Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Also called Byzantium by the Greeks, Constantinople by the Romans, and finally Istanbul officially from 1930. For centuries, this has been the meeting point of East and West, the crossroads of civilizations where Europe and Asia gaze at each other across the shimmering waters of the Bosphorus Strait. Few cities in the world have carried such weight: emperors, sultans, and merchants all left their mark here, layering palaces, mosques, and bazaars in a dazzling mosaic of cultures. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by your JBT guide and transferred to your hotel. Take some time to rest and adjust to the local time zone before starting your Turkish adventure.?

Inclusions: Private Airport Transfer (30min-1hr depending on traffic)
Optional Activities: Turkish Bath (Hammam) experience to refresh after your flight

Day 2: Istanbul Tour 1 – Historical Highlights of the Old City

After breakfast, your guide will lead you through the most iconic and meaningful corners of Istanbul’s Old City for a moderate walking tour (all major sites are within walking distance). But this won’t feel like a standard sightseeing day: you will walk throughout the Sultanahmet district, in which mosaics emerge from worn stone and street cats stretch lazily in the morning light (we hope you like kitties). You will step inside Hagia Sophia, its golden mosaics still glowing beneath immense Byzantine domes, and feel the quiet majesty of the Blue Mosque, surrounded by thousands of hand-painted Iznik tiles in delicate shades of blue. Next, you will descend into the Basilica Cistern: vaulted ceilings, still waters and mysterious Medusa heads in an underground world that feels both cinematic and sacred. Then, you will explore the Topkap? Palace, once the political and spiritual center of the Ottoman Empire, with its opulent chambers, sacred relics and fine calligraphy.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Transport (In Istanbul, we use public transportation to avoid traffic), Lunch with soft drinks
Optional Activities: Turkish Bath (Hammam) experience

Day 3: Istanbul Tour 2 – Bazaars, Spices & Bosphorus Cruise

Be ready a sensory tapestry. After breakfast, you will begin your day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest covered markets. Navigate its labyrinth of domed passages lined with brass lamps, woven carpets, and antique curios. Then, onto the Spice Bazaar, where cinnamon, saffron, and sumac spill from pyramids of color. You will then cross the Galata Bridge, pausing to watch fishermen reel in silver catch, and then continue to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, a hidden jewel of Iznik tilework. Later, you will board the ferry for a Bosphorus cruise: wooden yali mansions and Ottoman palaces flank the shoreline like pearls strung along the water’s edge (You may wish to upgrade to a Private Motor Yacht Cruise for a more luxurious Bosphorus experience). In the evening, we recommend attending a typical Whirling Dervish Show to witness this spiritual performance. A truly unforgettable experience!

Day 4: Istanbul Tour 3 – Hidden Histories of Fener & Balat

Today you will step into the serene grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque, perched high above the Golden Horn and designed by the master architect Sinan for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. From here, you will descend into the Bazaar Quarters (expect moderate walking combined with minivan transfers between sites). Next, you will cross the Bosphorus to visit the dazzling Dolmabahçe Palace, a vision in marble and crystal. This 19th-century waterfront residence of the Ottoman sultans blends Baroque opulence and Islamic design with Versailles-like glamour. Walk through halls glittering with Baccarat chandeliers, gaze at frescoed ceilings, and marvel at the world’s largest Bohemian crystal staircase, all set against the shimmering sea. You will then delve into the layered heritage of Fener and Balat, Istanbul’s historic quarters of faith and resilience, once home to Orthodox patriarchs, Jewish scholars, and Armenian traders.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Transport, Lunch w/ soft drinks

Day 5: Optional Day Tours

Today is yours to shape. Choose your favorite activity:

Option 1: Bursa Day Tour?

Enjoy a full-day trip to Bursa (2.5h drive each way), the verdant cradle of the Ottoman Empire nestled against the slopes of Uluda?. Discover the grandeur of the Ulu Camii (Grand Mosque), a forest of domes and calligraphy, followed by the serene beauty of the Ye?il Camii (Green Mosque) and its exquisite turquoise tiles. Browse for silks and souvenirs in the historic Koza Han, once a bustling stop on the Silk Road, now a tranquil courtyard shaded by plane trees.

Option 2: Asian Side Explorer Tour

Cross the Bosphorus for a day on Istanbul’s Asian side, in which local life flows with a more relaxed, lived-in charm. Stroll the leafy streets of Kuzguncuk, a bohemian neighborhood where synagogues and churches share space with artisan cafés and fig trees. Visit the elegant Beylerbeyi Palace, an Ottoman summer residence with European flair and waterfront views. From Çaml?ca Hill, take in a breathtaking panorama of the city’s two continents. End your day in Kad?köy, a vibrant district of bookshops, antique stores, lively markets, and food stalls.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Lunch w/ soft drinks

Day 6: Arrive in Cappadocia

After a relaxed morning, your private driver will escort you to Istanbul Airport for your afternoon flight to Cappadocia. As the plane descends, look out over a landscape unlike anywhere else on earth: a dreamscape of honeycombed hills, stone spires, and ancient caves carved into rose-gold rock! Upon arrival, a warm welcome awaits, as you’ll be transferred to your handpicked boutique cave hotel, whose stone walls tell stories of centuries past and where panoramic terraces open onto valleys sculpted by time.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Airport Transfer, Domestic Flight to Kayseri Airport (ASR)
Optional Activities: Late afternoon Horseback Ride through the valleys: experience Cappadocia as it was once traversed – on horseback!

Day 7: Cappadocia Tour 1 – The Legend Tour

At dawn, you might choose to soar in a hot air balloon, an ethereal flight above fairy chimneys, ancient vineyards, and sleepy villages. It’s a moment suspended in time! After breakfast, your exploration of Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes will begin in Devrent Valley, often called “Imagination Valley” for the whimsical shapes sculpted by wind and time. Let your mind wander as you spot rock formations resembling camels, dolphins, or dancers frozen in stone from your car! You will continue your drive to the Zelve Open Air Museum, once a thriving cave village now carved silent by history. You will walk through its troglodyte homes and cave churches, abandoned in the mid-20th century. Next, you will arrive in Pa?aba? (Monk’s Valley), a place in which towering fairy chimneys rise like giant mushrooms from the earth, some still containing hermit cells and chapels carved by reclusive monks centuries ago.

Afterwards, you will visit the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and spiritual heart of the region. Here, Byzantine monks carved entire chapels and monasteries into the stone, their walls adorned with vibrant frescoes that have endured for over a thousand years. You’ll conclude the day at Uçhisar Rock Castle, a natural fortress of honeycombed stone rising above the valleys. We suggest climbing to the summit for a panoramic view of Cappadocia’s magical terrain.

Expect a combination of walking and short vehicle transfers between sites. Paths at open-air museums involve uneven terrain so we recommend comfortable shoes.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Lunch with soft drinks
Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise

Day 8: Cappadocia Tour 2 – The Dream Tour & Flight to Antalya

After breakfast, you’ll journey deep into Cappadocia’s quiet corners, with history tucked among wildflowers and carved into ancient stone. You will begin in the serene So?anl? Valley, a quiet gorge dotted with rock-cut churches and fading frescoes that hint at the lives of early monastic communities. Pigeon houses, carved high into the stone, mark the valley like a secret code, once essential for fertilizing the region’s terraced fields, now a picturesque remnant of ancient rural life. You’ll continue your drive to Keslik Monastery, a peaceful complex tucked between orchards and rolling hills. Step into its modest chapels and sun-dappled cloisters, with soft light filtering through narrow stone openings, a space once filled with quiet devotion and the rhythm of monastic life. Next, wander the cobbled lanes of Mustafapa?a, a once-thriving Greek-Ottoman town. Admire its arched mansions, ivy-draped façades, and ornate doorways bearing the faded inscriptions of another era. Your final stop is the astonishing Kaymakl? Underground City.

Descend into this vast, multi-level subterranean world, carved from soft volcanic stone and used for centuries as a hidden refuge. In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Antalya, where a sea breeze and Mediterranean light await. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your carefully selected hotel, ready to begin a new chapter of discovery in Turkey’s sun-kissed south!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Transport, Lunch w/ soft drinks, Domestic Flight to Antalya Airport (AYT)

Day 9: Antalya Tour 1 – History and Nature Combined

Immerse yourself in the rich history of Antalya: begin with the captivating ruins of Perge, an ancient city that recounts stories of Roman grandeur. You’ll wander its broad colonnaded streets, trace the outlines of once-magnificent Roman baths, and imagine the vibrant life that once thrived beneath towering marble columns and sun-dappled forums. Next, be awe-inspired by the majestic Aspendos Theater, a testament to Roman engineering and artistry. Pause for a traditional Turkish lunch nearby, savoring regional flavors that celebrate Anatolia’s rich culinary heritage: fresh meze, tender kebabs, and fragrant pilafs, paired with local herbs and fresh bread. In the afternoon, you will retreat to the tranquil Kür?unlu Waterfalls, an oasis of crystal-clear waters that cascade through lush greenery along the Aksu River. Expect a vehicle-based trip with short walking segments. Drive time: 45 min between sites

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport (2hrs), Lunch w/ soft drinks

Day 10: Antalya Tour 2 – Ancient Wonders & Old Town

After breakfast, you’ll venture to Termessos, the majestic Pisidian city perched high among the Taurus Mountains, for a hike through its ancient ruins: history meeting breathtaking wilderness. Explore the remnants of temples and the sprawling necropolis, testaments of a civilization that thrived in harmony with nature’s grandeur. Return to the vibrant heart of Antalya to visit the Antalya Archaeology Museum, home to one of Turkey’s most impressive collections with intricate mosaics, statues, and artifacts from the region’s rich past, spanning Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman eras, weaving together a tapestry of millennia. You will conclude your day with a leisurely stroll through Kaleiçi, Antalya’s enchanting old town with narrow cobblestone streets framed by Ottoman-era houses with carved wooden balconies. Soak up the lively atmosphere of bustling bazaars, seaside cafés, and historic landmarks bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Lunch w/ soft drinks

Day 11: Leisure Day and Flight to Izmir

Spend a leisurely day soaking up the sights, sounds, and flavors of Antalya at your own pace, whether wandering sunlit streets, relaxing by the turquoise sea, or indulging in a café’s gentle bustle. When the time comes, a private transfer will escort you to Antalya Airport for your onward flight to Izmir, carrying with you the warm memories of Turkey’s southern jewel.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport, Domestic Flight to Izmir Airport (ADB), Dinner in hotel

Day 12: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, you will begin your day driving through gentle countryside to the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered sanctuary nestled on the slopes of Mount Koressos. This humble stone house, shrouded in quiet mystery and spiritual calm, is believed to be the final earthly home of Mary, mother of Jesus. Next, you are going even further back in time as you enter the ancient city of Ephesus, founded by Ionian settlers in the 11th century BCE, in which every corner reveals exquisite examples of Greco-Roman art and architecture, from the soaring façade of the Library of Celsus to the grand Great Theatre. You will continue your drive to the nearby St. John Basilica, built over the believed burial site of the apostle John. You’ll then conclude your exploration with a visit to the elegant Isa Bey Mosque, a masterpiece of Seljuk architecture adorned with intricate stonework and serene courtyards, a fitting end to a day steeped in history and spirituality. Expect a vehicle-based touring with moderate walking at archaeological sites.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Lunch, Dinner in hotel

Day 13: Aphrodisias & Pamukkale Tour or Ferry to Samos

Enjoy a leisure day in Kusadasi.

Option 1: Marble Marvels and Thermal Wonders:

You’ll drive to the ancient city of Aphrodisias, a hidden treasure famed for its exquisite marble sculptures and remarkably intact ruins. From Aphrodisias, you’ll continue driving toward the surreal landscape of Pamukkale, its pure white terraces cascading down the hillside like frozen waterfalls. Mineral-rich thermal waters have flowed here for millennia, drawing travelers in search of rest and renewal. Adjacent lies Hierapolis, a Greco-Roman spa city whose ruins include a grand Roman theater, vast necropolises, and sacred springs.

Option 2: Aegean Escape to Samos:

Embark on a seasonal adventure crossing the Aegean Sea to the charming Greek island of Samos, full of pastel-colored houses, fragrant bougainvillea, and bustling local markets. Explore ancient temples, like the Heraion, one of Greece’s most important sanctuaries, and stroll along coastal promenades lined with fishermen mending nets beside tavernas serving freshly caught seafood.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Ferry crossing, Lunch, Dinner in hotel

Day 14: Flight to Istanbul and free rest of the day

After breakfast your private transfer will escort you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day experiencing Turkey’s capital at your own pace.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport, Domestic Flight to Istanbul Airport (IST)

Day 15: Departure

Private transfer to Istanbul Airport for your international flight. We hope you depart with a heart full of stories and a soul steeped in Turkey’s warmth, complexity, and beauty.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Airport Transfer