Day 1 Arrival & Hotel Check-in (Istanbul)

Historic Areas of Istanbul - Welcome to Turkey! Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, a representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After checking in and taking a short rest, a guide will meet you in the lobby to provide an orientation about Istanbul and the 12-day tour.

• Overnight in Istanbul

Day 2 Istanbul (Walking Tour)

Blue Mosque - The first stop on the “Turkey in 12 Days” tour is the Blue Mosque, constructed in 1616 by Ottoman Sultan Ahmet I.

Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum (Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi) - Next, visit the Turkish Islamic Art Museum to admire exquisite Islamic art and ancient Turkish carpets.

Topkapi Palace - Continue the tour at Topkapi Palace, the grand Ottoman residence where sultans lived for five centuries.

Grand Bazaar Jewelers - After lunch, explore the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest shopping malls, dating back to the 16th century.

Suleymaniye Mosque - Walk to Suleymaniye Mosque, built in 1557 by the renowned Ottoman architect Sinan.

Misir Carsisi (Spice Market) - Conclude the day’s adventures by strolling downhill from Suleymaniye Mosque to the Spice Market, where you can find delightful spices and Turkish delight.

Return to the hotel.

Day 3 Istanbul (Walking Tour & Public Transportation)

Hippodrome - Begin Day 3 at the Roman Hippodrome, dating back to the 2nd century A.D. Here, view the Obelisk of Tuthmosis III, German Fountain, Serpent Column, and the Obelisk of Constantine.

Basilica Cistern - Visit the Basilica Cistern, constructed alongside Hagia Sophia. This 6th-century structure features Medusa heads brought from Constantinople’s temples.

Hagia Sophia Mosque - Explore Hagia Sophia, the magnificent church built in 537 by Justinianus.

Chora Museum - After lunch, head to Chora Church, built in the 6th century A.C., to see its unique mosaics and frescoes.

Return to the hotel.

Day 4 Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise & Cappadocia (Fly to Cappadocia)

Bosphorus Strait - Check out from the hotel and embark on a two-hour Bosphorus Cruise. Enjoy views of Istanbul’s historical sites, including palaces, summer mansions, and Ottoman-era houses.

• Fly to Cappadocia

Transfer to Istanbul Airport for the flight to Cappadocia.

Check in to the hotel and rest for Day 5.

• Overnight in Cappadocia

Day 5 Cappadocia Region (Private Cappadocia Region Tour)

Devrent Valley - Begin Day 5 by exploring Cappadocia’s Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), known for its unique Fairy Chimney formations, formed nearly 30 million years ago.

Fairy Chimneys - Visit Pasabag to see fascinating fairy chimneys reminiscent of those in “The Hobbit” and “The Smurfs.”

Avanos Oren Yeri - Stop at a local pottery shop to learn about the art and survival techniques dating back to the Hittite period.

Goreme National Park - Discover some of Cappadocia’s best cave churches at Goreme Open Air Museum.

Cappadocia Cave Dwellings - Enjoy views of the cave dwellings.

Uchisar Castle - Visit Uchisar Castle and Pigeon Valley, renowned for photography opportunities.

Pigeon Valley - Take a photo break at Pigeon Valley.

Goreme Panorama - Admire the stunning view of Cappadocia.

Day 6 Cappadocia Region (Private Cappadocia Region Tour)

Kaymakli Underground City - Start Day 6 with a visit to Kaymakli Underground City, where Christians sought refuge from persecution and invasions.

• Nar Lake (Photo Break)

Drive approximately one hour to Nar Lake for a photo break.

Ihlara Valley - Continue to Ihlara Canyon for a 3.8 km hike along the river amidst beautiful nature.

Selime Monastery - Visit Selime Monastery, the largest religious building in Cappadocia, featuring a cathedral-sized church.

• Sarihan Caravanserai

Stop at Sarihan Caravanserai, a 13th-century residence for merchants and their camels.

Return to the hotel.

Day 7 Cappadocia Region (Private Cappadocia Region Tour)

Soganli Valley - Meet in the hotel lobby to start the final day in Cappadocia. Begin with a visit to Soganli Village, showcasing monastic life.

Sobesos Ancient City - Drive to the Sobesos excavation site, a Roman city with unique floral mosaics recently discovered.

Keslik Monastery - At Keşlik Monastery, learn about the survival and religious practices of its inhabitants, offering insights into their social lives.

Sinasos Kilisesi - Travel to Sinassos to see an Old Greek Village, re-inhabited after 1927.

Red Valley - Drive approximately 20 minutes to Red Valley for a scenic 2-hour hike.

Return to the hotel to rest for the next day’s adventures.

Day 8 İzmir & Transfer to our Hotel

Kusadasi Castle - Transfer to the airport for a flight to Izmir (schedule varies). Upon arrival at Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport, check in to the hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing. Dinner and overnight in Kusadasi or Selcuk.

Day 9 Ephesus Region (Private Daily Ephesus Tour)

Ancient City of Ephesus - Begin Day 9 with a tour of Ephesus, where you can wander through the stunning ancient site.

The Temple of Artemis - After lunch, visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Basilica of Saint John - Later, explore the Basilica of St. John, funded by Justinianus, who also financed Hagia Sophia in Constantinople.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - Visit The Virgin Mary’s house.

Ephesus Museum - Explore the Selcuk Ephesus Museum to see remarkable artifacts from Ephesus.

Return to the hotel.

Day 10 Prine, Miletus, Didyma (Tour with Private Van)

Priene Antik Kenti - Start the tour with a 1 to 2-hour drive to Priene, an Ionian city established in the 7th century B.C. as a port city, later silted by the Meander River.

Miletus - Continue to Miletus, known for ancient philosophers like Thales, Anaximenes, and Hekaistos.

Temple of Apollo - The final stop is Didyma, the Temple of Apollo, where many prophecies were made. The largest oracle served at the Apollo Temple. Lunch may follow the visit, depending on the schedule.

Return to the hotel.

Day 11 Aphrodisias & Hierapolis (Drive to Denizli & Private Tour)

Aphrodisias - After checking out from the hotel, drive approximately two hours to Aphrodisias, one of Turkey’s best-preserved ancient sites. The earliest settlement dates back to 5000 B.C., but the city seen today is from the 2nd century B.C.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Later, visit Hierapolis, a renowned ancient healing center. Often referred to as the “Woodstock ‘69” of the ancient world, it was a place where people brought their tombs to die. The Necropolis of Hierapolis is well-known in Anatolia. Guests can also see the travertine, Cotton Castle, formed by calcium.

Return to the hotel to prepare for the next day.

We hope you enjoy Turkey and our services at Pupa Tourism. We look forward to welcoming you in Turkey.

Day 12 Going back home

Denizli Çardak Airport - For those departing, a transfer to the airport will be provided.

We hope you enjoy Turkey and our services at Pupa Tourism. We look forward to welcoming you in Turkey.

• Taxes included
• Personalized private guiding
• Lunch provided
• Complimentary private airport transfers
• Private air-conditioned minivan for tours

• Personal expenses
• Dinners
• Alcoholic beverages

• Infant meals not included

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.