The Grand Turkish Odyssey: 15 Days Istanbul to the Black Sea

🌟 Ultimate Turkey Immersion: History, Gulet Cruise & Coastal Flying

DAILY DEPARTURES – 14 NIGHTS Accommodation | ALL DOMESTIC FLIGHTS INCLUDED

This is the most comprehensive 15-day tour of Turkey, utilizing domestic flights to eliminate long bus journeys and maximize your exploration time. From the imperial heart of Istanbul to the ancient wonder of Ephesus, a spectacular 3-Day Gulet Cruise along the Turquoise Coast, three days immersed in the fairy-tale landscape of Cappadocia, and a final breathtaking journey to the cliffside monasteries of the Black Sea (Trabzon/Rize).

✨ Why Choose This Ultimate Turkey Tour?

• Coast-to-Coast Coverage: Experience the West, Central, South, and Black Sea regions seamlessly.

• Fly, Don’t Drive: Includes multiple strategic flights (Istanbul-Izmir, Antalya-Cappadocia, Kayseri-Trabzon, Trabzon-Istanbul).

• Gulet Adventure: A unique 3-Day/3-Night Yacht Cruise on the Fethiye-Kekova route (Full Board).

• VIP Experience: 14 nights premium accommodation, Professional Guide, Skip-the-Line entry.

🗺️ 15-Day Turkey Itinerary: Bridging the Bosphorus to the Black Sea

DAY 1: Arrival & Welcome to Imperial Istanbul

• Activity: Arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST/SAW) and transfer to your hotel.

• Note: No scheduled activities. Meet your guide at 09:30 AM tomorrow.

• Hotel: Ottoman Hotel Imperial Istanbul (Prime Sultanahmet Location)

DAY 2: Old City Classical Istanbul Tour

• Activity: Full-day walking tour of Ottoman and Byzantine history (Starts 09:30 AM).

• Highlights: Visit the iconic Blue Mosque (tile work), explore the Hippodrome (Egyptian Obelisk, Serpent Column), and immerse yourself in the Grand Bazaar (World’s oldest covered market).

• Optional: Discover the legendary Topkapi Palace and the majestic Hagia Sophia (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Hotel: Ottoman Hotel Imperial Istanbul

DAY 3: Flight to Izmir & Ephesus Grand Tour

• Activity: Early check-out and flight to Izmir (approx. 9:00 AM). Transfer to Kusadasi.

• Ephesus Tour (1:30 PM): Guided tour of the magnificent archaeological site.

• Highlights: The iconic Library of Celsus, Temple of Hadrian, and the vast Grand Theatre.

• Optional: Visit the Terrace Houses (lavish Roman residences).

• Overnight: Kuşadası

• Hotel: Suhan Seaport Hotel

DAY 4: Pamukkale’s Cotton Castle & Hierapolis

• Activity: Early pick-up (07:00 AM) for a full-day tour of the thermal wonderland.

• Highlights: Explore the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis (Necropolis, Theatre). Marvel at the dazzling white Pamukkale Travertines (“Cotton Castle”) and walk on the mineral terraces.

• Optional: Swim in the thermal Cleopatra Pool.

• Overnight: Pamukkale

• Hotel: Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel (Thermal Water Access)

DAY 5-7: 3-Day Gulet Cruise Adventure (Fethiye – Kekova)

• DAY 5 (Embarkation): Transfer from Pamukkale, check-in at Fethiye Harbour (12:00 PM), and board the Gulet Yacht (12:30 PM). Sail to Butterfly Valley, enjoy lunch, and head to Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon). Anchor near St. Nicholas Island for sunset and ruins exploration. (L, T, D)

• DAY 6 (Sail & Cooking): Sail past Patara to Hidayet Bay for breakfast and a swim. Explore the charming fishing village of Kas. Participate in a Turkish Cooking Class onboard. Anchor in a peaceful bay between Kas and Kekova. (B, L, Cooking Class, T, D)

• DAY 7 (Discovery): Visit the mesmerising Sunken City of Kekova (UNESCO site). Climb to Simena Castle for breathtaking views and try local homemade ice cream. Anchor for the night at Gokkaya Bay. (B, L, T, D)

• Accommodation: Turkish Gulet (Full Board excluding drinks)

DAY 8: Demre Harbour to Antalya & Relaxation

• Activity: Enjoy breakfast at Turtle Beach with an opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Arrive at Demre Harbour (09:30 AM). Transfer to Antalya.

• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Antalya – Lara Hotel

DAY 9: Perge, Aspendos & Side Roman Tour

• Activity: Full-day tour exploring the best-preserved Roman ruins on the Mediterranean coast.

• Highlights: Explore the magnificent Perge Ancient City (Grand Theater, Colonnaded Road). Visit the world-famous Aspendos Theater (known for its acoustics). Wander through the ancient port city of Side (Temple of Apollo). Finish the day at the scenic Manavgat Waterfall.

• Accommodation: Holiday Inn Antalya – Lara Hotel

DAY 10: Flight to Cappadocia & Red Tour

• Activity: Early morning transfer and flight to Cappadocia (approx. 8:00 AM). Afternoon tour.

• Highlights: Goreme Esentepe Panoramic View, Zelve Open-Air Museum, Pasabag (Monks Valley), Devrent Valley, Avanos Pottery Workshop, and Love Valley.

• Accommodation: Evanthia Cave Hotel (Authentic Cave Hotel Stay)

DAY 11: Cappadocia’s Underground & Valley Trekking

• Optional Pre-Dawn: Experience the magical Hot Air Balloon Ride at sunrise.

• Day Tour (Green Tour): Full-day exploration (09:00 AM – 4:00 PM).

• Highlights: Trek through Rose/Red Valleys, explore Cavusin Village, descend into a massive Underground City (refuge of early Christians), and enjoy the panoramas from Pigeon Valley and Uchisar Castle.

• Accommodation: Evanthia Cave Hotel

DAY 12: Ihlara Valley Tour & Black Onyx

• Activity: Full-day exploration of the region’s southern wonders.

• Highlights: Trek through the stunning Ihlara Valley (Cave churches carved into the cliff faces). Visit another extensive Underground City. Enjoy viewpoints at Goreme Panorama and Nar Lake. Conclude with a visit to an Onyx Workshop.

• Accommodation: Evanthia Cave Hotel

DAY 13: Flight to Trabzon & Black Sea Coast

• Activity: Check-out and transfer to Kayseri for an afternoon flight to Trabzon.

• Note: Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel to relax and enjoy the evening on the Black Sea Coast.

• Accommodation: Cebeci Grand Hotel Trabzon

DAY 14: Uzungol, Sümela & Flight Back to Istanbul

• Activity: Full-day Black Sea cultural and natural tour.

• Highlights: Scenic drive to Uzungöl Lake, a stunning lake nestled amidst lush mountains. Visit the iconic Sümela Monastery, dramatically carved into a sheer cliff face. Continue to Rize to explore the famed Tea Plantations and the picturesque town of Çamlıhemşin.

• Flight: Evening transfer to the airport for your domestic flight back to Istanbul.

• Accommodation: Ottoman Hotel Imperial Istanbul

DAY 15: Farewell Turkey & Departure Transfer

• Activity: After breakfast, check out from the hotel.

• Transfer: Departure airport transfer for your international flight.

• Suggestion: Add extra nights in Istanbul to explore sites like the Spice Bazaar and a Bosphorus cruise!