Türkiye: Coast, Caves & Istanbul

Roman Aspendos, the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, Ottoman Safranbolu and three nights in Istanbul with a private Bosphorus cruise.

Your route

1. 1 Antalya 1 night
2. 2 Nigde 1 night
3. 3 Cappadocia 1 night
4. 4 Safranbolu 1 night
5. 5 Istanbul 3 nights

1. Day 1 Antalya

   Arrive, Hadrian's Gate, old town, waterfall.

   Arrive in Antalya, on Türkiye's sunny Mediterranean coast, where our representative meets you and transfers you to your hotel. After check-in, set out on an afternoon tour of the city. Walk through Hadrian's Gate, built in 130 AD to honour the Roman emperor, and into Kaleiçi, the old Ottoman quarter with its narrow lanes, wooden houses and small harbour. See the Düden waterfall, where the river drops straight off the cliffs into the sea. Dinner is included tonight. Overnight in Antalya.

2. Day 2 Nigde

   Aspendos theatre, Side, Taurus mountains.

   After breakfast, drive to Aspendos to see one of the best preserved Roman theatres in the world, built in the second century and still used for concerts. Continue to Side to see the columns of the Temple of Apollo beside the sea and walk through its old harbour streets. Then cross the Taurus Mountains, with dramatic peaks and snowy ridges in winter, stopping at Karaman to see its fortress from outside. Arrive in Nigde in the evening for dinner. Overnight in Nigde.

3. Day 3 Cappadocia

   Underground city, Uchisar, Goreme valley.

   A full day in Cappadocia, a landscape of fairy chimneys and soft volcanic rock carved into homes and churches. Visit the Gümüşler Monastery, with frescoes from the seventh century, and Kaymakli, an underground city that once sheltered thousands of people. Climb to Uçhisar Castle for wide views, then explore the Göreme Open Air Museum with its rock-cut churches. A sunrise hot air balloon ride can be booked at extra cost and is weather dependent. Dinner is included. Overnight in Avanos, Cappadocia.

4. Day 4 Safranbolu

   Drive to Ottoman Safranbolu, tea.

   After breakfast, enjoy a long, scenic drive through the heart of Anatolia, with wide plains, farmland and changing landscapes along the way. Arrive in Safranbolu, a UNESCO World Heritage town that grew rich on the old caravan trade routes. Walk through its cobbled streets lined with timber-framed Ottoman mansions, browse the craft shops, and enjoy a glass of Turkish tea in the courtyard of the historic Cinci Han caravanserai. Try the famous local saffron Turkish delight. Dinner is included. Overnight in Safranbolu.

5. Day 5 Istanbul

   Black Sea coast, caves, on to Istanbul.

   After breakfast, drive towards the Black Sea coast through green forests and hills. Visit the Gökgöl cave, with its underground stream and colourful rock formations, then stop in Ereğli for lunch at your own cost and a look around the town. Continue to the Cehennemağzı caves, linked in Greek legend to the journeys of Heracles and the underworld. Drive on to Istanbul, the great city on two continents, arriving in the evening. Check in and rest. The coastal road is green and winding. Overnight in Istanbul.

6. Day 6 Istanbul

   Suleymaniye, Topkapi Palace, Taksim.

   After breakfast, begin a guided tour of Istanbul at the Süleymaniye Mosque, the masterpiece of the architect Sinan, with views over the Golden Horn. Walk along the ancient city walls and the old fishing district, and see Hagia Sophia from outside. Visit Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, with its treasury and courtyards; tickets are included. The afternoon is free for the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar. In the evening, transfer to Taksim Square for dinner at your own cost, with Galata Tower nearby. Overnight in Istanbul.

7. Day 7 Istanbul

   Private Bosphorus cruise, free afternoon.

   After breakfast, board a two-hour private boat cruise on the Bosphorus, the narrow strait between Europe and Asia. Sail past the Dolmabahçe Palace, the Ortaköy mosque, the great suspension bridges, Rumeli Fortress and elegant wooden waterside mansions called yalı. The afternoon is free for shopping on İstiklal Avenue, a walk through Karaköy and Galata, or a visit to the Basilica Cistern. Try a simit, fresh fish sandwiches by the water, or baklava and Turkish coffee. Ferries also cross to Asia for a few lira. Overnight in Istanbul.

8. Day 8 Istanbul

   Departure.

   Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel and some free time, depending on your flight. Pick up Turkish delight, spices, evil eye charms, ceramics or a carpet as gifts. The departure transfer is not included in this package, so let us know your flight time and we will arrange a private transfer to Istanbul airport at a small extra cost. Allow at least three hours for international check-in. Your journey from the Mediterranean coast to Cappadocia and Istanbul ends here, with memories to last a lifetime.

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