Turkey Istanbul, Cappadocia & the Coast Cultural Discovery Tour

Welcome to Istanbul, the unique city bridging two continents and the cultural heart of Turkey. Settle into your boutique hotel and join your group for a trip briefing and welcome dinner.

Start the day with a hearty breakfast at your hotel, then meet your guide and head out to explore Istanbul's historical peninsula. Today's focus will be the old town district, the center for the royal court of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires. Walk or take a short tram ride to Sultanahmet Square, where you'll see the regal Hippodrome and the awe-inspiring Basilica Cistern. Next, visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, a distinctive architectural gem dating back to the 6th century AD. The royal church of the Christian faith during Byzantium, the Hagia Sophia has been a place of sanctuary and political power for centuries. Move on to Topkapi Palace, the royal palace of the Ottomans from the 15th to 19th century. The exhibition halls, the Harem and the quarters belonging to the royalty offer a true glimpse into the lives of the Sultans while reflecting the remarkable architectural heritage of the Ottoman Empire.

A short walk through Ottoman Istanbul's financial district of Karakoy will lead you to the waterfront area of Eminonu. Stroll around the Spice Bazaar, a key part of Old Istanbul, where you'll find thousands of diverse scents, flavors, and colors. Next, visit the Rustem Pasha Mosque, constructed above the Spice Bazaar's shops. Designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, the mosque displays lavish tile decorations. Just a few steps from the mosque, you'll reach the shore of Eminonu, where your private boat awaits. Begin your cruise in the Golden Horn, and sail up north through the Bosphorus Strait, admiring the shores of both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

Take an early-morning flight to Kayseri, where you'll discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cappadocia, known for its unique volcanic terrain and cultural splendor. Your tour starts at Uchisar, famous for its historical fortress. Hike for approximately 2 hours to reach the Pigeon Valley in Goreme. Goreme Open Air Museum offers off-the-charts scenery with its beautiful landscape and Byzantine Empire rock-hewn churches. After exploring the lunar-like land of the Cappadocian valleys, reach Avanos, an important ceramics center since 2000 BC. After touring the area and some free time for shopping, return to the hotel.

If you choose, wake up early and take a hot-air balloon tour (at an additional cost). Later, set off on a loop hike from your hotel in Sinasos. First, explore this beautiful town (modern-day Mustafapasa), the former home of Greek Orthodox and Muslim communities before the Population Exchange of 1924. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the East," the town contains a variety of heritage buildings, including the Hagios Constantinos Eleni Church. Continue through the green fields of Sinasos and the volcanic Damsa Valley to reach the serene St. Nicholas Monastery. At the end of the valley, you'll see fine examples of rock-hewn churches and cave dwellings. From here, you can opt to take a steep hike to Gorgoli Hill, where rock formations and caves date back to the 3rd and 5th centuries. After enjoying the unique landscape, descend to a trout restaurant located close to the dam for lunch. Close the loop with a light walk back to the hotel.

This morning, head out on a tour of Kaymakli Underground City. This multi-level subterranean metropolis was initially dwellings built by settlers as early as the Phrygians. As you move from level to level, gain insight into the everyday customs and needs of the ancient people who lived here. After Kaymakli, continue to the Ihlara, the most picturesque valley in Cappadocia, and walk along the Melendiz River until you reach the awe-inspiring Selime Monastery.

Today take a scenic drive from Cappadocia to Antalya, with stops at Konya and Aspendos along the way. Explore Sultanhani, a 13th-century caravanserai that reflects the detail-oriented architecture of the Seljukids. The caravanserais played a critical role in the Silk Road trade, offering shelter and protection to tradesmen. After a short visit, reach Konya, home of the Mevlana Museum. A highlight of the museum is the tomb of Rumi, an important mystic and poet and the founder of the Mevlevi order of Sufism. After visiting the museum, head south to Aspendos. Built in the 2nd century AD, Aspendos is acknowledged as the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in all of Asia Minor! Reach Antalya, your base for the next two nights, and check into your seaside hotel.

Discover the wonders of the port city of Antalya and its old district, known as "Kaleici." See stunning heritage sites dating back to Roman, Seljukid, and Ottoman times, including Hadrian's Gate, Yivli Minaret and Kesik Minaret. After a pleasant stroll around Kaleici, visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, which hosts one of the greatest collections of Greco-Roman artifacts in Turkey. From the old port, set sail on a boat tour up to Duden Waterfall, where you'll enjoy the changing colors of the Mediterranean and the beautiful view of Antalya from the sea. Enjoy Antalya at your leisure this evening.

On today's journey to Kas, you'll stop to visit the charming port city of Phaselis along the Lycian Way. Surrounded by pine trees and skirting a beautiful coastline, Phaselis was famously conquered by Alexander the Great in 334 BC. The city became a member of the Lycian League after the 2nd century AD, with its ruins and one of the best conserved Roman aqueducts open to today's travelers. After touring the city, continue to Myra, which was one of the six cities leading the Lycian League and famous for its rock-cut tombs carved in the cliff above the ancient amphitheater. After your tour, you'll reach the beautiful coastal town of Kas. Before dinner there is time to stroll through the lively town.

Enjoy today's hike on the Lycian Way from the hilltop Phellos to Antiphellos by the sea. Antiphellos means "below Phellos" or "port of Phellos," which is where modern-day Kas was founded. You'll first take a transfer to your tour starting point near ancient Phellos. Visit the ruins of the city, then begin your descent towards the sea. Take in the smells, sights, and the azure Mediterranean as you hike. When your hike ends, you'll take a short transfer back to Kas.

Today, take a hike to Aperlai, an ancient city on the Lycian Way near Ucagiz. You'll take a short transfer to Kilicli town and start your hike from there. Famous for its centuries-long tradition of making royal purple dye out of crushed mollusk shells, Aperlai will amaze you with its serene natural beauty, forgotten church ruins along the coastline, and impressive fortified city walls. Next, take a boat tour to Kekova Island, where you'll see the ruins of the sunken city of Simena. Above ground are the remains of Lycian tombs, a church and a staircase that leads to the sea. Because the Mediterranean Sea is crystal-clear, it is possible to see the subaquatic ruins long lost to a distant past. Make sure to try some freshly made ice cream at Simena Castle, while you enjoy the view of the sea. Celebrate the end of a wonderful adventure at a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, transfer to the Dalaman Airport for your homeward bound flight or continue your adventure with an extension to UNESCO-acclaimed Ephesus!