12 DAY COLORS OF TURKEY TOUR

Istanbul – Cappadocia – Antalya – Fethiye – Pamukkale – Ephesus
Kindly note that one of our agents will be getting back to you with the pricing of your request. We offer exact prices with your preferences.

*** This Tour runs between April 1st to October 15th. 

*** Minimum 2 participants  

Day 1 : Arrive in Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey!   
Arrival in Istanbul and meeting at the airport just outside the arrival’s gate with a sign bearing your name then transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 2 : Istanbul Old City Tour

Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Grand Bazaar
Breakfast at the hotel. After you meet with your guide at the lobby, you will begin your tour of the Sultanahmet district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Hagia Sophia. Built by the Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century AD and designed by Anthemius of Tralles and Isodore of Miletus, the church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Converted into a mosque in 1453, it is now a museum. Its massive dome still dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. Next we visit the Blue Mosque which takes its name from the exquisite tiles adorning its interior.  The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects from all corners of the empire. The Grand Bazaar was the commercial heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of treasures including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry, ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style.

In the afternoon we continue our tour at Topkapi Palace, which, from the 15th to the 19th century, was the principal residence of the Ottoman Sultans. We will visit the fabulous Imperial Treasury and the Baghdad Kiosk. Topkapi Palace is now a museum and has unrivalled collections of jewelry, including the Spoonmaker’s Diamond, the 3rd largest in the world. It also possesses numerous Ottoman court costumes and ceramics, notably including one of the world’s finest collections of Chinese celadon ceramics, many of which were gifts from other rulers. Interestingly, some of the ceramics have a special glaze that was said to change color in the presence of poison. We also visit the Imperial Armory, displaying centuries of Ottoman weaponry. But perhaps the loveliest feature of Topkapi Palace are its courtyards with their ancient trees; it is easy to imagine the sultan strolling here far from the cares of state and empire. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 3 : Half Day Bosphorus Cruise Tour – Flight to Cappadocia

Spice Bazaar, Bopshorus Cruise
We begin with a brief visit to the 17th century Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most colorful, bustling attractions. Next, we travel the Golden Horn on our way to an unforgettable cruise along the Bosphorus, the majestic strait that runs through Istanbul, linking Europe and Asia. From our cruise boat, we view the dramatic sights lining the Bosphorus’ wooded shores: mosques, a bridge that for a time was the world’s longest and Rumeli Hisari, a massive fortress built by Mehmet the Conqueror in just three months as he prepared to take Istanbul. Also noteworthy on this tour are the 19th century mansions of the Ottoman elite and the Sultans’ fanciful gingerbread palaces and hunting lodges. 
After the tour we will transfer you to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Fly Cappadocia. Upon arrival Cappadocia we will meet and transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 4 : Cappadocia North Tour

Goreme Open Air Museum, Zelve Valley, Devrent Valley, Uchisar Castle,  Avanos

First meeting with the lunar landscape of Cappadocia: rock formations beyond belief in Devrent valley; walking in Pasabag near Zelve ; “fairy chimneys” where the voice of  wind mixes with the “songs of fairies”. Lunch in Avanos, centre of  terra cotta work of art since 3000 BC. and a demonstration in a traditional pottery  workshop. Afternoon, visit the famous Goreme Open Air Museum and see the best examples of Byzantine art in Cappadocia in rock-cut churches with frescoes and paintings (10th to 13th century). Continue to the Uchisar Rock-Castle to have a panoramic view of the valleys of Cappadocia.

Optional Balloon Tour: Flying in a hot air balloon is an amazing and unforgettable experience which you will never forget.  Very early in the morning you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our balloon site. You will be welcomed with a light breakfast while you are registering for your flight. After meeting at the balloon site you will be watching how we prepare our balloons for your adventure. After getting on the air you will be seeing beautiful sunrise upon Cappadocia. You will be thrilled with the scale of colors and shapes. We will be ascending up to 3000 feet and then almost you will be able touch fairy chimneys. After landing we will celebrate our flight with champagne toast (or soft drink) and your pilot will be presenting your flight certificates. After deflation balloons you will be transported to your launch site and continue to your day.

Day 5 : Cappadocia South Tour – Cappadocia to Antalya

Kaymakli Underground City, Sobesos, Keslik Monastery, Sinasos, Saruhan Caravanserai

Tour to Kaymaklı Underground City, one of the most interesting underground settlements in Cappadocia. Drive to  to Sahinefendi ( Sobesos )- Sobessos is newly discovered (01 May 2002) mosaic houses & Archaeological excavation site. Villages in the valleys, surrounded by the “table top” mountains, are spectacular.  Continue with Keslik Monastery near Cemil, that hides it’s frescoes behind a very thin smoke layer which we can only see by torch light. Lunch break.  Visit to Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), an old Greek town with its spectacular old Greek houses; very fine examples of late Greek settlements and architecture.  Visit to Saruhan Caravanserai, a roadside inn where travellers could rest and recover from the day’s journey. Caravanserais supported the flow of commerce, information and people across a network of trade routes of Asia, North Africa and South-Eastern Europe on the legendary Silk Road and the Spice road. Continue with panorama of the Red Valley, with its fabulous volcanic rock formations, is in the heart of Cappadocia but away from the tourist crowd.  

    After the tour we will transfer you to Cappadocia Airport for your flight to Antalya. Fly Antalya. Upon arrival Antalya we will meet and transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Antalya.   

Day 6 : Perge Aspendos & Side Tour

Perge Antic Site, Aspendos Theatre, Town of Side
This is a day trip to well-known Pamphylian cities Perge and Aspendos. Perge was the capital city of Pamphylia , a vast Roman province, with a combination of Roman, Greek and Byzantine cultures and a stadium with a capacity of 12000. After Perge we move onto Aspendos Aspendos theatre is one of the best preserved Roman amphitheatre on the Asian continent. Built into a steep hillside and big enough to host 15000 people, this vast semicircular edifice was used to stage plays in second century A.D. It’s perfect acoustics means that it is still used today for operas and ballet festivals. After visiting the amphitheatre you can experience the amazing engineering of the city’s high aqueduct near the Eurymedon river. You will have the lunch break by Seljuk Bridge over the Eurymedon River. After lunch break we will move onto Side where is a peninsula, famous with roman type of theatre. Side used to be one of the most important trade centre in antiquity and now it’s one of the most popular holiday resorts in Southern Turkey. Overnight in Antalya.

Day 7 : Antalya to Izmir

After check out we will meet and transfer you to Antalya Airport for your flight to Izmir. Fly Izmir. After arriving Izmir we will meet and transfer you to your hotel.  Overnight in Kusadasi.

Day 8 : Ephesus Tour

Ephesus Ruins, Temple of Artemis, Virgin Mary’s House
First we will visit Ephesus ruins starting from the upper gate and see famous Celsus Library, Hadrian Temple and Ephesus Antic Theatre which has a capacity of 25000. Next we will stop by at Temple of Artemis once was a one of the seven wonders at ancient times. Then we will head to Virgin Mary’s House where she spent her last years.
 After the tour we will be transferring you to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.   

Day 9:Pamukkale Tour – Fethiye

Pamukkale Travertines, Hierapolis Ruins
After having breakfast at the hotel, we will journey inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the “Cotton Castle”. This name is truly fitting, the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a castle made of cotton. We will also spend time in Hieropolis, with one of the largest and most diverse necropolis in the world.

After the tour you will have a bus ride to Fethiye. After 3.5 hours bus ride we will meet and transfer you to your hotel. Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 10 : 12 Island Boat Tour

Water Sports, Snorkeling, Swimming in Turquoise Waters
The Fethiye 12 Island Boat Tour in Turkey is one of the most popular and exciting boat trip from Fethiye, Oludeniz and Hisaronu which will demonstrate the beauty of the Gulf of Fethiye. Contemplation of marine and coastal landscapes evokes a storm of emotions, you can enjoy all this beauty comfortably ensconced on the upper deck. There is a high probability that you can see dolphins, flying fish and even sea turtles. During the 12 islands tour from Fethiye for extra charge you may try water sports such as jetski, banana boat rides, ringo etc. Overnight in Fethiye.  

Day 11 : Paragliding at Fethiye

Oludeniz Paragliding
Standart Tandem Flight is the most common service on demand. Anybody, without any paragliding experience, can enjoy the paragliding sport and the perfect view of Ölüdeniz. All you do is sit comfortably in the harness and tell the pilot where to go and what to do (steady glide, spiral dives, thermaling, etc.).  

Fun: Without doubt, all the Reaction Paragliding passengers experience an intense and fun adventure. 2000m / 6600 feet altitude is more than enough. You can thermal even higher. The quiet glide above the beautiful landscape will be breath taking. 

Flight Duration: The flight is 20-45 minutes. It is the passenger to define the duration by choosing a steady glide or thermaling.   

What to bring: Sun glasses, trainie shoes or boots is enough. Flight suits are provided by paragliding company.  Overnight in Fethiye.

Day 12 : Flight Back to Istanbul – Flight Home

We will meet at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Dalaman Airport for your flight to Istanbul. We will say our goodbyes here. Upon arrival Istanbul Airport continue to international terminal for your homebound flight. 

Turkey Insiders team says so long and looks forward to be your host again until next time on your travel pleasure for other destinations.  Gule Gule.

Price Includes

• 11 nights hotel accommodation.
• Services of professionally licensed guides on local tours.
• All domestic flights mentioned in the itinerary.
• We use fully air-co, non-smoking vehicles on local tours and transfers.
• English speaking guided tours mentioned in the itinerary.
• Inbound and outbound airport transfers to/from your hotel.
• All taxes, entrance & museum fees.

Price Excludes

• International airfares.
• VISA needed for Turkey.
• Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff etc.
• Travel Insurance and personal expenses.