12 Days Winter Ski Holiday Uludag & Cappadocia

12-Day Grand Turkey: Istanbul, Uludağ, Ephesus & Cappadocia Adventure

🌟 Tour Overview

Discover the unparalleled diversity of Turkey with this extraordinary 12-Day Grand Adventure Package. This tour perfectly balances imperial history, mountain escapades, ancient civilizations, and surreal landscapes. Begin in Istanbul with the majestic Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace. Then, immerse yourself in the natural beauty and activities of Uludağ Ski Center (Turkey’s premier mountain resort). Travel to the Aegean coast to walk the marble streets of Ephesus and the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale. Conclude your journey in Cappadocia, where you can explore ancient Underground Cities and opt for a breathtaking Hot Air Balloon Ride. This seamless, all-inclusive package ensures maximum comfort and unforgettable memories. Book your diverse Turkish vacation now!

🔥 Trip Highlights: History, Snow & Fairy Chimneys

• Imperial Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Spice Bazaar.

• Uludağ Mountain Retreat (4 Days): Turkey’s most popular ski resort (skiing, snowboarding, hiking, or relaxation, depending on the season).

• Ancient Grandeur: Explore the monumental ruins of Ephesus (Library of Celsus, Great Theater) and the Temple of Artemis.

• Natural Wonders: Walk the Pamukkale Travertines and explore the Roman ruins of Hierapolis.

• Mystical Konya: Visit the Mevlana Mausoleum, the final resting place of Rumi.

• Cappadocia Exploration: Discover Göreme Open-Air Museum, Underground Cities, and the stunning rock formations of Love and Devrent Valleys.

• Optional Thrill: Experience the iconic Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise.

🗺️ Detailed Tour Itinerary: From City to Slopes to Ancient Ruins (12 Days)

Day 1: ✈️ Istanbul – Arrival & Leisure

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), the TSG team will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. Check-in and relax. TSG Recommends (Optional): Start your tour with a visit to Dolmabahçe Palace or an evening Whirling Dervish/Rhythm Dance Show (Extra cost).

• Accommodation: Hotel in Istanbul

Day 2: 🕌 Istanbul City Tour – Imperial Highlights

(Breakfast included) (Approx. 08:30 AM pick-up) Full-day tour of the Old City:

1. Topkapi Palace: Explore the vast residence of the Ottoman Sultans, housing relics and imperial treasures.

2. Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque): Admire the iconic mosque, famed for its stunning Iznik tile work. (Please carry a scarf for mosque visits.)

3. Hippodrome: See the ancient monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, Serpentine Column, and Column of Constantine.

4. Lunch Break.

5. Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Bazaar): Immerse yourself in the enticing aromas of spices, Turkish Delight, and traditional goods. (Note: Alternative sites are offered if Hagia Sophia/Topkapi Palace/Grand Bazaar are closed on your tour day.)

• Accommodation: Hotel in Istanbul

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 3: ⛷️ Istanbul to Uludağ Transfer

(Breakfast and Dinner included) After breakfast, enjoy a scenic transfer to Uludağ, Turkey’s most opulent ski resort/nature retreat. Check into your mountain lodge. The remainder of the day is free for leisure—whether skiing, hiking, or relaxing in a Turkish bath.

• Accommodation: Mountain Lodge in Uludağ

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4-6: 🏔️ Uludağ Free Days (4 Days)

(Breakfast and Dinner included each day) Enjoy three full, fantastic days dedicated to the attractions of Uludağ. Depending on the season, you can enjoy:

• Winter: Skiing, snowboarding (classes/rentals available), sledding, snowshoeing, or winter hiking on well-designed slopes and trails.

• Warmer Months: Hiking, nature walks, and mountain air relaxation. The resorts offer a variety of après-ski activities, restaurants, cafes, and bars with breathtaking mountain views.

• Accommodation: Mountain Lodge in Uludağ

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (each day)

Day 7: ➡️ Uludağ to Kuşadası Transfer

(Breakfast and Dinner included) After breakfast, check out and transfer to the coastal town of Kuşadası, with a lunch break planned en route. Check into your hotel. The evening is free to explore the palm-lined boulevards and port area. TSG Recommends (Optional): Attend a lively Turkish Night Show (Extra cost).

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kuşadası

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 8: 📜 Ephesus Grand Tour & Sirince Village

(Breakfast and Dinner included) Early departure for a full-day tour:

1. Ephesus Ancient City: Walk through one of the world’s best-preserved ancient sites, including Curetes Street, the Roman Baths, the monumental Celsus Library, and the Grand Theatre.

2. Temple of Artemis: See the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

3. Lunch Break at a local Turkish restaurant.

4. Sirince Village: Visit this charming 19th-century village famous for its local fruit wines (includes wine tasting).

5. Shopping Stop: Visit a carpet weaving or leather production center.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Kuşadası

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9: ⚪ Pamukkale Travertines & Hierapolis Tour

(Breakfast and Dinner included) Early morning drive to Pamukkale (approx. 3-4 hours):

1. Pamukkale Travertines (Cotton Cliffs): Walk the world-famous white calcium terraces.

2. Hierapolis Ancient City: Explore the well-preserved ruins of this 2nd-century BC thermal spa city, including the Necropolis, Roman Theater, and Temple of Apollo. TSG Advises (Optional): Experience Tandem Paragliding or Hot Air Ballooning over the travertines (Extra cost).

• Accommodation: Hotel in Pamukkale

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10: 🕌 Pamukkale to Konya (Mevlana) & Arrival in Cappadocia

(Breakfast and Dinner included) Early morning departure for Konya (approx. 4–5 hour drive, including stops).

1. Lunch in Konya.

2. Mevlana Mausoleum: Visit the magnificent green-tiled final resting place of the Persian poet and Sufi mystic, Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Continue the drive to Cappadocia (approx. 3–4 hours). Check-in upon arrival.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Cappadocia

• Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

• Optional Activity Registration: Register with your guide for the Hot Air Balloon Tour tomorrow morning.

Day 11: 🎈 Cappadocia Wonders & Flight to Istanbul

(Breakfast included) Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour (Approx. 05:30 AM): Witness the unforgettable sunrise over the fairy chimneys. Cappadocia Full-Day Tour:

1. Özkonak Underground City: Explore one of Cappadocia’s best-preserved subterranean cities.

2. Uchisar Castle: Stop at the highest point in Cappadocia for panoramic views.

3. Göreme Open Air Museum: Explore the UNESCO site with its ancient, frescoed rock-cut churches.

4. Çavuşin Village: Visit the abandoned village and old cave Greek houses.

5. Lunch in Avanos, followed by a pottery workshop visit.

6. Valleys & Fairy Chimneys: Visit Love Valley, Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), and the Three Beauties rock formations.

7. Wine Tasting in Ürgüp before the final transfer. After the tour, transfer to Cappadocia Airport for your Domestic Flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, transfer to your final hotel.

• Accommodation: Hotel in Istanbul

• Meals: Breakfast

Day 12: 🛫 Istanbul – End of Tour

(Breakfast included) After breakfast, check out from your hotel. You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your international flight home, concluding this grand Turkish adventure.

• Meals: Breakfast