Itinerary
- Day 1
Antalya to Konya
Meet your group and leader at 8 am in Antalya, then head north by bus to Konya. Once there, you'll visit the Mevlana Museum to see Rumi's mausoleum and learn about the whirling dervish tradition that originated here. Your leader will point out where to grab the best local kebab for dinner.
Included Activities
- Visit Mevlana Museum and Rumi's Mausoleum
Landmarks/POIs Mevlana Museum - Day 2
Konya to Cappadocia
Travel by bus from Konya to Cappadocia and start exploring the unusual rock formations and fairy chimneys. You'll go underground to check out one of the 36 ancient underground cities carved thousands of years ago, then walk through Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley. Watch a pottery demonstration with a local artisan, share a home-cooked meal with a Turkish family, and later can either catch nightlife in Goreme or attend a whirling dervish sema performance.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional home-cooked Turkish meal at local family home)
Included Activities
- Explore Kaymakli Underground City
- Visit Pigeon Valley and Devrent Valley
- Traditional pottery demonstration with local artisan
- Dinner at Local Family Home
Optional Activities
- Whirling dervish performance in Goreme - EUR30
- Nightlife in Goreme
Landmarks/POIs Kaymakli Underground City Pigeon Valley Devrent Valley - Day 3
Cappadocia
Wake up early if you want to take an optional hot air balloon ride at sunrise over Cappadocia, or head to viewing points around the city for photos. After that, the day is yours to explore on your own. Wander through the valleys, sit at a cafe with views, or hike up to find a good spot for watching the sunset.
Included Activities
- Sunset Hike
Optional Activities
- Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR275
- Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR325
- Explore picturesque valleys
- Visit viewing points for photos
Landmarks/POIs Cappadocia - Day 4
Cappadocia to Istanbul
Spend the day doing what interests you in Cappadocia. Take the Red Valley Hike through Meskindir and Rose Valley to see glowing sandstone and a cave church with old frescoes, or browse markets and street vendors for traditional ceramics and woven carpets. Stop by the Goreme Open Air Museum to see fairy chimneys and ancient villages. That evening, you'll board an overnight bus heading to Istanbul.
Included Activities
- Goreme Open Air Museum (viewing)
Optional Activities
- Red Valley Hike through Meskindir and Rose Valley
- Explore markets and street vendors
- Goreme Open Air Museum - EUR20
Landmarks/POIs Red Valley Rose Valley Goreme Open Air Museum - Day 5
Istanbul
After arriving in Istanbul early morning from your overnight bus, drop your bags at the hotel and join the group for a tour of the historic Fener and Balat districts. You'll walk along the river and get oriented to the city. Grab lunch with borek and Turkish coffee, then explore Istanbul on foot to find hidden spots. Your leader will suggest dinner spots and you can celebrate the trip with the group.
Included Activities
- Fener and Balat District Tour
Optional Activities
- Explore Istanbul on foot
Landmarks/POIs Fener District Balat District - Day 6
Istanbul (Departure)
Your trip ends here. Say goodbye to your group leader and travel companions. If you want to stay and explore more of Istanbul, your leader can give you tips for exploring the city's attractions on your own.
Optional Activities
- Additional exploration of Istanbul
