophagi in the town, plus a well-preserved Hellenistic theatre on the outskirts of town. The afternoon is free to explore the cobbled streets, handicraft shops and lively cafes. Approximate driving time from Pamukkale to Kaş is four hours. Accommodation: Kayahan Hotel (or similar)

Day 8 Free day to rest or choose from the many activities available

Today is a free day to relax or take advantage of the many activities available on the Turquoise Coast in and around Kaş. Options include a boat trip to the sunken city of Kekova (minimum of eight passengers required), relaxing at Kaputas Beach or a visit to the ancient theatre in Kaş. Accommodation: Kayahan Hotel (or similar)

Day 9 Transfer to the lively city of Antalya; afternoon sightseeing

This morning, we depart for Antalya, one of the most popular beach resorts in Turkey. Arriving in the early afternoon, we visit the Kaleiçi (the historic city centre). With narrow, cobbled streets and Ottoman-era houses, the Kaleiçi has retained much historical character while hosting a plethora of bars, restaurants and shops. During our walk, we see Hadrian's Gate (also known as the Triple Gate due to its three archways), the old Roman harbour and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. You may also want to visit the Antalya Museum this afternoon, which as a wonderful collection of sculptures from the Roman period or the ancient city ruins of Phaselis. Approximate driving time from Kaş to Antalya is 3hr 30min. Accommodation: Argos Hotel (or similar)

Day 10 Visit the ancient city of Perge & theatre of Aspendos; afternoon transfer to Konya

This morning, we visit the ancient city of Perge, birthplace of the Greek mathematician Appollonius of Perga. Then we travel to Aspendos, home to the best-preserved theatre of the ancient world. Once named Belkis, the city was founded by the Hittites, but it was Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161CE-180CE) who ordered the 15,000-seater theatre to be built. After exploring the ancient site, which is still used for performances today, we continue to Konya, known as Iconium in Roman times. Konya was an important city of the Seljuk empire and is the birthplace of the mystic Sufi order popularly known as the Whirling Dervishes. Approximate driving time from Antalya to Konya is 4hr 30min. Accommodation: Bera Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 Visit the Mevlana Museum then to the Cappadocia region

This morning we visit the Mevlana Museum, the former home of the Whirling Dervishes and the location of Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi's tomb. Mevlana, also known simply as Rumi, was a 13th-century Anatolian mystic and Muslim saint whose poetry is known across the world. The museum is now a pilgrimage site and the building's fluted dome of turquoise tiles is one of the most recognisable sights in Turkey. We continue to the fascinating Cappadocia region. Shaped by wind and water, the rock formations, rock-hewn churches, cave dwellings and underground cities are a true marvel. This afternoon, we visit the 13th-century Sultanhani Caravanserai, one of the largest in the world and once used by Silk Road travellers. Our last stop of the day is the breath-taking Ihlara Valley on the slopes of Mount Hasan (one of the volcanoes responsible for the formation of Cappadocia). We embark on a walk beside the Melendiz River, seeing beautiful natural scenery and dozens of rock-hewn churches and monasteries, many of which are decorated with exquisite biblical frescoes. We end the day at our accommodation in Göreme. Approximate driving time from Konya to Cappadocia is four hours. Accommodation: Akuzun Hotel (or similar)

Day 12 Discover Göreme Open-Air Museum and one of the fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia

Early in the morning, you have the option to experience a memorable hot-air balloon ride over the otherworldly fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. After breakfast, we visit the Unesco World Heritage-listed Göreme Open-Air Museum, a vast monastic complex comprising churches, monasteries and dwellings, plus an underground city. Thought to have started life as a Byzantine monastic settlement, Göreme Open-Air Museum became a pilgrimage site during the 17th century and is a must-see location for all visitors to Cappadocia. The rock-hewn churches contain wonderful frescoes, whose colours are still vivid after hundreds of years. We also visit one of the fascinating underground cities in Cappadocia (Derinkuyu or Kaymakli, depending on availability and other local considerations). It is believed these cities were formed as early as the eighth century BCE by the Phrygians to protect their inhabitants from wars and conflicts. The dwellings continued to be used until the early 20th century when they were abandoned. Accommodation: Akuzun Hotel (or similar)

Day 13 Flight to Istanbul. Afternoon optional city tour

This morning, we say goodbye to Cappadocia and take a flight to where it all began: Istanbul. On arrival, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of this enthralling city. Or you may opt for a Turkish bath treatment. Accommodation: Samir Hotel (or similar)

Day 14 Free time; afternoon sightseeing including the Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

The morning is free. In the afternoon, you may have free time or you can take an orientation walk around this culture- and history-rich city. We head to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople), where ancient empires were found and historical sites intertwine with the living, breathing Istanbul of today. We visit sites including the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Byzantine emperors observed chariot races along with thousands of baying fans. We also meander through the Grand Bazaar, packed with more than 3,000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books, along with the renowned Spice Market. Accommodation: Samir Hotel (or similar)

Day 15 End Istanbul

Our adventure ends after breakfast. If you’d like a little more time to explore this enchanting city, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Itinerary: Turkey Blue Cruises - 18 Days

Day 1: Arrival to Istanbul

Upon arrival at Istanbul / SAW Airport, you will be greeted and drive to your hotel. Check-in. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2: City Highlights Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Explore Hagia Sophia; was the largest building on earth barring the Egyptian Pyramids or the Great Wall of China. It was the religious center of the city during the Byzantine period. Next; Topkapı Palace; As well as being the imperial residence of the Sultan, the palace was also the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire. It housed the ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. Continue to with Hippodrome; Built by the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus in 203AD, during the Roman period hippodrome was the civil center for the people of the city where once 100,000 spectators could be held. Next, Blue Mosque; Built by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I in the year 1616, Blue mosque today is one of the most famous landmarks of the old city with its famous six minarets and magnificent dome. Next, Grand Bazaar; With 18 entrances and more than 4000 shops it is one of the greatest bazaars in the World. At the end of the tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul

Day 3: Bosphorus Cruise/Flight to Izmir

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, leave your luggage at the lobby. According your pick up time meet with your guide and start your half-day tour. Visit Spice Bazaar; It was called Egyptian Bazaar during the ottoman period because shopkeepers used to sell herbs and spices brought throughout Egypt and Asia. Next, Cruising on Bosphorus; where you will enjoy a magnificent view. A great history and beautiful nature. The shore is lined with old wooden villas, palaces of marble, fortresses, and small fishing villages. During the excursion, you will pass the magnificent Dolmabahce Palace, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Rumeli Fortress and further along with the parks and imperial pavillions of Yildiz Palace. After tour drive you back to your hotel. Take your luggage and drive to Airport for your 1hour 30min domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you wıll be greeted by your driver and driven to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 4: Ephesus Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit The House of Virgin Mary; a church was built from the 6C AD to the top of the foundations of a house from 1C AD and it is declared by the church to be the final house where Mary spent her last days. Your tour continues with the Ancient Ephesus; The best-preserved classical city in Eastern Mediterranean. During the 1C AD, Ephesus was the second-largest city on the planet after Rome with more than 250.000 citizens. Ephesus is also well preserved that, walking on the ancient streets among the beautiful monuments such as the third largest library of the ancient world or the largest roman theatre on the Asia continent, gives you the feeling of a time traveller.

Next; Temple of Artemis or Artemision was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Its ancient cult dedicated to Artemis was very famous in antiquity and made Ephesus a much-visited pilgrimage place. After tour drive you back to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 5: Pamukkale Tour

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon breakfast at the hotel check out, According to your tour pick-up time meet with your guide and start your full-day tour. Visit Pamukkale; Pools of Heaven on Earth… Pamukkale has always been a very popular settlement where hot springs were believed to have healing powers so it is considered to be the earliest spa on earth where in history people travelled long distances in order to find a cure. The unique terraces were formed by running warm spring water at a temperature of 35 C, containing calcium bicarbonate. Today Pamukkale is declared as a worlds heritage site by UNESCO. Visit; ancient city of Hierapolis which has the biggest Necropolis with 1200 gravestones in Anatolia. Also, The Sacred Pool is one of the highlights of the site. Theır shallow thermal waters ripple over a wonderful scattering of ancient roman ruins that lie beneath. At the end of the tour drive you to your hotel. Check in. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 6: Bodrum to Black Islands/Cruising

Meals: Dinner

According your pick up time from the hotel, drive to Bodrum harbor at 16:00 for check-in and information, if you require directions our staff can aid you. This afternoon you will board your gulet at 4 pm for check-in information about your upcoming week onboard cruising from Bodrum into Fethiye. You will leave harbor shortly after binding for Black Island. This will be your first chance for a dip into the beautiful ocean and as you will spend the night here you can even sit back and enjoy your first cruise life sunset with a cold drink in hand.

Day 7: Black Island to Palamutbuku/Cruising