Aegean Dream – 12 nights – 13 days

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1: ISTANBUL

Welcome to Istanbul! We’ll transfer you to the hotel, and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.

DAY 2: ISTANBUL

A sightseeing tour of the city awaits us. On our tour, we´ll enter the Süleymaniye Mosque, the largest in Istanbul, we´ll explore the ancient walls, the Golden Horn, the bustling fishing district, and we´ll marvel at the exterior of Hagia Sophia.

Our tour also includes tickets to visit the Topkapi Palace, once the administrative heart of the Ottoman Empire, with its magnificent courtyards and pavilions. In the afternoon, you´ll have free time to explore this city spanning two continents.

As the afternoon draws to a close, we´ll arrange a transfer to Taksim, the city´s most vibrant commercial district. There, you´ll have time to dine at one of its many restaurants and see the charming old tram that runs through the area. Alternatively, you can visit the nearby Galata Tower.

DAY 3: ISTANBUL

Today, we’ll embark on a boat trip on the Bosphorus (tickets included), lasting about two hours on a private boat exclusively for travelers. This journey will take us through the strait that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, dividing Istanbul between its European and Asian sides.

We’ll enjoy the lively activity of the Strait with its many boats. We’ll pass under the two bridges that link Europe and Asia and admire the Sultan’s palaces, traditional wooden houses, and Ottoman architecture. Afterward, we’ll return to central Istanbul and have some free time.

DAY 4: ISTANBUL - EPHESUS - KUSADASI

We’ll leave early from Istanbul and continue our route through Turkey. Around lunch time, we’ll arrive at Ephesus, the best-preserved ancient city of Asia Minor. Two thousand years ago, it had a quarter of a million inhabitants. We’ll visit the Basilica of St. John, the House of the Virgin Mary, and the archaeological site (tickets included).

After immersing ourselves in the rich history of Ephesus, we’ll proceed to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its vibrant atmosphere, commercial life, and quaint castle. We’ll stay the night in Kusadasi, and dinner will be included.

Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be provided in Aydin instead of Kusadasi. In this case, after exploring Ephesus, we’ll make a stop in Kusadasi (4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.), where we’ll include a panoramic tour of the city before continuing to Aydin.

DAY 5: KUSADASI - BODRUM - MARMARIS

We’ll leave early to visit one of Turkey´s natural wonders, Lake Bafa, and take a moment to admire its serene beauty.

Our journey will then continue to Bodrum, a stunning fortified city of Greek origin. Here, you can explore its impressive castle, wander through its lively streets bustling with tourists, or visit its marina. After lunch, we’ll proceed to Marmaris, another picturesque coastal tourist destination known for its castle, pier, and fountains. Dinner will be included.

Please note: On some occasions, especially during the summer, our accommodation will be in the nearby town of Mugla instead of Marmaris.

DAY 6: MARMARIS - DALYAN - ANTALYA

We’ll set off for Dalyan, a picturesque spot along a beautiful navigable river. A one-hour boat ride is included, where we’ll visit the Lycian Rock Tombs.

From there, we’ll continue by boat to a large lake, where we’ll stop at the hot springs. You’ll have the option to swim in the warm waters or indulge in a mud bath. There will also be time to enjoy a meal at one of the many riverside restaurants. Next, we’ll head to Antalya to get to know this vibrant coastal city of over a million residents. Highlights include Hadrian’s Gate, the Ottoman district, and its breathtaking waterfall that cascades directly into the sea. Dinner will be included.

DAY 7: ANTALYA - ASPENDOS - SIDE - KARAMAN - NIGDE

We’ll leave Antalya and head to Aspendos to visit its Roman theater, often regarded as the best-preserved in the world. Afterward, we’ll continue to Side, where you’ll have the chance to admire the Temple of Apollo by the sea.

There will be time to stroll through its bustling port and lively streets. As we travel through stunning landscapes, we’ll cross the Taurus Mountains, with peaks that rise over 3,500 meters and remain snow-covered for most of the year. We’ll stop in Karaman to see its fortress from the outside before continuing to the Cappadocia region. Dinner will be included in Nigde.

DAY 8: NIGDE - CAPPADOCIA

We’ll spend the entire day exploring the incredible region of Cappadocia, famous for its lunar-like landscapes, ancient churches, and troglodyte villages. We’ll begin with a visit to Gumusler, a fascinating 7th-century underground monastery featuring some of the finest Byzantine frescoes in Turkey.

In Kaymacli, we’ll explore the underground city that could once house up to 30,000 people. Then, we’ll visit Uchisar, a natural fortress offering breathtaking views. After lunch, we’ll discover the Göreme Valley, home to an open-air museum where we can marvel at the rock-cut churches (tickets included). Our accommodation will be in Avanos, and dinner will be included.

DAY 9: CAPPADOCIA - IHLARA - KONYA

At the far edge of Cappadocia, we’ll visit the Ihlara Valley, famous for its cool waters and its rock-cut churches and villages. Our itinerary includes visits to a 13th-century caravanserai and the Mevlana Mausoleum (Rumi) in Konya, where we’ll learn about the Dervish order.

Dinner will be included. In the evening, we recommend attending a dervish dance performance at the cultural center.

DAY 10: KONYA - EGRIDIR - PAMUKKALE

We’ll journey along a scenic route between the lakes, arriving at Egridir, a charming town by a large lake, known for its historic walls and mosques.

You’ll have time to enjoy lunch here. Next, we’ll continue to Hierapolis-Pamukkale, where the mineral-rich waters have formed the stunning Cotton Palace (tickets included). Dinner will be included.

DAY 11: PAMUKKALE - EPHESUS - KUSADASI

We’ll start our day with a visit to Ephesus, where you’ll have some free time to explore this ancient city of Asia Minor. Our journey will then take us to Kusadasi, a popular coastal town known for its lively atmosphere, bustling shops, and a quaint castle. Dinner will be included.

Note: During high season, from May through October, accommodations will be in Izmir. In this case, after visiting Ephesus, we’ll head directly to Izmir on the Aegean coast, without making a stop in Kusadasi, and we’ll enjoy a brief panoramic tour of the city. The following day, on our way to Istanbul, we’ll make an additional stop in the charming traditional town of Balikesir, allowing time for lunch.

DAY 12: KUSADASI - IZMIR - BURSA - ISTANBUL

We’ll set off for Izmir, the third most populous city in Turkey, where our guide will lead a brief tour of this vibrant metropolis, known for being the most westernized and modern in the country. We’ll then head inland, pausing for lunch along the way before arriving in Bursa.

This historic city, the fourth largest in Turkey, boasts a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its center. Highlights include the traditional commercial districts, mosques, religious schools, public baths, and the renowned Green Mosque. We’ll reach Istanbul by the end of the day.

DAY 13: ISTANBUL

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.