Turkey In-Depth Discovery: 12-Day Cultural & Historical Journey

Mosques, Palaces & Waterways

• Morning: Visit Blue Mosque and Hippodrome with ancient obelisks

• Afternoon: Explore Topkapi Palace harem and treasury, then Hagia Sophia

• Evening: Bosphorus cruise between Europe and Asia continents

Travel Tip:

Wear modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for mosque visits

Photo Spot:

The Maiden's Tower view from the cruise makes perfect photos

Cumalıkızık & Izmir Seaside

• Morning: Drive to Cumalıkızık village, UNESCO World Heritage site. Cumalıkızık represents early Ottoman rural architecture (700+ years old)

• Afternoon: Traditional Ottoman breakfast, explore cobblestone streets and historic houses

• Evening: Drive to Izmir, seaside promenade walk, check into hotel

Must-Try:

Village homemade jams and traditional Turkish tea at local houses

History & Fruit Wines

• Morning: Visit Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower) and Agora Open Air Museum

• Afternoon: Explore Şirince village, taste local fruit wines, enjoy mountain views

• Evening: Return to Izmir, optional dinner at Kordon seafood restaurants

Tasting Tip:

Try peach, blackberry, and melon wines - Şirince's specialty

Photo Spot:

The red-roofed houses of Şirince against green mountains are stunning

Roman Grandeur & Sacred Sites

• Morning: Drive to Ephesus, explore Library of Celsus and Curetes Way. Ephesus was among the largest cities of the Roman Empire.

• Afternoon: Visit Temple of Artemis (one of Seven Wonders) and Virgin Mary's House

• Evening: Continue to Pamukkale, check into thermal hotel

Spiritual Site:

The Virgin Mary's house is an important Christian pilgrimage site

Cotton Castle & Ancient Spas

• Morning: Bathe in Pamukkale's travertine terraces, swim in Cleopatra's Pool. The mineral-rich waters are believed to have healing properties.

• Afternoon: Explore Hierapolis ancient city and extensive necropolis

• Evening: Fly to Antalya, check into Mediterranean coast hotel

Photo Tip:

The white terraces are most brilliant in afternoon light

Kekova & Myra Ancient Sites

• Morning: Boat tour to Sunken City of Kekova viewing underwater ruins

• Afternoon: Visit Myra ancient city with rock-cut tombs and Demre. Myra was once among Lycia's most important cities.

• Evening: Return to Antalya, dinner at old town restaurants

Boat Tip:

Choose glass-bottom boats for best views of submerged ruins

Theaters & Ancient Cities

• Morning: Visit Termessos (eagle's nest city) and Aspendos Theatre. Aspendos Theatre has perfect acoustics - even whispers carry to top rows

• Afternoon: Explore Perge ancient city and Hadrian's Gate

• Evening: Kaleiçi old town walking tour, Tunektepe cable car for panoramic views

Photo Tip:

The panoramic view from Tunektepe at sunset is unforgettable.

Valleys & Underground Cities

• Morning: Fly to Cappadocia, visit Güzelyurt village and monasteries

• Afternoon: Ihlara Valley hike, visit Selime Monastery (largest rock-cut complex). Selime Monastery includes a cathedral-sized rock church

• Evening: Explore Derinkuyu Underground City (deepest in Cappadocia)

Hiking Tip:

Wear sturdy shoes for Ihlara Valley's rocky paths

Open-Air Museums & Fairy Chimneys

• Morning: Göreme Open Air Museum with Dark Church frescoes. The Dark Church has Cappadocia's best-preserved frescoes

• Afternoon: Paşabağ fairy chimneys, Devrent Valley, Zelve Open Air Museum

• Evening: Sunset at Red & Rose Valley for spectacular colors

Photo Spot:

Love Valley viewpoint offers iconic fairy chimney panoramas

Hidden Valleys & Castle Views

• Morning: Visit Sobesos Ancient City mosaics and Keşlik Monastery. Soğanlı Valley offers peaceful hiking away from crowds.

• Afternoon: Soğanlı Valley hiking, Ortahisar Castle climb. Climbing Ortahisar Castle rewards with spectacular views

• Evening: Uçhisar Castle for 360-degree sunset views