Aegean Dream

Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey's fascinating city spanning two continents. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and begin exploring the city at your own pace. You will receive information about the tour in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board at the hotel reception.

Overnight: Istanbul

After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Istanbul. Visit the Süleymaniye Mosque, one of Istanbul's most impressive Ottoman landmarks. Explore the ancient city walls, the Golden Horn and the lively fishing district, while admiring the exterior of the famous Hagia Sophia. The tour also includes admission to Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and historic pavilions. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore Istanbul independently. Later, transfer to Taksim Square, one of the city's most vibrant commercial and entertainment districts. Enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants or explore the surrounding area. You may also choose to visit the nearby Galata Tower.

Overnight: Istanbul

Today, enjoy a boat trip along the Bosphorus. The approximately two-hour cruise takes you along the strait connecting the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and separating Istanbul's European and Asian sides. Admire the city's magnificent waterfront, Ottoman palaces, traditional wooden houses and impressive bridges linking Europe and Asia. After the cruise, return to central Istanbul and enjoy free time to explore the city.

Overnight: Istanbul

Depart Istanbul early and continue your journey through Turkey. Around lunchtime, arrive in Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities of Asia Minor. Visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary and the archaeological site of Ephesus. After exploring this remarkable ancient city, continue to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, shopping and picturesque surroundings. Dinner is included. Important: During high season, from May through October, accommodation may be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, you will stop in Kusadasi from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a panoramic tour before continuing to Aydin.

Overnight: Kusadasi / Aydin

Depart early and travel towards Lake Bafa, one of Turkey's beautiful natural attractions. Continue to Bodrum, a stunning coastal city of Greek origin. Explore its impressive castle, lively streets and marina, or simply enjoy the atmosphere of this beautiful destination. After lunch, continue to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal resort famous for its marina, castle, waterfront and fountains. Dinner is included. Important: On some occasions, particularly during the summer season, accommodation may be provided in Mugla instead of Marmaris.

Overnight: Marmaris / Mugla

Travel to Dalyan, a picturesque destination situated along a beautiful navigable river. Enjoy an included one-hour boat trip along the river, with views of the impressive Lycian Rock Tombs. There will be time to enjoy lunch at one of the riverside restaurants before continuing to Antalya. Upon arrival, discover this vibrant Mediterranean city. Highlights include Hadrian's Gate, the historic Ottoman district and the spectacular waterfall cascading directly into the sea. Dinner is included.

Overnight: Antalya

Depart Antalya and travel to Aspendos, where you will visit its remarkable Roman theatre, considered one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world. Continue to Side, where you can admire the famous Temple of Apollo overlooking the sea. Enjoy time to stroll around the port and explore the lively streets. Continue through the spectacular Taurus Mountains, with peaks reaching more than 3,500 metres. A stop will be made in Karaman to see its fortress from the outside before continuing towards the Cappadocia region. Dinner is included in Nigde.

Overnight: Nigde

NIGDE – CAPPADOCIA Spend the day exploring the extraordinary Cappadocia region, famous for its unique rock formations, ancient churches and underground settlements. Begin with Gumusler, a fascinating 7th-century underground monastery decorated with Byzantine frescoes. Continue to Kaymakli, where you will explore the famous underground city, which once had the capacity to accommodate thousands of people. Visit Uchisar, a spectacular natural fortress offering breathtaking views over the surrounding landscape. After lunch, explore the Göreme Valley and its famous open-air museum, where you can admire remarkable rock-cut churches. Accommodation will be in Avanos. Dinner is included.

Overnight: Avanos / Cappadocia

Continue your journey through Cappadocia and visit the beautiful Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters, rock-cut churches and historic villages. Continue to Konya, where you will visit a historic 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum, associated with the famous Sufi mystic and poet Rumi. Learn about the history and traditions of the Dervish order. Dinner is included. In the evening, you may choose to attend a traditional Dervish dance performance at the cultural centre.

Overnight: Konya

Travel through a scenic landscape surrounded by lakes to Eğirdir, a charming town situated beside a large lake. Enjoy some free time for lunch and exploration. Continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, home to the spectacular white mineral terraces known as the Cotton Palace. Admission to Pamukkale and Hierapolis is included. Dinner is included.

Overnight: Pamukkale

Begin the day with a visit to Ephesus, where you will have free time to explore this fascinating ancient city. Continue to Kusadasi, a popular Aegean coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, shops and picturesque castle. Dinner is included. Important: During high season, from May through October, accommodation may be provided in Izmir instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, you will continue directly to Izmir for a brief panoramic tour.

Overnight: Kusadasi / Izmir

Depart for Izmir, Turkey's third-largest city. Enjoy a brief guided tour of this vibrant and modern metropolis before continuing inland towards Bursa. Bursa is a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage destination. Explore its traditional commercial districts, historic mosques, religious schools and public baths, including the famous Green Mosque. Continue your journey to Istanbul, arriving by the end of the day.

Overnight: Istanbul

After breakfast, your Turkey adventure comes to an end.