Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! Also called Byzantium by the Greeks, Constantinople by the Romans, and finally Istanbul officially since 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!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Cruise, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Transport, Lunch with soft drinks
Optional Activities: Private Motor Yacht Cruise upgrade, Whirling Dervish Show

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: Flight to ?anl?urfa & Göbekli Tepe Tour

Today you will fly to ?anl?urfa, the ancient heart of southeastern Anatolia. You’ll begin your journey with a visit to the ?anl?urfa Archaeological Museum, a world-class institution housing a breathtaking collection of artifacts from Göbeklitepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex. Stand before carved pillars that predate Stonehenge by over 6,000 years, and trace the mysterious legacy of Neolithic builders who forever changed our understanding of human history. You will continue by car to the sacred Pool of Abraham (Bal?kl?göl), believed to be where the Prophet Abraham was cast into the fire by Nimrod, only for the flames to turn into water and the embers into sacred carp. Expect a combination of walking and short vehicle transfers between sites. Later, you’ll delve into the sensory tapestry of Urfa’s Old Bazaar: narrow lanes filled with spices, hammered copperware, and rich textiles. Sip strong local coffee, sample pistachio-laced sweets, and listen to the call of craftsmen working as their ancestors did centuries ago.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Guided Tour, Admission Fees, Private Transport, Lunch with soft drinks, Domestic Flight to ?anl?urfa (approx 1.45 min)

Day 6: Gobeklitepe Tour

After breakfast, you will continue your exploration of Göbeklitepe, the most groundbreaking archaeological discovery of our time. You’ll visit Karahantepe, a newly opened site of the same Pre-Pottery Neolithic culture, still being slowly revealed from beneath the Anatolian soil. Here, surreal carvings, buried chambers, and the eerie silence of deep antiquity will leave a lasting impression, another piece in the puzzle of humankind’s earliest spiritual life. Enjoy local experiences in ?anl?urfa’s bazaar and learn about regional traditions before you head back to modern Istanbul.

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

Day 7: Optional Day Tours from Istanbul

Today you will fly back to Istanbul. Rest and enjoy a day at leisure to explore the city on your own. Optional activities such as Whirling Dervish show or Turkish cooking class can be arranged for you.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport, Domestic Flight to Istanbul (approx 1.45 min)

Day 8: Arrive in Cappadocia

Get ready to explore yet another part or Turkey! Today, your private driver will escort you to Istanbul Airport for your 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, 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 (approximately. 1.15 min))
Optional Activities: Late afternoon Horseback Ride through the valleys: experience Cappadocia as it was once traversed – on horseback!

Day 9: Cappadocia Tour 1 – Valleys & Rock Formations

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. 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 stop in Avanos for lunch and to attend a local pottery demonstration. 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, Pottery Demonstration
Optional Activities: Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise

Day 10: Cappadocia Tour 2 – Underground City & Villages

After breakfast, you’ll journey deep into Cappadocia’s quiet corners, with history tucked among wildflowers and carved into ancient stone. You will begin with 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. Then head to the serene So?anl? Valley, a quiet gorge dotted with rock-cut churches and fading frescoes, for some light hiking and lunch. Pigeon houses, carved high into the stone, mark the valley like a secret code, once essential for fertilizing the region’s terraced fields. You’ll continue your drive to Keslik Monastery, a peaceful complex tucked between orchards and rolling hills. Next, wander the cobbled lanes of Mustafapa?a, a once-thriving Greek-Ottoman town. Admire its arched mansions, ivy-draped façades, and ornate doorways.

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

Day 11: Flight to Antalya

After breakfast, you will fly south to the turquoise coast and arrive in Antalya, a vibrant city blending Roman ruins, Ottoman houses, and stunning beaches. Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to a boutique hotel in the heart of the old town (Kaleiçi). Enjoy a leisurely afternoon discovering the marina and narrow streets lined with citrus trees, ready to begin a new chapter of discovery in Turkey’s sun-kissed south!

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport, Domestic Flight to Antalya (approx. 1 hr 10 min)

Day 12: 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 13: 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

Day 14: Leisure Day in Antalya

Spend a relaxing day to soak in Antalya’s seaside charm. Visit the beach, indulge in Turkish ice cream, or enjoy an optional hammam treatment or sunset yacht tour.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport (on demand) ASK, Lunch
Optional Activities: Hammam treatment, Sunset Private Yacht Tour

Day 15: Flight to Izmir

Today you’ll be transferred to Antalya Airport for your flight to the Aegean coast. Upon arrival in Izmir, your private driver will be waiting to escort you through olive groves and rolling hills to your hotel in Ku?adas?, a lively seaside retreat overlooking the blue waters of the Aegean (approx. 1 hr 15 min drive). As the landscape shifts from Mediterranean cliffs to Aegean serenity, you’ll feel the next chapter of your journey begin to unfold.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport, Domestic Flight to Izmir (approx 1.15 min), Dinner in hotel

Day 16: Ephesus Tour

After breakfast, you’ll step into the ancient world as you explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved classical cities in the world. 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. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

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

Day 17: Aphrodisias & Pamukkale Tour with Drop-off in Fethiye

Today you will depart early (8am) for a full-day adventure…but never before a recharging breakfast! You’ll begin your day at the extraordinary ancient city of Aphrodisias, a hidden jewel of classical antiquity named in honor of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. As you walk through the peaceful ruins surrounded by olive trees and mountains, you’ll explore the monumental stadium, one of the best preserved of the ancient world, the graceful Odeon, once alive with music and oratory, and the Temple of Aphrodite, whose majestic columns still rise in reverence. The city’s superb marble sculptures, many carved by local artisans, offer a glimpse into a refined artistic culture that once rivaled Athens and Rome.

After your visit, you’ll continue your drive to Pamukkale, where mineral-rich thermal waters have created cascading white travertine terraces, gleaming like frozen waterfalls under the Anatolian sun. You’ll walk barefoot along the warm, shallow pools and take in the views of this UNESCO-listed natural wonder. Just above lies the ancient city of Hierapolis, founded as a healing center during the Roman Empire. You’ll explore the remains of temples, baths, and necropolises, and stand in the vast Roman theater.

As the day winds down, you’ll embark on a scenic drive to Fethiye, winding along roads that reveal stunning views of emerald hills rolling gently toward the shimmering turquoise sea. Upon arrival, you’ll check in to your hotel and settle in for a well-earned rest, with the promise of coastal charm awaiting you in the days ahead.

Expect a long day with approx. 3.5 hrs total driving + sightseeing.

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

Days 18, 19, 20: Leisure Days in Fethiye

To conclude your journey, you’ll spend the next three days unwinding along the sun-drenched coast of Fethiye, a serene finale to your deep cultural exploration. Tucked between pine-covered hills and the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean, this final chapter is all about ease and enjoyment, savoring long seaside lunches of fresh meze and grilled fish.

We at JBT believe this structure creates a harmonious balance between Turkey’s rich cultural and historical heritage and the restorative pleasure of the coast, ensuring your journey ends with both inspiration and renewal.

Optional activities: Paragliding flight from Babada? Mountain over Ölüdeniz Lagoon, a 12 Islands Boat Cruise, a Jeep Safari to Saklikent Gorge, a guided walk through Kayaköy, a ghost town of stone houses and fig trees, a visit to Butterfly Valley, a sunset sailing tour, a Turkish cooking class with a local family.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transport (on demand) ASK

Day 21: Farewell to Turkey

As your journey draws to a close, you’ll be transferred from Fethiye to Dalaman Airport for your international departure. W We wish you a safe journey and hope to welcome you back to Turkey soon.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Private Transfer to Dalaman Airport (DLM) (approx 45 min based on traffic)