Highlights of Turkey incl. Istanbul, Cappadocia and Antalya
Your Guided Holiday To Turkey
Let's uncover the highlights of Türkiye (Turkey), a country with a remarkable blend of history, landscapes, culture and hospitality. Our journey will begin in Istanbul, once seen as the capital of the world due to its strategic location on the Bosphorus Strait, and for centuries it was an influential centre for trade routes; even today it's still the fusion point of where East meets West. On our guided city tour of Istanbul, we'll visit top historical sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. There will be plenty of free time to explore this colourful city at your own pace, we recommend visiting Topkapi Palace, the main residence of Ottoman Sultans, or try your hand at haggling for bargains in the Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and biggest covered markets. Next, we'll take short flight to Cappadocia, which is famous for its magnificent rock formations and underground cities. Our guide will take us to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Goreme, where we'll see its iconic fairy chimneys, drive through scenic valleys and explore the ancient underground City of Kaymakli. Next, we'll travel by coach to Konya, spending one night there after we learn more about the religious figure Rumi at the Mevlana Museum. Towards the end of our holiday, we'll spend a few nights in the wonderful coastal city of Antalya, where we'll also enjoy a day trip to the ancient cities of Side and Aspendos. This holiday to Turkey is a brilliant way to see the country's unmissable sights and attractions.
Trip Itinerary
Activity Level: Busy
Day
Travel to Turkey (Türkiye)
Arrive In Istanbul
We have arrived in Istanbul! We meet our guide and transfer to our hotel, let’s settle into our hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, to explore our surroundings.
Uncover The Historical Highlights of Istanbul
Istanbul Half Day Guided City Tour
Let’s start our Turkish adventure and uncover some of the highlights of Istanbul. Step back in time, to a city once known at Constantinople on a walking tour. We visit some of the most important iconic and historical sites, including the Blue Mosque, and the famous St. Sophia Mosque, the Egyptian Obelisks, and the Roman Hippodrome.
Before we finish our city tour, we savour a cup of delicious Turkish tea or coffee (included) at a Turkish art centre, where traditional arts are taught and exhibited.
Please note: St Sophia is no longer a museum. It has now been converted to a Mosque. During times of prayer, it may not be possible to visit the inside and will be viewed from the outside.
*In order to preserve the beauty and integrity of the iconic Blue Mosque, restoration work is ongoing at this site. Some phases of the restoration involve scaffolding; thus, a clear view of the entire Mosque may not be possible. Closed on Fridays until 16:00.
Discover More of Istanbul at Your Leisure
The rest of your afternoon is at leisure, to relax and get to know your surroundings, our expert guide will be happy to tell you of further places to visit.
For those looking to discover more of this fascinating city, perhaps take time out to explore Topkapi Palace once home to the opulent Ottoman Sultans, savour the tastes and smells of the Spice Bazaar, or dare to look upon the face of Medusa in the underground cistern, or relax and admire the views on a leisurely cruise down the Bosphorus.
Shop for souvenirs at world’s largest and oldest covered market, the Grand Bazaar with over 4,000 shops. Here you can find many items from souvenirs, spices and much more, don’t forget to leave some space in your suitcase if you love to shop till you drop!
See more of this alluring city, as you uncover many of the historic and captivating places that Istanbul has to offer, there is so much to discover, no matter how many times you visit!
Fly from Istanbul to Cappadocia
Cappadocia – Urgup, Relax More
We say a fond farewell to Istanbul as we depart by coach to Istanbul airport for our flight to captivating and scenic Cappadocia, famous for their Byzantine Churches and fairy chimneys.
On arrival in Cappadocia, we settle in and enjoy the rest of our day at leisure.
Evening at Leisure
Let’s get together tonight and enjoy dinner in our hotel. Dinner is included for the next six nights of our stay in our hotels.
Experience The Highlights of Cappadocia
Discover Cappadocia on a Full Day Guided Excursion
Let’s see more of this enchanting country as we uncover the beauty of Cappadocia on a full day guided tour! Today we visit the UNESCO World Heritage site and the famous Goreme Open-Air Museum (included), a complex of churches cut into volcanic rock during the Middle Ages decorated with frescoes, and we drive through some of the other valleys; Love Valley, Pigeon valley to name a few to see the famous iconic fairy chimneys. Next, we uncover the ancient underground City of Kaymakli that once housed over 3,500 people dating back to the 7th and 8th century BCE. After we make our way back to our hotel with a stop in Avenos, famous for their pottery making and see a pottery demonstration.
Lunch is included today.
Goreme open air Museum
Please ensure you wear comfortable and sturdy shoes for today’s excursion, there are steps, uneven ground.
Kaymakli underground city
Please note there are low ceiling tunnels that you are required to bend and crouch on this excursion to enter the various levels of the underground. For those who wish to opt out there are souvenir stalls and a café to rest at outside the underground city.
Evening at Leisure
Sit back relax after our day’s adventure of exploring the highlights of Cappadocia.
Transfer by Coach to Konya
Konya and Mevlana Museum
Today we depart Cappadocia and make our way by coach to Konya (250km approximately 3.5hours). Konya is an important pilgrimage destination for the Sufis, as the founder of Mevlana order of Jalal ad-Din Muhammad Rumi rests here and known from where the whirling dervishes come from.
On arrival in Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum with its distinctive Jade conical dome which houses tomb the 13th century poet, philosopher, and religious leader Mevlana Celadeddin Rumi. The museum is home to important artifacts, manuscripts, priceless Qurans, and gardens filled with fountains, roses, and tombstones.
Evening at leisure
After our visit to the museum, we make our way to our hotel, check in and spend the rest of our evening at leisure.
Transfer by Coach from Konya to Antalya
Walking Tour Including Hadrian’s Gate and Old Town
Today we set off for Antalya by coach (approximately 4 hours 280km), we leave Konya and head towards the coast and ancient historical sites. Sit back relax and watch as the scenery changes.
On arrival to Antalya, we become familiar with the old city, with an orientation walking tour (pending on the location of our hotel) taking in highlights of the historical area, including the Clock Tower and Hadrian’s Gate.
Lunch is included today.
Evening at leisure.
Let’s unpack and soak up our surroundings.
Enjoy Antalya at Leisure
Relax More in Antalya
Today is free to explore Antalya at your leisure. Your expert guide will be happy to tell you of places to visit and see.
Take a bus to one of the many pebble beaches, or experience some shopping in the old town.
Relax, sit back, and soak up the atmosphere.
Discover The Ancient Cites of Side and Aspendos
Full Day Guided Tour Side, Aspendos and Duden Waterfall
Discover the beauty of the ancient Antalya region!
Today we set off by coach on our full day guided excursion taking in the splendour of two ancient cities Side and Aspendos. Side (meaning pomegranate) set on the Mediterranean coast dates back to the 8th century BC and was once dominated by Alexander the Great who clearly left his stamp here! Discover ancient Roman ruins which are evident everywhere throughout this historic city. We have free time to explore in the seaside town of Side, savour a fresh pomegranate juice, shop for souvenirs, or take a few insta shots at the Temple of Apollo. Don’t forget to look down as you walk the cobbled streets, you can still see some of the ruins under glass, by the tourist shops.
After we discover another historical city, Aspendos. Aspendos ties back to the legend of Troy, where refugees fled as described by Homer. Stand in awe as we marvel at the well-preserved amphitheatre in almost perfect condition, Roman Empire engineering at its best!
As we make our way back to our hotel, we take a quick stop and admire the beauty of the Duden waterfalls in the background, a perfect opportunity for a photo.
At Leisure.
Enjoy our final evening and reflect on the many highlights of our journey.
Return Home from Antalya Turkey (Türkiye)
Depart Antalya via Istanbul
Today we say farewell to Antalya, as we depart for home, transfer by coach to Antalya airport for our flight home via Istanbul.
* We aim to operate your tour itinerary according to the format shown. Occasionally, local conditions and unexpected events may result in adjustments to the planned schedule. We kindly ask for your understanding and flexibility in the event of any changes.
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Know before you go
What if there is an emergency?
We have local representatives in all of our destinations who are available 24/7 as well as an emergency contact number for our offices in Ireland should you ever need it.
Do I need a Visa?
Please visit our visa page for information on requirements for each country's entry requirements
Will I be met at the airport?
You will be met on arrival at your destination airport and transferred to your accommodation. You will be accompanied on all included excursions by your Travel Department guide. Your expert local guide is also available to give you tips and advice on any aspect of your holiday.