16 Days Private Ancient Turkey Tour

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey, a land rich in history and culture. This 16-day adventure takes you to some of the most iconic destinations in the country, including the otherworldly landscapes of Cappadocia, the ancient city of Ephesus, and the natural wonders of Pamukkale.

Explore the ancient ruins of Ephesus, once one of the most important cities in the Roman Empire. Marvel at the iconic Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre. Then, journey to Cappadocia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and experience the unique fairy chimneys and underground cities. Take a hot air balloon ride for a breathtaking view of the landscape.

Relax and rejuvenate at Pamukkale, famous for its white travertine terraces. Soak in the natural hot springs and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in Turkish culture. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum and the Mevlana Museum to learn about the region’s rich history and traditions.

Indulge in delicious Turkish cuisine, and experience the warm hospitality of the local people.

Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival in Istanbul
You will arrive to the New Istanbul Airport ( Ist ) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport ( Saw). 

Following baggage claim, you will proceed to the domestic terminal for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport and after baggage claim, our team will meet you at the designated exit gate. Following approximately a one-hour drive, you will arrive at your authentic hotel. Accommodation and dinner will be provided in Cappadocia.

Meals : Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 2 : Cappadocia
After breakfast at the hotel, you will meet your guide. You will start your tour with Kaymaklı Underground City. This underground city is considered as an interesting underground settlement in Cappadocia. From there, you will go to Sahinefendi (Sobesos). Here, you will see Mosaic Art and Archaeological excavation site from the Byzantine Period. The valley villages with mountains around them gives us a spectacular view. Our next stop will be Keslik Monastery near Cemil. The ancient frescos are hidden behind a smoke layer. Here, you will visit Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) which is an old Roman town with its old houses. These houses are the great examples of late Roman settlements and architecture in the region. Our next stop will be the Red Valley. The valley consists of incredible volcanic rock formations. This valley is at the centre of Cappadocia. Still, the valley is not overcrowded by tourists. You will spend the night at Cappadocia.

Meals : Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 3 : Cappadocia
After breakfast, you will continue to discover Cappadocia. You will go to Devrent valley to see the rock formations. You will go back in time with troglodyte houses. Then, you will visit Pasabag which has “fairy chimneys”. Here, you can even hear the “songs of fairies” near Zelve. You will take your lunch in Avanos which is the centre of red pottery since 3000 BC. Here, you will witness the traditional pottery craftsmanship. In the afternoon, you will go to Goreme Open Air Museum. The museum is home to incredible examples of the Byzantine art in Cappadocia. There are churches carved in the rocks with frescoes and paintings created betyouen the 10th and the 13th century. Our next stop in your tour will be Uchisar Rock-Castle which gives a panoramic view of the Cappadocian valleys. You will stay in Cappadocia for the night.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 4: Cappadocia
After having you breakfast, you will leave the hotel for the tour. Your experience today will be hiking in Ihlara canyon. You will drive to the beautiful Ihlara Valley. Here, you will hike in Ihlara canyon. The canyon is like a “mirage” at the heart of Anatolia. Belisirma village which is an ancient peristrema is also offers an amazing beauty. This village is known as the “valley of the sky” lying along the Melendiz river. Here, you will see churches cut from rocks and wild plantation. The view will amaze you as well as the churched ornamented with the representations from the bible. You will have your lunch in a local river-side restaurant in Belisirma. You will go back to the city center via Selime village that has carved houses and an amazing landscape. You will transfer to your amazing and comfortable hotel. You will spend the night in Cappadocia.

Meals : Breakfast,Lunch,Dinner
Hotels : Kemerhan Cave Hotel – Acer Cave Hotel – Mustafa Resort Cappadocia

Day 7 : Cappadocia – Konya – Antalya
You will have a regional breakfast at your hotel. After your breakfast, you will leave for Konya. On your way, you will visit Sultanhani Caravanserai. Caravanserais were important structures to support the commerce and people travelling on commercial routes across Asia, North Africa and South-Europe. These roads were known as the legendary silk road and the spice road. When you arrive in Konya, you will see the Mevlana Sufi Temple. Mevlana is the founder of Sufism and whirling dervishes. You will spend the night in Antalya

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Rixos DownTown Hotel – Concorde Deluxe Resort

Day 8 : Antalya
You will start your visit Turkey private tour after having your breakfast.
Your first stop will be Perge which was first settled by the Hittites around 1500 BC. In this ancient city, you will see colonnaded avenue, baths, nymphaeum, agora and the fountain of the river god. Here, the waters poured down the town centre in the past. Then, you will visit Aspendos with an amazing, well-preserved amphitheatres around the world. Also, you will visit the Kursunlu waterfalls and Antalya museum here. After that, you will transfer to your authentic hotel. You will spend the night in Antalya.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Rixos DownTown Hotel – Concorde Deluxe Resort

Day 9 : Antalya – Kas

Your private tour will start after having your breakfast.
In this private tour, you will see Lycian Tombs of Myra and St. Nicholas Church which is also known as Santa Claus Church. You will enjoy the amazing scenic coastline and visit Phaselis city with its harbours, Roman theatre and aqueduct. You will spend the night in Kas.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Payam Hotel – Kas Artemis Hotel

Day 10 : Kas – Fethiye

After having your breakfast, you will go and see Xanthos which served as the capital of Lycia. The ancient city has well-preserved Roman theatre and Lycian pillar tombs. Your next destination will be Patara that has 17 km long white sandy beach as well as ancient ruins scattered around the sand. Patara was the birthplace of the 4th century Byzantine bishop Nicholas known as Santa Claus. After this tour, you will transfer to your luxurious boutique hotel. You will spend the night in Fethiye.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Yacht Boheme Hotel-Boutique Class – Hotel Unique Boutique Class

Day 11 : Fethiye – Tlos – Saklikent – Dalyan

You will enjoy the mountain views on this day. Today’s tour includes Tlos ancient site with carved Lycian tombs and a ruined stronghold from the 18th century. There is a legend about winged horse Pegasus as well as ivy-covered Roman bathtub. You will see Saklikent and Kayakoy steep walls. After that, you will spend time in Oludeniz which is known as one of the best beaches in Turkey. You will spend the night in Dalyan.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Dalyan Resort SPA – Boutique Class – Dalyan Michelangelo Boutique Hotel

Day 12 : Dalyan
Today’s tour will start by visiting a fishing city with a boat tour. Here, you can relax and enjoy the thermal waters and a mud bath. Also, you can visit the historic sites and enjoy the Iztuzu seaside known for being a breeding area for caretta caretta turtle. You will spend the night in Dalyan.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Dalyan Resort SPA – Boutique Class – Dalyan Michelangelo Boutique Hotel

Day 13 : Dalyan – Pamukkale – Kusadası
When you have your breakfast, your private Turkey tour will continue with Pamukkale. Here, you will visit the Travertine Terraces and Hierapolis. The Travertine Terraces at Pamukkale are amazing looking mineral water ponds covered with calcite waters forming a set of terrace and ponds with amazing look. The terrace looks like a cotton or snow. This is why the Turkish name for this place is Pamukkale which means cotton castle. You will enjoy the white terraces. After that, While driving to this ancient city, you will also visit Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias is an important city for its fame in sculpture. The Aphrodisias faculty of sculpture was one of the unique faculties with unique structure that transformed the Greek and Roman artistic world. You will be transferred to your hotel. You will spend the night in Kusadasi.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 14 :Ephesus
Your private guide will welcome you on this day. You will visit the ancient Ephesus. Here, you will walk the same path that Caesar, Cicero, Apostles Paul and John. You will visit the terrace houses where the richest Roman people lived. Here, you can see the amazing mosaics and frescos. The legends say that Virgin Mary lived here after the crucifixion and spend her final years near the city of Ephesus. There is a small chapel at the top of the mountain which is taken care of by the Franciscans. You can visit this chapel which is a pilgrimage spot for Christians. You will spend the night in Kusadasi.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Charisma De Luxe Hotel – LaVista Boutique Hotel & Spa

Day 15 : Izmir – Istanbul

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul and after baggage claim, you will be met by our team at the designated meeting point. Our team member will introduce you to your driver. After approximately a one-hour safe drive, you will arrive at your hotel. Shortly after settling into your room, you will meet your guide. After lunch, you will be transferred to Kabataş or Karaköy pier. You will embark on a 2-hour Bosphorus cruise. During the cruise, you will have the opportunity to admire the unique architecture of Dolmabahçe Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace, and Rumeli Fortress. After dinner, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Meals : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hotels : Barcelo Hotel Istanbul Taksim

Day 16 : DEPARTURE – HOME 
This is the last day of your private Turkey tour. After your last breakfast transfer to the New Istanbul Airport four hours before your international flight.

Meals : Breakfast