About The Tour

This 13-day tour of Turkey takes you on an incredible journey through the country’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. Beginning in Istanbul, you’ll explore the majestic Süleymaniye Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and enjoy a scenic Bosphorus boat trip. The adventure continues through the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the charming coastal towns of Kusadasi and Bodrum, and the picturesque lakeside landscapes of Dalyan and Antalya. You’ll visit the fascinating rock-cut churches of Cappadocia, the serene Ihlara Valley, and the remarkable Pamukkale hot springs. As you travel through Turkey’s scenic countryside, you’ll uncover the history of Konya, Egridir, and Bursa, before returning to Istanbul for a final exploration. With a perfect blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, this tour provides a truly unforgettable experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 - Friday: Istanbul

Upon arrival, we will transfer you to the hotel, where you will have some free time. In the afternoon, you can find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

Overnight at Istanbul

Day 2 - Saturday: Istanbul

Enjoy a panoramic tour of Istanbul, visiting the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in the city. We will explore the ancient walls, the Golden Horn, and the bustling fishing district while marveling at the exterior of Hagia Sophia. Our tour includes tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and pavilions.

In the afternoon, you will have free time to explore this city spanning two continents. As the day winds down, we will transfer to Taksim, the city’s most vibrant commercial district, where you can dine at one of its many restaurants and see the charming old tram that runs through the area or visit the nearby Galata Tower.

Overnight at Istanbul

Day 3 - Sunday: Istanbul

Today, we will embark on a two-hour boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included) aboard a private boat exclusively for Europamundo travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between Europe and Asia. We will enjoy the lively activity of the strait with its many boats, pass under the two bridges linking Europe and Asia, and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we return to central Istanbul for some free time.

Overnight at Istanbul

Day 4 - Monday: Istanbul - Ephesus - Kusadasi

Departing early from Istanbul, we travel through Turkey, arriving around lunchtime at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Once home to a quarter of a million people, Ephesus offers fascinating historical sites, including the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site (tickets included). After exploring Ephesus, we proceed to Kusadasi, a coastal town with a lively atmosphere, bustling commercial life, and a picturesque castle. We stay overnight in Kusadasi, with dinner included.

Note: During peak season (June-September), accommodation may be in a nearby town instead of Kusadasi.

Overnight at Kusadasi

Day 5 - Tuesday: Kusadasi - Bodrum - Marmaris

We start the day with a visit to Lake Bafa, one of Turkey’s natural treasures. Then, we continue to Bodrum, a stunning fortified city of Greek origin, where you can explore its castle, stroll through its vibrant streets, or visit the marina. After lunch, we head to Marmaris, a coastal town known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.

Note: During summer, accommodation may be in Mugla instead of Marmaris.

Overnight at Marmaris

Day 6 - Wednesday: Marmaris - Dalyan - Antalya

We travel to Dalyan, a picturesque location along a navigable river. A one-hour boat ride is included, taking us to the Lycian Rock Tombs and a large lake, where we stop at the hot springs. Here, you have the option to swim in the warm waters or indulge in a mud bath. There will also be time to enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants.

Next, we head to Antalya, a vibrant coastal city with over a million residents. Highlights include Hadrian’s Gate, the Ottoman district, and a breathtaking waterfall that cascades directly into the sea. Dinner will be included.

Overnight at Antalya

Day 7 - Thursday: Antalya - Aspendos - Side - Karaman - Nigde

Leaving Antalya, we visit Aspendos, home to one of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world. We then continue to Side, where you can admire the Temple of Apollo by the sea and stroll through its bustling port. Traveling through the Taurus Mountains, we stop in Karaman to view its fortress before heading to Cappadocia. Dinner will be included in Nigde.

Overnight at Nigde

Day 8 - Friday: Nigde - Cappadocia

A full day exploring Cappadocia, famous for its lunar landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. Our journey includes a visit to Gumusler, a 7th-century underground monastery with remarkable Byzantine frescoes, and the Kaymacli underground city, which could once house 30,000 people. In Uchisar, a natural fortress offers breathtaking views.

After lunch, we explore the Göreme Valley, home to an open-air museum with incredible rock-cut churches (tickets included). We stay overnight in Avanos, with dinner included.

Overnight at Cappadocia

Day 9 - Saturday: Cappadocia - Ihlara - Konya

At the edge of Cappadocia, we visit the Ihlara Valley, known for its cool waters and rock-cut churches. Our itinerary also includes a visit to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum in Konya, where we learn about the Dervish order. Dinner is included, and in the evening, you may choose to attend a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

Overnight at Konya

Day 10 - Sunday: Konya - Egridir - Pamukkale

Traveling through a scenic route between lakes, we arrive at Egridir, a charming lakeside town with historic walls and mosques. After lunch, we continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.

Overnights at Pamukkale

Day 11 - Monday: Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi

We begin the day with a visit to Ephesus, allowing free time to explore this ancient city. Later, we travel to Kusadasi, a lively coastal town with bustling shops and a quaint castle. Dinner will be included.

Overnight at Kusadasi

Day 12 - Tuesday: Kusadasi - Izmir - Bursa - Istanbul

Our journey takes us to Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, where our guide leads a brief tour of this modern metropolis. We then travel inland, stopping for lunch before arriving in Bursa. This historic city, Turkey’s fourth-largest, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its center, featuring traditional commercial districts, mosques, religious schools, and the famous Green Mosque. By the evening, we arrive back in Istanbul.

Overnight at Istanbul

Day 13 - Wednesday: Istanbul

After breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with unforgettable memories of Turkey.