Signature Turkey Escape: 14N/15D
Day Wise Itinerary
- Arrive at Istanbul International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. After check-in and rest, proceed for a gentle orientation walk around the historic Sultanahmet area. Enjoy views of the illuminated Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque from outside.
- Dinner at a local Turkish restaurant and overnight stay in Istanbul.
- After breakfast, begin your full-day guided tour of Istanbul’s Old City. Visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, a former Byzantine church and Ottoman mosque (free entry). Continue to the Blue Mosque, famous for its Iznik tiles and six minarets (free entry). Walk through the Hippodrome, seeing the Obelisk of Theodosius and Serpent Column. After lunch, visit the Topkapi Palace (entrance ticket included; Harem section optional), which served as the residence of Ottoman sultans.
- End the day at the Basilica Cistern (entrance included), an underground marvel with Medusa heads. Overnight in Istanbul.
- After breakfast, visit the vibrant Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar, ideal for shopping Turkish delights, spices, carpets, and souvenirs. Later, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus Cruise (ticket included), sailing between Europe and Asia while admiring palaces, mosques, and waterfront mansions. In the afternoon, visit Galata Tower (entrance included) for panoramic city views.
- Evening free at Istiklal Street & Taksim Square. Overnight in Istanbul.
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Kayseri or Nevşehir. Upon arrival, drive to your hotel in Cappadocia and check in to a cave hotel. In the evening, explore Göreme village and enjoy sunset views from a nearby viewpoint.
- Overnight in Cappadocia.
- Early morning optional Hot Air Balloon Ride (extra cost, weather permitting). After breakfast, begin the North Cappadocia tour. Visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum (entrance included), home to rock-cut churches with ancient frescoes. Continue to Paşabağ (Monks Valley), famous for fairy chimneys, followed by Devrent Valley, known for imaginative rock formations.
- Visit Avanos to see traditional pottery making. Return to hotel and overnight in Cappadocia.
- After breakfast, proceed for the South Cappadocia tour. Visit Kaymakli or Derinkuyu Underground City (entrance included), where early Christians once hid. Drive through Ihlara Valley, enjoying a scenic walk and ancient cave churches. Stop at Pigeon Valley and panoramic viewpoints.
- Return to hotel for overnight stay in Cappadocia.
- After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Antalya. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in. Evening free to relax or explore the seaside promenade.
- Overnight in Antalya.
- After breakfast, explore Kaleiçi (Old Town) with its Ottoman houses and narrow streets. Visit Hadrian’s Gate, a Roman triumphal arch. Continue to the Düden Waterfalls, where water cascades into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Afternoon free for beach time at Lara Beach or hotel leisure. Overnight in Antalya.
- After breakfast, proceed for a day trip to ancient cities. Visit Perge, an impressive Roman archaeological site, followed by Aspendos Theatre (entrance included), one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.
- Return to Antalya in the evening. Overnight stay.
- After breakfast, drive to Pamukkale (approx. 4–5 hours). Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and relax.
- Evening free to enjoy thermal pools or rest. Overnight in Pamukkale.
- After breakfast, visit the stunning Pamukkale Travertines (entrance included), famous for white calcium terraces filled with thermal water. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, including the Roman theatre and necropolis.
- Optional swim in Cleopatra’s Antique Pool (extra cost). Return to hotel and overnight in Pamukkale.
- After breakfast, drive to Kuşadası or Selçuk. En route enjoy scenic countryside views.
- Check in to hotel and spend evening at leisure along the Aegean coast. Overnight in Kuşadası / Selçuk.
- After breakfast, visit the Ancient City of Ephesus (entrance included), exploring the Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Marble Road, and Terrace Houses (optional). Continue to the House of Virgin Mary, a pilgrimage site. Visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
- Return to hotel and overnight.
- After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Airport for a flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
- Rest of the day free for shopping, hammam experience, or optional Bosphorus dinner cruise. Overnight in Istanbul.
- After breakfast, check out from the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable journey through Turkey.
Inclusions
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Private tour for you and your group. -
14 nights accommodation at a hotel or similar
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Tours as per above mentioned itinerary [PVT / SIC]
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Daily breakfast
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English-speaking driver
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Entry fees as per itinerary
Exclusions
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International Flight (Return) -
GST & TCS
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Visa and Insurance
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Tipping and Personal Expenses
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Meals (lunch, dinner): $ 10 - 15 / meal (without transfer)
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Guide
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Luggage van (if needed)
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Extra hour transport at $ 20 - 40 / hour
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Anything not mentioned in the Inclusions
General Question
Your passport is essential for all international travel. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality, your destination country, the purpose of your visit (tourism, work, study), and the length of your stay. Always check the official government travel website of your destination country well in advance of your trip.
Generally, booking flights 2 to 4 months in advance for international travel and 1 to 3 months for domestic travel often yields good prices. However, prices fluctuate constantly. For accommodations, booking well ahead, especially for peak season, is usually best for selection, though last-minute deals can sometimes be found. Flexibility with your travel dates is the biggest factor in finding lower prices.
A combination is usually best. Use an ATM (at a secure bank location) for local currency as it often gives the best exchange rate, but be aware of foreign transaction fees from your bank. Use a credit card (preferably one with no foreign transaction fees) for larger purchases like hotels and restaurants. Carry a small amount of local currency cash for small vendors or emergencies. Always notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel dates and destinations.
First, check your airline's app or website for rebooking options. If you can't rebook yourself, get in line to speak with an agent, but also try calling the airline's customer service number simultaneously, as phone agents can often rebook faster. Know your passenger rights, which vary by region
Pack all essentials and valuables: passport, wallet/money, electronics, prescription medications, a change of clothes (in case of checked luggage delay), and any necessary chargers. This ensures you have what you need even if your checked bag is lost or delayed. Remember to follow airline restrictions on liquids.
For international and expensive trips, yes. Travel insurance can cover unexpected issues like emergency medical expenses abroad (which your regular health insurance may not), trip cancellation or interruption (due to illness, natural disaster, etc.), and lost/delayed baggage. Review policies carefully to understand what is and isn't covered.
Share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member. Keep your valuables secure (consider a cross-body bag or money belt). Research local scams and customs. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and trust your intuition. Use reputable transportation and accommodations.
When returning to your home country, you must declare any items you purchased abroad, including duty-free goods. Each country has a specific duty-free allowance (a monetary limit and/or quantity limits for items like alcohol and tobacco). Exceeding this limit means you will have to pay a customs duty/tax on the excess value. Always check your home country's customs website before traveling to understand the exact limits.