Flying Carpet Turkey Tour - 15 Days

The 15-day Flying Carpet Turkey tour opens the door to Turkey's civilisation heritage.  Arrive at Istanbul Airport, and transfer to your hotel. Explore the area around the hotel and sip Turkish coffee at a nearby cafe on your own.
Accommodation in Istanbul.

After breakfast, we’ll start our Istanbul tour with your guide. Visit St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Hippodrome Square.
Hagia Sophia has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. Hagia Sophia Cathedral, the magnificent Church of the Holy Wisdom, was built in 537 AD as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral by the Emperor Justinian of the Byzantine Empire.
Topkapi Palace: Visit Topkapi Palace, the magnificent residence of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years. This vast complex houses an extensive collection of artefacts, including ornate courtyards, lush gardens, imperial treasures, and religious relics in the famous Harem.
Afterwards, we will visit the legendary Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque), famous for its blue Iznik tiles and unique six minarets. We stroll around the Hippodrome Square.
Hippodrome Square was the centre of chariot races and political and sporting events during the Byzantine period. Today, we see the remnants of its glorious past, such as the Serpent Column, the Theodosius Obelisk, the German Fountain, and the Sultan Ahmet Tomb.
In the afternoon, you will have the option to enjoy a half-day of the Bosphorus Cruise.
Accommodation in Istanbul. (Breakfast) 

Today, we will depart early for Çanakkale, 350 Km.  The Gallipoli Peninsula is one of the most important World War I sites.
Gallipoli is home to the remains of 500,000 soldiers and is one of Turkey's most important war memorials. We will visit the site of the Battle of Gallipoli, including the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair Atatürk Monument, Anzac Cove, and Johnston's Jolly Cemetery.  We see the original trenches and tunnels where the bloodiest and most dramatic scenes of the Dardanelles wars took place, and the bayonet wars were fought hand in hand. At the end of the tour, we’ll drive to Çanakkale.
Accommodation in Çanakkale. (Breakfast - Dinner)  

After breakfast, we’ll head to ancient Troy, the real-life location of the legendary Trojan War described in Homer's Iliad.  Troy is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. As you walk among the archaeological remains of the ancient city, discover the layers of civilisation built over thousands of years and see an iconic replica of the Trojan Horse. Visit the award-winning Troy Museum to better understand Troy's mythological and historical significance.
Arrive and visit the legendary Pergamon, the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon Kings in 282-133 BC. We will visit the Acropolis, the city's administrative centre; the Temples of Zeus, Dionysus, Athena, and Demeter; and the famous Pergamon Library, which housed 200,000 scrolls. The Great Theatre of Pergamon is the world's steepest theatre and could accommodate up to 10,000 spectators in ancient times.
Accommodation in Kuşadası.   (Breakfast - Dinner) 

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the history of ancient Ephesus.
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).
The Temple of Artemis is regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.  It was destroyed by strong earthquakes and remained underground. 
Visit Şirince Village to taste its famous fruit wines and savour its delicious cuisine.
At the end of the tour, we will take a short break for souvenir shopping. We will also learn about the art of hand-woven carpet weaving, which has a traditional history spanning thousands of years in Turkey.  We will learn about the preparation stage of wool and silk cocoons, how they are woven, and the factors that determine their value.
Accommodation in Kuşadası. (Breakfast - Dinner) 

Today, we depart early for Pamukkale via the Ancient City of Aphrodisias.
Aphrodisias is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Karacasu district of Aydın, Aphrodisias takes its name from Aphrodite, the goddess of love and beauty. It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in Anatolia. Archaeological excavations began in 1958, when renowned photographer ARA GÜLER, while exploring the villages of Karacasu, reported Aphrodisia to archaeologists, who later found it in the Geyre Village. This city, famous for its school of sculpture, is notable for its distinctive works that demonstrate mastery in marble craftsmanship. Its grand stadium, magnificent temples, baths, and theatre bring the splendour of the Roman period to the present day. 
Accommodation in a thermal hotel in Pamukkale. (Breakfast - Dinner)

Today, first visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis, and afterwards set out for Fethiye. 
Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring spectacular travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
Following breakfast, we'll first visit a display of locally made leather goods. Then make the (220 km) trip to Pamukkale.
Hierapolis, where we will see the Domitian Gate, the Arcadian Street, the old Roman Theatre from the second century, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium, and the Necropolis. We will then walk along the travertine terraces and have the option to swim in the Ancient Cleopatra Pools (at an additional cost).
After lunch break, drive to Fethiye via Salda Lake.
Salda Lake is a stunning crater lake located in the Yeşilova district of Burdur Province, southwestern Turkey. Known worldwide as the Turkish Maldives for its bright turquoise waters and white-sand beaches, Salda is one of Turkey’s most distinctive natural wonders.
Arrival and accommodation in Fethiye.  (Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast at the hotel, you are free to explore Fethiye, meet local people, and visit local bazaars at your own pace. 
** Fethiye Optional tours & activities:
- 12 island boat trips: where you can swim in the Tourquaz’s clear blue water and take in the breathtaking views of the turquoise bays, tiny islands, and uninhabited beaches. Lunch included.
- Saklikent Gorge tour: Amazing Saklikent Canyon panorama and walking tour.
Accommodation in Fethiye. (Breakfast - Dinner)

This morning, we visited Kayaköy to capture stunning photos of the abandoned Greek village.
Kayaköy is a village in Fethiye that was abandoned by the Greek community. It is an exchange stipulated in the agreement between Turkey and Greece. Thanks to the morning sun's light, excellent photos of this deserted Greek village can be taken. 
We'll then travel to Antalya on a beautiful scenic journey.
Antalya is a famous holiday resort worldwide. Visit old Town and the historic Antalya Harbour, where you can see the landmark Hadrian's Gate, the Antalya Clock Tower, and the Fluted Minaret. We'll take in the Old Town's winding streets while shopping for trinkets at neighbourhood stores in Kaleiçi. There is a shopping opportunity for gifts at the local bazaar.
Accommodation in Antalya. (Breakfast – Dinner)

After breakfast, we will begin our Antalya tour.
Visit the archaeological site of Perge, an ancient city in Pamphylia, twice visited by Paul the Apostle and his companion, St. Barnabas. We will explore Perge's extensive ruins, which include a well-preserved theatre, the Agora, Roman baths, the Great Gymnasium, and the Necropolis.
Next, we will visit the ancient Greco-Roman city of Aspendos to see the remarkably preserved Aspendos Theatre. This magnificent theatre still hosts concerts and art events today.
Afternoon is free: stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town (Kaleiçi) and browse local shops for souvenirs. You will see historic landmarks such as Hadrian’s Gate, the Antalya Clock Tower, and the Fluted Minaret.
Accommodation in Antalya. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

After breakfast, drive through Konya via Tauros mountain.
Mevlana Museum, home to the tomb of Rumi, a famous 13th-century Persian poet and the creator of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes, and the Alaeddin Mosque, constructed on Alaeddin Hill during the Seljuk era.
Lunch Break in Konya, afterwards we will have a pleasant journey along the historical Silk Road and visit the fascinating Çatalhöyük Museum, one of the oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements in the world.
Çatalhöyük is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the Çumra district of Konya, it is a Neolithic mound considered one of the world's oldest settlements. Dating back to 7400–6200 BC, the settlement houses are arranged in a row and are entered through the roof..
Accommodation in Konya. ( Breakfast – Dinner )

The formation of Cappadocia; Cappadocia is the region where beautiful fairy chimneys were formed by the rain and wind erosion of the lava and ash layers erupted by Erciyes volcano, Hasan Mountain and Güllü Mountain about 60 million years ago.
First, we'll go to the Uçhisar Castle, situated at the highest hill Cappadocia and carved out by flowing volcanic lava. After that, we'll go to the Pigeon Valley and Göreme Open Air Museum, home to unique monasteries and churches.
Visit Underground City Next red valley. we'll go to Paşabağ Valley, which is on a vineyard off of Zelve Road. The mushroom-shaped rock formations here can reach heights of several meters. For many years, various religious groups used fairy chimneys shaped by erosion as homes; as a result, the area is also known as the Monks Valley. After that, we'll go to the Devrent Valley, which has rock formations resembling various animals and offers a view of the reddish moon, making a movie set look like it was shot there.

Accommodation in Cappadocia.  ( Breakfast - Dinner )

After breakfast, we begin the Cappadocia Tour, taking in unique landscapes.
Pigeon Valley is named for the wild pigeons that nest in the volcanic rocks. The farmers in the area carve these rocks, fashion unique nests for the pigeons, and then collect the pigeon manure that accumulates here and use it in agriculture. Afterwards, visit Cavuşin Village.
Cavusin Village was home to Turkish and Greek families until the early 20th century. Later, the Greeks came to Greece through the exchange between the two countries.
We'll then eat lunch in the nearby town of Avanos, close to the River Kızılırmak.
We can observe the production process for famous ceramics, and you can also enrol in a pottery studio to learn to use traditional kick wheels and purchase souvenirs.
The Göreme Open-air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, features rock-cut churches and monastic complexes. The Göreme Open-Air Museum is home to striking fairy chimneys, grand monasteries, and chapels, including the Apple Church, Snake Church, and Saint Barbara Church.
Accommodation in Cappadocia.  (Breakfast – Dinner) 

After breakfast, drive to Istanbul, 750 Km. Our first stop is Ankara, the capital of the Republic of Turkey. We are visiting Anitkabir, the mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. We will have lunch break and continue to Istanbul. 
Arrival and accommodation in Istanbul.  ( Breakfast ) 

After breakfast, transfer to Istanbul Airport at the end of the tour. Hope to see you on another Turkey holiday.  (Breakfast)