What You'll Do

• See the Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul
• Explore the rock-cut dwellings and "Fairy Chimneys" of Cappadocia
• Relax on the beaches of the Mediterranean coast at Kas
• Visit the "Cotton Castles" of Pamukkale
• Go to the last House of the Virgin Mary in Ephesus
• Marvel at the remains of one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World
• Wander the Spice Market and Grand Bazaar of Istanbul
• See the remains of the Underground City of Kaymaklı

What You Can Expect

Following your arrival at Istanbul Airport, transfer to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore the Byzantine and Ottoman monuments of Istanbul, including the ancient Hippodrome, site of the Byzantine Empire’s famous chariot races. Go to the iconic Blue Mosque to marvel at the intricate blue iznik tiles and slender minarets up close. See the vast cathedral-like Underground Cistern, and travel through empires and faiths at Hagia Sophia Church, a former Byzantine church of Emperor Justinian turned mosque, and now a city museum. Go to the comlex of courtyards and buildings of the Ottoman sultan at Topkapi Palace. End by wandering the covered alleys of the Grand Bazaar, home to more than 4,000 shops selling jewelry, carpets and much more. Return to your hotel for an overnight in Istanbul.

Visit Istanbul’s Spice Market in the morning and see mounds of fragrant spices. Next, take a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait and see the wooden villas, palaces and luxury residences on both the European and Asian side of the city. Transfer on the overnight bus to Cappadocia at 20:30.

Explore the dramatic tufa formations and rock-cut houses of Cappadocia, carved from volcanic rock more than 10 million years ago. Known to the Persians as “Katpatuka,” it’s a place of mystery and magic. See the highlights of the region, such as the iconic “Fairy Chimneys” of Paşabaği. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Today’s tour centers on the southern parts of Cappadocia in the Red Valley. Go to the Underground City of Kaymaklı to see the remains of houses built around a network of about 100 tunnels.

Enjoy a day at leisure in Cappadocia. The adventurous can take a hot air balloon flight above the rock formations. Alternatively, hike in the Red Valley and discover the dovecotes of Pigeon Valley. Go to the citadel of Uchisar Castle for panoramic views across the rocks, or visit the village of Avanos to learn about the ancient techniques of pottery. Transfer in the evening for the overnight bus to Kas.

Your scheduled arrival in Kas is at noon, Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. A mecca for divers and lovers of water sports, Kas also boasts some lovely beaches and a laid-back Mediterranean vibe. Overnight in Kas.

Enjoy another day at leisure in Kas, relaxing on the beach or taking an optional sea kayaking tour over the sunken city of Kekova. Overnight in Kas.

Relax at leisure in Kas, exploring the Lycian tombs in the mountain walls, exploring the Antiphellos ruins of the hilly Uzun Çarşı Sokak, or just relaxing on the beach.

Transfer by bus to Fethiye for an overnight stay and the rest of the day at leisure. Built on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, Fethiye is a popular beach resort with gorgeous views of the Turquoise Coast from its enchanting beaches.

Continue your tour in Pamukkale, site of the ancient city of Hierapolis and the hot spring pools that form calcified limestone waterfalls and terraces.

Today you will get up-close to the limestone deposits, and learn how chemical properties in the water create the stepped water terraces on the mountain slopes of the Büyük Menderes valley. See the largest necropolis of Anatolia, before transfering by bus to Ephesusyou're your overnight stay.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before the transfer to Ephesus. Wander the ruins of one of the most impressive sites of antiquity. See the impressive amphitheater, remains of the Temple of Hadrian, and Library of Celsus, home to more than 12,000 scrolls in ancient times. The largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus reveals layers of history, from the archaic, through the classical, Hellenic, Roman and Byzantine eras.

Drive to the Temple of Artemis in the hills of Selcuk, and see the site of one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Go to the House of the Virgin Mary, thought to be where Mary spent the last years of her life. Take the overnight bus back to Istanbul.

Upon arrival to Istanbul, check into your hotel for a last free day at leisure. Grab the chance to do some last minute shopping in the bazaars and modern malls, or re-discover some of your favorite monuments. Overnight in Istanbul.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before the transfer to the airport for your onward fight.

What's Included

• Accommodation in 3-star hotels or similar (special class hotels and guesthouses)
• Breakfasts at all hotels
• Overland transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• All airport transfers
• Guide services
• Entrance fees to museums during guided tours
• Lunches during guided tour days (except in Istanbul)

What's Not Included

• Tips for the guide and driver, and personal expenses