Best of Anatolia Tour (by plane) - 11 Days/10 Nights

Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel. You’ll be free for the rest of the day. Explore the hotel’s vicinity and try Turkish coffee at a local cafe.
Overnight stay in Istanbul.   

After breakfast, we’ll start our Istanbul tour at 08:45 am. First, we will visit the great Hagia Sophia (Saint Sophia), built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD as a church and was later converted into a mosque. Next, we will visit the Topkapı Palace, a giant walled complex from which Ottoman sultans ruled their great empire for more than 420 years. Afterwards, we will visit the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), a 17th-century Ottoman mosque renowned for its six minarets and magnificent interior featuring blue tiles.
Then, we’ll explore the Hippodrome Square, which was used as a meeting place and for chariot races during the Byzantine period. Here, we will see the Serpent Column brought from Delphi, the Egyptian Obelisk, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm.
Overnight stay in Istanbul. (Breakfast) 

After breakfast, check out of the Hotel at 08:30 and head for the Spice Bazaar,
The Egyptian Bazaar is Istanbul's second-largest covered market. This historical market offers a mystical, oriental atmosphere filled with the scents of spices, freshly roasted nuts, and coffee. In this ancient market, you can purchase a variety of spices, Turkish sweets, and small souvenirs showcasing goods from the Silk Road.
Rustem Pasha Mosque is one of the best examples of Ottoman Architecture. We'll then embark on the boat at Golden Horn Pier.
The Bosphorus Cruise is the best way to explore Istanbul. From the boat, you will enjoy stunning views of Istanbul's iconic landmarks, including the Maiden's Tower, Dolmabahçe Palace, Çırağan Palace, the Bosphorus Bridge, Rumeli Fortress, and impressive wooden mansions along the shores of the Bosphorus.
Lunch break in a local restaurant. Afterwards, transfer to Istanbul Airport. Fly to Kayseri or Nevşehir Airport and transfer to Cappadocia.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia. ( Breakfast ) 

Hot Air Balloon Tour (optional) 04:30 - 09:00 Experience the privilege of watching the magnificent sunrise view of Cappadocia from the sky in the Hot Air Balloon basket.  After breakfast, start the day tour at 09:30
Uçhisar Castle is situated on the highest hill of Cappadocia and is shaped by flowing volcanic lava. From the Uçhisar viewpoint, you can see the outstanding natural beauty of Pigeon Valley and the pigeons' nests carved into the rocks.
Göreme Open Air Museum is a UNESCO WORLD heritage site. It’s home to fantastic monasteries and chapels, including the Dark Church (Extra), Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church. You will see the scenery and figures from the Old and New Testament on well-preserved frescoes from the iconoclastic period.
Avanos. We will have a lunch break at a local restaurant in Avanos.  Afterwards, we will visit the pottery workshop and observe the production process for famous ceramics and pottery.
Pasabağı Valley. ( Monks Valley ) Some of the mushroom-shaped rock formations here are several meters high. For many years, fairy chimneys shaped by erosion were used as houses by various religious groups, also known as the Monks Valley.
Devrent Valley, also known as the Valley of Dreams, is renowned for its rock formations that resemble animal figures.
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.  ( Breakfast ) 

Transfer to Kayseri Airport or Nevşehir Airport, then take a flight to İzmir and proceed to the hotel. Discover Izmir for the rest of the day, take a walk along the Kordon, and have your coffee at the Cafeterias on the shores of Izmir Bay. Stroll through the Historical Kemeraltı Bazaar, the largest shopping centre for locals, and Konak Square and the Clock Tower are among the places to see.
Overnight stay in Izmir (Breakfast) 

After breakfast, depart from Izmir for Pamukkale. (220 km) First visit ancient Sardis.
Sardis was the capital of the ancient Lydian Kingdom. This city, where King Croesus, famous for his wealth, ruled, is to be the place where the first coin was minted in history.
One of the seven churches in Revelation, the Sardis Church, is depicted here as a church on the verge of death.
The magnificent ruins of the Gymnasium, Synagogue and Temple of Artemis in Sardis reveal the cultural and religious richness of the ancient world.
Philadelphia (Alasehir), where the Philadelphia Church, one of the seven churches in the Revelation, is located.
Arrival at Pamukkale and lunch break in a local restaurant.
Begin your tour by exploring the natural, white-stepped pools of Pamukkale.
Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is renowned for its white travertines, which have formed over tens of thousands of years as thermal waters have created a series of white, stepped natural pools. You can swim in Cleopatra's ancient pool. (extra payment)
Hierapolis is one of the 12 Ionian cities. The city, which was once a renowned treatment centre due to its healing thermal waters, was recognised for its significant contributions to medicine, art, and scientific research.
Necropolis, which contains the sarcophagi and monumental tombs of military heroes and influential people. The Ancient Theatre is an impressive example of Roman architecture, with a capacity of 12,000 people. Temple of Apollo, Hierapolis Archaeological Museum, Roman Baths, Agora, Frentirus Gate.
Overnight stay in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale (Breakfast – Dinner) 

After breakfast, drive through Selçuk and first visit the ancient Aphrodisias.
Aphrodisias is an ancient city on the UNESCO World Heritage List, named after the goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Visit the magnificent Temple of Aphrodite, an impressive stadium, and the Aphrodisias Museum, renowned for its exceptional marble workmanship. Aphrodisias was one of the most elegant cities of antiquity, with both its art and architecture.
Arrival in Selçuk and lunch break at a local restaurant. Afterwards, visit Artemis Temple.
The House of the Virgin Mary:  This small, modest stone house is situated in the forest on the side of a mountain, approximately 9 km from Ephesus.  St. John brought Mary to Ephesus, following Jesus Christ's advice to his mother (John 19:27). And she spent her last years in this house.
Visit the Temple of Artemis, regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
We end our day by taking a short break for souvenir shopping and watching the Leader fashion show at the Leather Clothing Factory Outlet Centre.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast, the Priene, Miletos and Didim tour departing from Kuşadası offers a unique experience where you will follow the traces of ancient times. Discover temples, theatres and sacred areas where prophecies echo for thousands of years. The first visit is to Priene.

Priene is one of the first planned cities of Ionia, built on the mountainside of ancient Ionia. The Temple of Athena and the impressive theatre reveal elegant examples of Hellenistic architecture. Enjoy the panoramic view overlooking the Söke Plain. Afterwards, visit Miletos.

Miletos, one of the important port cities of the ancient world, is also known as the hometown of the philosopher Thales. The Temple of Serapis, the gigantic theatre with a capacity of 15,000 people and the Faustina Baths reveal the magnificence of the Roman period.
We take a lunch break in Didim.
Didyma has remained a religious centre in history. Visit the Temple of Apollo, the third-largest oracle centre in the ancient world. Experience a mystical journey in an atmosphere intertwined with history as you walk among giant columns.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi.  (Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast, visit Ancient Ephesus 20 km from Kusadasi
Ephesus has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2015.  The ancient capital of Asia Minor is one of the best-preserved ancient Greek and Roman cities in the world. It is home to the Temple of Hadrian, the marvellous Celsus Library, the Temple of Trajan, the Grand Theatre (25.000 seats), the Agora, the Gymnasium, and the Terrace House (entrance extra).
Ephesus is also of great importance in Christian history. St. Paul lived here and wrote letters to the Ephesians.
The First Council of Ephesus, held here in 431, declared Mary to be recognised as the "Mother of God" and constituted a decisive turning point in Christian doctrine.
After the Ephesus tour, visit Şirince Village.
Şirince village, located in the Selçuk district of İzmir, built on a mountainside, is famous for its stone houses, narrow streets, and wines. We also enjoy the delicious food and local wine in Şirince village, which preserves its natural and cultural texture.
The Ephesus tour concludes with a return to our hotel.
Overnight stay in Kusadasi or Izmir.  (Breakfast - Dinner) 

After breakfast, transfer to Izmir Airport and fly to Istanbul.  Transfer to the hotel and free time for leisure and shopping in Istanbul.
Overnight stay in Istanbul. (Breakfast)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight. Hope to see you on another holiday in Türkiye. (Breakfast)

Note. If you want to extend your holiday, an excellent tour program is recommended, including the Bosphorus boat tour, Dolmabahçe Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, Basilica Cistern, and Archaeological Museum.

Customised Tours   
We can customise this tour program to suit your personal, educational, cultural, flight dates, and budgetary preferences. Contact us to request a new itinerary.